wind protection options
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg PA
I went with a Memphis Shades Batwing. It is a quick detach as it was first intended for the colder months, but I find myself leaving it on longer and longer now because the ride is so comfortable. I have been able to wear a hat bill forward so there is no buffeting to speak of.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
In the past I have found Windvest shields to be very effective. They are small and easy to put on or remove. That said, they are a bit pricey but worth it in my opinion.
http://www.windvest.com/products/products.html
http://www.windvest.com/products/products.html
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 9,913
From: Florida's gorgeous East coast
Another fan of Windvest. I put mine on in March 2000 the morning I took off from Central Nebraska heading to Daytona for Bikeweek. After 15 yrs of riding the FXRS without any kind of windbreak, it took a little getting used to. It was unusually warm in Nebraska at that time, due to a big "warm air" flow coming onto to the prairie from the South. When I took off, I was running straight South and directly into a 25+ mph blustery wind. My original plan was to only run the Windvest on long trips. I figured I'd take advantage of the ease of removal ( 2 allen screws and it's off) and leave it off the bike otherwise. That was 19 yrs ago, and I haven't taken it off yet. After that first 1000 mi or so, heading for Daytona...it dawned on me that nothing was hitting me in the face...and I wasn't feeling any wind pressure on my chest.
Note to DMonger...your helmet's too loose. Try wearing a bandana wrap on your head under the helmet to "snug it up".
Eye protection: I finally bit the bullet and bought dedicated prescription eyewear for roadtrips. My choice was Wiley Rx. They have the (removable) foam liners and do a great job of keeping the wind from drying out my eyes on long rides at interstate speeds. Even with the Windvest, with my everyday street glasses a long day riding would leave me with dry, irritated eyes. I'm 69 yrs old...that might have something to do with that, but the Wiley's really help.
Note to DMonger...your helmet's too loose. Try wearing a bandana wrap on your head under the helmet to "snug it up".
Eye protection: I finally bit the bullet and bought dedicated prescription eyewear for roadtrips. My choice was Wiley Rx. They have the (removable) foam liners and do a great job of keeping the wind from drying out my eyes on long rides at interstate speeds. Even with the Windvest, with my everyday street glasses a long day riding would leave me with dry, irritated eyes. I'm 69 yrs old...that might have something to do with that, but the Wiley's really help.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 24
From: Cape Cod
Very happy with the MS Batwing I installed on my Switchback but it alone did not solve buffeting. Windshield height is critical. Top of fairing/shield should be no higher than your nose (as already posted). Also learned that after mounting a shield, airflow below the shield is critical to reducing buffeting (why fork bags help). Added MS extenders to the lower edges of the fairing and it helped quite a bit. In the colder months I ride with an HD 3/4 helmet with full face shield and it provides great protection (much better than my much more expensive aero designed full face automotive helmet at 1/3 the cost). Agree with everything said about glasses. Picked up 2 pair of cheap ($25) gasketed glasses at the dealership... one polarized and one clear for night riding. Huge difference in keeping eyes free of debris and wind.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5,562
Likes: 4,758
From: Albuquerque, NM
You could always make your own front lowers with a couple pieces of Lexan, cut to shape, from Lowes/Home Depot, a small L bracket of aluminum for each side, and a couple pipe clamps. It will push the wind/air from around the forks to out and away instead of up under the windshield and into you. Total cost for parts should be less than $20, and probably less than $10. You could also mount a piece under the triple tree to push the air down on the engine instead of up. That should eliminate the buffeting.
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Alamomann
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Aug 21, 2013 06:58 AM
