MadStad GL1500 Windshield

[chads920]

I purchased and installed a MadStad windshield and I LIKE IT! Ran my Trike up to a sustained 80 mph on I-10 to test it, made one adjustment to the height and with the angle at 60 deg I experienced no buffeting. I went on a ride with my wife and she said she was comfortable so.... it has performed as advertised and money well spent IMO.

[WingAdmin]

I'm curious to know how it does in rain, being that it lifts away from the fairing a bit to let air in behind the windshield from the bottom. Does rain come up through there as well, as a result?
AZGl1800 loves his on his GL1800 as well: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=41967

[RockportDave]

I purchased and installed a MadStad windshield and I LIKE IT! Ran my Trike up to a sustained 80 mph on I-10 to test it, made one adjustment to the height and with the angle at 60 deg I experienced no buffeting. I went on a ride with my wife and she said she was comfortable so.... it has performed as advertised and money well spent IMO.

I have been pondering the MadStad for my 1500. Did you purchase it per their height recommendations?
I see one in my near future. I want the clear or light gray.
Dave

[chads920]

I haven't ridden in the rain as yet (in AZ for the Winter) but that was one of the reasons for purchasing this windshield. I got caught in a down pour in Ontario while on the Military Police ride across Canada. I had to stand up as I could not see and that is something I don't want to do again. One thing I didn't mention is the buffeting associated with heavy vehicles passing or being passed. There was a noticeable reduction in the 'wind dam' and its negative affect, which is a good thing.
The height options available are related to your height and your riding position (do your normally sit up or do your slump). I opted for the taller config as I'm 6'2". The shield when installed and at the lowest possible position allowed me to see over to about 50 ft in front but I found that at speed (70-80mph) I was being buffeted. I raised the shield about 1" and that resolved the buffeting but moved my sight line out to about 100 ft (approx.) requiring me to sit up to see over (which I should be doing anyway right). I may lower the shield 1/2" and see what happens. This ability to adjust the shield by slop and height is great as you can do so in relation to the riding conditions.
There is about 3" of vertical adjustment from BDC so possibly I could have taken the shorted shield.
I ordered the light gray tint and I like it as it works with my half visor which is also a gray.

[RockportDave]

Thanks for the info. I was looking at them last week online after reading AZgl1800’s write up.
Now, after reading you have it on a 1500 and like it, I will be getting one. I like the ability to look over the windshield and it has less turbulence on the passenger. We ride 2up most of the time and the wife has mentioned the buffeting she gets.
Dave

[Mountain rider]

Madstads are awesome. After AZgl1800's glowing reviews on its performance, and the fact I needed a new windshield anyway, I put one on my 1800. My first trip with it was 1800 miles, and those were 1800 a lot more pleasant miles than with the stock shield. As to rain, the wind being deflected up the angled wind screen pretty much carries most of the rain over the top of your helmet. What rain gets to your face shield gets blown off for the most part, and what is left is easily wiped away. Your view of the road remains far clearer. Night vision is much better as well, with no oncoming headlights reflecting off the scratches or rain drops on a taller shield.

The other bonus I've found is the Madstad base creates a great mounting location for accessories. Rather than hanging stuff all over the handle bars, I can use RAM mounts attached to the back of the base for things like my Sat radio and antenna, GPS, and Cell phone. They're a bit more protected from the wind and elements, and leaves the cockpit area a little less cluttered.

[AZgl1800]

and I still stand behind my words.
The Madstad is the single best purchase I have made for my 1800

just wish I had done it for my '98SE when I had it.

just about negates the trucks pushing you sideways.

[RockportDave]

I just ordered a Madstad 12” in light gray. I’m 5’9” so I fell in the 12” high slot. I want to be able to see over the top. I opted for the light gray over the clear to help cut down on glare (as advertised). We ride at night a lot, so I didn’t want too dark.
One of the nice things about the Madstad is replacement shields are only $130, so if I want a different height or color, they are available.
Thanks all for the reviews.
Dave

[C-dub]

On my our last ride around the North Texas countryside my wife complained more about buffeting than any other time. I think a large factor in that ride was that for at least 100 miles we were riding into a significant headwind. Then we had a crosswind hitting us for another 30 miles.

Having just ordered a hitch and centramatic balancers that I'll have installed next month I think we'll get at least one more trip, which we already have planned for April, before I make any decision on a shield. I do like all the reviews here and elsewhere on the Madstad and will probably go with that.

I think I will get a dark shield. I do like to look over it and after RockportDave's comment about replacement shields being only $130 I may also get a clear one after a bit if I don't like it or just because. I have the black/charcoal 2016 and think the dark shield might look really good on it. Just about the only time I ride at night is when going to or from work depending on which day it is and since I normally look over the shield the dark one shouldn't be an issue. I might only have it raised up high enough to look through on really bright sunny days to decrease the glare on the instruments or display, but then I also might be a bit warm and want it down to get some air flow. Oh, so many options.

Other than a Full or Mega Monty I think the only other relatively simple modification might be to get the Kury transformer rear foot boards for my wife before getting a Madstad. Depending on how our next trip or two go I can see having one by the end of this year. Maybe for Christmas?

[Mh434]

If anyone has a link to find Madstad windscreens for GL1500's, perhaps they could post it. Madtsad's website lists models for everything BUT the GL1500, and they appear to be very model-specific. Or, are users buying GL1800 or GL1200 ones and modifying them somehow?

[RockportDave]

If anyone has a link to find Madstad windscreens for GL1500's, perhaps they could post it. Madtsad's website lists models for everything BUT the GL1500, and they appear to be very model-specific. Or, are users buying GL1800 or GL1200 ones and modifying them somehow?

I purchased mine through Cyclemax. They don’t stock them, but do sell them at close to the price of MadStad.
https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1500 ... /86/332249
Dave

[AZgl1800]

My discussions with the owner of Madstad ( whom I have forgotten his name )
told me that all of their windscreens are custom made to order,
therefore, it will be rare for a vendor to stock one.

There are many options, and the different pieces have to be selected to make your order.

As I mentioned before, the best money I have ever spent on a motorcycle.

[Mountain rider]

I know the they carry nothing for the 1200's, as to the 1500's, they may not be listed, but a call to Madstad should get you taken care of. The communications I had with them were friendly and helpful, and any time I left a message, their replies were prompt. support@madstad.com, 352-848-3646

[wsunate]

I have a Firecreek Windbender shield that looks quite similar in design to the MadStad with the additional feature of electric vertical adjustment. One of the top three best additions I have put on the bike. I like the vertical adjustment because in heavier rain, I find it better to have a little more shield up to deflect the rain over the air pocket. Also, heavier bugs tend to go through the air pocket and into your face shield. However, that being said, I've found I can easily ride with my faceshield up most of the time to get some fresh air. Super nice at night not looking through a windshield which can distort things a little. The turbulence in the cockpit is all but gone and I can see over the shield...love it!

[Evilrick]

If anyone has a link to find Madstad windscreens for GL1500's, perhaps they could post it. Madtsad's website lists models for everything BUT the GL1500, and they appear to be very model-specific. Or, are users buying GL1800 or GL1200 ones and modifying them somehow?

Cyclemax has the best price for the windshield.

[AZgl1800]

If anyone has a link to find Madstad windscreens for GL1500's, perhaps they could post it. Madtsad's website lists models for everything BUT the GL1500, and they appear to be very model-specific. Or, are users buying GL1800 or GL1200 ones and modifying them somehow?

Cyclemax has the best price for the windshield.

https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1500 ... eld/332249

[BlueThunder]

I'm curious to know how it does in rain, being that it lifts away from the fairing a bit to let air in behind the windshield from the bottom. Does rain come up through there as well, as a result?
AZGl1800 loves his on his GL1800 as well: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=41967

Works great in the rain. Most of the water goes over your head by the air stream. I would suggest edge molding over the very top of the screen. Otherwise droplets hit you smack in the faceshield.

[C-dub]

I'm curious to know how it does in rain, being that it lifts away from the fairing a bit to let air in behind the windshield from the bottom. Does rain come up through there as well, as a result?
AZGl1800 loves his on his GL1800 as well: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=41967

Works great in the rain. Most of the water goes over your head by the air stream. I would suggest edge molding over the very top of the screen. Otherwise droplets hit you smack in the faceshield.

Have you tried edge molding? Does it do what you suggest? If you have installed edge molding, I guess it doesn't interfere with the general air flow dynamics, does it?

[BlueThunder]

I'm curious to know how it does in rain, being that it lifts away from the fairing a bit to let air in behind the windshield from the bottom. Does rain come up through there as well, as a result?
AZGl1800 loves his on his GL1800 as well: viewtopic.php?f=18&t=41967

Works great in the rain. Most of the water goes over your head by the air stream. I would suggest edge molding over the very top of the screen. Otherwise droplets hit you smack in the faceshield.

Have you tried edge molding? Does it do what you suggest? If you have installed edge molding, I guess it doesn't interfere with the general air flow dynamics, does it?

Edge molding, like the stuff one puts on car door edges to prevent scratches, works perfectly. I prefer clear but any colour can be used. It does not interfere with normal airflow and shunts the water to the ends instead of beading off at the top.