Front end handling with Windshield
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
Front end handling with Windshield
I have a standard HD Quick Release windshield that I had cut and smoked for myself. I ride in a rural area with a lot of bugs so I also ride with a modular helmet.
At any rate, I've taken some short rides and today a long one without the windshield and I can't help but notice how much lighter and responsive the front end feels. I'm sure some of this is BS but it sure feels better. I can't believe that the windshield which doesn't seem to weigh that much makes such a difference. Plus today was really windy so some highway riding really sucked without it.
I do like the look of some of the smaller ones I've seen and the club style ones. Are they much lighter and do they have a decent affect when it comes to bug and wind deflection? I don't need as much as my current one but some would sure be nice.
thanks as always for the advice
At any rate, I've taken some short rides and today a long one without the windshield and I can't help but notice how much lighter and responsive the front end feels. I'm sure some of this is BS but it sure feels better. I can't believe that the windshield which doesn't seem to weigh that much makes such a difference. Plus today was really windy so some highway riding really sucked without it.
I do like the look of some of the smaller ones I've seen and the club style ones. Are they much lighter and do they have a decent affect when it comes to bug and wind deflection? I don't need as much as my current one but some would sure be nice.
thanks as always for the advice
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I don't think it's that much of the weight that is affecting the handling as the wind hitting the windshield, it's hooked up to your fork tubes.
I have a small windvest that takes all the wind off my chest but doesn't seem to mess with the steering.
I have a small windvest that takes all the wind off my chest but doesn't seem to mess with the steering.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
That certainly could be. Pardon my stupidity but what's a windvest? Oh wait, just saw your avatar pic. So I assume a reasonably sized windshield that's attached higher up?
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
Gotcha, have you ever had a slightly larger one is this pretty efficient?
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 365
Likes: 1
From: under a rock in the swamp
I often wondered why they did not frame mount all the touring bikes fairings? Them Road Glides are AWESOME for highway riden.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Ivins, UT
For what it is worth, I'm using a 15" Memphis on my Fat Bob. Seems to handle just fine but to be honest, I've been spoiled by riding a Honda St1300 which has a bunch of fairings to divert the wind plus the screen is mounted to the body. With the 15" Memphis I still feel lots of buff'eting and now I'm thinking about a 19". You can raise the 15" up so far then the wind goes between the headlights and the screen. Right now it is about 2" above the headlights so essentially a 2" gap. I also feel lots of wind coming in from below, again something I'm not used to. But, none of this has made a noticable change to the handling. Speaking of handling from a different perspective, I find that my boots want to lift off the pegs causing a different kind of handling issue. I guess I need some heavier boots.
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: Out on Deranged
I had the short HD detachable for four years without issues, but when mine broke I didn't want to pay as much so I got one from national cycle the works well, cost less and you can place it the way you want. Check them out at J&P ( site sponsors )
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
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From: sand mountain Alabama
Wind drag is your biggest problem. If the windshield is not set properly it adds to the drag.
I use a http://www.amazon.com/Slipstreamer-H...SMOKE/dp/B000W
slipstreamer, tombstone windshield
Small but effective. I really like it. You don't feel any wind drag either.
I use a http://www.amazon.com/Slipstreamer-H...SMOKE/dp/B000W
slipstreamer, tombstone windshield
Small but effective. I really like it. You don't feel any wind drag either.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I use a National Cycle Flyscreen for local riding and a HD QR for long rides. The flyscreen keeps the wind off of my chest and deflects it up near the top of my helmet and is small and relatively inconspicuous. As I get older looking for some wind relief.