MADSTAD ENGINEERING GL1800 Honda Gold Wing Adjustable Windshield System Installation Guide
- June 17, 2024
- MADSTAD Engineering
Table of Contents
Adjustable Windshield System
Honda Gold Wing GL1800 / GL1500
Please read this entire manual before proceeding with installation.
What is in the box:
(1) Set of preassembled MadStad adjustable windshield brackets
(1) Gloss black mounting plate
(4) M6 x 16 mounting screws
(4) M6 flat washers
(4) M6 lock nuts
Windshield Screws:
(4) M5 x 20 Phillips truss screws
(4) M5 plastic washers
(4) M5 soft rubber washers
(Actual brackets may be slightly different than shown here.)
Tools Needed:
- 4 mm Allen wrench (hex key)
- 10 mm wrench (open-end, box, or small adjustable crescent)
-
2 Phillips screwdriver
MadStad adjustable brackets are designed to bolt to a curved surface like the
adapter plate included in this kit. The new windshield attaches to the top of
the brackets with M5 Philips truss screws. Loosening the two adjustment knobs
allow you to change the windshield height and tilt without getting off of the
bike, and without any tools.
You will need to remove your factory windshield; it is not adaptable for use
with these brackets.
Bracket Installation:
Your MadStad brackets attach to the mounting plate as shown on page 3. Use the
four M6 x 16 screws with washers and lock nuts as shown in the diagram below.
The knobs on the brackets go to the insides (facing each
other) with the knob sides up. When both brackets are installed it should look
like the diagram below:
The mounting plate then slides into the
fairing in place of the stock shield and screws down with the original factory
windshield screws. Leave the factory adjustment levers and strap loose while
you do this.
NOTE: Our plate is NOT designed to sit all the way at the bottom of the
Honda factory windshield sliding range. This is because the nuts that hold our
brackets to our plate need to sit ABOVE the fairing, not on it or below it.
Please be aware of this and position our plate accordingly before tightening
it down. You will not need to use the factory adjustment anyway because our
brackets have more range and more capability than the factory adjustment
system. Once the mounting plate is screwed into the sliding factory sliding
nuts in the fairing, you can clamp it down in place using the factory levers.
The clamping strap tension may need to be adjusted.
Windshield Installation
- Pre-install the Truss screws & washers into the windshield holes as shown in the image below.
- Once all four of the screws are in place, gently guide the screws into the Well Nuts in the brackets until all four are set.
- Hand tighten the Truss screws until they swell up behind the bracket and are firmly holding the windshield.
Adjusting the Brackets
The knob screws release the brackets allowing the windshield to slide and
tilt.
These knob screws must always be tightened securely before riding. DO NOT
attempt to adjust the brackets while riding! You must come to a complete stop
before making adjustments. Also make sure that you do not set the windshield
in such a way that causes your handlebars or hand guards (if installed) to hit
the windshield when turning, or before reaching full lock.
To make adjustments, loosen the knobs 1-2 turns and set the windshield so the
top edge is at about your chin level as you look straight ahead while seated
on the bike. Set the angle at approximately 60 degrees. (Use the angle guide
on the back page of this manual as a guide.) Tighten the knobs and go for a
ride to see if you now have smooth airflow over and around your helmet. Do
this on a calm day if at all possible; windy days make it hard to judge the
airflow. Don’t ever try to adjust the mount while in motion! WARNING: If
you tilt the shield fully backward, it may make contact with the top edge of
the brackets. This could scratch the back of your shield, so please check to
make sure there is no contact.
To try a different windshield position, bring the motorcycle to a complete
stop and out of traffic. Loosen the two knob screws and tilt the windshield
forward or back 2-3 degrees or so, and/or adjust it up or down if necessary.
Re-tighten the knobs and go for another ride.
Continue experimenting with different positions at different speeds until you
find a combination of height and rake angle that eliminates buffeting and
gives a smoother ride. You may have more than one favorite position, for
example shield tilted forward on cooler days, and shield tilted back for hot
days to let more air to your body.
PIVOT SCREWS
The MadStad brackets each have a pivot screw, located near the center of the
bottom bracket. A nylon lock nut keeps the screw snugly in place, yet allows
the brackets to slide back and forth. It is adjusted at the factory to have a
minimum of play yet still allow the brackets to move.
If for some reason you wish to adjust the tightness of this pivot screw or
move it to an alternate pivot position, use a 4mm Allen wrench along with a
10mm socket or crescent wrench to make the adjustment. If you tighten the lock
nut completely you will not be able to slide the brackets.
Notes on Windshield Angle
Most windshields work best when set at a 55-60 degree angle. We have provided
an angle guide on the back page of this manual so that you can check and see
if your shield is set somewhere in this range.
To check your shield angle, your bike should be in an upright position either
on a center stand or held up by a helper. Set the spine (folded edge) of the
manual against the front of the shield. If the large arrow marked 60° is
pointing straight up, then your shield is at a 60 degree angle. (See diagram
on Page 5.) A little farther back and your angle would somewhere between 55
and 60 degrees. Anywhere in this range is fine for your initial test ride. On
some bikes a more vertical angle works better, so don’t be afraid to
experiment later if tilting the shield back doesn’t seem to be ideal.
Disclaimer
Neither MadStad Engineering nor its owners shall be liable for any damages,
consequential or inconsequential, resulting from the use of our products.
Installation of any of our products constitutes acceptance of these terms.
It is the responsibility of the user to make sure all fasteners are tightened
securely, the windshield is mounted properly and the adjustment knobs are
tightened snugly before putting the motorcycle in motion. MadStad systems ARE
NOT intended to be adjusted while the vehicle is in motion; you must pull over
out of the way of traffic and come to a complete stop before making any
changes. The user must never place the windshield in such a position as to
interfere with the safe and complete movement of the handlebars and controls.
Returns and Warranty
MadStad adjustable brackets carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. This does not include cosmetic issues nor any parts that inherently wear out or degrade over time such as rubber and plastic parts. Windshields, deflectors, and other similar plastic parts are warrantied for 1 year against manufacturing defects, not against cosmetic issues or issues related to normal wear and tear. Please visit our website for further details.
MadStad Engineering, Inc.
1451 E. Jefferson St.
Brooksville, FL 34601 U.S.A.
Phone: 352-848-3646
Fax: 352-240-3911
Web Site: http://www.madstad.com
Email: support@madstad.com
Thank you for your support, and ride safely! 
References
- Adjustable motorcycle windshield systems | motorcycle windscreen | Madstad
- Adjustable motorcycle windshield systems | motorcycle windscreen | Madstad