ImOk
04-12-2007, 10:29 AM
I installed the newest Madstad (with plastic knowbs) and thought I would pass along some impressions. My bike is 2007 1K with stock shield.
The mounting instructions are not as clear as I would have liked. (Pictures or better diagrams would have helped). I chose the default (middle) mounting position which is probably the best for stock Vee shield.
It took me a little more than 45 minutes to install and a bit of cursing. The main problem was the brackets screw holes did not line up by 1/2" to the stock windshield holes. I had to bend the windshield horizontally to line them up. It was a pain in the neck and there could be a chance of scratches or snapping the shield. Also, I bolted the wrong holes on the windshield and had to remove them and do it again so I could fit the external stock plastic brackets.
The external plastic brackets are the last thing you put on. They don't hug the shield properly (due to the 1/2" bending I assume). But it is acceptable (if you dont mind cursing :).
The windshield has the newer Plastic knobs whiich make it much easier to loosen and tighten by hand. One thing you should do is make sure the pivot/hinge screws are tight enough to allow you to slide the bracket up and down when knobs are loosened, BUT not loose so that the shield vibrates and possibly pivot back. Their manual says they set it at the factory at proper torque but that was not the case. Test them.
Once in place I took it for a highway spin to 90 miles an hour and some crazy crosswinds. It remained where I set it, and I didn't see or hear any vibrations. Does it cut the wind? I adjusted it high enough so I can see over the shield and yes it makes a difference. Its easy to move the shield to any position.
Overall it is worth having but I just wish they have better documentation. Also the brackets have their sharp edges pointed at the rider. If you crash forward they could be a hazard. Maybe they should supply with some plastic sheath to cover them.
The mounting instructions are not as clear as I would have liked. (Pictures or better diagrams would have helped). I chose the default (middle) mounting position which is probably the best for stock Vee shield.
It took me a little more than 45 minutes to install and a bit of cursing. The main problem was the brackets screw holes did not line up by 1/2" to the stock windshield holes. I had to bend the windshield horizontally to line them up. It was a pain in the neck and there could be a chance of scratches or snapping the shield. Also, I bolted the wrong holes on the windshield and had to remove them and do it again so I could fit the external stock plastic brackets.
The external plastic brackets are the last thing you put on. They don't hug the shield properly (due to the 1/2" bending I assume). But it is acceptable (if you dont mind cursing :).
The windshield has the newer Plastic knobs whiich make it much easier to loosen and tighten by hand. One thing you should do is make sure the pivot/hinge screws are tight enough to allow you to slide the bracket up and down when knobs are loosened, BUT not loose so that the shield vibrates and possibly pivot back. Their manual says they set it at the factory at proper torque but that was not the case. Test them.
Once in place I took it for a highway spin to 90 miles an hour and some crazy crosswinds. It remained where I set it, and I didn't see or hear any vibrations. Does it cut the wind? I adjusted it high enough so I can see over the shield and yes it makes a difference. Its easy to move the shield to any position.
Overall it is worth having but I just wish they have better documentation. Also the brackets have their sharp edges pointed at the rider. If you crash forward they could be a hazard. Maybe they should supply with some plastic sheath to cover them.