Tuning the Spitfire Windshield *

[BarryC]

I received the Spitfire windshield from Jack this week and put it on yesterday. You folks don't know me, but that was a major mechanical milestone. The instructions say to "be sure Windscreen headlight gasket is firmly against the motorcycle headlight housing". Also "the angle of the windscreen should be approximately the same as the angle of the forks". I can't seem to adjust the screen to accomodate both instructions and not have the screen rest on the directional lights which is causing a little vibration noise in second, third and fourth gears.

Is this normal? Should the screen be resting on the directional lights?

Any help is greatly appreciated,
Thanks,
Barry

[cherokee]

Please drop some info on what you think about the wind screen, I am thinking about doing this to my bike and am looking for some real world impressions on the different screens.

thanks

[BarryC]

I noticed by lowering the directional lights (about 1 inch) the Spitfire windshield will mount with the windshield resting on the headlight.

Any thoughts on lowering the directional lights or should I take the good advice previously stated and raise the windshield.

Thanks,
Barry

[Duke]

Check for tank clearance on full-lock turns.

Other than that-- your call.

[onu2002]

[BarryC]

Thank you to everyone for your comments.

A big thank you to SilverDragon. I mounted the windshield very similiar to the way you did. Your photos were extremely helpful.

The windshield is great. I don't have that thumping of air on my chest anymore. Unfortunately I find I'm going faster since I don't feel the wind. I was actually going 65mph in a 50mph zone and it was smooth. I never did that before the windshield. Gotta be careful.

Barry

[xepath]

I also installed a Spitfire Windshield last night. Looks really good , very easy to install, much easier than my Hellcat from Memphis Shades. We have not tried it yet but will tonight. It really fits the bike, doesn't look to big or to small. we got it for 53 buck shipping included. Donelson Cycles, best price I found. They sent it out last tuesday and I got it Monday night. Regular UPS groud.

[xepath]

Took it out for a 25 miles ride and she really likes it allot. Well worth it, not sure how well it will work with tall people, she is 5 foot 2. I am 5 10 and I did not try it out yet but will.

[Misty]

I just got an 05 Rebel and am having a blast! So lucky to have ran into this site. I have been reading for 2 days and learned so much already! I know you guys hate redundant questions and I know there are other posts regarding windshields, but I have specific question I did not see answered anywhere else.

Ok, I had a HD Sportster previous which was a death trap for me as I am a little 5'2 female and it was way too cumbersome for me. I wrecked the bike but salvaged the windshield. It has been sitting around collecting dust and I just decided to "try it on for size" and it happened to fit the Rebel pretty good. It is not too tall. The windshield does cover the front blinkers.The only thing I thought may need to be adjustd is to have it filed down a bit to keep it from rubbing the headlamp. Is it just my cheap and wishful thinking on this one or will it work ok?

Thanks!

Misty

[01rebel]

Hi Misty & congrats on your new Rebel purchase & welcome.

The correct way to have this windshield positioned according to the instructions is up against the headlight, which will also help to keep it snugly in place. There is a rubber moulding at the bottom edge of the windshield that will also protect both surfaces and keep it from moving around. Not sure exactly how your windshield fits your Rebel but this may help some.

[Misty]

Thanks so much. I think you answered a big part of my question. Mine actually attaches to the forks with 4 clamps. Looks like I need to find a creative way to add a little rubber padding where it rests on the headlamp.

[01rebel]

You may want to try some of the plastic chrome auto door edge moulding/trim that I used around my windshield. It also comes in black.
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2001 Honda Rebel (Black)

[Axman]

You can also split a length of black hose down the side and slip it over the edge of the windshield.

[01rebel]

Hey Ax, I all but forgot about that one....using fuel or vacuum line hose!!
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2001 Honda Rebel (Black)

[Axman]

If you like green, a garden hose would work well! Maybe an old washing maching hose!

[MillenniumRebel]

if you can raise it slightly so that it doesn't touch
(btw - slit and wrap a bicycle innertube around the forks nice and tight to shim them from the rebel 33 to the sportsters 39)
touching is a vibration rubbing point - it will wear your chome off the light in that spot - try not to touch if at all possible is my advice
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[01rebel]

I have had No problem with chrome loss or rubbing on mine having the windshield up against the headlight for over 6000 mi. I also put some downward pressure when I tighten down the thumb screws on the windshield rods so that it is tight up against the top of the headlight. You can have some space, but too much between the headlight and windshield could also cause buffeting...try it and see what works.
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2001 Honda Rebel (Black)

[Misty]

Thank you for all the helpful information. I really like the way the Spitfire windshield looks in that picture and so I did some checking and saw how inexpensive they were. ($52) WOW! So I think I may just go with one of those so I can be certain I get the right fit and wind deflection. If you could tell me the correct one to get that would be great. I am looking at the S06.....

MR, you are right about the clamps, they were a bit large and I needed to make up for it. I wasn't sure how to do it but your idea was perfect. I love your website BTW. Do you make your own dragon graphics? I would love to have one on my new Reb

Misty

PS - the green hose is a NO GO! I'm a girly girl. Gotta have the purdy!

[01rebel]

Misty, that's correct the S-06 Spitfire by Slip Streamer, comes in smoke & clear. Make sure you get the correct 7/8" mounting hardware.
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2001 Honda Rebel (Black)

[Dave-O]

Ok, three days ago I recieved my spitfire w/s from Jacks ( he/they are truly awesome folks out there) and three days ago I installed it. I have been fighting headaches (partly from work I know...chemicals...should explain aolt ) but I am thinking that I am getting them from the wind off the windshield as well. as I approach roughly 30 to 45 mph my head feels like its being thrown around a bit and its causing pain in the back of my neck. I am wondering if I did something wrong, do I need a bigger W/S, stronger neck muscles???
I am on a Rebel 250.
thanks for any insight. I will try and figure out how to post some pics tonight and see if I cant give a visual.

Thanks again,
Dave-