What National Cycle does

National Cycle is a privately held manufacturer of motorcycle windshields, wind deflectors, and related accessories, founded in 1937 and headquartered in Maywood, Illinois. The company operates three distinct brands — National Cycle (its core aftermarket brand), ZTechnik (specialized for BMW motorcycles), and PCQ Technologies (focused on electric-assist vehicle / EAV applications) — across six primary product lines: VStream, SwitchBlade, Spartan, Wave, Heavy Duty, and Dakota. Retail pricing spans $35 to $425, covering cruiser, touring, sport-touring, and adventure motorcycle segments.

The company's technical differentiation rests on five patented or proprietary technologies: VStream® aerodynamic windshield design, Quantum® coated polycarbonate, No-Hole Ballsocket™ mounting system, RainZip® hydrophobic coating, and Rake Adjust™ windshield adjustment mechanism. As of January 14, 2025, the company holds ISO 9001:2015 certification, formalizing its quality management systems. Beyond consumer aftermarket sales, National Cycle engages in OEM manufacturing for motorcycle OEMs and serves international markets through a wholesale distributor network.

Its go-to-market blends direct-to-consumer e-commerce with a toll-free phone order line (877-WSCREEN), distribution through motorcycle dealerships, and international wholesale distributors. The combination of 88+ years of continuous operation, multi-channel distribution, OEM relationships, and a category-defining portfolio of proprietary technologies defines its commercial position in a niche but durable aftermarket segment.

Name

National Cycle

Legal name

National Cycle, Inc.

Website

https://nationalcycle.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

National Cycle is a privately held, Maywood, Illinois-based manufacturer of motorcycle windshields and accessories operating since 1937, serving consumers and OEMs through its National Cycle, ZTechnik (BMW), and PCQ Technologies (EAV) brands via e-commerce, dealers, and international distributors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Motorcycle Windshields and Powersports Accessories

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991), Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing (336390), Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers (441227)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive Mirrors & Exterior Vision Systems Manufacturing (Mirrors/Housings/Camera Modules) (IMACAKAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aftermarket Fluids, Lubricants & Chemical Products Manufacturing (Oils/Coolants/Additives/Cleaners) (IMACANAK), Motorcycle Riding Gear & Apparel Retail (CRAMANAA)

Keywords

• Motorcycle windshields
• Powersports accessories
• Aftermarket parts
• UTV ATV windshields
• BMW motorcycle accessories

Headquarters

HQ city

Maywood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Motorcycle Windshield Sales: Primary revenue from manufacturing and selling motorcycle windshields made from polycarbonate with proprietary hardcoating. Products include VStream, Wave, SwitchBlade, Heavy Duty, Dakota, and other windshield lines for various motorcycle brands and models.
2. Motorcycle Accessories: Sales of complementary products including windshield bags (Holdster), deflectors, chrome accessories, spotlight bars, Paladin accessories, windshield care products (Shield Wash, RainZip), and replacement parts.
3. OEM Manufacturing: National Cycle manufactures OEM windshields for motorcycle companies around the world, though replacement screens for OEM parts must be ordered through factory-authorized dealerships.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

National Cycle designs and manufactures aftermarket motorcycle windshields, fairings, and accessories sold under proprietary brands including VStream, SwitchBlade, Spartan, Wave, Heavy Duty, and Dakota, with a sub-brand ZTechnik dedicated exclusively to BMW motorcycles. Products are made from polycarbonate with the company's exclusive Quantum hardcoating technology and include fitments for American V-Twin, Metric, BMW (ZTechnik), UTV/ATV, and scooter segments. The company also produces OEM windshields for major motorcycle manufacturers worldwide.

Product overview

National Cycle is a manufacturer of motorcycle windshields and accessories founded in 1937, operating as a single unified product portfolio with multiple product lines. The core offerings center on VStream® Windscreens (featuring a patented inverted 'V' profile design for reduced wind buffeting), SwitchBlade® and Spartan® Quick-Release Windshields (tool-free removal systems), and Heavy Duty™ Windshields (permanent bolt-on installations). These are complemented by the Wave®, Dakota™, Plexifairing™, Street Shield™, Mohawk™, Flyscreen®, and F-Series™ windshield and fairing lines. The accessory portfolio includes Holdster™ windshield bags, Shield Wash™ and RainZip® windshield care products, hand and chrome deflectors, heat shields, spotlight bars, cast fender tips, and Paladin® back rest/luggage rack systems. A dedicated sub-brand, ZTechnik®, serves BMW motorcycle owners with specialized windscreens, mirror extenders, stabilizer kits, headlight guards, carbon fiber trim, machined aluminum accessories, engine guards, fairing winglets, and helmet locks. The company also produces UTV/ATV products including Wash'n'Wipe™ windshields and AirFlares™ for side-by-side vehicles. All polycarbonate windshields feature proprietary Quantum® hardcoating technology developed in-house for superior scratch resistance and optical clarity.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ZTechnik: A sub-brand of National Cycle providing accessories exclusively for BMW motorcycles, including VStream windscreens, headlight guards, engine guards, carbon fiber trim, anodized aluminum ZCaps and ZPlugs, helmet locks, mirror extenders, windscreen stabilizers, and GS fairing winglets.
• PCQ Technologies
• Extreme Adventure Gear

Products and services

• VStream Windscreens Flagship polycarbonate windshield featuring a patented inverted V-profile design that channels turbulent air away from the rider's helmet for reduced wind noise and buffeting. Available with Quantum or FMR hardcoating, in multiple tints and sizes for American V-Twin, Metric, BMW, Gold Wing, and scooter fitments; 160+ model fitments covering 97+ motorcycle brands.
• VStream+ Windscreens Premium VStream variant designed for motorcycles without stock windscreen provisions, featuring custom-designed super-strong mounting hardware and specialized bike-specific mount kits. Includes 2024-current BMW R1300GS, 2024-current BMW F900GS, 2023-current BMW R1250R, 2021-current Yamaha Tracer 9 GT/GT+, and Yamaha MT-10 fitments.
• SwitchBlade Quick-Release Windshields Quick-release windshield system that allows removal or swap in under 5 seconds without tools. Available in 2-Up, Chopped, Shorty, and Deflector models with the patented Rake Adjust feature for angle changes on SwitchBlade Deflector models.
• Spartan Quick Release Windshields Quick-release windshield system offering tool-free removal with durable construction and multiple size options for American V-Twin and Metric motorcycles.
• Heavy Duty Windshields Premium bolt-on windshields designed for permanent installation with bike-specific mounting kits, featuring 4.0mm Lexan polycarbonate with Quantum coating. Available across American V-Twin, Metric, and BMW segments.
• Wave Windscreens Windscreen line featuring Wave profile design for improved airflow and rider comfort, available across American V-Twin and Metric segments.
• Wave QR Quick Release Fairings Quick-release fairing system with Wave profile design allowing tool-free removal and installation.
• Dakota 3.0 and Dakota 4.5 Windshields Adventure-style windshields for dual-sport and adventure motorcycles with enhanced durability and protection. Dakota 4.5 offers maximum height and width for long-distance touring applications.
• Replacement Screens Direct OEM replacement windscreens available in multiple heights and tints for various motorcycle models; replacement screens for OEM windshields must be ordered through factory-authorized dealerships.
• Plexifairing and Plexistar Fairings Clear aerodynamic fairing products providing wind protection for sport motorcycles; Plexistar offers aerodynamic styling while Plexifairing GT delivers enhanced performance for sport touring applications.
• Plexifairing GT Fairing Enhanced performance fairing for sport touring applications.
• Street Shield and Street Shield EX Compact windshield shields for urban riding offering wind protection in a streamlined design.
• Deflector Screen Wind deflector designed to redirect airflow away from the rider for improved comfort.
• Mohawk Windshield Compact sport windshield with distinctive profile for minimal wind protection.
• Flyscreen Small deflector screen providing minimal wind protection with sporty aesthetics for American V-Twin, Metric, and BMW segments.
• F-Series Fairings Full fairing system for specific Metric motorcycle models.
• Heritage Line Beaded Windshield Components Classic-style beaded windshield components for heritage and custom motorcycle applications.
• Holdster Windshield Bags Storage bags designed to mount to windshields for convenient cargo access while riding; available for motorcycle and ATV/UTV segments.
• Shield Wash Windshield Cleaner Specialized cleaning solution formulated safe for use on hardcoated polycarbonate windshields.
• RainZip Rain Repellent Rain repellent treatment for windshields that improves visibility in wet conditions; pre-applied on certain windshields and available as a standalone product.
• Hand Deflectors Handlebar-mounted wind deflectors providing rider comfort and protection from wind and elements.
• Chrome Lower Deflectors Chrome-finished lower wind deflectors that minimize updrafts below the windshield for maximum wind protection.
• Heat Shields Heat shielding products for motorcycle exhaust and engine areas.
• Spotlight Bars and Accessories Mounting hardware and bars for auxiliary lighting on motorcycles.
• Cast Fender Tips and Speedo Cowls Chrome cast accessories for motorcycle front fenders and instrument areas.
• Paladin Quick Release Back Rest and Luggage Racks Quick-release passenger back rest and luggage rack system for American V-Twin and Metric motorcycles.
• Paladin Highway Bars Highway bar systems for Metric cruisers providing rider foot placement options.
• GL1800 Gold Wing Comfort Bars and Wing Deflectors Comfort bar accessories and lower wind deflectors specifically designed for Honda GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles.
• Extreme Adventure Gear Side Guards Protective side guards for adventure motorcycles offering crash protection for engine and bodywork; available under National Cycle and ZTechnik brands.
• UTV/ATV Windshields Windshield products for utility side-by-side and all-terrain vehicles, including Wash'n'Wipe SxS UTV windshields with integrated wiper systems.
• AirFlares for SxS UTVs Aerodynamic flare accessories for side-by-side UTV vehicles providing additional wind management.
• ZTechnik Accessory Windscreens BMW-specific windscreen products under the ZTechnik sub-brand featuring VStream technology and BMW-exclusive fitments.
• ZTechnik Mirror Extenders Mirror extension products for BMW motorcycles designed to improve rear visibility when windscreens are installed.
• ZTechnik Windscreen Stabilizer Kit Stabilizer kit for BMW windscreens reducing vibration and improving rigidity.
• ZTechnik Headlight Guards Protective headlight guards for BMW motorcycles shielding against debris and damage.
• ZTechnik Carbon Fiber Trim Premium carbon fiber decorative trim pieces for BMW motorcycles.
• ZTechnik Machined Aluminum ZCaps and ZPlugs Precision-machined aluminum cap and plug accessories for BMW motorcycles.
• ZTechnik R-Series Engine Guards Engine protection bars for BMW R-series motorcycles.
• ZTechnik GS Fairing Winglets Aerodynamic winglet accessories for BMW GS-series fairings.
• ZTechnik License Plate Bracket Helmet Locks Combined license plate bracket and helmet security lock for BMW motorcycles.
• OEM Windshield Manufacturing Contract manufacturing of OEM windshields supplied directly to motorcycle manufacturers worldwide for factory-fit applications; replacement screens for OEM parts must be ordered through factory-authorized dealerships.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30X greater abrasion resistance than acrylic windshields
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Slipstreamer: Slipstreamer is a long-established US manufacturer of motorcycle windshields and accessories, particularly for cruiser and metric motorcycle segments. Comparable as a heritage aftermarket windshield competitor with a similar product breadth and US manufacturing base.
• Memphis Shades: Memphis Shades is a US-based manufacturer of motorcycle windshields and fairings, particularly strong in the bagger, cruiser, and metric touring segments. Directly comparable to National Cycle as a competing aftermarket polycarbonate windshield specialist with a similar product line and dealer distribution model.
• Zero Gravity Windscreens: Zero Gravity is a US-based manufacturer of sportbike and racing windshields, with comparable polycarbonate double-bubble and race-style products. Direct competitor to National Cycle in the sportbike windshield segment with similar pricing and dealer distribution.
• MRA (Motorcycle Racing Accessories): MRA is a German manufacturer specializing in sportbike and touring motorcycle windshields with aerodynamic designs. Direct competitor to National Cycle's VStream line, often appearing alongside National Cycle in head-to-head comparisons and serving European sportbike and adventure segments.
• Wunderlich: Wunderlich is a German specialist in BMW motorcycle accessories, including windscreens, engine guards, and luggage — closely paralleling National Cycle's ZTechnik sub-brand. Direct comparable on BMW-specific premium accessories with similar enthusiast positioning and dealer network in Europe.

Emerging players

• Touratech: Touratech is a German manufacturer specializing in adventure and long-distance motorcycle accessories including windscreens, luggage, and protection. Comparable to National Cycle's Dakota and Extreme Adventure Gear lines in the adventure segment with premium positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Puig Hi-Tech Parts: Puig is a large Spanish aftermarket motorcycle accessories manufacturer offering windshields, bodywork, and exhaust components globally. Comparable to National Cycle on the windshield line but operates at significantly larger scale and broader product portfolio, including OEM supply to major European motorcycle brands.
• Kuryakyn: Kuryakyn is a large US-based manufacturer of aftermarket motorcycle and powersports accessories including windshields, lighting, and chrome accessories. Comparable as a broader powersports accessories incumbent serving cruiser, bagger, and metric segments with overlapping windshield offerings.
• Givi: Givi is a large Italian manufacturer of motorcycle and scooter accessories including windshields, top cases, and luggage systems with global distribution. Comparable as a broader powersports accessories incumbent whose windshield line competes with National Cycle across sport-touring and adventure segments.
• SW-MOTECH: SW-MOTECH is a German manufacturer of motorcycle accessories including windscreens, luggage systems, and protection components for adventure and sport-touring segments. Comparable to National Cycle in the touring/adventure windshield category with strong European distribution.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/National_Cycle
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/natcyc
• Facebookfacebook.com/nationalcycle
• Instagraminstagram.com/nationalcycle

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Cycle