Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Gearhead82 on September 23, 2011, 09:09:19 AM

Title: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Gearhead82 on September 23, 2011, 09:09:19 AM
UPS dropped off my CalSci Large windshield today.  When I went to install it, I noticed that the 6 mounting holes are a larger diameter than the ones on the OEM windshield.  I measured OEM at .495" and the CalSci at .590".  The 2 center mounting screws drop right though the holes so they're not going to do much as far as holding the windshield on.  I'm waiting for a response the the email I sent them.  Has anyone else experienced anything like this with their CalSci or other aftermarket shields? 

Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Dalroo on September 23, 2011, 09:39:53 AM
Sorry - no. I purchased the CalSci large and it installed in about 5 minutes with no issues. Sounds like they simply included the wrong hardware.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Gearhead82 on September 23, 2011, 09:46:44 AM
Sorry - no. I purchased the CalSci large and it installed in about 5 minutes with no issues. Sounds like they simply included the wrong hardware.

It didn't come with new hardware.  It should just bolt up using the OEM hardware I assume, but the holes are too large.  Did yours come with new hardware?
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Gearhead82 on September 23, 2011, 01:08:56 PM
I got an email back from Mark at CalSci.  He said that is the size hole they've always used for the C14.  It mounts up fine. . . it's basically only using 4 of the 6 fasteners though.  I'm not really worried about it but may add a washer to the middle screws.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Conrad on September 23, 2011, 01:28:36 PM
I don't know about the large but my Calsci shorty had the same sized holes as the stocker. The only install issue was that since the shorty is thinner than the stocker, I had to add some washers so that it would snug up.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: SVonhof on September 23, 2011, 01:30:30 PM
I removed my CalSci large windscreen a few months ago and there were 4 screws holding it in place and there are 2 others doing something else if I remember correctly. I don't remember exactly what each was fastening though.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: RBX QB on September 23, 2011, 02:03:36 PM
Yes the holes are larger on both the Large and the Shorty. When all of the bolts are reinstalled, it's not an issue.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: jayke on September 23, 2011, 02:54:52 PM
On my '08 I think two of the windshield bolts were shoulder bolts and that's why the holes in the CalSci are bigger. I replaced my +4.5 with  a new +7.5 from them last year and it bolted right on.

Did Kawasaki change the windshield hole size?
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Caffeinated on September 23, 2011, 08:18:51 PM
My Cal-Sci large worked just fine.  The middle bolts should have a white plastic washer.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Conrad on September 25, 2011, 06:57:45 AM
Yes the holes are larger on both the Large and the Shorty. When all of the bolts are reinstalled, it's not an issue.

You were right and I was wrong. I reinstalled my shorty yesterday and I compared the hole sizes. The CalSci shield holes are slightly larger than the stocker but when you mount it up it makes no difference.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: RBX QB on September 26, 2011, 11:28:44 AM
You were right and I was wrong. I reinstalled my shorty yesterday and I compared the hole sizes. The CalSci shield holes are slightly larger than the stocker but when you mount it up it makes no difference.

I had the same concerns when I saw the difference... but after 4000+ miles with no issues, I figure it's now just another unique fact about my bike.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: MrPepsi on September 26, 2011, 12:02:06 PM
Yes mine are larger too.
but the center bolts seat ok.
You are using the larger of the six bolts for the center right?
You still have the white plastic washers with them?
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Gearhead82 on September 26, 2011, 12:15:31 PM
Yes mine are larger too.
but the center bolts seat ok.
You are using the larger of the six bolts for the center right?
You still have the white plastic washers with them?

Yes.  If you take the windshield off the bike you will notice that the center (larger, shoulder bolts) along with the plastic washers will slip right through the holes.  When it comes to mounting the windshield, the holes don't all align perfectly so those shoulder bolts are a little offset from the center of the holes, so they still hold the shield in place.  And BTW, I don't think those thin plastic washers are designed to help hold anything down.  They are just to protect the shield so it's not in direct contact with the bolts.  Those washers are just like the ones they used on some of the fairing screws to protect the paint from the head of the screw.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: RBX QB on September 26, 2011, 01:05:51 PM
... along with the plastic washers will slip right through the holes.  ...

Mine didn't do that... The washers were still larger than the holes. I wouldn't be all warm and fuzzy if the washers fit thru the holes.
Title: Re: CalSci windshield mounting issue
Post by: Dalroo on September 26, 2011, 08:39:52 PM
Sorry, posted and did not check back, and you are correct. In thinking back, I did not receive hardware, but reused the OEM hardware. Sorry, slept since then.