What Are Harley Davidson Windshields Made of

Buckle up for a thrilling ride through the materials that make Harley Davidson windshields so much more than meets the eye.

harley davidson windshields material

If you've ever wondered about the materials that Harley Davidson windshields are crafted from, you'll find it intriguing that these protective shields are not just about style but also about substance.

Imagine riding down the open road with a shield that not only offers clarity and durability but also stands up to the unexpected.

As you ponder the composition of these essential components of your bike, you may start to realize the intricate balance between functionality and design that goes into creating the ideal windshield for your Harley Davidson.

Key Takeaways

  • Harley Davidson windshields are commonly crafted from acrylic or polycarbonate materials.
  • Polycarbonate shields offer exceptional durability and impact resistance.
  • Acrylic shields have a glossy finish and superior scratch resistance.
  • Consider impact resistance and customization when choosing between acrylic and polycarbonate.

Materials Used in Harley Windshields

Harley-Davidson windshields are commonly crafted from either acrylic or polycarbonate materials, providing distinct advantages and characteristics for riders. Polycarbonate windshields are highly favored for their exceptional durability and impact resistance. These shields offer riders a reliable barrier against debris and weather elements, ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience. While polycarbonate windshields excel in toughness, they can be susceptible to yellowing over time due to exposure to UV rays.

On the other hand, acrylic windshields present riders with a glossy finish and superior scratch resistance compared to polycarbonate shields. The ability to repair scratches easily on acrylic windshields is a notable benefit for riders looking to maintain a flawless appearance. Additionally, acrylic windshields offer better UV resistance and come in a variety of color options, allowing riders to customize their Harley-Davidson to suit their style preferences while ensuring optimal protection on the road.

Acrylic Vs. Polycarbonate Comparison

In comparing acrylic and polycarbonate materials used in Harley Davidson windshields, it's essential to understand the distinct characteristics and advantages each type offers riders.

  1. Acrylic:
  • Acrylic windshields are shinier and offer a wide range of color options, allowing riders to customize their bikes according to their preferences.
  • Acrylic is easier to repair scratches, maintaining transparency over time, which is beneficial for long-term visibility while riding.
  1. Polycarbonate:
  • Polycarbonate windshields are approximately 30 times more impact-resistant than acrylic, providing enhanced protection against flying debris and potential accidents.
  • Polycarbonate windshields are commonly used in applications requiring superior durability, such as helmet face shields due to their exceptional impact resistance.

When choosing between acrylic and polycarbonate for your Harley Davidson windshield, consider the level of impact resistance needed and whether customization or long-term durability is a priority for your riding experience.

Harley Windshield Manufacturing Process

Utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, the production process for Harley windshields involves precision molding of cut shapes from either acrylic glass or polycarbonate. Acrylic windshields are typically made by molding cut shapes from an acrylic sheet under heat, ensuring optimal transparency and impact resistance. On the other hand, polycarbonate windshields are manufactured through the polycondensation of phosgene with aromatic diols, resulting in a material known for its mechanical damage resistance and strength. To enhance durability, some polycarbonate windshields are hardcoated to improve scratch resistance and longevity.

The manufacturing process for acrylic glass focuses on maintaining the material's excellent transparency, durability, and impact resistance. In contrast, the production of polycarbonate windshields emphasizes mechanical damage resistance and strength. By carefully molding and shaping these materials, Harley ensures that its windshields meet the high standards expected by riders seeking optimal clarity and protection on the road.

Benefits of Harley Davidson Windshield Materials

The choice of polycarbonate material for Harley Davidson windshields ensures riders benefit from unparalleled impact resistance and durability, essential for safeguarding against debris and harsh riding conditions. When you opt for a Harley Davidson windshield made of polycarbonate material, you can expect the following benefits:

  1. Superior Impact Resistance: Polycarbonate is highly resistant to impacts, offering excellent protection against flying debris and stones while riding.
  2. Exceptional Durability: The durability of polycarbonate windshields ensures that they can withstand the rigors of daily use and harsh weather conditions without easily cracking or breaking.
  3. Longevity: Compared to acrylic or glass windshields, polycarbonate windshields have a longer lifespan, providing you with a reliable and long-lasting windshield for your Harley Davidson motorcycle.
  4. Reliable Protection: With polycarbonate material, you can ride with confidence knowing that your windshield can effectively shield you from wind, bugs, and other elements, enhancing your overall riding experience.

Harley Windshield Material Selection Guide

Harley Davidson enthusiasts can optimize their riding experience by selecting the most suitable windshield material based on their specific needs and preferences. When considering windshield materials, two primary options are polycarbonate and acrylic.

Polycarbonate windshields, like those from National Cycle, provide exceptional impact resistance, being around 200 times stronger than acrylic counterparts. This durability is akin to the material's common usage in helmet face shields.

On the other hand, acrylic windshields are favored for their glossy finish and scratch resistance. However, they do fall short in impact resistance compared to polycarbonate. Given that Harley Davidson windshields prioritize durability and impact protection, polycarbonate stands out as a popular choice for rider safety.

Riders seeking a balance between aesthetics and durability may opt for acrylic, while those valuing robust protection against impacts may lean towards polycarbonate options for their Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to Harley Davidson windshields, the choice between acrylic and polycarbonate materials ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

While acrylic offers practicality and cost-effectiveness, polycarbonate provides superior impact resistance.

Both materials excel in visibility and protection, ensuring a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

So, whether you prioritize durability or clarity, Harley Davidson has the perfect windshield material for you. Choose wisely and ride on with confidence.

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