Windshield cleaners...

[the1mavin]

So I have read all the threads I could find on cleaning my windshield and cannot find the one thing I need to know.

I just installed the new VStream and it specifically says to use nothing containing alcohol on it. Does anyone know if Plexus contains alcohol?

I have been using Plexus and a good wax job on the stock shield and have been happy with the results and would like to do the same w/ the VStream if I am not going to damage it.

I am not opposed to switching to the Honda cleaner or someting similar--except that I have a brand new can of Plexus ;)

Thanks
Tim

[dmatson]

What is the screan made out of? I use Plexus on the CeeBailey and its great. Tell us how the new screen is and take a pic also.

[the1mavin]

What is the screan made out of? I use Plexus on the CeeBailey and its great. Tell us how the new screen is and take a pic also.

"Quantum coated lexan polycarbonate" is what the install sheet says...

I've gotta get all the finger prints off before I take any pictures ;)

Initial impression for me is quality and crystal clear. I will post a full review next week including some measurements I took during the install. I have a long trip planned for this weekend, so I'll be able to provide a good review.

Thanks
Tim

[prestonbill]

If you haven't been here, there's the MSDS on there that has everything that's in it.
Bill

[dmatson]

The can says it good for all plastics clear and painted, including Lexan.

[jfredriksson]

I use "Brillianize". It's the "standard" in the copy machine business for cleaning all kinds of plastics & glass without marring the surfaces. I use it for detailing my whole bike, including my CeeBailey windshield, and it works fabulous.

Here's a link to their website, if you're interested.

http://www.brillianize.com/

If you have a Tap Plastics where you live, that's where I've been able to find it locally.

[DRothermel]

Tim:

For what it's worth. I've owned five beemers. 96 RT, 01,03, and two 05 LT's. My OE stock windshield on my 01 got the dreaded fog disease. That was two months after I started using Plexus on it. Got a replacement shield under warranty and never used Plexus again. Never any fogging issues since. I put 50,000 miles on the 01, 03, and currently have 33,000 on the second 05. I know CB recommends Plexus and there are plenty of guys that use it, but for me, never again. I use a 100% cotton washcloth, dripping wet with water and follow it up by drying with a like hand towel. Dick

[dandiver]

Tim:

For what it's worth. I've owned five beemers. 96 RT, 01,03, and two 05 LT's. My OE stock windshield on my 01 got the dreaded fog disease. That was two months after I started using Plexus on it. Got a replacement shield under warranty and never used Plexus again. Never any fogging issues since. I put 50,000 miles on the 01, 03, and currently have 33,000 on the second 05. I know CB recommends Plexus and there are plenty of guys that use it, but for me, never again. I use a 100% cotton washcloth, dripping wet with water and follow it up by drying with a like hand towel. Dick

I've got to echo what Dick said, I just use water and it has never fogged. It was replaced by the dealer, because of distortion, when new in early 2003 and now has 21,000 miles. I only use water and never rub hard. Even with the love bug problem in Florida, just place a wet rag on the windshield for a few minutes and let it soak. Everything comes off.

JUST WATER.........

[birdman]

I have a CB windscreen on my GT. I used the CeeBailey windsceen cleaner and their special paper cloth until my supply ran out. Being in South Africa I couldn't get anymore of their cleaner or cloths, but found a better product in Sonax. Their Nano cleaner and special paper cloths are designed not to scratch any surface. The answer is to clean first using their spray on insect remover (without rubbing) wash off with warm water. Using a paper cloth apply Nano cleaner in one direction (top to bottom - do not swirl) Polish with a new paper cloth also in one direction. My screen is 18 months old, and with pampering doesn't have a single scratch. There are a few stone chips, but the finish is still like glass. Bottom line - never let anyone else TOUCH your new windsreen!

[dshealey]

The problem with Plexus, or any other product that leaves a film coating, is not the acrylic or polycarbonate windshield material, but the scratch resistant coatings on them!

I would not expect any problems with a non coated acrylic, such as Cee Bailey, but certainly learned not to use them on the coated polycarbonate, such as the stock BMW, and now the V-stream.

I used Plexus on the stock shield, and had the fogging problem. After discovering that alcohol would remove the adsorbed moisture in the coating, which caused the fogging, I had a nice clear shield for quite a while, until one day I used Plexus on it again. Yep, fogging came back.

My theory is that the adsorbed moisture evaporates out of the coating when it gets warm, but the Plexus sealed it in, thus fogging.

[ajs]

As with others who have responded here, I too use nothing but water. Whenever I want to clean the windshield I will completely cover the front side of it with soft washcloths soaked in warm water leaving them long enough to soften any bug materials etc. and just wipe off. No chemicals and no hard scrubbing. I have been doing this for all bike windshields I have owned for the last ten years or so regardless of plexi, lexan or whatever. I then wipe it down on the inside with a similar warm water soaked cloth and finally wipe dry with a leather shamios. I currently have an '05 LT with a Cee Bailey. I bought the bike used. When I first got it and used this proceedure the shield was quite streaky (from too much waxing, I believe) It has cleaned up very nicely now with no streaking.
Austin

[CaptRich]

You may laugh,but for almost 40 years on any clear plastic.from motorcycle to snowmobile,yacht enclosures,etc.I've been using Lemon Pledge aerosol only.Have never had a problem,it cleans the bugs off,eliminates fine scratches,to a point,and makes shields so slippery, bugs tend to slide off on contact.$1.79 at the grocery store.Capt Rich

[starky]

Since discovering that the many bike shops in/around toronto/Hamilton use Pledge to buff up the shine after they work on customers bikes I've been using it for a quick, clean shine. Didn't know it would work on the windshield. If it works as well on the shield as on the plastic and chrome parts I'm going to give it a try.
Beats the $40 I paid for a can of paste at Americade 2 years ago that only clogged all of the "leather skin" plastic surfaces on my previous ST1100.

[ronjrieth]

Out of curiosity, on its website National Cycle lists the VStream only up to '03....did you have to call them to order it?
Ron

[sooner81]

I read on a corvette website a few years ago how the pro detailers use Lemon Pledge on the interiors and hate Armour-All.

The link below is from a motorcycle dude in MN who bashes Harleys and loves Lemon Pledge and WD40.

http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/2004/65/feature65.htm

[the1mavin]

Out of curiosity, on its website National Cycle lists the VStream only up to '03....did you have to call them to order it?
Ron

Ron

Sorry, I couldn't say. I ordered thru my local dealer.

It fit fine.

Tim