Windshield Cleaning

[Cuffs19]

Ok, so it's time to give Big Blue a bath. I've noticed the sticker on the windshield that says certain cleaners can damage the surface. My question: Is regular old Windex ok? I've taken him on a few trips and he's sustained multiple barrages of heavy enemy fire (bugs). I don't want to use anything that could potentially damage the windshield. Suggestions?

[NancysToy]

Ok, so it's time to give Big Blue a bath. I've noticed the sticker on the windshield that says certain cleaners can damage the surface. My question: Is regular old Windex ok? I've taken him on a few trips and he's sustained multiple barrages of heavy enemy fire (bugs). I don't want to use anything that could potentially damage the windshield. Suggestions?

Absolutely not! Never use anything with ammonia. If you need a cleaning solution from the grocery store, Windex Multi-Surface with vinegar is safe. The best cleaner is lots of water, so you don't scratch the windshield. Never use a dry cloth...even a microfiber cloth. A plastic cleaner/polish like Plexus is another good bet.

[boomerkc]

I learned from others at Spyderfest 2012, to use Hydrogen Peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray it on, the bugs foam up and dissolve, wipe it off. Easy and effective.

[Cuffs19]

AWESOME! Thanks guys. Glad I asked, that could've been bad.....

[bullant12]

I learned from others at Spyderfest 2012, to use Hydrogen Peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray it on, the bugs foam up and dissolve, wipe it off. Easy and effective.

So does this mean that we have some "Blonde "s among us???

On a serious note... interesting trick!

[scooterexpress]

when i removed the windshield last week for the first time only to remove that old gray piece of metal to place a new chrome bracket in its place i noticed that the windshield was scuffed kinda badly really shows up when resting against the chrome is there something i can do to remove the scuffs or do i get a new screen and pray it don't happen again?like i said this was the first time i took the screen off in over a yr.

[shrubs]

I learned from others at Spyderfest 2012, to use Hydrogen Peroxide in a spray bottle. Spray it on, the bugs foam up and dissolve, wipe it off. Easy and effective.

Yup but I mix it 50-50 with water. This is always in my garage and the bugs literally melt off (and not the paint). Wipe with a nice clean microfiber towel.

[jthornton]

I use Pro Honda Spray Cleaner and Polish on all surfaces except seat, grips, pegs and tires. Also second the microfiber towels. I keep a can and some towels in both bikes.

John

[ARtraveler]

A great question now that spring is almost upon us. I still have my spray bottle of Windex down in the garage. I am going to replace that with the HP and give it a try. I like the idea of bugs disolving. We don't get that a lot--but when the first spring warm days hit, the bugs seem to come out of nowhere.

[ornerydog7]

What really works well for me is a 50/50 mix of Peak windshield cleaner and Rain-X bug remover. I have been using this for a year without any issues.

[rc51ny]

Here's what I do. If the windshield--or any other body parts--are covered in bug splats, I use a clean rag soaks in hot water. I then just lay the hot rag over the old bugs to soften them up. They almost fall right off. The I only use Plexus on the windshield--works GREAT! I then use Lemon Pledge on the plastics for a perfect shine. All road dirt comes right off

[Spyder_Cowgirl]

Here's what I do. If the windshield--or any other body parts--are covered in bug splats, I use a clean rag soaks in hot water. I then just lay the hot rag over the old bugs to soften them up. They almost fall right off. The I only use Plexus on the windshield--works GREAT! I then use Lemon Pledge on the plastics for a perfect shine. All road dirt comes right off

spydercowboy and I do almost the same ..... warm water and clean soft towel to get the "splats" off. Then we wipe the dust off with a couple of damp soft towels and finish with "kitchen wax" ... yes, kitchen wax. It is a cleaner, cuts grease, polishes, and stands up to heat. Johnson and Johnson quit making it several years ago ... but I've found one site that has a similar formulation (Vermont Country store, I think).

[Highwayman2013]

Yes a wet towel draped over the shield to soften up the bugs works great, it was recommended by Clearview Shields for the windshield I put on my Vulcan.

[Jeriatric]

when i removed the windshield last week for the first time only to remove that old gray piece of metal to place a new chrome bracket in its place i noticed that the windshield was scuffed kinda badly really shows up when resting against the chrome is there something i can do to remove the scuffs or do i get a new screen and pray it don't happen again?like i said this was the first time i took the screen off in over a yr.

New screen? It will only happen again. Same thing became very noticeable here when the chrome was added. There appear to be a couple of options. Spyder wraps coming up with some kind of vinyl cover or painting something on the shield to hide the water marks left after washing and/or the scuffs. jmy2c

[MikeinGA]

What really works well for me is a 50/50 mix of Peak windshield cleaner and Rain-X bug remover. I have been using this for a year without any issues.

+1 I use the same mix on my Spyder, cars, and helmets.

Mike

[bluestratos]

Warm water to remove bugs, plexis to finish. Wipe up and down to polish, this helps water shed quicker according to the manufacturer. Unless it says safe for motorcycle windshield never use any other cleaners and never...I repeat never use Rain-X, I did the research and it is made for glass.

[NancysToy]

spydercowboy and I do almost the same ..... warm water and clean soft towel to get the "splats" off. Then we wipe the dust off with a couple of damp soft towels and finish with "kitchen wax" ... yes, kitchen wax. It is a cleaner, cuts grease, polishes, and stands up to heat. Johnson and Johnson quit making it several years ago ... but I've found one site that has a similar formulation (Vermont Country store, I think).

Doesn't that leave an iridescent film on the shield that shows "rainbows", especially with polarized glasses. Waxes and oils that leave a thin film usually do.

[cyclelover63]

when i removed the windshield last week for the first time only to remove that old gray piece of metal to place a new chrome bracket in its place i noticed that the windshield was scuffed kinda badly really shows up when resting against the chrome is there something i can do to remove the scuffs or do i get a new screen and pray it don't happen again?like i said this was the first time i took the screen off in over a yr.

I use Honda gloss or Plexis to remove scratches from windshield and helmet visors

[bhfromme]

Go to Walmart and buy some chamois cloths. Warm water on a chamois is all you need. Then wipe dry with a nice clean chamois.

[Dragon Snake]

I use amor-all glass cleaner or a mix of one cup rubbing alcohol,one cup of water, and a tablespoon of vinegar in a spray bottle. Both give streak free shines.

[scooterexpress]

New screen? It will only happen again. Same thing became very noticeable here when the chrome was added. There appear to be a couple of options. Spyder wraps coming up with some kind of vinyl cover or painting something on the shield to hide the water marks left after washing and/or the scuffs. jmy2c

jer, that very interesting to know that it will happen again if i buy a new one i know pete can make me my wrap to go on the screen but after i just spent all that money for chrome and then to have to cover it up would make me sad.i think i'll try some scratch remover stuff like mentioned above,then decide from there on what to do.also i noticed that there are rubber washers or inserts that the screws go in i wonder if adding a extra rubber washer will raise the windshield up just enough to prevent further scratches?.

[Jeriatric]

jer, that very interesting to know that it will happen again if i buy a new one i know pete can make me my wrap to go on the screen but after i just spent all that money for chrome and then to have to cover it up would make me sad.i think i'll try some scratch remover stuff like mentioned above,then decide from there on what to do.also i noticed that there are rubber washers or inserts that the screws go in i wonder if adding a extra rubber washer will raise the windshield up just enough to prevent further scratches?.

I think the side of the new chrome piece that shows through the windshield is the raw side. It's the side that faces the driver, that really looks good! (that's jmo however) I would like something to cover the front. It's a PITA because of water spots. Not to mention the obvious and unavoidable scratches.

[scooterexpress]

I think the side of the new chrome piece that shows through the windshield is the raw side. It's the side that faces the driver, that really looks good! (that's jmo however) I would like something to cover the front. It's a PITA because of water spots. Not to mention the obvious and unavoidable scratches.

nope its the bright shiny side the shows through.. the back side has a bunch of squares/ribs..haven't washed the bike since putting on this piece will see what happens,maybe i'll use air hose and blow water out of there.just seems weired that theres not alot of this happening as no one is responding that this has or is happening to them.

[Jeriatric]

nope its the bright shiny side the shows through.. the back side has a bunch of squares/ribs..haven't washed the bike since putting on this piece will see what happens,maybe i'll use air hose and blow water out of there.just seems weired that theres not alot of this happening as no one is responding that this has or is happening to them.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...ight=WINSHIELD

[scooterexpress]

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...ight=WINSHIELD

i was refering to the scuffs/scratches.not the dirt and water marks