Clean/defog windshield

[gaghai]

I was wondering what was best for cleaning the windshield on my LT.

The dealer told me just to use water.. was ok to clean

however when I drive to work in the morning and the temp is low it starts to fog up.. but is there something to treat it?

Any suggestions??

Thanks,
Jerry

[bluebeam]

Thanks for asking Jerry, Im wondering also, I have read on here that some windshields get hazy also, what might be the cause of that?? would rainx hurt the plastic in any way??

[Morley]

The "fogging" is from the coating put on the plastic at the factory.
Might try cleaning it (just water) before heading out and see if that helps (in the low temps).

[cfell]

Don't know what screen you have.. here's a list of Don'ts..and "works for me"

Don't:
- use RainX... unless you want a new windscreen due to "hazing"... sound familiar?
- use dirty towels... you are dealing with an optical device similar to a lens
- use abrasive towels... like paper towels , "scrubbing pads" when the bugs are shovel depth
- use wax.. will tend to yellow, etc..

"Works for me":
- use clean towels
- soften buggutz with lots of water
- gently loosen buggutz and carcass material while flushing with copious amounts of CLEAN water... (no ditch diving)
- use professional grades of plastic protector..AFTER removal of visible buggutz, etc. (My dealer recommends "Brillianize"...and it actually works!)

[deputy5211]

Adding to what the Deacon said, I recommend that you use micorfiber towels. They really pull the dirt off without scratching, and are great for removing copious amounts of water.

You can find a package of 24 for about $10 at Costco. I hear that Sam's also carries them.

[cfmpilot]

I use wet micro fiber towels (learned about them here). Let them soak the bugs for five minutes, then gently wipe them off. After dry, I use Honda spray cleaner/wax to polish windshield with a dry micro fiber towel. Works great.

[rando]

When the dlr warrantied my shield because it was hazy, I emailed National Cycle or Champion or whoever it is that makes the replacement shield. Tech guy there said Hondaline Polish in the black spray can is pretty good stuff and will not harm the shield. Also said to STAY AWAY from Ammonia and RainX.

Randy

[VADIVER]

I use Novis 1 with a micro fiber towel after getting all of the big stuff off. Works great.

[ibbones]

I use the Honda spray cleaner also but I live in a VERY humid part of the planet. I have a hazy shield every morning but if I leave for a ride in the bright sunlight, it will clear it up in a litle while. If it's a cloudy day, still foggy.

[egs]

I've used Plexus plastic/acrylic cleaner - polish on my windshields, face shields and soft-top windows for years with very good results. Also seems to help with fogging.

:confused: On a related topic, has anyone tried a stronger cleaner on the windshield for nastier stuff? I have what looks like a very slight overspray on the front of my bike that won't come off with regular cleaner. Am thinking of trying some WD-40 or possibly clear-coat compound but am fraidy-scared to haze anything... Thanks!

[Morley]

:confused: On a related topic, has anyone tried a stronger cleaner on the windshield for nastier stuff? I have what looks like a very slight overspray on the front of my bike that won't come off with regular cleaner. Am thinking of trying some WD-40 or possibly clear-coat compound but am fraidy-scared to haze anything... Thanks!
I wouldn't use anything with petroleum products in it.

[Briantime]

I too, suffered from a foggy windshield. Here is what I did and has worked 100%

After cleaning the windshield, isopropyl alcohol over it with a soft cloth. As the alcohol dries (quite rapidly) it pulls the moisture (fog) from the shield at the same time. This may require a couple of applications. When the fog has cleared, apply an automotive carnuba wax. I used Kit. I'm sure most any would work.

now every time I wash my bike, I take an extra 10 minutes and wax the windshield as well. This has 100% cured my fogging windshield issues. Mine is crystal clear.

It's worth a shot, particularly if you are on the fence for buying a new one.


Brian

[was]

After cleaning the windshield, isopropyl alcohol over it with a soft cloth. As the alcohol dries (quite rapidly) it pulls the moisture (fog) from the shield at the same time. This may require a couple of applications. When the fog has cleared, apply an automotive carnuba wax. I used Kit. I'm sure most any would work.

now every time I wash my bike, I take an extra 10 minutes and wax the windshield as well. This has 100% cured my fogging windshield issues. Mine is crystal clear.

Brian
+1. Also works on the little window for the radio if that gets fogged up.

[jaskjb]

I too use PLEXUS, with a "microfiber cloth". By far the best stuff I have ever used. I gave a couple cans away at Christmas, and everyone likes it.

[KYchris02]

many folks here coached me through using de-natured alcohol on the shield. first, it got off the Mirror Glaze crap and other "cleaners" I had put on... and it has since kept the very annoying problem of fogging down.

wife is an artist and she had a big can of de-natured alcohol for cleaning her brushes. not sure where to get the stuff...

[PMitchell]

I too use PLEXUS, with a "microfiber cloth". By far the best stuff I have ever used. I gave a couple cans away at Christmas, and everyone likes it.

Looks like they sell direct by case lots. Any one know if it available through a marine dealer?

SIZES $ PER CASE CASE QUANTITIES SHIPPING

.42 oz $94.80 ($3.95/can) Sold as 24 pack only $13.45
7 oz $89.88 ($7.49/can) Sold as 12 pack only $13.45
13 oz $131.40 ($10.95/can) Sold as 12 pack only $13.45

Also Interesting MSDS Data

II. HAZARDOUS INGREDIENTS
Chemical Names CAS
Number Percent* Exposure
ACGIH TLV Limits in Air
OSHA PEL (Indicate units)
Other (specify)

Alipathic Petroleum Distillates 64742-89-8 23% 300 ppm -- --
Propane 74-78-6 3% -- 1000 ppm --
Isobutane 75-28-5 12% 800 ppm -- --

[gaghai]

Thanks for the responses... I'll give it a shot.... :dance:

[pickerbiker]

I also use that Honda polisher/cleaner. Spray it on, let it sit 15 sec, everything comes right off. I also read some place that hydrogen peroxide works well (reacts to the protein from the bug carcass), but I've never tried it.

[Route66]

The windscreen on my 2000 LT started to get hazy over the last few months. Still can't figure out why because I haven't used anything different on it since I bought in 6 years ago. MacGuires pure carnuba wax has helped alot but I still might try some of the other suggestions in this thread.
Terry

[hognot]

My shield was fogged beyond repair when I bought the bike. Bought a cee-baileys #2-4 w/ wings. Love it. 2 years crystal clear and use all kinds of cleaners. Ammonia free of course.

[Daman858]

What the Deacon said...works on the rest of the bike too plus your kitchen counters, your car, and just about everything else.....http://www.brillianize.com/

[tcotter]

I too, suffered from a foggy windshield. Here is what I did and has worked 100%

After cleaning the windshield, isopropyl alcohol over it with a soft cloth. As the alcohol dries (quite rapidly) it pulls the moisture (fog) from the shield at the same time. This may require a couple of applications. When the fog has cleared, apply an automotive carnuba wax. I used Kit. I'm sure most any would work.

now every time I wash my bike, I take an extra 10 minutes and wax the windshield as well. This has 100% cured my fogging windshield issues. Mine is crystal clear.

It's worth a shot, particularly if you are on the fence for buying a new one.


Brian

Good info.

I'm another alcohol fan. It clears up the fog for weeks at a time or longer. I haven't tried the wax yet, but i'll do that on the next round and see how much clear shield time i gain.