Here We Go Again

[NancysToy]

Shortly after we put the Spyder on the road in March, the windshield started to crack at one of the bottom screws. They ordered a new one under warranty, but it took forever to come in. Eventually the cracks were quite long, and the other bottom started to show tiny cracks. All this without the windshield ever having been taken off or tightened. Last week, three months later, after much pushing on BRP by our dealer, the shield came in. Installed it today, under their supervision, in their parking lot, since their service techs were busy. Used Loctite, and didn't even bottom the screws out. Within ten miles the same bottom hole was showing cracks! I am disgusted. They ordered yet another windshield, and said they have replaced several others, too. Obviously something is wrong with the fit to the console. In my opinion, the shield is also too thin. How am I going to break the news to my wife that she gets to wait three months again? Phooey!
-Scotty

 

[aubierules]

that stinks!:banghead:

 

[TonyMac]

Scotty. Sorry to hear about that. It is unusual that two would crack so quickly.

On a brighter note, I placed an order for a Cal Sci windshield on Friday morning. Received a confirmation email within a minute of placing the order. Got an email from DHL that same afternoon indicating it had shipped. It arrived the followingTuesday (this was specified as "ground" shipping). It took two minutes to install and so far, seems like a really good replacement. If the stock shield wasn't doing it for you, perhaps the Cal Sci would be an alternative?

Tony

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty. Sorry to hear about that. It is unusual that two would crack so quickly.

On a brighter note, I placed an order for a Cal Sci windshield on Friday morning. Received a confirmation email within a minute of placing the order. Got an email from DHL that same afternoon indicating it had shipped. It arrived the followingTuesday (this was specified as "ground" shipping). It took two minutes to install and so far, seems like a really good replacement. If the stock shield wasn't doing it for you, perhaps the Cal Sci would be an alternative?

Tony

We are considering either the Calsci or the Thibault. Until we find the root of this problem, though, I am leery of the possibility of damaging an aftermarket shield. The Thibault's metal bracket may help.
-Scotty

 

[BRPjunkie]

The wait is too bad considering that there must be at least 1,000 stock or tour windshields on the shelves of Spyder owners. My tour winshield has no cracks at 1,000 miles and the stock shield is my back up plan if cracks do show up. Has anyone ridden without a shield? I could try it, but I don't want to mess with my screws and jinx it. I used to ride my cruisers all the time in the summer with no shield.

 

[Greg H.]

Sorry to hear this..

I wonder how many other owners have had issues with the stock windscreens?

 

[Stuart49]

My stock (touring) screen has 7300 miles on it, in all kinds of weather and at all different speeds. No problems.

Stuart

 

[bjt]

My stock windshield has been on and off the Spyder 4 or 5 times now and the holes are holding up nicely. However, my Evolution II windshield cracked last week when I put it on. Lower right screwhole. :banghead: I too am probably going to be going to a Thibault adjustable once I get some extra cash and a chance to see it in person.

 

[NancysToy]

The response of people to our dilemma has been overwhelming. Many thanks to all that offered support, or to donate their stock windshields. SpyderLovers are wonderful people. I am proud to belong to this community.

I did not mean to imply that the Spyder had not been useable for three months, or that the new cracks would make it unuseable for three more. No pieces have fallen off, and the windshields have remained stable. There is always duct-tape, too. I don't think the old one would have survived many few times on and off, but it was still together...just ugly. I hope to affect a cure today that will prevent this one from getting worse while we wait. I have an idea what is happening, and how to prevent it.

Our dealer alone has reported replacing three windshields. Considering the amount of Spyders with replacement shields, that seems to be a lot. Probably 10% of the machines they have sold. I hope BRP is addressing the issue.

Once again, thanks to all of you for your kindness.
-Scotty

 

[SpyderMark]

I hope to affect a cure today that will prevent this one from getting worse while we wait. I have an idea what is happening, and how to prevent it.

Scotty,

Did you try stop drilling the crack? You can drill a small hole (3/32" should be plenty big enough) at the end of the crack which will prevent it from propagating any farther. You must use a special type of drill bit designed specifically for plexiglass.

Click here for an example.

Stop drilling won't fix it, but it'll keep the crack from getting worse while you wait for a replacement.

Regards,

Mark

 

[NancysToy]

Scotty,

Did you try stop drilling the crack? You can drill a small hole (3/32" should be plenty big enough) at the end of the crack which will prevent it from propagating any farther. You must use a special type of drill bit designed specifically for plexiglass.

Click here for an example.

Stop drilling won't fix it, but it'll keep the crack from getting worse while you wait for a replacement.

Regards,

Mark

I considered that on the old one, which cracked radially and had long cracks, but there were so many, it would have looked like swiss cheese. This one appears more to be delaminating, with internal cracks parallel to the surfaces, as well as radial cracks. Only a few mm long so far. Problem appears to be a lack of solid support beneath, so the edges hit before the screws bottom out. Only put these screws in finger tight, but it was too much. I'm going to try to shim with nylon washers today. I'll let you know how it turns out.
-Scotty

 

[SpyderMark]

Problem appears to be a lack of solid support beneath, so the edges hit before the screws bottom out. Only put these screws in finger tight, but it was too much. I'm going to try to shim with nylon washers today. I'll let you know how it turns out.

It could also be that BRP (or it's supplier) is not drilling the holes with the appropriate bit. Take a close look at the next shield they give you before you install it. Look carefully at the inside of the holes with a magnifying glass. The hole's inside edges should look as if they've been sanded -- no ridges or valleys.

Regards,

Mark