Burning issue with tall windshield

[terry.dollar]

I have a GL 1500 SE with a tall windshield . There seams to be some sort of magnifyfing glass effect that is melting my instrument panel. I want a solution to this if possible. The windshield is compleetly clear and has no shading at the base. I thought I heard someone say to cover the windshield when parked. I was wondering if that would stop it melting because You can't drive with a covered windshield and, to my way of thinking , the same problem should exist when you are riding the wing.Can anyone help , please?

[WingAdmin]

I hate putting anything over the windshield - wind flapping it around can drive dust and grit into it, causing scratches. I'd instead put a cover over the dash, if that's the problem.

I've never heard of that problem (melting dash) before!

[dan1951]

The answer covering the dash is the best solution, I installed a tall Tulsa brand windshield on a 95Gl and after I got out of work on a hot sunny day My inside dash was drooped around all the instruments, I was really teed-off that Tulsa never informed anyone of a problem that these windshields created a magnifying effect if parked directly facing the sun. Use a light colored cover as darker material will absorb more heat, You are the only other person I heard of complain about the same problem, I guess everyone else was just lucky to being not parked directly facing the sun . Take care.

[WingAdmin]

I suppose you could put a coat of lighter-colored paint over the top of the dash, so it wouldn't absorb the heat like the black ABS does. Although this might reflect somewhat in the windshield.

[vtxcandyred]

I had a Tulsa Tall on my 93 SE and never had this happen.

[dingdong]

I have the same problem with my Extra tall Tulsa. The slope of the windshield is what causes the problem. I use a soft cover when I think about it. The part that melts is inside the clear plastic around the speedo and tach.

[vtxcandyred]

I have the same problem with my Extra tall Tulsa. The slope of the windshield is what causes the problem. I use a soft cover when I think about it. The part that melts is inside the clear plastic around the speedo and tach.

Going to have to check mine out. Although I did'nt notice anything when I tore it apart last year. HMMMM?????

[tmilam]

I have seen it happen with Tulsa, Slipstream and yes even factory windshields. I installed a dash visor from http://www.dashvisor.com

[terry.dollar]

That dash vizer looks like the ticket, Thanks, Terry

[robb]

I have a tall Tesla and don't have this problem. I would check the cooling fans for operation. The radiator heat will migrate up and melt the dash.

[Mikisiw]

ok I'm at a complete loss here. I have a 2000 GL1500 SE A with a tall windshield and even after trying, I was unable to manuever the motorcycle into the proper configuration to get the sun aimed through the windshield and onto the instrument panel. That with the windshield bolted into it's full up position. I had to put two bolts through the darn thing so it wouldn't slide into it's lowest postion while I was riding. So I can't even duplicate the sun through the windshield and onto the intruments, let alone get them hot enough that I can't touch them or even begin to get them to melt. My suggestion. Ride at night and use your wing cover during the day. One quick note. How do you ride fast enough to keep up with the sun and get it to shine on your instruments long enough to start them melting?

[jackknife]

For those of you that can't understand why some people are having the issue and you aren't, consider where you are located on the Earth compared to those having the issue. As one gets closer to the equator, one gets more direct sunlight.

Those of us that live in the Southern part of the U.S. know that the sun can heat things up really quickly in the summer. And any reflective surface or curved window and the effect becomes multiplied.

[landisr]

I believe the problem is parking with the GUAGES facing the sun. I live in Michigan and I'm having the problem with my '94A and tall Tulsa. I've replaced the bezell (sp?) once, and my new one is already starting to warp. I try hard to park the bike properly, but sometimes it sits longer than I anticipate and the sun 'travels' around until it can make a direct hit.... Interesting note, tho: the warping is primarily on the left side, and there is even a spot on the top panel to the left of the Gold Wing emblem... ?

Ron in MI

[Mikisiw]

Just got done a 5200 mile tour through the southern states, in particular Arizona, California etc. Temps reached 115 degrees F in the Mojave. Didn't even consider whether my gauges faced the sun or not. I've never heard anything so ridiculous in my life to be honest. But then stranger things happen I guess.

[landisr]

I'm happy for you. Do you have a tall or extra tall windshield?

[robb]

Check the cooling fans, not that they work, but that they turn without hesitation or drag. Test with power. If they make any noise they are bad and need replacing. What results is a slightly higher temp reading with bike moving, but with the engine shut off the heat will rise to over 200 degree under the dash and the component housings will start to melt. The other problem is with the taller shield and its angle the heat is trapped and needs a longer time to desipate. Checked my bike last week in 98 degree weather and after 2 hours with sun shining directly into shield the handheld laser temp was only 135 degree. But within 5 minutes of shutdown after a 50 mile ride the radiator and vent openings was in excess of 240 degree while inner windshield area never seen 140 degree. Unplug fans and run bike for 5 minutes and temp jumps to nearly 300 degree. Not saying it wasn't the sun just that in the past it has been attributed to bad fan operation.

[WingAdmin]

Does anyone have a picture of this happening to their bike - i.e. what it looks like after it's happened?

[robb]

Someone just had a bike for sale on ebay with melted dash. Copied it but can't find it now. If it starts happening you will notice os face of guages ripple and front clear lense browns.

[HALBUDD]

Heres what I found on another site. http://www.goldwingfacts.com/forums/vie ... ELTED+DASH give it a read. Hal

[WingAdmin]

Yeah, I saw that before, but it didn't have any pictures.

I found this on the Tulsa web site:

!!ATTENTION!!

We have learned that under certain conditions there is a possibility of damage to the Dash on the GL 1500's, it also, appears that this may also be possible with the GL 1800. Damage to the dash can occur with ALL windshields, even the stock. The only difference would be the location of the damage/or the sun angle and/or conditions.

The sun must be shining from the rear of the motorcycle and reflecting off of the back of the windshield. To avoid this, park the motorcycle facing the sun or place a cover over the windshield.

Tulsa Enterprises has available a slip-on cover for the Tulsa Windshield, it is also available for the OEM Honda Windshield. The cover is $7.95 plus the shipping and handling, it is also available in our Care Kit Deluxe.

I've got what looks like a little bit of melting on the plastic ring that surrounds the ignition switch. I think I'll order one of their windshield covers, and try to always park facing the sun from now on...

[HALBUDD]

I have the stock wind sheilds on both 84 & 85 also the 96 I have noticed they get pretty hot in the sun but no melting yet. Im going to keep a eye on them this summer. If they show any signs of melting I guess Ill get the dash cover for all three. Hal

[dan1951]

The clear bezel stays as new, Just the black lower inside face covering the instruments droop, I no longer own the bike or I would gladly post a picture.

[dwgeo104]

I had the same trouble - and I've had to replace two sun warped instrument panels, which is no easy job. Finally I found a guy online that sells these very cool snap in instrument "visors". I've got a lower Memphis Shades windshield now but may look for another extra tall Tulsa someday - are they even still made? Anyway - my visor isn't for sale, they're worth the price - look cool to.

[RoadRogue]

My bike started its life living in Los Vegas, lots of sun there . When I bought it from the second owner here In Canada I asked him about the warped dash. The explination was that it was from the Vegas sunshine, the warp is visible near the middle.

warped dash

[WingAdmin]

I've got a little melted plastic on the ring that surrounds the keyswitch from this. I make it a point of always parking facing the sun on sunny days.

My wife's PC800 has slightly melted dash area from the exact same thing.

An easy way to avoid this is to carry a white T-shirt in your bike. When you park pull the T-shirt over the windshield.