Higher Speeds with W5

It would be fairly easy to make replacement lenses. A couple of forms could be made in two peaces for each right and left lenses to sandwich Lexan between them. Electric heating elements in the forms would heat the lexan causing it to become very pliable. First thing to do is cut the lexan to the exact size required. The forms should already be hot before inserting the lexan between them. As the lexan softens it will conform to the shape of the forms. After the lexan has attained it's desired shape between the forms power is disconnected from the forms and allowed to cool. If producing many lenses a form should be made to lay the still hot lexan lenses on while they cool so they do not deform. Today clear lenses with coloured bulbs are popular so you could leave the lenses clear. This would allow switching to dual colour LED 1157 bulbs that glow amber and flash white when signalling a turn. Alternately yellow tint vinyl film can be applied to simulate the lost lenses. Here is a link to a pdf file that details how to work with lexan.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...hmdd-nKPUV_iUjLog&sig2=-RsnVBDjpbGoSkfFsWAftQ
 
Daddyo said:
I have a W5 on a Harley-Davidson Vrod, and it's been, once, to just a touch over 150mph. It does tho spend a lot of time between 80 and 110, and goes to 130+ almost every day on empty stretches of Rt 66. Short time only. It's spent quite a bit of time at 110-120, I've had no problems whatsoever at those speeds.

There are these alterations from original Windjammer design that might have an effect:
The windshield is cut down quite a bit, to where the wind blast is just at the top of my head. Several inches were cut off.
The fairing is mounted in a laid back position from what C Vetter recomends. That is, the rear of the bottom flat is considerably lower than the front of the bottom flat.
That was needed to clear engine/frame/etc.

But I can say, that in the configuration it's in, the wind/rain protection is very, very good.
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Yes pictures please, I would also guess the windshield angle is almost parallel with the front forks , that's the best for looks
 
my bike is somewhat long, (Suzuki GS 1000 G) but I've never noticed it getting light in the front, we have 70 mph speed limit here on our interstate (I-77) if you don't go 75-80 you might get ran over. I've had mine up to 90 and didn't notice. Hope you get it all figured out.
 
Interesting to read your responses. I hope Craig includes aerodynamic testing of the Windjammer in his book. Did he use a wind tunnel or did he have testers running up the speed to see what happens above certain levels? All interesting to me. Mike
 
Daddyo said:
I'll add this warning to Vetter owners:
I read several years ago on C vetters website that the turn signal lenses were starting to come unglued, so better check yours.
I kind of forgot about it but today I pulled into a parking lot and was backing into my spot when my right hand cover fell to the ground. Just good fortune that it didn't come off on my 30 mile ride to town and break up on the hiway.
So I bought a tube of windshield adhesive/sealant, and took the left hand lens off (easily), cleaned the still soft mounting putty out of the groove, took off the double sided tape from the leading edge, and put a bead of the windshield sealant into the groove, plus a large bead at the front where the tape had been.

The windshield sealant I used was 3M, a large cauking gun tube @ $22.00, mo better than trying to find a lens I figgure.

Just a word to the wise. Hate to have to try and find a replacement. Check yours : )
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I kept this at the back of my mind recently.
Just as well, because I prodded a turn signal cover today and it fell off into my hand. It would have been lost on the next ride out, for sure. It's handy in a way, because it gives me an easy way to clean the reflector surfaces before the covers go back on for another 35 years.
 
I have a Windjammer SS with IV lowers on a 80 GL 1100. I don't know how fast it really goes as the speedometer only goes to 85. I have had it past 6000 rpm's and it ran up there quite nicely and did not seem light as I recall. That was quite a few years ago and today my need for speed has sort of out grown it self. I remember using the tachometer reading to get me the speeds after 85 but don't remember them now, only seem to recall that 100 mph was quite easy to obtain.
 
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