Chase wrote:
> fear there may be unintended consequences from that.
There may be. I discovered the reason for the nylon (not plastic) screws
while living
in California. My bike tipped over, (not my fault...;^), and the
windshield struck the
metal post that supported the carport roof. BECAUSE of the nylon screws,
they all sheared off at the head which allowed the windshield to 'pop'
off, thus avoiding breaking it. This would be true anytime the
windshield were to come under any undo duress, or forces.
However, the dealer wanted like...$2.35 for each replacement screw, or
about $19 with tax to replace them all!! So I took one of them and
inspected it very closely to see if it had any 'special' design or
qualities to it, i.e.; a chamfered, or tapered body, or some such. I did
not see any, so off I went to Eagle hardware, (though any well-stocked
hardware or fastener store would do), and picked up the exact same nylon
screws for .32 cents a piece, or about $2.65 for the set with tax.
So here's the math: A new windshield that didn't pop off and then broke
as a consequence of using metal screws, $200 +/-. New screws from
hardware store, 3 bucks. Do the math. Plus, non-galvanized or
non-anodized screws can rust and would look ugly. And if they do pull
out under force, they will strip the threads that are inbedded in the
fairing. $$$ to replace.
I've never had to replace them since, or before, and I've ridden in very
adverse weather many times. And yes, they are available in black, the
stock color.
Oh, and one last caveat. Heaven forbid, (knocks on wood feverishly), I
was in an...ah...incident, and I was flying forward, the last thing I
would want to pass through, would be the shards of a windshield that
broke from impact as opposed to one that snapped out of the way. That
plexiglas stuff can be very tough and sharp.
Personally, I would suggest sticking with the stock nylon screws, I
guess I just see it as a safety issue. And that's why I believe it was
designed with nylon screws instead of metal. 'Course, that's just my
opinion..... (flame away boys....!!)
Oh...as for the ones you had that broke, my money would be that either
they were too tight, or someone 'tweaked' your windshield without your
knowledge. And they didn't even leave a note....
The nerve!
Brandon
