CalSci and aftermarket windshields, advice

[trider143]

I was looking for an aftermarket touring windshield recently, and went looking at CalSci. I made a purchase and contacted them about a couple of dimension problems. Long story short, I would characterize their owner/customer service attitude as "arrogant" and unhelpful.

If you have a choice, look elsewhere.

FWIW.

[Garandman]

It might be helpful to detail what you bought, what problems you had, and why you think the advice given was arrogant and unhelpful. Because he has an extremely liberal return / trade-in / adjustment policy. He will usually give you a credit of up to $60 for a trade-in windshield (YMMV), will take it back or swap it for another size without quibble, and will also custom-cut a windshield for free.

The owner of CalSci is a research physicist and motorcycle nut named Mark Lawrence. He is the author of the incredibly detailed, well-researched and helpful web resource called "Motorcycle Info and Accessories." He also manufactures windshields for a number of motorcycles, including the V-Strom I ride (he owns one as well). Here's why most OEM windshields suck.


By contrast with your experience, I've purchased three windshields from him and recommended them (really, him) to many others, who are also satisfied, even grateful. They are riding BMW's, V-Stroms, Honda ST1300's, etc. I've been using the "Tinted Shorty" since last season and really like it.



The bad news is this is a part-time business and you almost always have to leave a voice mail message. He will always call you back, but it might be up to a couple of days. Once you get him on the phone, he will usually be happy to talk about motorcycle aerodynamics, windshields, and anything else you want to ask him about until you get sick of asking.

What other manufacturer do you know that not only lists helpful info about how windshields work [he has a doctorate in aerodynamics] but also a guide to how to size windshields and

a list of every single one of his competitors?

[trider143]

It might be helpful to detail what you bought, what problems you had, and why you think the advice given was arrogant and unhelpful. Because he has an extremely liberal return / trade-in / adjustment policy. He will usually give you a credit of up to $60 for a trade-in windshield (YMMV), will take it back or swap it for another size without quibble, and will also custom-cut a windshield for free.

Sure, fair point.

1. Cables on right side of handle bars rub significantly when turning hard left. I suggested the sizing should have been reduced by 1/8 - 1/4 more for clearance. He responded that hamsters listening to iPods (no I am not making this up) uncrate and set-up bikes and they screwed up the handlebars. (I am satisfied the bars are set-up correctly.)

2. I asked for him to make this change for me, and he basically said do it yourself (and fix your handlebar set-up too.)

3. No once did he offer to accept the shield back.

I consider his response unhelpful as a result. And his character assault on moto mechanics was arrogant IMO.

I do ack he post pointers to his competitors. Woo-hoo. That has nothing to do with his customer facing behavior.

I plan to not deal with him and make the cuts I want myself. And do not plan to recommend him to others. He may have had a bad day and ran over his dog and I got unlucky, but that ain't my prob.

[trider143]

Clarification, he said "hamsters in heat". I forgot about the "in heat" part ...

[OreoGaborio]

HA. That's funny.

Surprise... not all aftermarket parts are 100% perfect and some modifications may be necessary. The manufacturer certainly isn't going to modify your parts to fit your particular bike. That's asking a bit too much if you ask me. I think the guy was just trying to be funny while telling you to do what ya gotta do yourself.

[Garandman]

Mark is a legend. He's helped countless riders with his website and advice.

Now we have one unhappy Ducati owner who can't take a joke. And I bet dollars to donuts that a couple of adjustments would completely remedy the problem.

OP here's a crazy idea - why don't you email him and say "Mark, I'm unhappy it doesn't seem to fit and found your email is insulting. Can I send it back for a refund?" Instead of posting passive aggressive threads on multiple websites (ie, Northeastshooters.com).

[trider143]

OP here's a crazy idea - why don't you email him and say "Mark, I'm unhappy it doesn't seem to fit and found your email is insulting. Can I send it back for a refund?" Instead of posting passive aggressive threads on multiple websites (ie, Northeastshooters.com).

I did and he did not reply.

Just because you are a happy customer does not mean all are or will be there, and there is room for all opinions and experiences, now, isn't there!

[trider143]

And for another thing G-man, I already ack'ed I plan to deal with it myself.

(One thing you are losing in this mix, is I was providing him feedback on fit, for my benefit, but for benefit of others purchasing for the MTS1200, and he chose to be dismissive. That is his problem.)

Sheesh. Are you on retainer for this guy.

[Garandman]

Nope, just a happy customer who thought you were being unfair. I know many happy customers of CalSci.

You're all butthurt and sounds like nothing is going to change that. Sometimes I think Ducati owners are more finicky than the bikes!

[OreoGaborio]

lolz.... a 58 year old man just said "butthurt"

[Garandman]

lolz.... a 58 year old man just said "butthurt"

Drive a WRX, so I had to learn to speak Slacker.....

[gadget]

Loyal customers can sometimes be fanatical and from what I have seen CalSci has earned a great deal of support from the cycle community.

It doesn't surprise me that once in awhile a customer comes along that does not get the type of service they expect.
You are the first I have heard of that was not satisfied with CalSci.

[Garandman]

In case anyone else is curious, many CalSci windshields have a NACA duct to relieve the low pressure area behind the windshield to diminish turbulence.

I was curious as to whether it worked, so I taped up the one on mine, and it does make a noticeable improvement in the serenity of the airflow.

Here's the pic from their website of a Multistrada 1200. Looking at the picture, I'm wondering if there is a difference in spacers that is creating the interference.



Here's a Givi (L) and CalSci (R) on a V-Strom.

[duganc1717]

Nope, just a happy customer who thought you were being unfair. I know many happy customers of CalSci.

You're all butthurt and sounds like nothing is going to change that. Sometimes I think Ducati owners are more finicky than the bikes!

Hmmmm, so because you have a CalSci tattoo on your ass OP can't say he's unsatisfied with there product?...

Seems as though Mark Lawerence is not big on people voicing there opinion on ADV rider of his product....

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=658359

[Garandman]

In my opinion the OP's post was unfair, and offered my own experience.

If you want to offer up additional testimonials or detractors, go for it.