KymcoForum.com
Scooters - 125 to 300 => Downtown 300 => Topic started by: Nireen on September 16, 2017, 08:04:35 PM
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I don't know if I can do this but I want to trim of a couple of inches from my windshield so that if it rains I can see over it! As of now I can't and it is not good! Can this be done safely without the shield breaking apart?
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I think there was a member who did trim his down, though I'm not sure if it was here, or on another forum. it also may affect your insurance (if they know).
- Wolf
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it was on this forum Wolf,. and I will do that on my new wind-shield that is even with the top of my helmet,. went out for a short ride tonite after dark, OI-OI-OI-THE BUGS , could hardly see past the wind-shield with all the bugs on it, first time it was pitch black dark,,on this scooter,. it is over-cast pitch black,. and the head-lites are very good on the Piaggio BV350 low beam and high beam,. no matter how good this scooter is I still like my downtown, hope it gets fixed soon,
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I doubt it would affect insurance. I am afraid it will crack the whole shield. I had one shield I had cut and it ruined the whole thing! It is a real pain to drive if it rain's with it as it is now.
I think there was a member who did trim his down, though I'm not sure if it was here, or on another forum. it also may affect your insurance (if they know).
- Wolf
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Yes it can be done Nireen.
There are a few dozen youtube vids about it, & a few ways you can do it. Mostly measure twice, cut once, & tape the area you're cutting for a few different reasons.
How I'd approach it would depend on the windscreen. So far I've avoided the necessity of doing it, but if I really had no other options I wouldn't hesitate.
Worst case scenario..you destroy the screen and end up buying one in a better size.
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There is no other option for screen is there? I have the touring screen which is 3 inches to high.
quote author=Tromper link=topic=25098.msg178848#msg178848 date=1505632188]
Yes it can be done Nireen.
There are a few dozen youtube vids about it, & a few ways you can do it. Mostly measure twice, cut once, & tape the area you're cutting for a few different reasons.
How I'd approach it would depend on the windscreen. So far I've avoided the necessity of doing it, but if I really had no other options I wouldn't hesitate.
Worst case scenario..you destroy the screen and end up buying one in a better size.
[/quote]
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I'm not sure Nireen,
I know there are a couple out there vaguely but since I don't have, & never have had DT300 I really haven't looked into it too extensively.
I know there was a real tall Biondi, the stock one, & a Givi. Of these the Givi still looks to be available.
https://www.giviusa.com/my-motorcycle/kymco/downtown-125i-300i/d294st-windshield-detail (https://www.giviusa.com/my-motorcycle/kymco/downtown-125i-300i/d294st-windshield-detail)
Honestly not sure on all the measurements or if you can just use a shorter one and a laminar lip or something.
Far as cutting it down, & how, I'd be inclined to measure twice then mark it, take it off, clamp it down, tape it mark it and use a dremel. The sawzall version's quicker, but I don't have one, & control might be an issue depending on skill level. The person who used a jigsaw (hand held) with it on the bike did OK, but it was a thicker screen (no idea what you really have) so it was pretty stiff..
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YES this is the shield I have on now and it is to tall by about 3 to 4 inches. I am told not to use JigSaw! It may shatter it. A guy tells me here who I very much trust to use a heated knife of some sort. I don't know what this is but it is suppose to melt it of more than cut at it. Much less harsh in removing it. He will help me I think do this. He is a mechanic here. :)
I'm not sure Nireen,
I know there are a couple out there vaguely but since I don't have, & never have had DT300 I really haven't looked into it too extensively.
I know there was a real tall Biondi, the stock one, & a Givi. Of these the Givi still looks to be available.
https://www.giviusa.com/my-motorcycle/kymco/downtown-125i-300i/d294st-windshield-detail (https://www.giviusa.com/my-motorcycle/kymco/downtown-125i-300i/d294st-windshield-detail)
Honestly not sure on all the measurements or if you can just use a shorter one and a laminar lip or something.
Far as cutting it down, & how, I'd be inclined to measure twice then mark it, take it off, clamp it down, tape it mark it and use a dremel. The sawzall version's quicker, but I don't have one, & control might be an issue depending on skill level. The person who used a jigsaw (hand held) with it on the bike did OK, but it was a thicker screen (no idea what you really have) so it was pretty stiff..
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Our local plastic supplier use a hot wire, canus equiptment Co., the trick in using a jig saw is to keep the shield tight so it does not vibrate, and use a new fine tooth blade, wish me luck when I cut my shield, don goulet de dee for 82 years, how old is your nick name???
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Hi Kat. I have modified several wind screens with good luck. Here is how I did it. Main thing is NEVER try to cut a wind screen when it's cold. Should be at least room temp. I use a Dremel rotatory tool with a fine tooth , thin round saw blade. First I draw a line where I want to cut, with a fine point Sharpie. Second, I turn the Dremel up to full speed and grip it with both hands and rest my hands on the lower part of the screen. I cut from left to right, because I'm right handed. The trick is to hold the cutting tool very very steady and cut a section until I see the plastic starting to melt. Then withdraw the tool and let is cool and break off the residual , AFTER it's cooled and hardened. (If you touch the hot plastic it will stick to you fingers and burn you) Repeat these steps all the way across. Be sure to follow your line as closely as possible. Then third, using a hot iron, such as one found in a wood burning kit, run it over the fresh cut just enough to smooth the surface and then finish up with some fine sand paper. This method has worked well for me.
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Or if all fails, you can get this:
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Keep the blade moving too or it will melt the plastic causing all kinds of annoyances. Maybe even practice a bit first
Will your plastic supplier cut it for ya?
Our local plastic supplier use a hot wire, canus equiptment Co., the trick in using a jig saw is to keep the shield tight so it does not vibrate, and use a new fine tooth blade, wish me luck when I cut my shield, don goulet de dee for 82 years, how old is your nick name???
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This is great well the shield is with the boys at the garage and yeah he said he will put a fine blade and will make sure the shield is not vibrating and is secure. He is confident he can do it! Say prayers pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! :)
Hi Kat. I have modified several wind screens with good luck. Here is how I did it. Main thing is NEVER try to cut a wind screen when it's cold. Should be at least room temp. I use a Dremel rotatory tool with a fine tooth , thin round saw blade. First I draw a line where I want to cut, with a fine point Sharpie. Second, I turn the Dremel up to full speed and grip it with both hands and rest my hands on the lower part of the screen. I cut from left to right, because I'm right handed. The trick is to hold the cutting tool very very steady and cut a section until I see the plastic starting to melt. Then withdraw the tool and let is cool and break off the residual , AFTER it's cooled and hardened. (If you touch the hot plastic it will stick to you fingers and burn you) Repeat these steps all the way across. Be sure to follow your line as closely as possible. Then third, using a hot iron, such as one found in a wood burning kit, run it over the fresh cut just enough to smooth the surface and then finish up with some fine sand paper. This method has worked well for me.
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will know by the end of today! will let ya all know and show you :) pray please pray :D
Hi Kat. I have modified several wind screens with good luck. Here is how I did it. Main thing is NEVER try to cut a wind screen when it's cold. Should be at least room temp. I use a Dremel rotatory tool with a fine tooth , thin round saw blade. First I draw a line where I want to cut, with a fine point Sharpie. Second, I turn the Dremel up to full speed and grip it with both hands and rest my hands on the lower part of the screen. I cut from left to right, because I'm right handed. The trick is to hold the cutting tool very very steady and cut a section until I see the plastic starting to melt. Then withdraw the tool and let is cool and break off the residual , AFTER it's cooled and hardened. (If you touch the hot plastic it will stick to you fingers and burn you) Repeat these steps all the way across. Be sure to follow your line as closely as possible. Then third, using a hot iron, such as one found in a wood burning kit, run it over the fresh cut just enough to smooth the surface and then finish up with some fine sand paper. This method has worked well for me.
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thank you OLD TWO WHEELS, I switched from jig saw to dremel tool. and I cut the wind-shield took me about 1/2 hour, now time to polish the top edge.
would a solder iron work as good as a hot wood burning iron,.
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It will de dee if you have one that's got a round heated tip. I have an old electric soldering iron that has changeable tips. The tip I use has a 4 sided point and is about the size of Bic ball point. The trick is the slide the hot tip, (the rounded part) over the edge fast enough to keep it from melting a dip. Will have to repeat it several times to get rid if all the sharp stuff. Once all the melted plastic from the cutting has cooled, you can pop it off with your finger nail. It's like anything else you do, the more times you do it, the better it works. If you have an old scrap wind screen you could practice on, it might help. Good luck buddy
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Looks like you have this handled, not difficult, use a jigsaw fine blade. little edge conditioning needed after this.
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OMG he did an excellent job at trimming of 3 inches! I was so frigging nervous! Cause the last shield I owned some glass place ruined it!
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Thank goodness!
I've been pacing the room all night waiting for news of the screen and I've gone through a whole packet of cigarettes and I don't even smoke!
Rejoice!
;)
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OMG lmao!!!!!!!!
Thank goodness!
I've been pacing the room all night waiting for news of the screen and I've gone through a whole packet of cigarettes and I don't even smoke!
Rejoice!
;)
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Snorvey, you're a mess LOL I thought she'd attempt it herself and then do a U-tube video, Entitled , "How to screw up a perfectly good wind Screen." by Anonymous (Just joking around friends)
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LOL! my goodness! :P
Snorvey, you're a mess LOL I thought she'd attempt it herself and then do a U-tube video, Entitled , "How to screw up a perfectly good wind Screen." by Anonymous (Just joking around friends)
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I cut the windsheild with my dremel with a 3/4 " saw blade, filed it for a while then sand-paper, finished with # 600 grit,.
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Of course she never considered the easiest solution...Raising her nose.
Either by raising the whole Nireen with some shims, or just the nose itself.
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I am to humble for all that nose raising :) I would have to part way stand up. The thing was more than 3 inchs to tall. I just got back from my little 1000 km trip and boy did I enjoy the new view!! :)
Of course she never considered the easiest solution...Raising her nose.
Either by raising the whole Nireen with some shims, or just the nose itself.
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That's fine de dee, or you can sand it first and then run the hot iron over it and get a very smooth factory finish. Sounds like you did a good job, as is. As long as you are pleased. The problem with the jig saw thing is, even with very find teeth it causes vibration even with the anti-vibration plate pressed against the material and that can start a crack and leave marks where the plate rides. Can't beat a Dremel for cutting plastic.
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Looks good.
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Yeah very Happy with it! :)
Looks good.