Installation of New Clearview Windshield - Help Needed!

[lskbike]

I have a 1989 R100RT I recently bought that had a windshield that was much too tall. I bought a new Clearview windshield that is significantly shorter and while I was waiting for it to arrive, I removed the old windshield. Unfortunately, when I was pulling the rubber gasket mounting "nubs" out of the holes at the bottom of the windshield, several of them broke off due to the brittleness (age) of the rubber. As a result of this, I purchased a new bottom windshield gasket from MaxBMW and new OEM "rivets" . I have now installed the new gasket as is stock between the fairing and the "clock and amp meter" dashboard using the new rivets. (I figured out a simple way to expand the rivets that made this EZ). The problem is... I have not been able to figure out a way to safely pull the rubber "nubs" through the mounting holes in the new replacement windshield. As I have learned from all of my recent repairs and upgrades attempted on this old BMW, there is a probably a very specific and certain way of accomplishing this... What I think this means is...If you don't know the secret handshake you can't do the task with these bikes!

PLEASE... I want to ride this bike this weekend WITH the windshield...SO...Can anyone that has actually accomplished this installation advise me how to do this? What is the best way to pull these "nubs" on the bottom windshield mounting gasket thru the new windshield holes without damaging them? I really, really, really need to know the secret handshake that will allow me to install this windshield without breaking anything... (Yes! I am a bit exasperated over this!!!!)

I hope those of you that have actually done this installation can share the secret with me about how you got those damn rubber nubs to pull through the holes on a replacement windshield... without tearing them off...

For those of you that have never done this...I'm sure you don't have a clue about what I am talking about so please no guessing... You really have to be there to understand this problem... (Sorry Guys...I am bummed out as I am finding the engineering on this bike to be the weirdest of any motorcycle (too numerous to count) car, truck or locomotive I have ever been involved with in over 50 years of wrenching! Example... I couldn't believe you had to loosen and slide a motor mount bolt out to allow the removal of the dangerous stock side stand prior to installing a new Brown side stand! Sehr Gut! Ya?)

Seriously! How is the best way to do this windshield installation accomplished without screwing up my new windshield gasket and so I can get this thing on the road?

LSKBike
Southeastern Indiana

[lskbike]

No need to respond... It took a long surgical clamp on the ends of rubber nubs and some muscle to pull them into position. Fortunately none broke off. It truly was a major PITA... That and getting the bolt holes on the aftermarket windshield to line up with the three bolt brackets on each end. Hope I never have to do this again!!!!!

I find adjusting the desmo valves on a quatrovalve Ducati to be EZer...

Are you guys sure these Airheads are "simpler by choice"?

LSKBike
Southeastern Indiana

[Airbear]

It's good that you fixed it, and probably usefully cathartic to have a little rant at the same time.
Feel better? Good. Enjoy your weekend. Don't forget to carry a spare clutch cable.

[moosehead]

It's good that you fixed it, and probably usefully cathartic to have a little rant at the same time.
Feel better? Good. Enjoy your weekend. Don't forget to carry a spare clutch cable.

Yes....and don't forget to smile as she purrs down the road

[Jean]

I'm not sure if 1989 is still in the "Simpler" range for BMWs.