advice on removing windshield?

[cswett]

I'm getting ready to remove the windshield and brackets on my 50R. I can't get the hex screws to turn or even my allen wrenches to seat really firmly. I'm betting locktite was used in the original installation. Any tips on getting those buggers out -- especially the ones that are in the tight space near the headlight. Should I get t-handled hex wrenches, do they provide better leverage? They have to be metric, right? These aren't torx, are they? As you can tell, I am in no way a wrencher.
Also, to install a new windshield I have to loosen the clamps that secure my handlebars -- 3 out of the four bolts come out easily, but one is really tight and I'm really scared of stripping that, too. Any tips?
Thanks much
Clint

[Keppelj]

Yes, they are allen bolts under the triple tree, 6 mm, I believe, same as the handlebar clamp screws. I found a long ball type allen wrench (8-10") of the T type worked fine. They shouldn't be too tight. Seems like you also could use a ratchet and long extension (ball type end again) with allen type end. For me, the wiring up next to the allen screws was too much in the way for that.

[Dr. Strangelove]

Ah you've found one of the infuriating things about the 1150r, grasshopper. Remember you are not alone with this one though you feel abandoned.
PS There are others

You need a 6mm ball head hex wrench--you can buy a set at Harbor Freight for relatively cheap. If you don't have such you will need them, eventually.

What I did was insert the ball head into the bolt and then used a small wrench on the shaft of the hex wrench to turn it loose, because they are indeed tightly in there.

Then I ridded myself of the "touring" windscreen and the wellnuts that never ever ever ever held for me--you can buy them at home depot and lowes, btw.
I installed the "380 tall" windscreen. I am happy with it. Not perfect, but adequate for sure.

John

[macx]

If you happen to already have a 1/4" drive ratchet (probly in a small socket set)
with a couple of i.e. 4" extensions, a swivel, and a "socket" with the allen
wrench it works very nicely. Sears has the 1/4" drive sockets with the metric
allen wrenches in them, you can buy them individually.

As seldom as you hopefully have to do this, it probly isn't worth the price
of a ratchet (& set) unless you see needing a small, compact set for other
work.

Then the long ball end and wrench will do the job.

[DMM]

FWIW, if you are removing the windscreen and not replacing it with another, then get shorter 6mm hex bolts to put back into the triple tree. The ones that are in with the windscreens are relatively long, in order to accommodate the windscreen brackets. However, without the brackets, shorter bolts are required - and they are required, unless you want a very mobile headlight bracket.

[Xdot]

I recently pulled off my windshield. The 6mm ball didn't want to get the screw unstuck so I used a Dremel tool to cut the end off of a standard, 6mm L-shaped hex wrench. Left about 3/8 inch. Bevel the sides of the cut with a file a little and it'll slip right in there to loosen those pesky bolts.

Incidentally, I've tried the OEM sport windscreen as well as a 19.5" Cee-Baileys and both induced so much aerodynamic helmet buffetting they were unrideable. For me. Anybody want a very nice, used, 19.5", clear, Cee-Bailey's windscreen that bolts straight onto the OEM sport screen mounts?

John