Windshield Buffeting
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 228
From: Northford, CT
Windshield Buffeting
I know this has been covered before. I understand ideally you do NOT want to be looking thru a windshield on a motorcycle but above it. I know wind often comes up from underneath causing a lot of buffeting which lower should help with.
I installed a Memphis Shades Fats 17" windshield. Installed it on my 84' FXSB Shovelhead. I set it up so the top edge of the windshield is roughly at the bridge of my nose.
I wear a Biltwell Lanesplitter helmet which is a full face.
Above 45 mph or so I get the buffeting which affects my vision (no good!). I tried lowering the windshield which seems to make it worse. Tilting it back makes it worse. It seems having it as high up as possible (looking thru it) and most upright lessens the buffeting although it is still there.
Next I installed the Memphis Shades lowers. Not much improvement if any.
I haven't tried going for a ride w/o a helmet to see if the buffeting goes away but I need to wear one.
Any suggestions?
I installed a Memphis Shades Fats 17" windshield. Installed it on my 84' FXSB Shovelhead. I set it up so the top edge of the windshield is roughly at the bridge of my nose.
I wear a Biltwell Lanesplitter helmet which is a full face.
Above 45 mph or so I get the buffeting which affects my vision (no good!). I tried lowering the windshield which seems to make it worse. Tilting it back makes it worse. It seems having it as high up as possible (looking thru it) and most upright lessens the buffeting although it is still there.
Next I installed the Memphis Shades lowers. Not much improvement if any.
I haven't tried going for a ride w/o a helmet to see if the buffeting goes away but I need to wear one.
Any suggestions?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 228
From: Northford, CT
Worth a shot. Easy enough to try
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 228
From: Northford, CT
That's what I'm thinking. Seems I should have just went with a 21" but I will try closing the gaps between the lowers and windshield first.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 1,057
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From: Toronto - Centre of the Universe
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 668
From: Texas
Tool bag on the front forks as I have works well also. As with the BakerBuilt deflector above, make sure it's above the fender when the fork is compressed.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: Canada Flats
Next time you head out for a ride , place your hand beside your tank , you'll no doubt feel a bunch of air coming up through that gap , I think G.Q.R nailed it , the way those lowers are set up , your not getting proper deflection . You should be able to raise the lowers and leave about a 1/2" gap between it and the windshield .
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Spartan Country, Michigan
I agree MyFav.... next ride and you get buffeting, place you arm horizontally across your chest. If this helps reduce buffeting, the wind is from below. If not, wind may be from side or top. I had buffeting on my Street Glide and put the fangs on. Hate the looks, but enjoy the no buffet of the head. Good luck on your journey.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 452
Likes: 228
From: Northford, CT
I raised the lowers up to close the gap with the windshield. I don't like how there is no adjustability to match the angle of the windshield. With the lowers all the adjustability is in the clamp only.
Hoping to get a short test ride in today. I will try the arm across the chest test too.
Hoping to get a short test ride in today. I will try the arm across the chest test too.