700/750 Maxim-X Menu

Some thoughts about
Choosing a Windshield for Your Maxim-X


From time to time I'm asked what the best choice of windhsield is for the Maxim-X. Well, I really can't say that one particular one is "best" but I do have some thoughts that are worth considering if you're looking for a windshield and need some suggestions:

Choosing a Windshield for Your Maxim-X
1
Size Matters:
A large windshield will certainly protect you from the wind much better than a small windshield but that's not all there is to consider. A large windshield will have a horrible effect on your gas mileage no matter how you adjust it but more importantly, your "cool factor" is inversely proportional to the size of your windshield (ie. the bigger your windshield, the more you'll look like a weenie). On the other hand, a small windshield will provide very little wind protection. Many people have tried the common Spitfire windhield on their X and were disappointed.
2
Structural Concerns:
If you have a choice of a windshield with a frame or one without, I'd say that the one with a frame is the better choice. Framing provides additional strength. It will reduce windshield deflection at high speeds and you'll also be less likely to break the windshield with borderline impacts.
3
Cheap is Aggravating:
Be careful of budget windshields with frames. The frames are often made of cheap metal that corrodes way too easily. My own windshield has a frame that rusts with each rainfall and it's not something that's easily polished away. Whenever I see it, I wish I had something better.
4
More Mounts Are Better:
Choose a windshield that has more than two mounting points for stability. Windshields with only two mounting points (like the Spitfire) move around a lot more than they should. Some even shift position and that sort of thing can actually help cause a speed wobble at an inopportune time. If there's too much motion, you might also find that your windshield ends up wearing the chrome finish off your Maxim-X gauges.
5
Clear or Tinted:
If you've ever been on a Maxim-X with a windshield, you'll know that the seating position is such that you don't actually look through the windshield. Usually you end up looking just over the top edge so the windshield doesn't actually effect your line of sight. As such, it doesn't really matter whether the windshield is clear or tinted - that becomes a simple choice of aesthetics. You might prefer a clear windshield but personally, I think that a tinted windshield provides a better overall look for the Maxim-X. Have a look at the tinted windshield made & installed by another Maxim-X owner: Mike Becevel's Maxim-X
6
Scratch Resistant:
If you can find a windshield with scratch resistant material, do so. It's a good idea to spend the extra money because it doesn't take long to scratch up regular plastics. All it takes is a few impacts or some grit while you're washing, etc... It doesn't take much.
7
Contoured Base:
If you can find a windshield that curves in at the bottom to align better with the headlight, that always looks better from the side. 90% of the time people will see the side of your bike and there's nothing quite as out-of-place as the bottom edge of the windshield sticking out far ahead of the headlight. It looks silly when it's more pronounced.
8
Round or Square:
If you have a round headlight (which you probably do if your Maxim-X hasn't been modified), try to find a windshield with a round cutout for the headlight. Again, it looks better than a square cutout over a round headlight, but it will also help to prevent air from getting by where it shouldn't if the windshield fits into place better.
9
Handlebar Grip Protection:
If you're going to be doing a lot of cold weather riding, you should consider a windshield that's contoured such that part of it passes in front of the handlebar grips to deflect the air flow from your hands. Personally I don't like that look, but it's VERY effective in keeping your hands from freezing off in cold whether. The extra diversion of wind from the handlebar grips makes an astronomical difference.
10
Windshield Adjustment:
As far as adjusting goes.... install the windshield where it most effectively blocks wind from your face and body and then compromise. Tilt it backward as much as you can stand. The extra back-tilt will improve your gas mileage & performance considerably. Basically you should find the best balance between wind protection and gas mileage/performance. Remember not to tilt the windshield back so far that it rubs the gauges at high speed.

I'm almost certain that there are more things to consider when choosing a windshield for the Maxim-X. I'm bound to have overlooked something but these are the highlights and should at least help in the quest to source something good. Feel free to contact me with additional considerations to add to the list if you think of some that are missing.