How to Take Care of your Motorcycle's Windshield

A beautiful luxury of motorcycles is the windshield or windscreen. It offers many benefits. It will protect you from the icy blast of cold air, debris, bugs, rain, and wind. All these add up to a safe and comfortable ride.

As with other bike parts, windshields are customizable. They can vary in height, size, shape, and material. Moreover, there are different products available for taking care of your windshield.

Here, we’ll look at the various ways to ensure you can see clearly through your windshield.

1. Windshield Material Options

Motorcycle windscreens are plastic, and this means they are easy to scratch.

The two most common materials for motorcycle windshields are polycarbonate and acrylic. On impact, polycarbonate is more durable than acrylic. But, it does scratch a lot easier. If you have this kind of windshield, you will need to make sure you use the correct cleaning materials. Using the wrong tools can damage the material and impair your riding visibility.

Meanwhile, the less expensive option, acrylic, is prone to cracking. Often, in the case of an accident, this material snaps off in chunks. In this case, it needs replacing.

2. Choosing the Correct Cleaning Products

You will need to buy the correct cleaning products for whichever type of windshield you choose.  It’s vital to protect the screen and remove any grime.

Two good cleaning options are plastic cleaning agents and all-purpose cleaners.

•   Plastic cleaning agents: You will find products for specific plastic types, including polycarbonate and acrylic. These are the best options.
•   All-purpose cleaners: Cleaners with ammonia or petroleum can damage the plastic so check the ingredients carefully. Also, most dish soaps are really strong so it may strip off any anti-reflective coating that many of these windshields have. The key is to look for “plastic-safe” cleaners.
•   Top tip: A Windex-type cleaning product can weaken plastic, turn it cloudy, and sometimes create scratches.

Popular choices for windshield cleaning products include:

• Meguiar’s M1708 Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Cleaner
• Novus Plastic Polish and Scratch Remover
• Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
• Plexus Plastic Cleaner, Protectant, and Polish
• Quick Sheen Anti-Fog Spray
• Rolite Plastic and Acrylic Cleaner

When choosing cleaning products, look for ones that clean and protect. You may not get the same crystal-clear result as you do when cleaning a window, but you will create a protective layer that is easy to see through.

Now you know the best type of cleaning products to use, it’s time to check out what tools you need and how to apply them. 

3. Cleaning Tools and Techniques

The key to cleaning a motorcycle windshield is to be thorough yet gentle. So the tools you use to do this play a large part in achieving a grime-free screen.

Avoid scrubbing brushes, scouring pads, or paper towels when washing your windshield. These can often scratch the material’s surface and erode any protective layers. Instead, use clean cotton or microfiber cloth.

The most effective way to clean a motorcycle windshield is to wipe it from side to side. Avoid working in a circular motion, as this can irritate the surface.

Moreover, ensure you soften any dried-on bugs or dirt before wiping. They can latch onto the cleaning cloth and scratch the surface as it’s wiping. First, clean your windshield with soap and water. Next, pour or spray water onto the plastic, and let it sit until any debris softens. Then wipe off the now softened grime and follow it by adding your cleaning agents.

Using the cleaner, first, test a small area away from your line of vision. Next, apply the product according to the package instructions. If the product is not also protective, rinse thoroughly.

Whether you remove your windshield before a deep clean is your choice. But it is a good idea if you are cleaning in bright sunlight. The hot sun can cause a plastic shield to soften, making the process more challenging. Cleaning in bright sunlight may also cause streaking.

 If you do remove the windshield, it also gives you the opportunity to clean, polish, and shine any attached hardware. This can help improve the overall appearance of your motorcycle and ensure that all parts are in good working order.

Another thing to consider when cleaning your windshield is the use of rain repellent. Applying a rain repellent, such as RainX for plastics, can help repel harmful chemicals and water, and improve visibility during rainy weather. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and reapplication to ensure maximum effectiveness. With these tips in mind, you can keep your motorcycle windshield looking and performing its best for years to come.

Motorcycle Windshield Maintenance

On a final note, cleaning a motorcycle windshield takes time. Besides, rushing may lead to surface scratches and cracks which can obscure your view when riding. Also, this type of damage is often hard to put right.

If you follow the steps and choose the correct products, it will help you take care of your motorcycle windshield for many years to come. Happy riding!

Those dusty road trips can not only play havoc with your windshield but also your motorcycle’s tires. So, if safety is your top priority make sure you also wash and inspect your tires at least once a week.

For professional advice on any aspect of your tires, click here for your nearest Dunlop Pro Dealer.