Cee-Bailey - crappy customer suport.

[TBob]

I told myself that I would always post in new bike forums that I join about the lame a$$ company Cee-Bailey. My last bike was an 05 V-Strom that had one of thier windscreens and within 5 months it started cracking at both mounts. I called them thinking no biggy - obviously defective, WRONG!! Thier answer was basicly tough $hit - drill small holes at the end to stop the cracks. I chuckled and said your kidding right... nope we don't warranty for cracks. This is a post to let u know my experiance with this company. I'm not posting to start a flame fest - take it for what it is, info about a BAD experiance with them.

[Daman858]

I have had nothing but good relations with Cee Bailey with my #2 screen on my LT and airplane stuff. They were always very cordial and stood behind their products. Yep, drilling a little hole will stop the crack...it's an old trick.

[TBob]

Just out of curiosity what did they do to stand behind thier product?

I have had nothing but good relations with Cee Bailey with my #2 screen on my LT and airplane stuff. They were always very cordial and stood behind their products. Yep, drilling a little hole will stop the crack...it's an old trick.

[GSinNC]

I too have had good experience with Steve and the folks at Cee Balieys. I have a touring shield on my GS and love it. I did have an issue with the first shield I bought from them for the GS .... called them up and they could not do enough to solve the issue. Steve said we will just cut you another shield and ship it out ASAP. He did not wait to get the problem shield back. By the time I shipped it back the replacement shield was here and was perfect. I love it ! ! That is how they stood behind the product.

[motorman587]

I too, had bad exprience with Cee-Bailey. Order windshield, got windshield and got $hity windshield, tried to return, got run the around. Finally was able to get refund. Never again.

[TBob]

yea the reason I posted this is because people need to be aware of how they are - everyone should get good customer service from a company...it should be an issue of hit or miss with them. It's a real shame because I do like thier products the windscreen on the strom work great no buffeting etc... but they should certainly stand behind them if there is a problem... for all customers.
FYI for potential customers.

[jkersh1]

I ordered a headlight protector from Cee Bailey's. They included some clear little bumps that weren't referenced in the instructions. I called customer service and they couldn't have been better--no long hold on the phone and I got a prompt answer. BTW the bumps are to provide space, if needed, between the headlight and the protector.

[Steve_R]

Dear TBob,

In the three years I've been a member of this site, there have been lots of folks on this site that have purchased CeeBaileys windshields. We even had a group buy or two. Some have had problems, but most haven't. Most have been able to work out their differences with CeeBailey's by having the windsheild replaced or even getting their money refunded.

You're relatively new to this site and in one your first posts you come in here blasting a vendor that most folks here have had good dealings with. You even state that any new site that you go to, one of your first posts is to warn other about the poor customer service you've recieved. Sounds like you've got an axe to grind. http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/fragend/confused-smiley-013.gif

Just my observations.

[ltcanup]

We just dont know the rest of the story

[iowalt]

Tbob,

If your shield cracked it was most likely from over-tightened mounting screws, or lack of a compliant mounting surface. The mounting screws must be just beyond finger tight. Long term stressing of the material will cause it to crack. I have seen many people that really bear down on the shield screws. They usually have cracks around the screw holes within a few months. The acrylic material can also be attacked by loctite.

If you think Cee Bailey has poor service, try Aeroflow. I had a shield break almost in half on my R1100RS. Mounted exactly per their instructions. The shield was fully raised on a cool fall day. I was travelling about 70 and hit a headwind gust of about 40 mph. I heard a BIG "pop" and the shield had bent back about 4". It had cracked 80% of the way across thru both upper mounting screws. Their reply was "you can't have the shield fully raised above 70 mph". Funny they never told me that when it was purchased. They graciously offered a paultry 10% off a replacement. Yeah right. The z-tech replacement saw speeds above 100 mph fully raised on several occasions with no problems.

[messenger13]

Another forum member and myself organized a group discount with Cee Baileys. Thirty Five of us received our shields with very few issues. The price was right. The quality SUPERB! And their customer service is support was SECOND TO NONE! I love my Cee Baileys #2 -2. And when I need a new shield (if ever), I will be replacing it with another Cee Baileys!

I'm beginning to wonder if TBob has anything good to say about ANYthing.

[meese]

Yeah, how dare newbies come on and start questioning the wisdom of the old-timers. What has this list come to? ;)

Why, I still remember when Joe was a newbie . . .

[Russ]

I ordered Cee Bailey shields for both my RT and LT when I owned them. Both times I THOUGHT I'd be happy with the sizes I initially ordered. I wasn't and Cee Bailey (Steve) said he wanted his customers happy. He arranged for UPS pickup of each shield at my home, and sent out the replacement shields even before he had my returned shields inhand.

Cee Bailey will continue to get my business anytime I need something Steve makes.

regards

[TBob]

I thought my post was as informative as one could be in passing along a bad experiance with a vendor. Axe - no not realy but I apprecaite when other rides share there experiance good or bad. I was treated very unfaily by them and want to pass it along. Again as in my original post this wasn't intended to start a flame fest. Sorry the fact that that one of my first post as a new memeber you find offensive. "lasting" is a little extreem but as I'm I you are intitled to your opion.

Thanks,
TBob


Dear TBob,

In the three years I've been a member of this site, there have been lots of folks on this site that have purchased CeeBaileys windshields. We even had a group buy or two. Some have had problems, but most haven't. Most have been able to work out their differences with CeeBailey's by having the windsheild replaced or even getting their money refunded.

You're relatively new to this site and in one your first posts you come in here blasting a vendor that most folks here have had good dealings with. You even state that any new site that you go to, one of your first posts is to warn other about the poor customer service you've recieved. Sounds like you've got an axe to grind. http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/fragend/confused-smiley-013.gif

Just my observations.

[TBob]

Yep that was thier justification - but the windshield was mount correctly and not to tight.

Tbob,

If your shield cracked it was most likely from over-tightened mounting screws, or lack of a compliant mounting surface. The mounting screws must be just beyond finger tight. Long term stressing of the material will cause it to crack. I have seen many people that really bear down on the shield screws. They usually have cracks around the screw holes within a few months. The acrylic material can also be attacked by loctite.

If you think Cee Bailey has poor service, try Aeroflow. I had a shield break almost in half on my R1100RS. Mounted exactly per their instructions. The shield was fully raised on a cool fall day. I was travelling about 70 and hit a headwind gust of about 40 mph. I heard a BIG "pop" and the shield had bent back about 4". It had cracked 80% of the way across thru both upper mounting screws. Their reply was "you can't have the shield fully raised above 70 mph". Funny they never told me that when it was purchased. They graciously offered a paultry 10% off a replacement. Yeah right. The z-tech replacement saw speeds above 100 mph fully raised on several occasions with no problems.

[motorman587]

Another forum member and myself organized a group discount with Cee Baileys. Thirty Five of us received our shields with very few issues. The price was right. The quality SUPERB! And their customer service is support was SECOND TO NONE! I love my Cee Baileys #2 -2. And when I need a new shield (if ever), I will be replacing it with another Cee Baileys!

I'm beginning to wonder if TBob has anything good to say about ANYthing.

Isn't that like rear drive failures. Only 3% of LT have that problem, but yet we yell, BMWNA, sucks, cause of no recall. ;)

[messenger13]

Isn't that like rear drive failures. Only 3% of LT have that problem, but yet we yell, BMWNA, sucks, cause of no recall. ;)Comparing a couple of cracks in an aftermarket windshield (that was probably installed incorrectly) to an obvious manufacturer's defect is hardly applicable in this thread, IMHO. And the failure rate for the reardrives is more like 4-5%. Mr. TBob is probably describing an issue that resides somewhere in the 0.01% catagory. I would think he should chalk it up to a learning experience. He has a LOT of dirt-bike riding experience...but last I checked, they don't usually dawn windshields. My guess is that he simply over-tightened the mounting screws. A VERY common and honest mistake. This is why Cee Baileys doesn't warrant against this kind of "failure". He may also have been a leetle more successful had he approached CB differently. Judging by the way TBob conducts himself online (his choice of words), I have a feeling that he's not too aware of the "catching more flies with honey" principle.

I know this post may appear a lot like the pot calling the kettle "black". But...when I need/want customer service, I ususally know what to do and/or say to get the end-result that I'm looking for. Just stay tuned for my Battery Tender post coming soon to an online forum nearest you. :)

[GSinNC]

Tbob - you may want to call Cee Baileys and ask to speak to Steve the owner. He has been a strong supporter of may BMW sites and has always helped resolve issues. If you are open to a resolution I would certainly give him a call.

[hschisler]

... I love my Cee Baileys #2 -2.(Mini-hijack) Joe, make a note -- we need to talk windshields. I really need (WANT) a replacement for my stock BMW short windshield. I think I have settled on the CB #2 w/wings, but it's the choice of heights that I'm pondering. I'll contact you some time to discuss. I've been through their site and understand the #2 -2 = BMW euro cut. My take, personally, is to go with a taller #2 to help my wife out even more with reduced buffeting; then when riding solo just adjust it downward to the desired height. At some point, of course (say, if I had their #2 +4 -- their maximum height) I might not be able to see over the thing!

[messenger13]

I've been through their site and understand the #2 -2 = BMW euro cut.That is way incorrect, unless CB has changed their current specs.

Call me...

[markfran]

I went through 3 CB windshields, all had defects of one nature or another. They were always cordial and sent me another. I finally decided on the BMW OEM tall windshield and I am happy with it. Also, I bought my bike used and the mounting holes were cracked on the OEM short windshield.

PS. The best protection I had was from the CB #1 w\ Wings

[zgmpl]

cee baileys . as you know i am from israel. so the last one comes broken. may be in hes way to me. i talk with them end they sent me a now one after 4 days .u thunk that they are very good.

[steamboatjohn]

(Mini-hijack) Joe, make a note -- we need to talk windshields. I really need (WANT) a replacement for my stock BMW short windshield. I think I have settled on the CB #2 w/wings, but it's the choice of heights that I'm pondering. I'll contact you some time to discuss. I've been through their site and understand the #2 -2 = BMW euro cut. My take, personally, is to go with a taller #2 to help my wife out even more with reduced buffeting; then when riding solo just adjust it downward to the desired height. At some point, of course (say, if I had their #2 +4 -- their maximum height) I might not be able to see over the thing!

I believe the -4 is equal to the Euro cut.
A mighty tall man would need the +4, I suspect...
In the very near future, I'm planning installing a new Cee Bailey's #2 +2 with wings when I do the HID-Online high beam to complement the factory HID low beam on my '06. If it is easiest to remove the windshield and the windshield motor to do the high beam swap, why I'll just do the new windshield now, while it's off. Makes sense to me....

[messenger13]

I believe the -4 is equal to the Euro cut.This too is way incorrect. :o

The CB #2 -2.5" is equal to the old OEM shield...or what's referred to as the new "tall" shield. To equal the Euro shield...you're looking at more like a #2 -7 or maybe even -8. It's hard to guess exactly as the profiles of the shields are so different. Just remember, the CB #2 does not measure the same as their #1 shield.

Truly the best practice when shopping for a CB #2 shield is to find someone that has one in your region and go sit on the bike. It's the only way to know for sure...

[SMGray]

I agree. I had nothing but trouble with Cee Bailey when I ordered a windshield for my R1200CL and tried to return it because it was defective. They refused at first and only agreed to give me my money back when I filed a dispute with Visa. I would NEVER buy their products again!

Steve Gray
Canton, MI

[Sharkey]

The tall stock windshield is 24" measured down the center from top to bottom. The short euro cut is 17" measured down the center top to bottom. I have both.:yeah:

[TBob]

Thanks Joe- an sorry to have cunducted myself in such a bad mannor on this forum. Yep I'm sure your right I just installed the screen wrong. Sorry to have ruffled feather - not my intention.

Thanks,
TBob



Comparing a couple of cracks in an aftermarket windshield (that was probably installed incorrectly) to an obvious manufacturer's defect is hardly applicable in this thread, IMHO. And the failure rate for the reardrives is more like 4-5%. Mr. TBob is probably describing an issue that resides somewhere in the 0.01% catagory. I would think he should chalk it up to a learning experience. He has a LOT of dirt-bike riding experience...but last I checked, they don't usually dawn windshields. My guess is that he simply over-tightened the mounting screws. A VERY common and honest mistake. This is why Cee Baileys doesn't warrant against this kind of "failure". He may also have been a leetle more successful had he approached CB differently. Judging by the way TBob conducts himself online (his choice of words), I have a feeling that he's not too aware of the "catching more flies with honey" principle.

I know this post may appear a lot like the pot calling the kettle "black". But...when I need/want customer service, I ususally know what to do and/or say to get the end-result that I'm looking for. Just stay tuned for my Battery Tender post coming soon to an online forum nearest you. :)

[pkpr1998]

This too is way incorrect. :o

The CB #2 -2.5" is equal to the old OEM shield...or what's referred to as the new "tall" shield. To equal the Euro shield...you're looking at more like a #2 -7 or maybe even -8. It's hard to guess exactly as the profiles of the shields are so different. Just remember, the CB #2 does not measure the same as their #1 shield.

Truly the best practice when shopping for a CB #2 shield is to find someone that has one in your region and go sit on the bike. It's the only way to know for sure...

With the 03LT, the stock windshield is the "tall" one. What would that translate into from CB? The stock windshield STINKS! Can't see crap at night and when it rains; I may as well be looking through a maze. :rolleyes:

[JATownsend]

With the 03LT, the stock windshield is the "tall" one. What would that translate into from CB? The stock windshield STINKS! Can't see crap at night and when it rains; I may as well be looking through a maze. :rolleyes:

Joe is pretty much right on with his #2 - 2.5 Figure

I replaced my stock shield with a #2-3 and it is just a wee bit lower than my 2002 stock shield. I love it.

The advantage of the CB screens is that you can actually SEE through them without getting a headache. Even in the rain, at night, etc. Also, the built in lip reduces buffeting and they easy to maintain with a number of common cleaners / polishes.

Some won't use them because they are NOT as strong as the stock polycarbonate shields. CDs are made of acrylic, and have been known to shatter.

You pays your nickel...and takes your chance!

[BkrK12]

If you consider the event that would cause the bike to stop abruptly enough to tear your hands of the grips and throw you up and off the seat, through the windshield, I don't think I'd worry too much about the composition of the screen. I think, when you hit the wall/truck/car/pole/etc. that caused the bike to stop, that will be a more significant event. BTW, I doubt you'd go through the windshield. I suspect it would just fold down or tear loose as those four crummy little screws let go.

[JATownsend]

If you consider the event that would cause the bike to stop abruptly enough to tear your hands of the grips and throw you up and off the seat, through the windshield, I don't think I'd worry too much about the composition of the screen. I think, when you hit the wall/truck/car/pole/etc. that caused the bike to stop, that will be a more significant event. BTW, I doubt you'd go through the windshield. I suspect it would just fold down or tear loose as those four crummy little screws let go.
Dan, I have gone through a screen, a Windjammer fairing on an R75/5 actually, and that type of event is NOT the issue. The concern is a stone from a tire, a bird, or some other flying debris that could cause an acrylic shield to shatter. I use a CB, so obviously I've chosen to accept the risk. Others have not - That was the point of my comment.

[meese]

Obviously we need airbags. :D

But I wonder if using plastic screws to hold the windshield on, like the old Vetter fairings, might cause the windshield to break loose whole in such an event.

[Steve_R]

TBob,

I probably came across a little harsh in my response. Please accept my sincerest apologies.

[BkrK12]

Averill, My comment wasn't directed at you. I was reacting to your description of what others have said, which I have also heard. I, too, use a CB.

I would imagine that any rock that hits the screen hard enough to shatter a CB is going to be a problem - no matter what screen you use.

Every time I hear some one proselytizing against the CB screen, I am reminded about what Butch said to Sundance. Worrying about the potential of being cut, when the impact is going to kill you, seems kind of silly.

But, you know, as I think about your comment at the end, I can't recall anyone on the site ever posting that they personally have seen a CB shatter, either from going through it or from an object impact. Maybe I've just missed that.

[BkrK12]

Ken, I'm willing to bet that any fairing, if forced forward (probably with very little effort), is going to tear loose intact from those four little screws. Now, all we need is two volunteers.

[walilisseu]

(Mini-hijack) Joe, make a note -- we need to talk windshields. I really need (WANT) a replacement for my stock BMW short windshield. I think I have settled on the CB #2 w/wings, but it's the choice of heights that I'm pondering. I'll contact you some time to discuss. I've been through their site and understand the #2 -2 = BMW euro cut. My take, personally, is to go with a taller #2 to help my wife out even more with reduced buffeting; then when riding solo just adjust it downward to the desired height. At some point, of course (say, if I had their #2 +4 -- their maximum height) I might not be able to see over the thing!
I'm looking for the possibility of a replacement as well ... don't have any real issues with my stock short, but I'm interested in the #2 w/wings for a bit more protection around the edges. Not sure how to do it but a 'forum' may be in order since ...
Another forum member and myself organized a group discount with Cee Baileys. Thirty Five of us received our shields with very few issues. The price was right. The quality SUPERB! And their customer service is support was SECOND TO NONE!
Perhaps "we" could do something similar???

[JATownsend]

Averill, My comment wasn't directed at you. I was reacting to your description of what others have said, which I have also heard. I, too, use a CB.

I would imagine that any rock that hits the screen hard enough to shatter a CB is going to be a problem - no matter what screen you use.

Every time I hear some one proselytizing against the CB screen, I am reminded about what Butch said to Sundance. Worrying about the potential of being cut, when the impact is going to kill you, seems kind of silly.

But, you know, as I think about your comment at the end, I can't recall anyone on the site ever posting that they personally have seen a CB shatter, either from going through it or from an object impact. Maybe I've just missed that.
Dan, check out this post:

http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4179&highlight=shattered+windshield

Here is an excerpt:

I had been out for a short ride - stopped in the garage for a minute to finish a tune. Put down the stand and got off the bike. I was walking around the front of the bike and the damn thing fell over and hit my wifes car. Sounded like a car wreck. It put dents in her car and scraped the paint in a a few places. Shattered my windshield and the left windshield retainer. C Baileys do brake into multiple pieces (4 shards ).

That would not happen with a polycarbonate shield!

Just found this post - from the old site - It's a MUST READ:

http://www.bmwlt.net/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=K1200LT&Number=150841&page=&view=&sb=&o=

[TBob]

No worries Steve, and if I ruffed your feather I appologies as well. Didn't ever expect to start just an uproar.

TBob


TBob,

I probably came across a little harsh in my response. Please accept my sincerest apologies.

[meese]

Now, all we need is two volunteers.
One guy to ride the test bike, and another to be the stationary object? Think I'll pass. :)

[BkrK12]

I was thinking more of two people who would let us tear the screens off their bikes, one CB, one OEM.

[BkrK12]

Thanks for the info, Averill. I guess we all get to draw the line in a place that's comfortable for each of us. For me, the extra firmness of the CB, with its attendant reduction in turbulence and fatigue, outweighs the potential problem.

[meese]

I actually have a spare CB windshield, and a spare BMW as well. I'd offer to do the test, but I don't think the windshield motor mechanism would survive. Come to think of it, don't the stock windshield arms have a cutout so the pivot pin would pop loose in a hard impact? Maybe BMW was thinking ahead on this one.

[markfran]

But, you know, as I think about your comment at the end, I can't recall anyone on the site ever posting that they personally have seen a CB shatter, either from going through it or from an object impact. Maybe I've just missed that.

When my bike fell over in the garage and hit my wifes car the Cee Bailey Windshield Shattered into 4 shards some sharp.

[grifscoots]

Come to think of it, don't the stock windshield arms have a cutout so the pivot pin would pop loose in a hard impact? Maybe BMW was thinking ahead on this one.

Yes they do and when you break them it costs a nice leetle 680 bones cause you have to replace the whole shooting works.

Surprisingly enough, when I had my leetle 60 mph get off two weeks ago, only the bottom corner of the windshield broke. The motor mechanism arms broke, too.

I was using a Parabellum, which is acrlyic. I just got a brand new, spanking sparkly Cee Bailey in the mail today. Figured it was time to try one.

[meese]

As I understand it you went around the windshield, rather than trying to go through it. Maybe next time?

Scratch that. Too many reports of damaged bikes and bodies recently to tempt the fates any more than necessary.

[PATTERSON]

I don't see anywhere in your statement as to why it's Cee Bailey's fault. The cracks? How is that their fault.... ?? Did they tighten the mounting screws?? Or did you???

Pat

[grifscoots]

As I understand it you went around the windshield, rather than trying to go through it.

Akshooly, seeings how we were going backwards when I went down, I reckon I managed to do-si-do the windshield. IIRC, I think do-si-do is a square dance move, but I guarantee you I wasn't listening to square dance music:D

[STARFIGHTER]

I don't understand all these differences in height......
My OEM screen was 24" tall. I ordered a #2 - 3" w/wings and it's 21" tall,
As I expected. Why do I read that a -3 is the same height as original ? Must be a lot of varying heights on OEM screens out there.

[munson]

I don't understand all these differences in height......
My OEM screen was 24" tall. I ordered a #2 - 3" w/wings and it's 21" tall,
As I expected. Why do I read that a -3 is the same height as original ? Must be a lot of varying heights on OEM screens out there.
Hi Allan,
It's corn-fusing to me, too. I think how it works is that if you adjust the stock 24" shield up to where there is no turbulence it is above your sight line. With the -3" you presumably get the same wind protection, but the shield is below your sight line. Now that's just what I get reading the web site, and lots of posts. I want to try one, too, but not sure of the height I need.

[hschisler]

...I want to try one, too, but not sure of the height I need.Munson, I'm with you!! I am ready to buy a new shield today but will wait until I can sit on someone's LT, or see the product in person, so I can determine what the best height is. I'm thinking a BMW rally is the best place to see the various products and sizes.

My stock BMW shield is 17" (measured it last night). I think this is what they call the "Euro cut", AKA the "short" stock windshield. It's insufficient; I even have to keep the seat in the lower position to get partial wind blockage. I tried the tall BMW windshield (3-4" taller); didn't care for it, either -- not wide enough, buffeting was still present, and lots of distortion.

I want a windshield that I can see over, that eliminates buffeting of my passenger, and I can crank up high enough that rain is kept off my face. If I had to guess today, that sounds like a Cee Bailey #2 with wings, at their standard 24" height. A -1" or -2" might also be just fine. I've read many posts here that the -2" is what people end up with. YMMV.

[STARFIGHTER]

My #2-3" when set at the height of the OEM 24" fully down (that's 24" to top of C Bailey #2-3) raises the air stream over my head and Karen says she's good to go. So.....I'm saying for my height 5-11 and inseam 30, the #2-3 raises the airstream over my head when up to just under my eye level and to about 20' ahead is viewed thru the screen.........

[BkrK12]

Since the windshields don't stand straight up (vertically), try thinking of the 24" of the stock screen as length, instead of height. Thus, the CB #2 -3 is 21 inches long. Now think of "height" as the distance between the top edge of the windshield, straight down to the top of the tank. This explains how the CB, at -3 inches can be the same "height" as the OEM, since the CB has an upward flared lip, making the profile different.