Have a Fatboy and lately getting quite sore in the neck after long rides, had a few vertebrae fused a few years ago, which I'm probably aggravating on longer rides. So I bit the bullet and bought a detachable screen for it - amazing, no pain, heaps more stable at higher speed overall been terrific. Never really liked the look of a screen but I will live with it. I thought I got the right height but I realise it's too tall, looking through it rather than just over it. Question is has anyone had a go at cutting down one of these polycarbonate screens? Seen a few have a go on YouTube but thought I ask pro, cons of doing yourself. Don't really want to stuff a screen. Anyone had a go?
Hi,
I am thinking of doing the same. Mine is right at my line of vision, so I strain to look over it or duck to look through it. I am planing to take it to the local plastic factory as they have the right gear for this type of job. I will let you know how it goes and what they charge when I do. Hopefully next week.
Peter
I cut one down with a very fine jigsaw blade and then sanded the cut edge with fine emery paper...Came up ok,not as good as new but worked...If you try this it is off your own bat as they don't take much to chip...
yep I done this after watching a lady do it on you tube I took 5 inches off my Road king screen worked perfectly ! 1....Leave the screen on the bike (its much more stable ) cover up the bike 2....sit on bike to get the height correct (between chin & nose is recomended) 3....make a pattern of the top curve of your screen, I just used floor viny, when you have got the height worked out cut off the excess from the of the bottom of template ( where it will sit on chrome screen support) now mask up with wide masking tape where the cut will be made( I masked up the base of the jigsaw as well),.trace template, the sceen will be wider at the bottom so the new curve will be a tad narrower ( just bring the curve template to the edge on both sides & make the top a little flater in the center of the top ) 4.....Use very fine jigsaw blade & go for it!...once you get past the nervous beginning its surprisingly easy. 5.....Finish off with a little palm sander starting with 100 grade working down finer & finer grade paper, towards the finish use a little machine oil even olive oil would work, to buff the edge brilliant !! Good luck mate hope this helps I am stoked with how mine turned out, you just need to go slow & think every move out before you cut let me know how it go`s cheers Rod
the next questions are how much do you want to cut off, and what result can you expect.
just cutting the screen may end up with wind coming straight over the top and buffering your helmet, which by the sounds of it may defeat the purpose of putting it there..
a mate just fitted a low klockworks screen on his bagger which is shaped to divert wind above it up over your head. (from the side view it has a curve from 5 to 3 oclock
not sure if a screen the same is made for your your style of bike, but it might be worth loking into.. He is a big unit and he says it works great.
the family at klockworks all have land speed records so i guess they know a thing or 2 about wind deflection.
Hi Guys, thanks for all the comments, suggestions. Haven't worked up the courage as yet to cut the screen, been investigating the right height - don't want to do this too many times. Was caught out today when the rain came - Melbourne at its best hasn't rained for weeks! But the screen was excellent at 110 and above, it gave great protection and seemed to stabilise the bike. A few drawbacks though, bit more difficult to see through, and I had a full face helmet that just continually fogged up which it didn't do previously, obviously cuts a lot of the air flow. I can see why getting the screen height right is so important, don't want to lose the protection but wouldn't mind improving the vision. Have to read a few more comments/articles to ensure right hieght. Not sure how far air is diverted by a screen 15 cm or less not sure??? Will let everyone know the final product once I get it sorted. Bob
Was going to cut down screen myself, but the local dealer in Melbourne suggests Peter from 'screensforbikes'. Thought a phone call wouldnt hurt, turns out he works rom home making, modifying screens bikes. Took the bike over - he is in Reservoir, for those of us in Melbourne, took 30 minutes, cost $30 and is better than new. Actually smoother edge than original! Would highly recommend. As far as deciding on the correct height l basically used some electrical tape and experimented with different heights, until I thought I had it right. Looking over not through. Anyway if your interests in getting it done professionally just google screensforbikes - one word. Cheers Bob
My screen has been sitting in my workshop for months, one of those "I'll get around to it soon" projects. I had today off so pulled it out, put it on the bike and went for a ride. Yep, definately too high, the top of the screen was really distracting and probably quite dangerous as I was constantly shifting up to look over the top.
I got home and had a long look at it then decided to tackle it from the bottom end. Into my workshop, attacked the headlight cutout with the half round file and took about an inch off. Bevelled the new edge then back to the bike. Now I can put it on with the lower clamps just underneath the fork brace, lowering the screen by about 2 inches. Went for a ride and wow, what a difference! I can now sit in my normal position, see clearly and still feel the protection of the screen. As I ride to work very early in the morning, this will be great to use in winter. The mod took about 1/2 hour, cost nothing and best of all, has left the screen basically stock. I gave it a once over with some purple polish and it looks great.
