Switchback Windshield Buffeting
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 88
From: San Quirino, Italy
Not ALWAYS true. There are several different causes of buffeting...You just have to figure out what is causing yours...
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 591
Likes: 3
From: Alberta, CANADA
It doesn't matter how tall your WS is because the buffeting is coming from under the windshield. I bought a pair of Softtail Lower wind jammers from HD and had to modify them to fit, but it works great. I do 99% of my riding on the Interstates/Highways and had this same problem. It doesn't make the bike look awesome but it's great wind protection. And riding in 100+ heat protection on the highway gets priority.
This is the best pic I have to show an example.
This is the best pic I have to show an example.
I beg to differ, when the wind comes over the windshield and hits you in the eyes its buffeting. The height does make a difference.
You are correct though, some buffeting comes from in under. I know guys that rock 1/4 or rifle fairings that have them mounted high experience this.
The wind deflects under the fairing then swirls up over the tank and shoots them in the face. A simple fix for this is a deflector on the bottom of the lower tree to direct the wind down.
My T-sport fairing is wide and low enough to not create turbulance over the tank.
Simple test is just to crouch down an inch or two see when it goes away, or you can actually use the palm of your hand to "feel" the wind and just follow where it comes from.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 10
From: Jacksonville
I wonder what would happen if I cut a vent in the windshield like the CVO RK or 14 touring bikes' fairing. I've heard it works to equalize the pressure in the bubble the windshield creates. Vortex! (I had to say it). Maybe with a drimmel or something.
Anyone tried this on a pre-14? I wonder if it would compromise the structural integrity of the shield.
Edit: Google knows all. Found an article on it and how to fix it. It's called Von Karman vortices.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7907775_prev...ndshields.html
Anyone tried this on a pre-14? I wonder if it would compromise the structural integrity of the shield.
Edit: Google knows all. Found an article on it and how to fix it. It's called Von Karman vortices.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7907775_prev...ndshields.html
Last edited by Clubber; Sep 15, 2013 at 02:59 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Marana, Arizona
I beg to differ, when the wind comes over the windshield and hits you in the eyes its buffeting. The height does make a difference.
You are correct though, some buffeting comes from in under. I know guys that rock 1/4 or rifle fairings that have them mounted high experience this.
The wind deflects under the fairing then swirls up over the tank and shoots them in the face. A simple fix for this is a deflector on the bottom of the lower tree to direct the wind down.
My T-sport fairing is wide and low enough to not create turbulance over the tank.
Simple test is just to crouch down an inch or two see when it goes away, or you can actually use the palm of your hand to "feel" the wind and just follow where it comes from.
You are correct though, some buffeting comes from in under. I know guys that rock 1/4 or rifle fairings that have them mounted high experience this.
The wind deflects under the fairing then swirls up over the tank and shoots them in the face. A simple fix for this is a deflector on the bottom of the lower tree to direct the wind down.
My T-sport fairing is wide and low enough to not create turbulance over the tank.
Simple test is just to crouch down an inch or two see when it goes away, or you can actually use the palm of your hand to "feel" the wind and just follow where it comes from.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 88
From: San Quirino, Italy
I meant specific in the FLD. I tried everything. Even the tallest WS where I looked through it. The wind coming from underneath was shaking my helmet and goggles where I could not ride without blurred vision. The windjammers stopped the violent buffeting. I look over the top of the WS now and have wind hitting the top of my helmet but it's not shaking the crap outta my skull anymore. Unfortunately for me its no WS or WS and windjammers. Makes a very comfortable ride for 80mph cruising. JMHO.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,416
Likes: 88
From: San Quirino, Italy
I wonder what would happen if I cut a vent in the windshield like the CVO RK or 14 touring bikes' fairing. I've heard it works to equalize the pressure in the bubble the windshield creates. Vortex! (I had to say it). Maybe with a drimmel or something.
Anyone tried this on a pre-14? I wonder if it would compromise the structural integrity of the shield.
Edit: Google knows all. Found an article on it and how to fix it. It's called Von Karman vortices.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7907775_prev...ndshields.html
Anyone tried this on a pre-14? I wonder if it would compromise the structural integrity of the shield.
Edit: Google knows all. Found an article on it and how to fix it. It's called Von Karman vortices.
http://www.ehow.com/how_7907775_prev...ndshields.html
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Marana, Arizona
After a couple of long rides looking through the WS, mine was a 21 RoadKing WS (mounts to FLD WS brackets the same) I placed my feet where the windjammers would go, and voilŕ, no more buffeting. I sought out some windjammers but they didn't make them for Dynas, so I saw the SoftTails almost lined up the FLD windshield mounts, and had to dremel them a little, and it worked. Went back to my 15" WS with windjammers and it was still good. I've tried taking the windjammers off a few times and run just the WS, but I always end up putting them back on. I could have put a 10 foot high windshield and the buffeting would have still been there. Hope that answers your question.
Last edited by odie-in-az; Sep 15, 2013 at 05:19 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 2
From: Cali
just use your hand to figure out if wind is coming below the windshield. and where the bottom of the airstream is hitting your head.