Be careful with those windshields

[TonyMac]

The other day, when I was re-installing my Cal-Sci windshield after my NMN 4" riser install, I did a really dumb thing.....I wound up over torquing the windshield :yikes: and cracked it in all four holes.

I should have known better as the initial install was with a screwdriver torx bit and it went on without problems, but I was torqing handlebar torx nuts with a ratchet and didn't reach for the right tool. :banghead:

It didn't manifest itself right away, but the next day I noticed a crack in one hole and spider cracks in the others. I immediately realized what I'd done and backed them all off a bit, but it was too late.

So far, the windshield is still solidly mounted and the cracks aren't getting a lot bigger, but I'm sure I've ruined a $200 windshield that I was happy with. I'll keep it on and watch the cracks for growth, but I'm sure the stress of highway driving will eventually make me put the stock windshield back on and have to pay out for another windshield.

Anyway, I hope my stupid mistake will help someone else avoid ruining a perfectly good windshield. Always use the screwdriver handle torx when putting on a windshield and you should be ok.

Tony

 

[NancysToy]

We have had two stock windshields crack. The first was factory tightened. The second was only put on finger tight with a screwdriver bit, using Loctite on the screws. That one cracked in less than ten minutes. I then put rubber washer under each screw and barely snugged them down again, just until the rubber was contacted but not compressed. Two fingers on the screwdriver. Another bolt hole cracked soon after. The dealer says they have replaced windshields under warranty on a third of the Spyders they have sold! My theory is that the problem lies in the cowl itself. If you look at the bolt holes, they are ovals, with one side is open well beyond the threads. I think this allows the windshield to pull into the holes, rather than seat evenly all around. I also don't think the windshields sit squarely on the bosses on the cowls, causing distortion and stress...at least on some Spyders. As a last note, the holes appear to be too small. If they touch the screws at all, especially on a windshield this thin, stress cracks can start. Until BRP solves this problem, I hesitate to install any aftermarket windshield.
-Scotty

 

[bjt]

Hmmm...... this kind of supports Marcel's claim a while back that BRP has issues with windshield mounting, its not just his windshields not fitting. opcorn:

For what its worth, my Evo II has cracked on two of the four holes but my BRP windshields seem to be holding up fine, except for all the scratches on the front surface.

 

[Noodle]

Stop the crack

I had a windshield crack on my Road King. It was suggested that I drill a small hole at the end of the crack to stop it from going further. It worked.

 

[Bionic Pope]

You can put some 3M super strong tapes on both side of holes to.

No way has 1/3 of BRP spyder sheilds cracks . Only hear of a few. I thing some to tighten bolt an not do a bit on each at a time like car gasget.

 

[Marcel July]

Windshield crack?

Hello to all of you.
The thing with the crack can be a pain in the neck.
I wrote about this issue some notes.
Link:
http://canamspyders.com/index.php?showtopic=66
I also like to say hello to bjt.
I did not know, that your EVO II has a crack on the holes
but I do appreciate your positive & honest feedback's about our
Shields in several forums.
Thank You very much.
I like you to know, that I will spend one of our new "real" in height adjustable Windshields (link: http://canamspyders.com/index.php?showtopic=52) to you for free. I hope that you will
love it like many others already do and that you can share your experience with your new Windshield with others.
If you have some time, please feel free to give me a call tomorrow for
details.
Thank you very much, enjoy and ride safe.
Regards to all,
Marcel July

 

[Saluda]

I just went out and backed off my screws a quarter turn.