helmet wind buffetting issue
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: Hickory, NC
You sure your helmet fits properly? 1/2's can be a bitch to fit correctly. Cinch it down tight, and if it swivels more than a touch when you grab the base, you might need a smaller one.
I learned the hard way about mail ordering helmets. No 2 are exactly the same.
I learned the hard way about mail ordering helmets. No 2 are exactly the same.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Edgewater Park, NJ
I have the same issue on my RK with a full face helmet. I find if I take off the windshield it's not an issue, but I like the windshield for highway riding. Either going to try the wind deflectors or taller windshield.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Maybe go with a non-DOT helmet.. if you are willing to do that.
DOT helmets give you kind of a "mushroom head" effect, because they stick out a good inch all the way around your head.. (from what I've read that padding only helps you on LOW speed impacts anyway). So the mushroom thing kind of acts like a frigging parachute, and what ever way your head gets pushed, your body will follow... and so will our bike.
A 3/4 DOT helmet has a smaller mushroom - parachute effect..
I think there's a company I've seen advertize here called NOVDOT - or maybe that's the helmet name.. ? .., anyway - look for DOT helmets that have a lower profile that will catch the wind.
Actually the biggest thing you can do is just ride... believe it or not, you'll get used to it and it won't bug you much any more.
DOT helmets give you kind of a "mushroom head" effect, because they stick out a good inch all the way around your head.. (from what I've read that padding only helps you on LOW speed impacts anyway). So the mushroom thing kind of acts like a frigging parachute, and what ever way your head gets pushed, your body will follow... and so will our bike.
A 3/4 DOT helmet has a smaller mushroom - parachute effect..
I think there's a company I've seen advertize here called NOVDOT - or maybe that's the helmet name.. ? .., anyway - look for DOT helmets that have a lower profile that will catch the wind.
Actually the biggest thing you can do is just ride... believe it or not, you'll get used to it and it won't bug you much any more.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 684
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
Maybe go with a non-DOT helmet.. if you are willing to do that.
DOT helmets give you kind of a "mushroom head" effect, because they stick out a good inch all the way around your head.. (from what I've read that padding only helps you on LOW speed impacts anyway). So the mushroom thing kind of acts like a frigging parachute, and what ever way your head gets pushed, your body will follow... and so will our bike.
A 3/4 DOT helmet has a smaller mushroom - parachute effect..
I think there's a company I've seen advertize here called NOVDOT - or maybe that's the helmet name.. ? .., anyway - look for DOT helmets that have a lower profile that will catch the wind.
Actually the biggest thing you can do is just ride... believe it or not, you'll get used to it and it won't bug you much any more.
Edited to add :
Wasn't there an advertizer here on hd forums that had some kind of fancy vest thing with flaps that would come up to block the wind aimed at your head?
DOT helmets give you kind of a "mushroom head" effect, because they stick out a good inch all the way around your head.. (from what I've read that padding only helps you on LOW speed impacts anyway). So the mushroom thing kind of acts like a frigging parachute, and what ever way your head gets pushed, your body will follow... and so will our bike.
A 3/4 DOT helmet has a smaller mushroom - parachute effect..
I think there's a company I've seen advertize here called NOVDOT - or maybe that's the helmet name.. ? .., anyway - look for DOT helmets that have a lower profile that will catch the wind.
Actually the biggest thing you can do is just ride... believe it or not, you'll get used to it and it won't bug you much any more.
Edited to add :
Wasn't there an advertizer here on hd forums that had some kind of fancy vest thing with flaps that would come up to block the wind aimed at your head?
Last edited by tinker1; May 8, 2011 at 07:41 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 14
From: Western MD
its easy to do. when i had 3" or so of clearance between the deflectors and the eng bar with the forks full locked, i knew something wasn't right. since the instructions are pretty much worthless i google pic'ed for lower deflectors and sure enough i had them mixed up.
there's A LOT of folks out there with their deflectors on backwards..
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 588
Likes: 1
Darn icky wind.......
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 7
From: Clermont, GA, CSA
+1 on the wind deflectors. Other Sheep is right, I won't give them up.
They really work!
The buffeting is caused by wind coming up from UNDER the windshield. The wind deflectors kick the wind out to the side and away from you. The one downside to the deflectors is they kind of hold some engine heat in at slow speeds. Get above 35 or so and it goes away.
Last edited by Mal74; May 8, 2011 at 08:27 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
[quote=brenn;8293374]
Far as I know, cutting thewindshield is to reduce windshield buffeting - I think that would increase helmet buffeting.
[quote]
Not true. There are two ways to stop helmet buffeting (actually turbulent air at helmet level).
1. Is to get your head into free moving air (only at you) this is done by cutting/lowering the windshield.
2. Getting yourself into a wind free pocket. This is can be done by getting a windshield tall enough to throw it over you. BUT, a better solution is a windshield designed to push the turbulent air over you - so you can still look over it properly.
If the helmet buffeting you are talking about is just happening because your helmet is catchin the clear air (not in turbulence) that is a helmet problem.
Far as I know, cutting thewindshield is to reduce windshield buffeting - I think that would increase helmet buffeting.
[quote]
Not true. There are two ways to stop helmet buffeting (actually turbulent air at helmet level).
1. Is to get your head into free moving air (only at you) this is done by cutting/lowering the windshield.
2. Getting yourself into a wind free pocket. This is can be done by getting a windshield tall enough to throw it over you. BUT, a better solution is a windshield designed to push the turbulent air over you - so you can still look over it properly.
If the helmet buffeting you are talking about is just happening because your helmet is catchin the clear air (not in turbulence) that is a helmet problem.