GS1100GK windshield- anyone need one?

[Guest]

I'm checking with a company through a friend tomorrow about getting a GS1100GK windshield made.

I *might* end up getting a 4x8 sheet and having a couple cut out since they'll already have the program in the CNC machine.

I didn't know if anyone else was interested in one, 1/8" [EDIT: 3/16"] polycarbonate scratch resistant on one side?

I have an estimate from him, but won't know for sure until I speak with the sales guy tomorrow.

- John

[Steve]

I would think you would want something a bit thicker than 1/8".

I would say probably 3/16" as a minimum.

.

[GS1100GK]

I would think you would want something a bit thicker than 1/8".

I would say probably 3/16" as a minimum.

.

My current 1/8 has never deformed or been a problem, and I've had her well up in the triples. But 3/16" shouldn't be a problem if you think it is necessary

I even put the calipers on mine tonight when I removed it. I thought it was thicker, but 0.125.

- JC

[Larry D]

I'd be interested in one...depending on the price plus shipping to Indy.

[gtsg01]

I have purchased from these guys in the past. Their price is high, but the quality is amazing!

http://clearviewshields.com/shop/product.php?id=231

[GS1100GK]

All good info.

I've contacted many of you fellow GK guys before for one thing or another. I figure we need to trade back and forth, since parts are tricky to find sometimes and many of the parts are unique to the GKs.

I'm calling them shortly, want to give them time to get back from lunch if they are running late.

I liked that link to Clearview. I'm *hoping* to get pricing down to the $50-$75 each range, but it's premature to say until I talk with them. It's not any more effort for me to get a couple made than just the one.

I'll post the info as soon as I get it.

- John

[Steve]

OK, evidently 1/8" is OK.

.

[GS1100GK]

I'm getting a price for 1/8" and 3/16"

Also pricing for bronze and another kind of tinting (likely for future options).

Depending how the prices come back (Friday), I may start offering windshields and possibly molded ones, too.

You first couple of guys if you want one will have to tell me what you think of the quality and everything.

My criteria:

1. UV stable
2. No crazing or stress cracks, etc
3. Scratch resistant on one side
4. Very clean and clear results
5. Exact fit to pattern
6. Quick turn around
7. Reasonable price

If I can meet all those, then you may see a new windshield vendor...

- John

[GS1100GK]

GS1100GK windshield prices and info

Okay guys, got the prices back. This first run is going to take some personal trips, so the lead time is about 2 weeks (I can't get there until Thurs).

Here's a paragraph from the data sheet on the material.

MAKROLONŽAR polycarbonate
sheet is an abrasion and UV resistant
sheet that offers glass-like surface
hardness coupled with the impact
strength of polycarbonate. Additionally,
MAKROLON AR polycarbonate sheet
offers resistance from yellowing and
hazing for longer service life in high
profile applications

At the price I am getting, we can do the .177 (~3/16") instead of the .118 (~1/8") of clear.

Apparently this is pretty good stuff, used for lots of military applications. Resists chemicals, etc. I have more info on it if you want some.

For pricing, Let's do this first one really low at say $50 each, you pay the shipping.

I consider this one a test, not a commercial offering. I need one, you guys probably need one. If we like them well enough, I'll consider offering more.

PM me if you're interested.

- John

[GS1100GK]

Got your PM, sent you a reply.

In general:

I'm getting 8 of these made. I need one, could use two. You don't have to pay until they are ready to ship, but it would be helpful to know how many are interested.

I don't want to promise more than I'm going to have.

I won't have tinted for a bit. I have the factory watching for an order of smoke and bronze going through and I can tack onto it, but no way to say when that will happen, if at all.

At the level I'm working this, I have to order over $19k as a minimum for tinted. Unless 5 people want to order a tinted windshield at $2000 each, it seems likely we'll only have the clear for now.

Here's some additional info:

Applications:
Typical applications for MAKROLON AR
polycarbonate sheet include school,
hospital and bus shelter glazing, and is
also used extensively in correctional and
psychiatric facilities. MAKROLON AR
polycarbonate sheet also performs well
for view windows and machine guards
in harsh chemical environments.

Anything else I can answer, let me know!

- John

[GS1100GK]

Update

Okay, guys. I think the order is *finally* squared away. I will be picking these up Friday- if their schedule doesn't change...again

It's been a bunch of hassle getting things arranged. I took my old shield, the aluminum bracket and a spare fairing to them and am paying for their CAD guy to match up the size and holes to the fairing EXACTLY.

I checked the Clearview, even at one point thinking, "It would just be easier to order one," but they are $164 and just over $21 ground shipping.

Due to labor charges, the selling price will be a bit higher- except for anyone who gets it through this thread in the next week or two.

I am going to hold the $50 price for those who are willing to try them out and give me some feedback. It's top quality stuff and not some homemade cut. It's all CAD/CAM router cut on a (HUGE!) vacuum bed, a full 4' x 8' sheet at a time.

I expect future prices to be $99 each.

I won't know shipping prices until I get the first one packaged and get a quote based on the dimensions. I'm sure it will be dimensional weight due to the size vs weight ratio

So anyone else who wants one, go ahead and jump in here or PM me. I can hand deliver to the BC rally (no shipping charges!)

Remember, I only have a couple. If you even *think* you're going to want one soon, this is your chance to SAVE OVER $100 off other vendors and SAVE $49 off my prices.

Again, this is a pre-commercial sales order. I'm only trying to cover a chunk of my costs. I'm going to lose some money on this first order just to get things set up. I hope to make it up on later sales.

So help me with my initial investment and get yourself a REALLY SMOKIN' DEAL!

In the future, this will be under the GS Parts and Services section.

- John

[bmac]

Hello John, I read this and it sound's like a great price. Are the holes for mounting in the w/s. I am considering. Bob

[GS1100GK]

Hello John, I read this and it sound's like a great price. Are the holes for mounting in the w/s. I am considering. Bob

Hi, Bob.

Yes, the holes will be in the windshield, matched up to an actual fairing and the aluminum trim piece. I took it all to the CAD/CAM guys to be certain.

Are you coming to the BC Rally? I can bring another or all with me. If you don't want it when you see it, don't take it. Save the shipping, an even better deal

These aren't seconds or anything. They should be the same optical quality with all the special specs (except for tinting).

I'd be very pleased if fellow GSR'ers get these first rock bottom deals. I'd let the whole batch go at this deal if we have enough members who want to jump in.

Let me know if there is anything else I can answer.

- John

[GS1100GK]

Results are in!

Okay, fellow GK guys. The new windshields are HERE! Seven passed my inspection (one had a cutting issue, it was too close to the edge of the sheet and has a flat spot).

I installed one on my GK. It's SWEET!!!

Crystal clear, clean edges, and very strong.

It took two of us to bend it and install it. In part because my screws are too short. (see my post in TIPS section about acorn nuts)

I started at the side and used 6mm x 1.0mm x 40mm socket head chrome screws and acorn nuts from boltdepot.com for the mirrors. They worked great! I used some galvanized washers I had here on the back side of the fairing.

I used 6mm x 1.0mm x 25mm socket button head screws for the main parts of the shield with acorn nuts, but they are TOO SHORT! I will order either 30mm or 35mm ones and then I can use the chrome washers I ordered on the front side.

The washers are too small for the back side. You need a larger surface area to spread the force out on the fairing, else you risk pulling the nuts through the plastic.

When you install, be sure to put the side with the solid white plastic on the OUTSIDE of the shield, since it is the abrasion resistant side. Be careful when removing the clear coating and cleaning the back side, as it does not have the same abrasion resistant coating.

The difference between this shield and my old 1/8" polycarbonate is incredible! Not just the area where I had the stress cracks .

At night following my cousin on his bike, the very edge of the shield, where you can see the thickness, remained dark, almost like a very thin outline that made it very easy to tell where the bike was pointed, leaned, etc.

My butt tells me how the bike is leaning, but it was still interesting.

I cleaned the shield front and back with Maguire's Cleaner Wax and we rode in the fog and a little rain. It shed water quite nicely in very tiny beads. When I stopped and looked at it from the side, it looked almost like pollen. I couldn't really notice it at all when riding.

After seeing and installing this shield, I have no reservations at all in offering these to you guys. The holes were a PERFECT match! The CAD/CAM guys marked up the original and I could see where they marked the adjustments for the holes on the homemade one I had previously.

And, yes, I was able to use the bushings in the holes, too. (They look like little pieces of pipe)

Note: Don't use bushings in the mirror mount holes, it prevents the mirror mounts from tightening properly.

I will bring a couple to the rally. If you're coming to the rally and want to save the shipping (I have to call about that price tomorrow), drop me a line here or via PM so I don't miss you.

We're leaving Wed am.

- John

[GS1100GK]

I'll get shipping prices out to everyone who requested a windshield in a few days.

- John