I had the same experience when my bike fell and the windshield got caught in
a chain (I was puting my foot down stopping and my laces got caught in the
foot rest preventing me to get the foot on the ground, fortunatly they came
loose before the bike hit the ground and I managed to get my leg from
underneath : watch out for loose laces on your shoes !!!!).
The windshield and the left mirror popped out with a minor scratch and that
was all.
Henrique Tabot
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brandon" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2001 6:05 AM
Subject: Re: windshield screws
> 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
>
