Clearview XXL Screen

[matrixviking]

As kind of an FYI to everyone, I originally wrote the first part of this review after I initially purchased the screen. Since then, I’ve had some issues dealing with the after-purchase end of things. So herewith a modified review of the Clearview XXL:

A lot has been said all over the forums regarding the Clearview windscreens as a replacement for the stock screen supplied by Suzuki.

The problem I encountered with the stock screen is that at highways speeds, the wind invariably blew directly to my helmet face. While it didn't bother my head/neck any, the noise was annoying.

So after reading various praises, and checking with John at Clearview, we felt that an XXL was best for my size. You have an option for a vent, and I highly recommend it for two reasons, (1) Because the screen is so much bigger, there's more pressure coming around the back and the screen can wobble a bit. Open the vent a notch (there are 4 or 5) eases the pressure and helps the screen to settle down. (2) When the hot days arrive, that vent will help keep you cool.

The screen arrives in a large box with LOTS of padding to protect the screen and has an easily removeable film to protect from casual scratches.

There are very clear instructions on how to remove the old screen and how to attach the new one and it took less than 15 minutes all told. The best part is that you only need a phillips screwdriver to remove the old screen and attach the new one. Do read the instructions *thoroughly* When I first attached it, I did what any normal male does when screwing something in; tighten it down, then give it a bit more. Clearview's instructions specifically state to only tighten it down 4 1/4 turns total (they recommend you mark a point on your screwdriver and count from there). When I saw that, I immeidately back the screws completely off, then tightned them per their instructions. I believe Pauljo stated in my thread in the Aftermarket area that there have been issues with cracked windscreens and quite psosibly this is the reason for it; men being men. *grins*

The first thing I noticed on the highway was the lack of noise. It was soooo much quieter on the road with that big screen, that I didn't regret the purchase at that time.

You can find some info at http://www.clearviewshields.com/index.htm

Best thing to do is send an email that's in the contact area, explain your bike make and model, your height/inseam and ask them what they recommend. They'll send an email back with pictured examples and price ranges.

Mine took about 3 weeks from date of order to be shipped (and had been told two, not a big deal) and it arrived within 3 business days after it was shipped. Others have commented longer wait times, and others, shorter. The main thing is; be patient and keep after them in a polite manner. If you're nice, they'll respond better to that.

I don't know about other folks, but I don't like sending CC info over email, so I attempted to call them to get things set up. It took a few tries, plus a couple of emails to get through (I also don't like leaving messages with my phone # and have them call back. I never know when I'm going to be in or out and hate playing phone tag) and the experience was painless.

ADDENDUM:

So…now that the honeymoon is now officially over, I have a couple of observations to make regarding the Cleaview screens since the initial purchase.

1) If you’re like me and live in an area that rains a lot, make sure that when you measure for the screen, you leave enough room to see the pavement without looking through the screen. I found that when it rained heavily and I had my helmet visor down and was looking through the screen that my vision was severely impaired. And no matter that the Clearview had Rain-X on it and the helmet visor was treated with Honda Polisher (which works just as well as Rain-X, believe you me), my vision was, suffice it to say, limited to the point that I was a danger to myself and to others on the road. Nothing in the emailed brochure (at that time) warned me of this. Being a new rider, I trusted that Clearview would give me good advice. But riding, I found that I was in danger of a possible accident.

2) Don’t use a rubber squeegee to clean off frost or excess water. Use a soft towel instead (in the case of water. Otherwise, just let the frost come off on its own). I had scratched on the screen as a result of this.

I’ve since tried to get Clearview to swap out for a smaller screen, both because of the bad recommendation for the size of the screen and their lack of education regarding the use of squeegees and the best I got was (verbatim), “I’m sorry, but since you’re outside the 30-day return policy, we can’t exchange the screen for you, but we’ll offer 10% off the next screen.” The screen has to be shipped back with the original protective covering within 30 days of receipt of the shield.

Now lest anyone think I’m totally off my rocker, let me just say this: I’m a relatively new rider. Before I bought my Burg, I’d not been on a bike in over 20 years, so for all intents and purpopses, I’m new. Therefore, I tend to trust those who seem to know what they’re talking about.

In fact, their website specifically states: “We have very knowledgable people ready to help you find exactly what you need. They will point out many important factors you may never have thought of, and will guide you in creating the right motorcycle windshield for you. When you call or email us, you will find that we will ask you most of the questions.”

Gee, where were the questions and education when I was buying my screen, folks?

In some ways, I blame myself for not thinking about asking about stuff like shield height and whether a squeegee is safe or not. In some ways, I don't since I was still relatively new to riding and trusted their opinions.

However, do I recommend this screen now that I’m “older and wiser”? No, not anymore. They seem to follow the usual attitude of companies that once they’ve got your money, they’re not going to let go or provide customer service.

In the meanwhile, I’m going to see if I can get the scratches out using Novus stuff and maybe see about getting the screen cut down a couple of inches, which was Clearview's recommendation.

(Final note: Novus works pretty well for scratch removal. That's something, at least)