When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
ORIGINAL: Guard Bum
I don't buy the wind coming under. I just removed the standard shield on my Ultra and replaced it with an 8" shield. I like the look, but it made a significant negative difference in the ride. I am going to replace it with a 14" and give it a shot. I didn't have a problem with the shield a couple inches under eye level, but now its a foot under eye level and that's a problem on the highway (great arond town). You might try a little bigger.
And as for not buying that the wind is coming from underneath? Neither did I.. But there are enough people around here that think that is where it is from that I am not going to argue with them about it... For me the wind got better if I leaned into the windshield more... So... it could be that I got my head out from the wind over the top or my body absorbed the wind from underneath. Whatever it was... the experienced sucked enough to let me know that I personally will not have a windshield.
The proof of the wind coming up form behind the windshield is when I ride a bike with a windshield, my goatee sticks straight out and sometimes will blow upwards and tickle my nose! That's from the wind coming up my chest from behind the shield. It's no myth.
I don't think Screwball was being mean just placing his thoughts but for a bugs in the teeth kind of guy that he is thats quite the pickup truck and trailer loaded with bikes you have there https://www.hdforums.com/upfiles/375...BB22CFFBA5.jpg(posting on bikes and trailers). Not sure what side of the fence your walking on here. For 22 years I have been riding without one. Bought a cheap shield for $80 to see what the fuss was about and yes there was vibration and all that stuff.
I like the option of having choices for myself With or without was the reason I bought a RoadKing. I quit caring what other people think 25yrs ago
But I do know that the other night I was out late (Mid 20's) with a couple buddy's, and both made remarks about my windshield and the reason to run 75/80[8D]
In most cases I would be willing to bet a dollar () that the turbulence is coming from underneath. I had the biggest windshield Harley made on both a Sportie and a Wide Glide and the buffeting was brutal at high speeds with each bike. In fact, it was much worse than no windshield at all. To lessen the effects of the wind, I would constantly be adjusting my legs in, out, or in extreme situations, I would put my feet on the rear pegs. The fact that the buffeting disappeared completely when my legs were angled back towards the rear proved to me that the windshield wasn't the culprit.
I have a bagger now but if I still had the WG or some other non-fairing model, I would be looking for some sort of fork mounted wind deflectors, or maybe the vest that TC mentioned.
I can almost guarantee you that the head buffeting is coming from underneath the windshield and over the tank; it's quite common. While riding at highway speed, take your left arm and hold it across your chest--you'll feel the wind pushing UP on it. The problem is easily solved with wind deflectors, or lowers. Some folks who like a detachable shield for the occasional "naked" look won't care for them, but I've used them for years. I bought a set of chrome lowers for my Softail Heritage and it completely eliminated the problem; best $50 I've spent thus far. For my review of the H-D lowers, complete with pics, look here: H-D Chrome Wind Deflectors
Is the wind coming from under the windshield? Definitely. Will a taller windshield stop it? No. Will fork-mounted wind deflectors stop it? Definitely. (From my experience.)
It just like everything else there is no 1 fix for everyone. On sime bike and some riders the wind is coming over the top of the sheild while others it comes below. I think most of its come form the bottom but not from the front of the tank but more from the sides and back close to the seat. The wind over the top creates a vacum and it pulls air from the bottom up. this wind then catches you helment, stuff in you pocket, beard or what ever. That is why the arm across the chest test so good results for a lot of people but then again not for everyone. Lowers will work on some bikes but not all I have a Wideglide and they seemed to have no effect for me . I guess the longer frone end and thinner tie and fender had something to do with it. A lot of people say the vest works but I have not tried it so I can't say.
Scruffy
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
It just like everything else there is no 1 fix for everyone.
Scruffy
You're right on with that comment.
I had wind from under the shield that caused most of my problem. I installed the H-D lowers and it took 75% or so of the problem away.
I cut another 15% or so by wearing a skull cap under my helmet. When I bought my current 1/2 helmet, it seemed to fit fine. After wearing it for 8 months or so, it had lossened up a bit. The skull cap snuged the fit up and helped with the buffeting.
I couldn't imagine travelling without a windshield. Around town maybe, but not cross country. Too many days of bad weather somewhere in the works! When you're trying to get miles on and run into heavy rain, there's no stopping and waiting for that to pass...gotta keep movin baby! After a few hours of fighting the wind, I find it just plain tires me out too quick. I need my windshield..wouldn't part with it. But then again...remember I am a GIRL!
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.