I use a an automotive glass cleaner that is safe for Lexan & window tinting film. Cannot use ammonia based cleaners windex. I use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the windshield
I wouldn't use any product with alcohol or ammonia. Plain water is probably the best. Some people use hydrogen peroxide for the buggs. I use Windex Multipurpose with Vinegar successfully on all my windshields. Some swear by Pledge or similar products, but they leave a sheen for me that causes raibows when viewed with polarized glasses. Non-abrasive products made for plastics or aircraft windshields, such as Plexus, work well. I like the one Cee Bailey markets.
-Scotty 2011 Spyder RTS-SM5 (mine) 2000 BMW R1100RTP, motorized tricycle & 23 vintage bikes 2011 RT-622 trailer, Aspen Sentry popup camper, custom motorcycle trailer to pull behind the Spyder
I keep a micro fiber cloth and a spray can of Plexus Plastic Cleaner in the rear cargo trunk all the time, Quick wipe after each ride keeps the windshield and the entire front end nice and clean.
Cleaning Windshields: No Windex, No Ammonia, No Paper Towels
"Do not clean acrylic or polycarbonate screens with common glass cleaners. The solvent action of the alcohol or ammonia will destroy the plastic." National Cycle http://www.nationalcycle.com/WhyBuy/chapter6.html
"Have you ever noticed those windshields that look as if something is scratching or flaking off on them? Chances are, you're looking at a windshield that's been cleaned with an ammonia-based product like Windex. Ammonia-based cleaners and Lexan windshields do not go together. Windex is meant to be used on glass and glass only." http://www.thunderingeaglemotorsports.com/MotorcycleWindshieldCare.php
"The original equipment Honda Gold Wing GL1500 and GL1800 windshield is made of hard coated polycarbonate. Most other manufacturers shields are the same. While polycarbonate is great stuff, if you use cleaner containing alcohol or ammonia (including Windex® or Pledge®), you start softening the hard coating , exposing the windshield to greater tendency to scratches or pitting. Windex, Pledge and other alcohol-based household cleaners work great on glass, but aren't meant for synthetics. WARNING: Do not use Rain-X® on any coated windshield!" http://www.allamericanprod.com/hints.html
Last edited by OldCowboy; 05-27-2013 at 01:38 PM.
Reason: Correct font size.
I use Detailer's Pro Plex-All and a microfiber towel. It's about half the price of Plexus and performs just as well IMHO. It comes out of the can as a light foam, so you get good coverage with a small amount. A 19 oz can will cost you $10-13, but will last a LONG time.
Good ole soap and water with a soft cloth works just fine and is almost free
Too bad it doesn't come in a spray can that won't leak in the trunk... I have a hard time finding rinse water and my shammy when I'm on the road. Honda Cleaner not only cleans every surface, it protects the finish but it ain't free.
Place a wet microfiber cloth on the windshield if it has lots of hard bug residue and let it sit for ten min or so then wipe off. Works great. When wiping dont use too much pressure as the bug exoskeleton is very hard and abrasive.
I carry an old windex bottle filled with RO water with a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid mixed in and microfibre cloths. At each fuel stop if needed I give it a shot and wipe the bugs and dirt off.
J. D.
2016 F3T Magnesium Metalic : Smooth Spyder Dual Backrest, Lamonster LED Head lights and Fog lights
The Wizards Mist n Shine works great as well and is pretty inexpensive. It is for plastic. I carry a small bottle with me all the time...
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Name: Eric Heims
Red 2016 RTS, Diamond R Armrests, Ram X Mount, Doc Humphreys Dampener, BajaRon Swaybar, Spyderpops "Critter Splitter"
"It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active. The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt." John Philpot Curran 1790
When the shield is covered with bugs, I always leave a well soaked towel draped over it over night... followed in the morning by Pleaxus cleaner for a wonderfully clean surface to see through.
I use a gallon regular blue auto windshield cleaner for 32+ degree and a gallon yellow auto windshield cleaner for bugs. Then I mix them 50/50 and use a spray bottle and soft windshield cleaning rag. I spray on the mix and let it for sit for a few minutes and bugs comes off without rubbing hard. I got this mix from a motorcycle windshield manufacture That's IMHO.
I use a gallon regular blue auto windshield cleaner for 32+ degree and a gallon yellow auto windshield cleaner for bugs. Then I mix them 50/50 and use a spray bottle and soft windshield cleaning rag. I spray on the mix and let it for sit for a few minutes and bugs comes off without rubbing hard. I got this mix from a motorcycle windshield manufacture That's IMHO.
Mike
That sounds interesting. I think I'll try it.
-Scotty 2011 Spyder RTS-SM5 (mine) 2000 BMW R1100RTP, motorized tricycle & 23 vintage bikes 2011 RT-622 trailer, Aspen Sentry popup camper, custom motorcycle trailer to pull behind the Spyder
When the shield is covered with bugs, I always leave a well soaked towel draped over it over night... followed in the morning by Pleaxus cleaner for a wonderfully clean surface to see through.
Same way I have always done it. No scratches and a nice clear shield.