Wind Buffing
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
With the windshield on my WG, i get some pretty serious buffeting wearing a FF helmet. The simple solution was to wear something that blocks the open area of the helmet around my chin - easy to do when it's cold.
Oddly enough, I ride with my faceshield open a lot. You would think the open faceshield would create some weird wind issues, but, it doesn't.
Oddly enough, I ride with my faceshield open a lot. You would think the open faceshield would create some weird wind issues, but, it doesn't.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
I think it has to do with the angle of the H-D windshield and for some, the shape of the helmet they are wearing.
I had bought a cheap full-face made in China at first and the wind whipped that helmet so bad I couldn't wear it for any length of time. I upgraded to a good helmet and the airflow around it was drastically better, smoother than the original. No more "bobblehead".
As to the windshield, the H-D appears to be nearly vertical with little to no curvature. The windshield does not even flow with the rake of the forks.
When I first installed my National Cycle windshield, I had it mounted fairly vertical and took it out for a test ride. By moving forward and back in my riding position I could tell how the wind was channeling around and over it. I kept moving until I found the "sweet" spot. I went home, adjusted the shield so it leaned back at a greater angle than the fork rake and as I said in my earlier post, the wind channels across the top of my head very comfortably.
I'm looking to buy a new shield since the original was broken in the crash. I've been bidding on the H-D detachable on ebay but with the apparent dissatisfaction of many of you with it I think I'll go with either another National or maybe a Memphis that actually has some adjustability and slope/curvature to insure I don't regret my next purchase.
I had bought a cheap full-face made in China at first and the wind whipped that helmet so bad I couldn't wear it for any length of time. I upgraded to a good helmet and the airflow around it was drastically better, smoother than the original. No more "bobblehead".
As to the windshield, the H-D appears to be nearly vertical with little to no curvature. The windshield does not even flow with the rake of the forks.
When I first installed my National Cycle windshield, I had it mounted fairly vertical and took it out for a test ride. By moving forward and back in my riding position I could tell how the wind was channeling around and over it. I kept moving until I found the "sweet" spot. I went home, adjusted the shield so it leaned back at a greater angle than the fork rake and as I said in my earlier post, the wind channels across the top of my head very comfortably.
I'm looking to buy a new shield since the original was broken in the crash. I've been bidding on the H-D detachable on ebay but with the apparent dissatisfaction of many of you with it I think I'll go with either another National or maybe a Memphis that actually has some adjustability and slope/curvature to insure I don't regret my next purchase.
Last edited by sniper77; Dec 4, 2008 at 05:53 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
From:
I had the HD quick detach and grew tired of the buffeting. I read that lowers helped significantly. I decided to get the Memphis shades lowers and as long as I was at it I got the matching WS as well. This made a huge difference and now it is very tolerable.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick, OH
A very annoying sensation from turbulent wind coming off a windshield or fairing. I heard it best described as the feeling that someone is whacking your helmet with a tackhammer. Makes your head bobble around, blurs your vision, etc. If you've got it, you'd know it, it's annoying as hell.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
That is pretty neat ord sgt, I never considered the wind coming from below the trees like that. Does it do a job on the updraft?
I think you should put some paint on it though if you intend to leave it on there, it's looking a bit rusty from the pics.
I think you should put some paint on it though if you intend to leave it on there, it's looking a bit rusty from the pics.