Cleaning the Windshield

[trigger12]

Hello Friends,

I have a question about cleaning the windshield:
We really enjoy riding our '93 Voyager. since buying it a few months ago.

Over the years I've used a homemade mixture of rubbing alcohol/distilled water/ammonia for cleaning, and toothpaste with a polishing buff soaked in water for polishing. This was for the plastic headlight lenses, plastic soft top windows, and plexiglass machine guarding. However, I think my methods may be a little harsh for the Voyager windshield. It looks great for a 23 year old windshield, but I would like to make it look better if I can, or maintain its looks.


1. What is the best cleaner for the windshield?
2. What is the best polish for removing very light scratches?


Thanks in advance.

[Me Again]

Hello Friends,

I have a question about cleaning the windshield:
We really enjoy riding our '93 Voyager. since buying it a few months ago.

Over the years I've used a homemade mixture of rubbing alcohol/distilled water/ammonia for cleaning, and toothpaste with a polishing buff soaked in water for polishing. This was for the plastic headlight lenses, plastic soft top windows, and plexiglass machine guarding. However, I think my methods may be a little harsh for the Voyager windshield. It looks great for a 23 year old windshield, but I would like to make it look better if I can, or maintain its looks.
1. What is the best cleaner for the windshield?
2. What is the best polish for removing very light scratches?


Thanks in advance.

First let me say you could be opening a can of worms with this question.LOL
Second , you don't want to be using alcohol or ammonia on a plastic windshield
As far as light scratches you could use any of those headlight cleaners,I had good luck with a badly scratched windshield , but I replaced it the following year
The polish you use for the rest of the bike should work on the windshield.Once you get a good coating on it the bugs and whatever else you get on your windshield will come off much easier.
Personally I avoid polish that is petroleum.based as it is harder to polish and may leave streaks .Oh and do not ever use RainX on a plastic windshield.
Just as important is what you use to do the polishing.Don't use your wife's dish towels ,the fiber in many of those will scratch the surface.A good quality micro fiber cloth or well worn cheese cloth are soft enough not to damage all your hard work .
You may have noticed I did not use brand names (except the RainX).Some will say only motorcycle specific .or maybe off the shelf at wallymart ,or even furniture polish .
Find one that fits your taste for luster and ease and enjoy the view .

[SgtSlag]

For cleaning, I only use Lemon Pledge. My old church had an acrylic podium; the only thing they used on this podium, was Lemon Pledge. It will remove wax/crayons, bug goo, and a lot of other things. It has not damaged my windshields yet. I swear by it, for cleaning plastics, as it leaves no residue. It WILL remove any car wax applied, as well. Be aware.

I've read that hydrogen peroxide, applied liberally, to bug guts, and allowed to soak for a few minutes, will soften them, and remove them easily. Haven't tried it yet, but will soon. The Pledge works, but it takes a bit of elbow grease, and usually a couple of applications.

I use cheap microfiber towels, never had a scratch from them. Just be sure they have not picked up any grit -- that would scratch your plastic.

For removing small scratches, I've used the Novus plastic products with decent results. It's made specifically for plastics, so I'd recommend that. Cheers!

[cushman eagle]

I have used Plexus on my windshields since I had my GS1100GK ,and have been happy with the results.

[Lance McCaw]

I use novus ! Number 2 fine scratch remover ! Found at JP cycle or maybe bikes shops. This stuff is awesome on my windshield.

[triton28]

I have been using Novus #2 and #3 on MC windscreens and on the clear poly Isinglass of my boat dodger. It works on plastic lenses as well.
For deeper weathering/abrasions, I start with #1 Novus, follow with #2 and then polish with #3.

Dave

[Mr Jensee]

I agree with the Novus #2 and 3, I have used both. Never used Lemon Pledge but if it works. I have used the Hydrogen Peroxide on my Clearview windshield without any problems. I suggest that if you have a lot of bug bodies on the windshield, Spray liberally with the peroxide and then place a soaking wet towel over the windshield for a few minutes, remove then wipe with a microfiber cloth. Then there is no chance of scratching.

[trigger12]

First let me say you could be opening a can of worms with this question.LOL

[/quote]


Looks like there is no can of worms here...unlike tire threads or DYN vs SYN oil threads. The biggest issue is how headlights from oncoming cars hit my windshield at the correct angle and show up all the fine scratches.

Nothing to work on today and it's raining, so I'm off to get cleaning supplies.


Again, Thanks all for the guidance.

[Tonyvdb]

I agree with using lemon pledge as it leaves no residue and drys compleatly clear. I keep some with the bike at all times along with microfibre rags

[tregal16]

Lemon pledge is what I use also (even the cheap walmart stuff works great)

[FBT]

Here I am thinking I had some genius secret method with the Lemon Pledge. It really does the best of anything I've tried.

[Scottals]

I also have been using Novus 2 and 3 for my 87, but, looks like I am on the way to the store for the Lemon Pledge.

[Scottals]

I had to removed the parking pass from the windshield, the sticker came off but the glue did not. I have used a hair dryer in the past but not sure if your suggestions would be the same.

Thanks

[SgtSlag]

I got a bottle of Detachol, used to remove tape glue from patients' skin, in hospitals. [NOTE: look towards the bottom, for the "new and used", entry, where you can get it for <$11 (plus S/H) for the 4 oz. bottle. It works with a cotton ball. You will want to wash with soap and water, to remove the residue, afterwards, but it won't harm anything. Cheers!

Oops! One reviewer claims that Detachol is just odorless mineral spirits + scent + dye. For $5, you can get a large can at your local hardware store... Try it on part of the windshield, below the chrome piece, to see if it damages it, first.

[trigger12]

Just an update: I borrowed a can of turnout polish from my wife. It was an off brand, but it worked great.

Next...off to work on the fine scratches.

[EZdriver]

I'm an aircraft technician and have built several airplanes from scratch (pun). They all had bubble Plexi canopies. First, NEVER use ammonia on Plexiglass. It will etch the surface. Plexus is nothing but Pledge re-labeled. As was said, Lemon Pledge will work all over your bike, leaving lemon oil on the surface that hides some scratches. Also, it's got an anti-static agent that repels dust. Due to the oil left on the surface, the bugs come off EZ. For polishing, use Flitz polish. It will take out scratches in your paint, polish anything, and has NO abrasives. It's like magic. For polishing your chrome, use aluminum foil and water. Magic.

[trigger12]

Just an update. I've been using a knock off of Lemon Pledge on the windshield and plastic dash parts. It's working great. I just tried out some Bovus 2 on some scratches that only show up at night, when oncoming headlights shine on it. So far, it looks promising.
BTW: I tried out leather cleaner/conditioner on the seat & back rest. No more Armor-All for me.

[krasmu]

I used Lemon Pledge on mine before going on an 800 mile ride that had rain expected. I'll say it went on great and the rain ran up and off the windshield in nice streaks. The only problem I had all weekend with it was, in the early mornings when it was in the low 40 degrees, if we were riding in the shade of the woods, the windshield and mirrors fogged up on me. They would clear as soon as I hit a sunny spot but then fog over again once I hit shade. has anyone ever experienced this before? did I not get it wiped back well enough? or is this something that the pledge does.

[voyager55]

I use plain old Hot water to get rid of bugs & clean my windshield. Works for me

[Dnjiemor]

Excellent tips people. Appreciate them.