Riding in the rain, vision issues. Suggestions?

[oldmopars]

Here in Western Washington the weather is changing and we are getting more rain. I love riding and don't mind the rain, but it is hard to see through the wind screen. I used normal Rain-x but the water just seems to sit there and not run off. I feel like I need a wiper. I have buffed out the plastic and it is clean and clear, just won't shed the water.
What do you all suggest?

 

[mcgovern61]

Misty rain does not roll off the windshield too well, only heavy down pours. Here is a thread on wipers:

viewtopic.php?p=14061#p14061

 

[detdrbuzzard]

you should be looking over the top of the windshield

 

[mcgovern61]

detdrbuzzard » Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:50 pm[/url]":3rmmgn50]
you should be looking over the top of the windshield

Not sure how that should work any better?? I look over my windshield and then my face shield gets clobbered!! At least behind my windshield I can still see through the face shield. When it is raining hard, I do not have any problems, it is that misty spray that is an issue. I would rather ride in a downpour than drizzle!!

 

[oldmopars]

Mine is rather tall and I would like to keep it original. Maybe my seat is lower, it's is custom.

 

[Winger 82]

mcgovern61 » Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:22 pm[/url]":2jfrhs53]

detdrbuzzard » Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:50 pm[/url]":2jfrhs53]
you should be looking over the top of the windshield

Not sure how that should work any better?? I look over my windshield and then my face shield gets clobbered!! At least behind my windshield I can still see through the face shield. When it is raining hard, I do not have any problems, it is that misty spray that is an issue. I would rather ride in a downpour than drizzle!!

Ditto on being able to look over the top of it. I get most of the rain up thru the fairing thru the opening where the forks are.

 

[zman]

There is a product called Rain B Gone that pilots use, it is safe for plastics but really for anything to work it`s best you need a smooth polished surface to start.
If you have a small airport nearby maybe you could talk to the ground crew or pilots and ask their opinion, maybe even get a free wipe with a product they use, if anyone needs to see out the windshields it is them.

 

[oldmopars]

Well I will try pledge and see how that does. This is all that is stopping me from riding in the rain, I just feel unsafe as is. If that does not work I will try some other aircraft products. I guess if that fails I will buy a used shield and cut it down for winter riding.

 

[dan filipi]

I have my shield a bit too high for riding in the rain.
I found when I rode Piper's bike (which has a lower shield) that in light rain I could look over the screen easy and the wind would blow the drops clear from my visor.
It was a good combination for me.

 

[AApple]

I use this stuff, and it works great to keep the rain off the shields, both wind, and face. Not cheap, but it seems to be the cat's meow, in my case... :good:


click on image for link

Also keeps the shields extremely clean, and clear....even fills in smaller scratches.

 

[slabghost]

After you've cleaned your shield cut an onion in half and wipe the cut side on the shield. Water will not seperate into drops but will sheet across making it easy to see.

 

[toytender01]

right after the tears stop flowing???? :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

 

[slabghost]

toytender01 » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:57 pm[/url]":lmfy8685]
right after the tears stop flowing???? :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

If your arms are too short to cut an onion in half. A potato will do the same thing. It was an old trick when I learned it over 30 years ago. :good:

 

[mcgovern61]

toytender01 » Tue Sep 03, 2013 10:57 pm[/url]":gq1rrori]
right after the tears stop flowing???? :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

Get um Bob!! :smilie_happy:

 

[bcassel]

You should be looking over the windshield by about 1 to 1 1/2 inches. The shield will create a wind pocket (vortex) and your faceshield will stay plenty dry. Also, drops on your face shield are very easy to see through, even if they get there.

I had a TALL shield on my 1100I and replaced it with a Cee Bailey factory height +2". I my eyes sit just over the shield and it works great. I ride in northern California, all year long. Only days I don't ride is when the tule fog sets in. Light rain, heavy rain, no problem.

 

[Ansimp]

Turtle Wax...I clean my helmet and face shield with it. I carry a small pill bottle full of it on all rides and just use it inside and out. Water beads off and the inside doesn't fog up as much. I use it on all the glass on my vehicles ( inside and out) with the same results and have been for over 30 years. Used their cutting compound on the screens on Dads 82 and the Rats Nest with great results. Less than $3 at Wal mart and I pay about $12 back in Oz..

 

[brianinpa]

mcgovern61 » Tue Sep 03, 2013 3:22 pm[/url]":2riq8cbb]

detdrbuzzard » Tue Sep 03, 2013 2:50 pm[/url]":2riq8cbb]
you should be looking over the top of the windshield

Not sure how that should work any better?? I look over my windshield and then my face shield gets clobbered!! At least behind my windshield I can still see through the face shield. When it is raining hard, I do not have any problems, it is that misty spray that is an issue. I would rather ride in a downpour than drizzle!!

I read an article by a windscreen maker that said any windscreen should not be taller than what you can see over while in a seated position. For safety reasons, if the windscreen gets splashed up, the rider still needs to be able to see to get stopped. It is just a matter of moving one's head a little to be able to see un-obstructed over the windscreen should that happen.

 

[backlander]

I'm fixing to take this curved one off and cut it down, if it screws it up, so be it, trying to see thru the corner distortion on curves is a killer anyway.

 

[Mike Smith]

Silicone spray the windshield. Nothing will stick to it.

 

[kerryb]

I cut my shield down to see over it and only use my helmet face shield when it rains. Plexus is a great help and my glove has a squeegee built into the back of the thumb, but the other trick is to turn your head slightly left and right. Persistence of vision keeps a picture in your brain just long enough to remember what was behind that water droplet for the next head position. Try it next time the rain is steady, actually works!