Wind Buffing
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: oklahoma
i have a sporster with a HD sport quick change shield.i have moved it up and down and at different angels and seems to make no difference.it is now at about level with my nose andit still beats hell out of my head and neck at highway speeds.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: C.C.,TX
windshields and wind in the face
While riding at speed, take your feet off the pegs and raise them to the top of slidders notice the difference. that is why HD sells those little wind deflectors that mount under the windshields and the little oval one under the triple trees
grump.
grump.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Southern Tier (Owego) N.Y.
How to choose the best windshield height for you.
The yardstick method below gives the correct answer, including adjustments for your riding posture, handlebar height, seat height, etc. The table below is only approximate. To use the table, get a size estimate from the table using your height and pants leg length. If you're between sizes, use the larger size if you live in a colder climate, or the smaller size if you live in a warmer climate. People in Florida or Houston need somewhat shorter windshields, people in Seattle or Juneau need taller windshields. Both the yardstick method and the table are for people who want to look over the windshield. If you want to look through the windshield, add about 3" to your windshield height. Of course the quietest possible ride is when you're looking through the windshield, but only about 1% of our customers are interested in looking through a windshield.
Younger guys (under 35) typically want about an inch or two shorter windshield to get a sportier feel. Older guys (over 45) typically want a more quiet and comfortable ride and prefer about an inch taller shield.
If you want coverage for your body up to your shoulders, but your head in undisturbed full-speed air, then your windshield's top edge should visually hit the ground about 10' - 12' (3 - 4 meters) in front of the front tire contact patch.
http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo...ng.html#Height
The yardstick method below gives the correct answer, including adjustments for your riding posture, handlebar height, seat height, etc. The table below is only approximate. To use the table, get a size estimate from the table using your height and pants leg length. If you're between sizes, use the larger size if you live in a colder climate, or the smaller size if you live in a warmer climate. People in Florida or Houston need somewhat shorter windshields, people in Seattle or Juneau need taller windshields. Both the yardstick method and the table are for people who want to look over the windshield. If you want to look through the windshield, add about 3" to your windshield height. Of course the quietest possible ride is when you're looking through the windshield, but only about 1% of our customers are interested in looking through a windshield.
Younger guys (under 35) typically want about an inch or two shorter windshield to get a sportier feel. Older guys (over 45) typically want a more quiet and comfortable ride and prefer about an inch taller shield.
If you want coverage for your body up to your shoulders, but your head in undisturbed full-speed air, then your windshield's top edge should visually hit the ground about 10' - 12' (3 - 4 meters) in front of the front tire contact patch.
http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo...ng.html#Height
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
It would be interesting to try riding with a full face helmet and no windshield......just to see if it's the windshield's shape itself that contributes to the buffetting....the vortex it creates. Someone on a prior thread mentioned a wind tunnel test with the smoke.....but you'd have to put a rider on it as well.....because the arms and legs of a rider do contribute to the redistribution and disruption of the wind. My Husband rides a Heritage....and has absolutely NO wind buffetting at any speeds. Does a fatter front tire and wider front fender......plus the solid plate below the headlights ( look at a Heritage front forks set up) cause the wind to deflect??? I have a pouch on the inside of the windshield too, and after I raised mine up a little, and took my "REACH SEAT" off causing me to sit LOWER and BACK from the tank further, that helped quite a bit.
Like I mentioned, I'm getting the Touring windshield ...wider & taller, so I'll report back after the snow melts as to what I experience. I'm going to try them with and without the pouch, and with and without a full face helmet.
I think it's a combination of factors. Anyone notice how your LEFT MIRROR is practically USELESS for viewing out of at 50+ mph because of vibrations , but the RIGHT SIDE is almost steady & clear??? ANOTHER MYSTERY.
Like I mentioned, I'm getting the Touring windshield ...wider & taller, so I'll report back after the snow melts as to what I experience. I'm going to try them with and without the pouch, and with and without a full face helmet.
I think it's a combination of factors. Anyone notice how your LEFT MIRROR is practically USELESS for viewing out of at 50+ mph because of vibrations , but the RIGHT SIDE is almost steady & clear??? ANOTHER MYSTERY.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 5
From: West Branch, Michigan
GMC1999......great link!!! Tons of useful info. Thanks for passing it along. My problem is they dont list a person who's 5' 2" with a 26" inseam.....but maybe since more and more gals are bike owners and riders these days, they'll have a chart made for our body types.
Again, that was a great link. Thanks
Again, that was a great link. Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 929
Likes: 0
From:
Well yesterday I tried out placing a tool bag just underneath my headlight and it eliminated most of my buffeting. I have an HD quick release shield and I was just about to sell the damn thing and just wear a full face when the weather called for it, but I'm glad I tried this out.
I've seen dented fenders from tool bags before so I guess I'll just have to look out for those potholes now....
I've seen dented fenders from tool bags before so I guess I'll just have to look out for those potholes now....
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 4
From: Augusta, GA
I will tell you I don't carry any tools in my bag though, just registration/insurance papers in a ziplok bag and my riding goggles and presc. glasses and a pack of smokes. Not a dent or wear mark in 18K.
Cheers!
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Charlottesville, VA
Blade,
I believe that part was originally designed to help keep the rain off riders' legs, but then they found it also helped with the "cold night wind rushing between the fork tubes." Later, thermal management engineers found that it also helped deflect more air directly to the engine and helped out with cooling a bit. I've actually run a full bike in the wind tunnel to do some flow visualization over this baffle, and it actually does make a significant difference. To this day, I'm not quite sure why they took it off later models...
I believe that part was originally designed to help keep the rain off riders' legs, but then they found it also helped with the "cold night wind rushing between the fork tubes." Later, thermal management engineers found that it also helped deflect more air directly to the engine and helped out with cooling a bit. I've actually run a full bike in the wind tunnel to do some flow visualization over this baffle, and it actually does make a significant difference. To this day, I'm not quite sure why they took it off later models...
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