Fork-Mount Wind Deflectors?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 189
Likes: 123
From: Ottawa
I recently read an opinion that curved fangs should be positioned to scoop air upwards behind the windshield. Not in front.
The logic is that it relieves the low pressure which pulls in turbulence from above, while shifting updrafts to the shield instead of the tank.
Sure enough, the buffeting reduction of my Amazon cheapie fangs improved significantly when I relocated them higher up the fork with the top edge sitting behind my Windsplitter shield. Previously they were directing air in front of the shield.
Worth a try if your fangs aren't working as expected.
The logic is that it relieves the low pressure which pulls in turbulence from above, while shifting updrafts to the shield instead of the tank.
Sure enough, the buffeting reduction of my Amazon cheapie fangs improved significantly when I relocated them higher up the fork with the top edge sitting behind my Windsplitter shield. Previously they were directing air in front of the shield.
Worth a try if your fangs aren't working as expected.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 569
Likes: 127
From: Chandler, AZ
[QUOTE=Number 6;21792700]LTBiker, do you have those mounted backwards.
Shouldn't the curvature scope face forward to catch the wind?[/QUOTE
You know, when I first started using these back many years ago, that's what I thought, too. But, if you look at Harley's Parts description with picture for them, this is how they are pictured. Might be interesting to flip them around and see what difference it might make.
Shouldn't the curvature scope face forward to catch the wind?[/QUOTE
You know, when I first started using these back many years ago, that's what I thought, too. But, if you look at Harley's Parts description with picture for them, this is how they are pictured. Might be interesting to flip them around and see what difference it might make.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,142
Likes: 9,550
From: central NC
He has them mounted correctly. I’ve run them on three touring bikes.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 189
Likes: 123
From: Ottawa
[QUOTE=LTBiker;21793358]
I find they work slightly better when curved forward.
Either way, they're effective at reducing turbulent updrafts around the gas tank. But when curved forward, they can also reduce buffeting around the edges of the shield by scooping air upwards behind it thus reducing pressure differentials. I believe this is the main purpose of the curved design; to funnel air into the low pressure zone.
That said, aerodynamics is different in every situation. Everything from rider size to helmet shape can make a difference.
LTBiker, do you have those mounted backwards.
Shouldn't the curvature scope face forward to catch the wind?[/QUOTE
You know, when I first started using these back many years ago, that's what I thought, too. But, if you look at Harley's Parts description with picture for them, this is how they are pictured. Might be interesting to flip them around and see what difference it might make.
Shouldn't the curvature scope face forward to catch the wind?[/QUOTE
You know, when I first started using these back many years ago, that's what I thought, too. But, if you look at Harley's Parts description with picture for them, this is how they are pictured. Might be interesting to flip them around and see what difference it might make.
Either way, they're effective at reducing turbulent updrafts around the gas tank. But when curved forward, they can also reduce buffeting around the edges of the shield by scooping air upwards behind it thus reducing pressure differentials. I believe this is the main purpose of the curved design; to funnel air into the low pressure zone.
That said, aerodynamics is different in every situation. Everything from rider size to helmet shape can make a difference.
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