Weight Watchers Windshield

[InspectorGadget]

OK it's not about weight, but more like trimming down---the windshield that is.
With the sneek peek of the 2011 models and the modifications------I decided to jump in and trim the windshield down like the new models.
I cut 1.75" off the top and 1" to nothing from the top down the side.
After masking 4" around the edges, I pencil marked it, and using a sabre saw with a 24tpi blade I cut the sucker. I used my belt sander to straighten the edges, and finished off by using a razor blade and planing the edges smooth. I cleaned the shield with green works window cleaner and we are all done.
BRP claims it will help improve the fuel mileage. I will be checking.
C-YA RL

 

[NancysToy]

OK it's not about weight, but more like trimming down---the windshield that is.
With the sneek peek of the 2011 models and the modifications------I decided to jump in and trim the windshield down like the new models.
I cut 1.75" off the top and 1" to nothing from the top down the side.
After masking 4" around the edges, I pencil marked it, and using a sabre saw with a 24tpi blade I cut the sucker. I used my belt sander to straighten the edges, and finished off by using a razor blade and planing the edges smooth. I cleaned the shield with green works window cleaner and we are all done.
BRP claims it will help improve the fuel mileage. I will be checking.
C-YA RL

:thumbup: I was thinking about doing it, but I thought I'd let you try it and give us your report first. :roflblack: Remember, a lot of the fuel savings comes from the new wind deflectors on the body. I intend to order some to try as soon as they are available. I checked with my hand today, and that wind is deflected a lot farther from the body than the wind from the windshield. The new deflectors shouldn't compromise the weather protection much.

 

[canam9]

:thumbup: I was thinking about doing it, but I thought I'd let you try it and give us your report first. :roflblack: Remember, a lot of the fuel savings comes from the new wind deflectors on the body. I intend to order some to try as soon as they are available. I checked with my hand today, and that wind is deflected a lot farther from the body than the wind from the windshield. The new deflectors shouldn't compromise the weather protection much.

Interesting. :ani29:

 

[chris56]

i cutted away also some parts on the bottom of the shield - where you have the upper flaps left and right - next time i would cut it nearer to the aluminium-holder (easier to clean) ..
as its not so heavy now - the fluttering on higher speed is away ..
for me its perfect - maybe not for larger guys (i`m 70 inch)
and i use the up/down function more often than before - specially if its hot here - the only problem is if you drive 2up .. my girl wants the shield as high as possible - although she seats "deeper" than on the standard seat..should be no problem to cut the side-flaps - but i wait till i see the new modells .. (don`t need them - just optical question..)

 

[dave01]

These were my findings from the Chicago run:

With the new Supersport Short windshield on, winglets removed and staying at no more than 70 mph, I averaged 38 mpg from Florida to Chicago and then to North Carolina

Made a real improvement in the fuel mileage on this run. That ws around a 2000 mile test.
Plus, you get some nice fresh air over the top of the shield and from the sides with the winglets gone. Next step is to trim the ends of them s little and re-install them.

 

[chris56]

These were my findings from the Chicago run:

With the new Supersport Short windshield on, winglets removed and staying at no more than 70 mph, I averaged 38 mpg from Florida to Chicago and then to North Carolina

.

because of the bad aerodynamic (front-wheels &fender) the fuel-cons. rises massive if you go "faster" with the RT .. i´m on 30mpg mixed highways mountains and cruising - but with the smaller shield its near to my old GS (13.000 mls) on the same roads - on the "autobahn" - 2up-full loaded 95 mph .. around 23 mpg ..but this is OK for such a monster
chris
(looked at your mods - good ideas..!)

 

[dave01]

because of the bad aerodynamic (front-wheels &fender) the fuel-cons. rises massive if you go "faster" with the RT .. i´m on 30mpg mixed highways mountains and cruising - but with the smaller shield its near to my old GS (13.000 mls) on the same roads - on the "autobahn" - 2up-full loaded 95 mph .. around 23 mpg ..but this is OK for such a monster
chris
(looked at your mods - good ideas..!)

Kind of like pushing a wall thru the air. I would love to see something between the RT and RS front end. More pointed and aerodynamic

 

[InspectorGadget]

:thumbup: I was thinking about doing it, but I thought I'd let you try it and give us your report first. :roflblack: .

Thanks

The new deflectors shouldn't compromise the weather protection much.

Are the new model deflectors just shorter or at a different angle? If just shorter I might try to trim mine down, if the angle is different I might break out the heat gun and give it a go .
C-YA RL

 

[chris56]

Kind of like pushing a wall thru the air. I would love to see something between the RT and RS front end. More pointed and aerodynamic

me too !!

 

[NancysToy]

Thanks

Are the new model deflectors just shorter or at a different angle? If just shorter I might try to trim mine down, if the angle is different I might break out the heat gun and give it a go .
C-YA RL

I hope you know I was just poking fun at you. I certainly appreciate you being our Guinea Pig, so to speak.

Not sure about the deflectors. I couldn't tell from the pictures if the angle was different. They certainly are shorter. I guess we'll have to wait until we can see a 2011 up close.

 

[InspectorGadget]

I hope you know I was just poking fun at you. I certainly appreciate you being our Guinea Pig, so to speak.

YES I knew that. I do so enjoy the interaction on this site
I look forward to meeting you at SITS
Thanks C-YA RL

 

[NancysToy]

YES I knew that. I do so enjoy the interaction on this site
I look forward to meeting you at SITS
Thanks C-YA RL

Won't be at SITS, but I hope to ride the 600 miles to Lamont's for a sandwich.

 

[dave711]

Thanks

Are the new model deflectors just shorter or at a different angle? If just shorter I might try to trim mine down, if the angle is different I might break out the heat gun and give it a go .
C-YA RL

I'm patiently awaiting your results also:clap: Thinking of doing the same thing... are the winglets adjustable on the 2011's? That would be really nice to have adjustable ones.... Ideas there RL?

 

[InspectorGadget]

I'm patiently awaiting your results also:clap: Thinking of doing the same thing... are the winglets adjustable on the 2011's? That would be really nice to have adjustable ones.... Ideas there RL?

On a short ride this evening I liked looking over the shield and it was a bit more breezy, which was a marked improvement. With the shield in the full up position at 65mph there was no noticable difference than before the cut down. My RIO couldn't notice any difference.
So far I-----I mean we are happy with it.
When I get more details about the deflectors I will make further modifications to them.
C-YA RL