Chopping your motorcycle windshield…

You may have noticed that the stock windshields on most motorcycles reach much higher than your vision. I can only assume this is so it will fit most people. However, your eyes should look OVER your windshield.  It is not only a safety issue because of the glare, dirt, bugs, and rain (overall visibility), but seriously, why be on a bike if your looking through a windshield?  I purchased my Harley-Davidson windshield the same day I bought my bike.  Because they didn’t have a “shorty” or “chopped” windshield in stock, I had to purchase the stock height.  The very next day we were in the garage modifying it.

How to chop your windshield…

You can purchase a “chopped” or “shorty” windshield for almost any make and model of motorcycle.  But if you already have a windshield that is just too tall you can easily chop it yourself to suit you.

First, sit on your bike and find the proper height you need.  You want to be able to see over the windshield.  So the top should end about the same level as the tip of your nose.

Mark this spot (a Sharpie works well) then draw a line across the windshield, making sure of course that it is even all the way across from the top.

My windshield was tapered so I was removing more from the middle, kind of like clipping a thumbnail.  Tape it off with masking tape.  You want the tape to be left on, so tape from the mark down.

With a jig-saw follow your mark.  Use a fine tooth blade and be sure it is SHARP. Do not try to use a dull blade, this will not cut through the material adequately and could possibly cause the windshield to melt from the heat caused by the friction.

PAY attention to where your saw guide is, do not apply pressure or it will gouge into the windshield under the tape.  With very fine sand paper you can smooth out the finished cut.

DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!  This isn’t difficult to do but you are cutting plastic material and if you are not careful you CAN damage it.

Note:  You will feel the wind in your hair after chopping your windshield! But you will still get protection to your chest, upper body, and face, which is what the windshield is intended for.

February, 2011-RidersInfo.net