Before you write off that excellent quality OEM Suzy windshield in favor of a taller aftermarket shield of less quality, consider building or buying an extender plate set for the mounting hardware. For only a few bucks, a trip to the hardware store, and some quality shop time, you can add 1.5" to 3" height to your expensive Suzuki shield, and have the advantage of changing it's height as the weather changes.

Want it easy? GManIndustries is now producing these kits, along with an option to add chromed Harley style lower wind deflectors for even better air control!! Check them out at www.gmanindustries.com

Personally, I like a taller shield in the colder months, and a shorter one (for more air) in the summer, and this setup gives me the best of both.

Click this link to see a drawing of the extender plate setup for reference. Then if you wish to build your own, here's what you have to do.

1.) Purchase a piece of 1/8"x1.5" aluminum or steel flat stock from your hardware store, and cut two 8" pieces off of it. Smooth the cut edges with a file, grinder or Dremel tool.

2.) Remove the Suzy windshield and remove one of the brackets from the shield that has the slotted holes in it. (This is the piece that the bolts go through to hold it to the bracket that mounts to your bulkhead.)

3.) Using the shield bracket as a template, scribe or mark the location of its holes onto the extender plate, Then move it up until the bottom hole lines up with the upper scribe mark, and mark the upper hole's location onto the plate. Now, move the bracket down half way between the first two scribe marks, and scribe both holes onto the plate again. This will leave you with a total of five scribe marks on your plate. Each of these holes should be drilled to a maximum size of 3/8" (no slots, just holes).

1.) If you wish to have the option of a 21" high shield, you will need to locate and drill a 5/6" hole in the brackets that are attached to your bike. Do this by bolting the extender plates to the bottom shield mounting hole (see drawing), and center punching the brackets at the center of the #2 hole (up from the bottom) in the plate. Use a scrap piece of plate behind the bike bracket to avoid damaging the fork tube covers when the drill goes through the bracket. (For a cleaner hole, you should start with a small bit and work up to the 5/16" bit).

2.) Using your existing bolts and washers, and the additionally purchased bolts nuts and washers above, mount your plate to the bike bracket by the bottom hole, then mount your windshield through either of the two remaining pairs of holes in the plate.

At 6' with a rider's backrest, I found that the 21" is a perfect height, but for colder weather, I may raise it to the 22.5" holes and look through the shield for more protection.

Raising the shield in this manner will of course leave a corresponding void between the bottom of the shield and the headlight and lowers. This void does not cause any air turbulence to the rider whatsoever, and although it may look a little odd at first (click for photo), it is well worth the effort. I have tried the taller aftermarket shields, and they don't do nearly as good a job at smoothing out the air as the Suzuki combination of shield and lowers does.

Mocc's Place