Modern Vespa

Created article How To: Cut Down a Windscreen

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I used these instructions to cut down a tall Fabbri windscreen. Unfortunately, the Fabbri seems to be made of a more brittle material than the OE screen. I could not sustain a cut with my saber saw without the screen cracking and splitting. Having already trashed the screen, I tried different saw blades, all with the same result (including one that said it was for cutting plastic).

What ultimately worked very well was a Dremel tool with a diamond cutoff disk. No vibration, no splitting.

I recently lowered the height of my FACO tall windshield. I took it to a glass shop but they said it was plexiglas and could not guarantee a cut that would not crack the shield.

So, not to be denied, I did the job myself using a Dremel tool with a standard cut-off wheel. It took 2 disks to get the job done, but it worked just fine.

does anyone have pictures of what the final product looked like? I am kind of scared of cutting down my windscreen after it cost so much.

I will take a picture tonight when I get home and sent it to you. If you have a cell #, that would be easier.

Ron

Does anyone think one of the cutting tools for a Dremel would cut "better" or easier? If so, which tool? (has anyone actually used one for this purpose?)

A dealer I used to use until he got out from under Piaggio always advocated a Dremel - but it used to take his lads ages to cut down a screen, as the Dremel had to be on the lowest speed so as not to melt the plastic, and they had to be very careful not to slip and scratch the screen. I recommend using a jigsaw - less chance of slippage, you just have to make sure the screen is very well supported.

I use a 4" angle grinder with a metal blade to cut the bulk of the windshield. I then finish it off with a belt sander and hand sanding working up to 220 grit. Most of these windshields are acrylic. The serrations from even a fine tooth jigsaw are prone to causing cracks. I usually do it with the windshield still on the bike. I cover the scooter with an old bed sheet.

Thanks for all the info on here! It made me feel confident to cut my own screen down too cos vision in the rain, at night, was next to nothing. Argh!

With my 5'6" I took off 5 inches from the top, using a simple hand fret saw and I think it turned out great.

Excellent result - well done.

I don't like windscreens! But I acknowledge that they keep you warm and help with speed.

After unsuccessfully trying to sell the ridiculously tall screen that came with my LX 150 I decided to cut it down, only because it is wide and covers my hands.

I read the wiki article and followed the tips provided - blue tap to prevent scratching, very fine toothed metal blade instead of plexi blade, don't overheat or will melt and stick back together or get messy, use a cardboard template to draw out the cuts.

I used a small jigsaw and cut off about 12"'. I would have gone shorter but the mounting hardware limited me to that height.

Really emphasize NO plexiglass or plastic blade, this blade is too harsh and only wants to cut straight. The fine metal blade cut so smooth and allowed curving. I also used a water squirt bottle to keep the blade and plastic from overheating.

And then finished off the sharp edges with a palm sander.

Well done.

Kinda low?

That's the point

Think I prefer a little higher! Sorry

Thanks for the instructions! I successfully removed a few inches from mine today, so now I'm back to an unobstructed view.

It's still a little cold (0C or 32F), which I was worried might make the plastic brittle and more prone to cracking. But it turned out to not be an issue.

I cut the windshield while installed on the bike. Used a reinforced Dremel cutting wheel at about 2/3 of max rpm. Then finished up with some sanding on 150 grit and 220 grit.

Now that I have a windshield, I'm going to get back in the saddle a few weeks earlier than I would have otherwise! 8)

Nice

. I also am interested in cutting mine down. But also worried

I started out with the biggest windshield you can get. It was on the scooter when I bought it. Kind of made the scooter look like the Popemobile.

I was going to ask why you didn't just buy the OEM mid-sized screen to start with, but then I noticed you said it came with the scoot...?

I do notice it is NOT in the Vespa catalogue, but it is available...