Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
The worst buffeting, in my opinion, is updraft from under the windshield and around the tanks to the head/helmet. I solved this by putting on the Harley chrome wind deflectors on my Heritage Softtail and detachable Memphis Shade wind deflectors on my Bob...for long distance rides. Makes everything "calm" behind the windshield.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 4
From: Johnson City TN U.S.A.
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
I ride with my Memphis on and off and around here in the mountains the ride is smoother with it on.
We go on some heavy rides down 1-40 where there are bikes of every kind.
The worst buffeting I see, consistently, is on those big fat Hondas.
We don't even want those around us in strong winds once you see them get buffeted like that.
We go on some heavy rides down 1-40 where there are bikes of every kind.
The worst buffeting I see, consistently, is on those big fat Hondas.
We don't even want those around us in strong winds once you see them get buffeted like that.
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 76
Likes: 1
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
I have the HD Sport windshield on my 03 Lowrider and I don't get any buffeting at all. My girlfriend has the HD supersport detachable on her 06 1200L, which is about 3 inches taller and 2 inches wider and I do experience buffeting on that. They are both set pretty much right on top of the headlight. I don't wear a helmet and my glasses never move on my bike, but they will jiggle a bit on hers. She is shorter and wears a full face helmet and says it doesn't bother her. I hate looking through a windshield though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
I have the Harley "compact" detachable windshield for my Wide Glide and if there is no wind outside, it works pretty well to keep the wind off my chest. It ends about 6 inches below my face, but at least it kicks the air, and bugs, up over my head. When there is any wind, like 10 mph or more, the buffeting is bad. I ended up just taking the windshield off completely and although the wind hits me in the chest full force now, my bike runs straight and true. Crosswinds are still a problem, but I think that's a problem with or without a windshield. I think I'll only use the windshield in winter when the temps dip below 30. I may stick it back on during "butterfly season" so I don't end up splattered in those little yellow butterfly swarms we get here in South Texas.
Might try a tank lift to see if that helps - some folks have reported good things about them affecting wind flow.
Might try a tank lift to see if that helps - some folks have reported good things about them affecting wind flow.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
ORIGINAL: eleutheros
IT WAS AT ALL SPEEDS, 5 MPH TO 90 MPH.
IT WAS AT ALL SPEEDS, 5 MPH TO 90 MPH.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 993
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
eleutheros,
I also have an 06 Wide Glide and have a problem with buffeting at highway speeds. I do not want to spoil the lines of it with a windsheild. Do you have pictures of how you mounted your tool bag?
[IMG]local://upfiles/31662/E66A087A632049EE94892345CD77C798.jpg[/IMG]
I also have an 06 Wide Glide and have a problem with buffeting at highway speeds. I do not want to spoil the lines of it with a windsheild. Do you have pictures of how you mounted your tool bag?
[IMG]local://upfiles/31662/E66A087A632049EE94892345CD77C798.jpg[/IMG]
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
I have the lowride. The windshield is something harley should have fix before selling. Everyone how works for harley stores know of the problem and still sell the windshields. I have done some changes that help fix the air flow.
1. First thing Raise the tank with tank lift. Then air is flow down to the engine.
2. The windshield move the angle out at bottom by 1"
3. Put a leather bag in windshield full with stuff. helps stop air from around thehead light.
This will change the air flow. Harley could have made better changes for there windshields.
1. First thing Raise the tank with tank lift. Then air is flow down to the engine.
2. The windshield move the angle out at bottom by 1"
3. Put a leather bag in windshield full with stuff. helps stop air from around thehead light.
This will change the air flow. Harley could have made better changes for there windshields.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
This will change the air flow. Harley could have made better changes for there windshields.
This is not a criticism of Harley owners but I"m betting many Harley owners accept buffeting as "normal". They certainly wouldn't if they had an opportunity to ride a bike with a properly designed windshield - and not just some bolt-on piece of Plexiglas.
/rant
Ok, I feel better now.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
I just have the stock fairing-windshield on my 06 ElectraGlide.
It does a satisfactory job. No worse than any of the bike-windshield
combos on my other rides.
It does a satisfactory job. No worse than any of the bike-windshield
combos on my other rides.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Windshield Buffeting - let's understand this
I have the standard quick detach harley windshield for my 07 bob. I normally don't even use it unless I am going on a long trip using the interstate. I have 11" progressives and am 5' 8" tall. Just like all the comments on seats I have read over the years....riding a bike is not comfortable, it is just bearable. I don't think you'll ever find a "comfortable" seat or a totally wind free windshield. It's all about the riding experience. Just like this last weekend me and the wife took a trip to Springfield, MO. Even though I had my Frogg Toggs on and harley boots I still got wet when we rode home in the driving rain. I didn't get soaked.......but I did get wet. If you want total comfort......drive your cage. If you want the motorcycle experience......ride your bike. By the way, if you want more comfort get a Gold Wing or bagger. Npt trying to flame anyone just a couple observations. I've been riding since in college (about 21 years).