Windshield Issues
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: NC
Windshield Issues
Let me begin by saying I'm a new Harley rider. Picked up my Street Bob just over 2 weeks ago. Absolutley love it. So far I've logged just over 1300 miles, with a meandering trip to Ocracoke and back accounting for most of that.
Here's my issue. My Dad and I switched off bikes during the ride to Ocracoke. He rides a Kawasaki Concours. When we switched back, he recommended that I look at getting a windshield for longer trips. Thought it might help with the enjoyment.
So I went out and got this Memphis Shades Del Rio. I installed and noticed there wasn't much play in the rake angle. Took it out for a spin along the beltline. Wow, I couldn't believe the buffeting. My question is for people who have dealt with this, can the Memphis Shades windshields be raked back farther than the bushings allow? I thought of putting a spacer at the bottom of the windshield bracket to kick out the shield a little more.
Any thoughts, suggestions based on looking at my set up?
Here's my issue. My Dad and I switched off bikes during the ride to Ocracoke. He rides a Kawasaki Concours. When we switched back, he recommended that I look at getting a windshield for longer trips. Thought it might help with the enjoyment.
So I went out and got this Memphis Shades Del Rio. I installed and noticed there wasn't much play in the rake angle. Took it out for a spin along the beltline. Wow, I couldn't believe the buffeting. My question is for people who have dealt with this, can the Memphis Shades windshields be raked back farther than the bushings allow? I thought of putting a spacer at the bottom of the windshield bracket to kick out the shield a little more.
Any thoughts, suggestions based on looking at my set up?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 682
Likes: 1
From: Wichita, KS
The Memphis shades lowers will help quite a bit, but won't eliminate it entirely. Some have also modded a touring airdam that goes under the lower tree area and frame. Others have had fair luck with a fork bag in between. The lowers worked for me, but still had a little buffeting. Good luck!
Mike
Mike
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 167
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Having tried several shields, I can say this bike isn't designed to run a windshield. There is buffeting no matter what you do (I'm sure others will disagree). You'd think someone (say....HD) would wind-test their shield designs, but no go. Just selling fashion...not function. Mounting any large sail to the front forks will screw up handling and your helmet will still pound. Consider getting yourself an old airhead beemer for traveling and use the dyna for around town.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 1
From: Ashland Ore.
Having tried several shields, I can say this bike isn't designed to run a windshield. There is buffeting no matter what you do (I'm sure others will disagree). You'd think someone (say....HD) would wind-test their shield designs, but no go. Just selling fashion...not function. Mounting any large sail to the front forks will screw up handling and your helmet will still pound. Consider getting yourself an old airhead beemer for traveling and use the dyna for around town.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
From: NC
Thanks guys. After a quick spin around the neighborhood sans windshield I can say Im done with it. Boxed up and ready for ebay. I definitely prefer the clean, unobstructed air hitting me.
I came up riding a CBR, so the wind thing has never been an issue. Thought I would try because my Dad swore up and down it would improve riding experience on long trips. If anything, I think it would tire me out more, making my head feel a full on bobble like I was ******* a semi.
I will just shoot my gaudy old Shoei with some flat black and try it that way during the cold season.
I came up riding a CBR, so the wind thing has never been an issue. Thought I would try because my Dad swore up and down it would improve riding experience on long trips. If anything, I think it would tire me out more, making my head feel a full on bobble like I was ******* a semi.
I will just shoot my gaudy old Shoei with some flat black and try it that way during the cold season.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 1
From: FootBaLL FieLD
I ran the Del Rio for a couple of years and found it to be a great shield. I also added the hooded trim ring to my headlight to mount the shield lower, stop more air, and have it look more integrated to the bike. I couldnt rake the set-up much as my speedometer is on the bars, but found this to be much better than the MOCO QD shield that I had. As stated above, I dont think there is a way to get clean air with a shield .... most of the turbulent air comes up from the sides imo.
I've since gone down to the Del Rey .... smallest Memphis Shades SportShield .... and I love it. Knocks enough wind off and looks very much like the 1/4 Fairing that I want but cant afford!!!
PsTaN
I've since gone down to the Del Rey .... smallest Memphis Shades SportShield .... and I love it. Knocks enough wind off and looks very much like the 1/4 Fairing that I want but cant afford!!!
PsTaN
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 242
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From: Texas
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Road Master
Joined: May 2006
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From: FootBaLL FieLD
Still had turbulent air. Just way less than the Harley product. I rode a 2003 Screamin' Eagle Road King today and it had wind buffet as well .... even with a huge shield and chrome lowers.
PsTaN
PsTaN
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
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From: Greenfield, Massachusetts
I have the Memphis Shades Slims on my '08 Street Bob. Didn't have a LOT of buffetting, but some once I got up to 70mph on the highway. Put the lowers on and what a huge difference. I did this because I noticed the wind I was getting wasn't from over the shield, it was coming up and aruond my tank. So that is why I figured I'd try the lowers. Also, I notice that when I lowered the little tool pouch type bag I have in the front to block more of that space between the front forks, THAT helped a lot too.
I now feel I get plenty of wind, but no "buffetting". I prefer the look of the bike with no windshield, but I can't deal with the way the wind almost forces me off the bikie at highway speeds without it. Maybe because I am (relatively) light? Also, I seem to attract everything possible - my face is assaulted by bugs, rocks, tree limbs, you name it. So the windshield helps deflect MOST of this and makes it safer riding, at least for me, I feel.
I now feel I get plenty of wind, but no "buffetting". I prefer the look of the bike with no windshield, but I can't deal with the way the wind almost forces me off the bikie at highway speeds without it. Maybe because I am (relatively) light? Also, I seem to attract everything possible - my face is assaulted by bugs, rocks, tree limbs, you name it. So the windshield helps deflect MOST of this and makes it safer riding, at least for me, I feel.