Your helmet may protect you from impact, but it cannot act as the primary barrier against incoming fog, dirt, dust or any harmful substance. You will have no option in this case other than using a high-quality windshield that blocks the adverse elements. When it comes to choosing one for Honda Goldwing 1800, you should try National Cycle VStream first.
Best Windshield for Honda 1800 Goldwing
Great Alternatives – Best GL1800 Windshield (GL1500 Added)
The windshield is one of the essential accessories on a touring bike since it blocks the wind. A good shield should not create turbulence in high-speed winds. With that in mind, here is a list of the best windshield for GL1880, with added alternatives. Our research helped us find out the right one for GL1500 too.
Best Overall – National Cycle VStream or Show Chrome 20-521
Premium Selection – Show Chrome 20-518 or RPM
Best Value – Slipstreamer S-267 or XMMT Windshield
Best Windshield for Honda 1500 Goldwing – Slipstreamer or National Cycle
Goldwing 1800 Windshield Air Vent Feature
The windshield air vent on the Goldwing 1800 is a simple but cleverly designed mechanism. This system provides fresh air to the rider’s helmet and face without disturbing the airflow over the windshield.
As a consequence, you’ll have better aerodynamics at highway speeds and reduced buffet wind pressure at low speeds like when parked or moving slowly in congested traffic.
The entire system functions from negative pressure created by air rushing through vents in front of the windshield and then under it at highway speeds. The air passing into channels behind plastic trim around the rear edges of side fairing panels at low speed helps complete the process.
Consider When Buying GL1800 Windshield
Windshield sizing largely determines its efficiency when you ride. It should match precisely to your motorbike so that it can fit well and block the wind. Do not forget that this is the main objective of buying a windshield. A height of 22 inches with a width of 26 inches is the ideal size for a GL1800 windshield.
Check if the mounting is easy enough. As long as the stock mounting points are convenient and require no professional assistance, the windshield is a good choice at this point.
The material, of course, is an essential point of consideration. Confirm whether the material is durable enough. Scratch resistance and fog or water repellency should be higher.
Anyway, acrylic plastic was the most common windshield material. But trends changed over time. Now, there exist far better materials. For instance, Lucite, known as Plexiglas, a modified aircraft acrylic – more durable and less weighty than regular acrylic. Several manufacturers, such as Show Chrome Accessories and Memphis Shades, use Lucite for their GL1800 windshields.
The latest material used for windshield manufacturing is Polycarbonate, used for many delicate purposes. Polycarbonate (PC) is a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic that is more flexible, durable, and transparent than the other two. VStream Windshield series from National Cycle is from the PC compound.
How much buffering a windshield can prevent is another point for judgment of its quality. So, do not get convinced only by the aesthetics, depend on the ability to avoid buffering, durability, transparency, and of course, the correct size.
Goldwing 1800 vs. Goldwing 1500
The GL1800 was introduced in 2001 to replace the GL1500, and its awesome success has made it a firm favorite ever since. It comes with a Dual Clutch Transmission system, On-Off ABS brakes, low-seat height for better comfort, more storage space via under-seat compartments, cruise control and external trunk bags. These machines are known for their dependability, comfort and versatility.
The GL1500 comes without saddlebags and fancy chrome plating. But it does come in red and white. The iconic bike is actually named after its 1500cc engine displacement making it just about mid-sized compared to other cruisers selling over 2,000 cc engines today.
How to Install a Windshield on Honda GL-1800?
First, you will need to get the windscreen. You can choose from three types; Quick-release mountable, Fixed mount, and Universal type.
The Quick-release mountable is the most common. The first step is to identify your bike’s mounting points by checking the owner’s manual or asking an expert who knows about these things.
After that, remove the fairings that block access and drill through those holes using machine screws of appropriate size. Ensure that you do not oversize as it may weaken the structure of your bike and cause it to fall apart.
Also, get matching nuts and washers to tighten it properly. You may need to use a low torque when tightening the screws so that it does not crack or damage the structure of your bike.
When all is done, fix the windscreen with nuts, washers and bolts and ensure they are tight enough to withstand strong winds while on the road.
Best Material for Motorcycle Windshield
There are many types of materials that can be used for creating a motorcycle shield. They include triplex glass, acrylic resin, Polycarbonate with impact modified styrene and last but not least, aircraft acrylic.
Among all these materials, it is amorphous Polycarbonate that provides you sufficient protection from external elements. It has a very low weight which does not affect the performance of your bike in any way.
In terms of style and functionality, it is better to go for a shield that has a large field of view so that you can easily see through it without having to turn your head even slightly.
How to Clean Motorcycle Windshield?
A dirty windshield not only reduces visibility but can also reduce the effectiveness of a rear-view mirror. Fortunately, cleaning a motorcycle windshield is an easy process if you know the best way to do it without damaging its surface.
The best way to clean a motorcycle windshield is by using special cleaners for this purpose. It is also essential to ensure that the method used for cleaning does not make scratches on the windshields.
One scratch on the motorcycle windshield can compromise its integrity, and it may not offer safety as needed when riding. It is therefore important to use a soft cloth when cleaning your windshields.
Using paper towels also avoids scratching. Use a substantial volume of water together with special cleaners designed for this purpose. Never use ammonia or alcohol-based detergents while cleaning the windshield. These cleaning liquids contain harsh chemicals that could damage your windshield over time.
Motorcycle Windshield Height Guide
The optimal height of your motorcycle windshield should be determined by the angle at which you want to see the road.
If you ride with feet flat down on the ground, then the windscreen should be positioned to level with your eyes when looking forward through it.
But if you ride with your knees bent, the windscreen should be positioned so that it is level with your eyes when looking forward through it from a seated position.
How to Solve the Windshield Buffering on Helmets?
Here’s what you can do to solve the buffering problem. Buy a helmet that has positive pressure ventilation, which directs air into the helmet instead of out. The other idea is to buy a helmet with an anti-buffeting chin bar that covers your face while keeping out as much wind as possible.
These can cost a bit more, but they help keep your head cool while riding in hot weather conditions. They also make the interior of the helmet feel better.
Concluding Remarks
We write to provide our readers with the information they need to make an informed purchase. Despite our extensive efforts, there is always a chance that we missed something. If you feel this is the case, please let us know in the comments section below.
Last update on 2022-06-20 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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