The Everything 2018+ Heritage Thread
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 252
Likes: 83
From: Gainesville, Ga.
I just installed the Capt. Itch bib plus the luggage rack and then the seat. It raised the back of the seat at
least a 1/4 in. and moved me about an in forward.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 587
Likes: 312
From: here n there
Temperature effects of wind deflectors
I have an FP3 from an older bike that I use to monitor engine parameters on my Heritage. I can see engine temperature so I decided to do a test to determine the temperature effect of my wind deflectors. The ones I have are from JES Custom Accents - the ones made specifically for the 18 Heritage. I have them mounted inside the windshield grommets. It probably doesnt make any difference, but I had the windshield on. It is cut down to 13, with a 2 extension from the Memphis Shades Hot Wing.
For the test, I rode the bike first with and then without the deflectors up the freeway at about 65 - 70 mph until the temperature stabilized. After that, I rode back home through town the long way to gauge the impact at low speed and with stops. I didnt continue at low speed until the temp stabilized, but I would expect the difference to be pretty consistent, regardless of the final temperature.
Bottom line is that the deflectors raise the engine temperature about 9 degrees F in both situations. Here are the numbers with the deflectors installed: Ambient temp 65F, engine temp at high speed 277F, engine temp at low speed 302F. Without deflectors: Ambient temp 72, engine temp at high speed 275. Engine temp at low speed 302.
One other thing this test showed me is how effective the deflectors are at reducing wind noise and buffeting. I think it was on this thread a while back someone was mocking the idea that the deflectors help because we dont have any wind tunnel data or simulations. I can tell you for an absolute fact that they are quite effective at reducing the wind effects both on my body and helmet. Riding with and without about 30 minutes apart I was able to make a very good qualitative comparison.
So thats the tradeoff: a slightly hotter engine but quite a lot less wind effects. Im keeping them on, but still looking for other means to reduce operating temp. Any ideas in this regard would be welcome.
For the test, I rode the bike first with and then without the deflectors up the freeway at about 65 - 70 mph until the temperature stabilized. After that, I rode back home through town the long way to gauge the impact at low speed and with stops. I didnt continue at low speed until the temp stabilized, but I would expect the difference to be pretty consistent, regardless of the final temperature.
Bottom line is that the deflectors raise the engine temperature about 9 degrees F in both situations. Here are the numbers with the deflectors installed: Ambient temp 65F, engine temp at high speed 277F, engine temp at low speed 302F. Without deflectors: Ambient temp 72, engine temp at high speed 275. Engine temp at low speed 302.
One other thing this test showed me is how effective the deflectors are at reducing wind noise and buffeting. I think it was on this thread a while back someone was mocking the idea that the deflectors help because we dont have any wind tunnel data or simulations. I can tell you for an absolute fact that they are quite effective at reducing the wind effects both on my body and helmet. Riding with and without about 30 minutes apart I was able to make a very good qualitative comparison.
So thats the tradeoff: a slightly hotter engine but quite a lot less wind effects. Im keeping them on, but still looking for other means to reduce operating temp. Any ideas in this regard would be welcome.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 587
Likes: 312
From: here n there
Another Vibration noise source
For those still chasing down vibration noises on their bikes, here's something else to check: I noticed today that the support under my left saddle bag rattles. It's got a forked end that just rests in a flange (not sure that's the right term) but is not attached. On my bike it rattles pretty loudly even with some weight in the bag. I temporarily wrapped a thick rubber band around in the slot the fork fits into and that stopped it. I'll pick up an o-ring next time I'm in the hardware store.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 220
Likes: 65
From: The Netherlands
For those still chasing down vibration noises on their bikes, here's something else to check: I noticed today that the support under my left saddle bag rattles. It's got a forked end that just rests in a flange (not sure that's the right term) but is not attached. On my bike it rattles pretty loudly even with some weight in the bag. I temporarily wrapped a thick rubber band around in the slot the fork fits into and that stopped it. I'll pick up an o-ring next time I'm in the hardware store.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 594
From: Alabama
It is a great seat but it moved me rear about one or two inches. That is not working out.
I see the post below about bringing the seat up a bit in the rear. Maybe I will give it a try.
I ordered a HD Sundowner Solo and also a Grasshopper backrest.
I see the post below about bringing the seat up a bit in the rear. Maybe I will give it a try.
I ordered a HD Sundowner Solo and also a Grasshopper backrest.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 565
Likes: 197
From: London, UK