My windshield has not worked since I bought my ST 4 years ago. I am afraid to go dig into it. I know there are broken pieces in there as I have taken the tupperware off. I guess this thread has reminded me to keep checking e bay. I would love to purchase a whole new mechanism and pop it in. Mine makes noise when I put the button but tracks and cables appear broken. If one is for sale please don't hesitate to pm me!!! nudge nudge.
There are six major areas these windshields fail. I'll try to put them in order on most occurrences:
1. The stripped gear: one side or the other of the windshield doesn't go up or down at the same time the other side does.
2. One of the cables strip: one side or the other of the windshield doesn't go up or down at the same time the other side does.
Note: for #1 & #2, you don't know until you tear it apart, even then you need to know what you are looking at to be able to tell.
3. The Up or Down sensor goes bad. Usually the windshield doesn't stop when it's going up or down.
Note: To test, (with the front, under the windshield, cowl off), when the windshield is going up, press on the top switch and going down, press the bottom switch. If pressing either of the switches doesn't stop it, you got a problem. Sometimes the switch is out of place and just needs to be relocated in its proper location.
4. The Up or Down relay goes bad. Usually the windshield doesn't go up or it doesn't go down.
Note: To test the relays, just swap them out, they are identical.
5. The windshield is jerking up or down or both. Probably dirty!
6. One of the "Dogs" (since this term was used someplace and it's as good as any) breaks and one side of the windshield doesn't go up or down.
Note: This is usually what you find when you experience a crash and the windshield gets torqued. There are two little attached pieces to the "dogs" that get broken off. Since they are attached to the cables, there is no fixing the dogs. You can, however replace them if you find a "good dog" that is on a stripped cable. This is how I fixed one, once.
Okay so now for the bad news of you that are looking for a "cheap" replacement!
It's not out there!
A "good" used unit will sale usually between $150 and $200 (you might not know it's bad until after you get it and tear into it).
A bad/broken unit can go for $50 to $150, depending on the person selling it. and what's wrong with it.
I have been watching ebay for parts for a long time and yes, i have gotten burned at times. (I recently picked up some "great condition 05 mirror covers with two turnsignals and wires" The wires were missing and only one of the covers were, what I would call marginal. I contacted the guy and he said he would refund me $20 out of the $50. I told him $30 or I would send them back to him at his cost! Yes, I was a bit pissed...and so it happens on ebay, but this also happens on the forum.
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I have been buying a few of the "cheaper" (by cost) windshields I see on ebay, so I can fix up a couple for my bikes. With the miles I have been putting on these bikes, having an good (refurbished) one on hand never hurts. And don't forget, I have two bikes that still will need them, once I get around to restoring them.
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