I know, windshields don't look good on a Meanie, but I'm planning to go that route for the 14 hr drive to Laconia this year. Looking at the Memphis shades Del Ray, which has been stated to be just about the best looking on a Meanie, but the problem arises as I have a VZ1600 headlight on my, what is now a Mean Streak, and the Del Ray is a 7" cut out. Has anyone shaved,trimmed, or cut a Memphis Shades windshield before? Was it done by a shop or by yourself, and what was used to cut it? I've been told to use a jig saw with a very fine metal cutting blade, and tape off the area well. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks:
Steve'O'

I cut a big (Memphis Shades) shield down in increments to figure out the Del Rey was the best size. Tape the windshied with the blue painters masking tape to keep from scratching it and use a slightly coarser blade than the sheet metal blade. The fine blade won't clear the chips and just kinda gums it's way thru. You'll be covering the cut with the black "split hose" that comes on the windshield.

Cutting acrylic is easy once you understand a few techniques. Google "Cutting Acrylic". You will find all the details and info you need.

In a nut shell:
1. tape the area with masking tape. Cover with the rest with paper and tape to protect it.
2. mark what you want to cut on tape with a pencil first. Use a black sharpie after you get the pencil line right.
3. Use a narrow, fine tooth jig saw, band saw, scroll saw or hand held coping saw to cut just up to the black line.
4. Use a half round file to smooth the cut line and get the flats flat and the curves smooth.
5. Scrap the cut area edge with the BACK of a hacksaw blade to smooth out the file marks (It's easy).
6. BE CAREFUL NOT TO SCRATCH ANY PART OF THE SHIELD.

I also built new aluminum brackets that angle the shield back another 15 degrees. The steeper angle of the shield smoothed out the buffeting without having to add lowers.

Did the incresaed angle fix the buffeting or is it the huge gap you have between the headlight shell and shield? I've only got an 1/8" gap between my shield and headlight. I've got a Del Rey and it still buffets some but much less than the bigger shields. Might have to try moving it up away from the headlight.

I ride shieldless 90% of the time but I'm not a true enough biker (maybe just smarter ?) that I won't go on a touring trip w/out a windshield attached.

Originally Posted by Tom_E

Did the incresaed angle fix the buffeting or is it the huge gap you have between the headlight shell and shield? I've only got an 1/8" gap between my shield and headlight. I've got a Del Rey and it still buffets some but much less than the bigger shields. Might have to try moving it up away from the headlight.

It pretty much eliminated the buffeting. I get the feel of the wind in my face without the pressure. The faster I go the the smoother the air flow is.


I have a Alley Cat that I did first and an extra set of the custom brackets that I will sell to you or anyone interested. The shield is in like new condition. I don't have extra hardware. You would use the fork clamps and hardware you have. It was only on the bike a week before I bought the Big Shot shield and modified it to look like the Alley Cat. I am 6' 2" and the Alley Cat was just a bit short. If you are 5' 11" or less the Alley Cat is a good height with my angled brackets.

I would take $100 for the shield and the brackets.

Hey Steve, here's some pictures of my Del Rey on my Meanie. I took them in the garage so they're not the greatest.

The Del Rey is designed with a 7" opening and the Maurader headlight is larger than that. I pulled off the rubber trim and opened the lower 2" of the opening about a 1/2" on each side. I used a band saw. I gave it a quick sanding and put the rubber trim back on. Looks great now.

Originally Posted by carvedup

It pretty much eliminated the buffeting. I get the feel of the wind in my face without the pressure. The faster I go the the smoother the air flow is.


I have a Alley Cat that I did first and an extra set of the custom brackets that I will sell to you or anyone interested. The shield is in like new condition. I don't have extra hardware. You would use the fork clamps and hardware you have. It was only on the bike a week before I bought the Big Shot shield and modified it to look like the Alley Cat. I am 6' 2" and the Alley Cat was just a bit short. If you are 5' 11" or less the Alley Cat is a good height with my angled brackets.

I would take $100 for the shield and the brackets.

Sending you an email; I'm interested in the shield & brackets you mentioned (if you still have them).