Windshield vent......yes or no?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 419
Likes: 223
From: Florida
Windshield vent......yes or no?
I'm in the process of ordering a windshield from Clearview for my 2010 RK and I have the option of getting it with or without a vent.
Its capable of 5 different positions.
Aesthetically, I prefer the clean, vintage look of no vent.
Shop said it helps with back pressure and temperature.
I'm in South Florida so it does get hot.
Do any of you have a vented windshield?
If so, does it really make that much difference?
Thanks!
Its capable of 5 different positions.
Aesthetically, I prefer the clean, vintage look of no vent.
Shop said it helps with back pressure and temperature.
I'm in South Florida so it does get hot.
Do any of you have a vented windshield?
If so, does it really make that much difference?
Thanks!
Last edited by 81shovelhd!; Nov 27, 2023 at 03:57 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
I put the clearview windshield on mine , but didn't go with the vent , but I've heard nothing but good things about it . I didn't go with it because I put a bag on it , which is in the exact same place as the vent would be , making it useless .
The bag I put on my windshield is very useful to me , I put my phone it in when it needs charging , some snacks while traveling , helmets locks etc .
The bag I put on my windshield is very useful to me , I put my phone it in when it needs charging , some snacks while traveling , helmets locks etc .
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 536
From: MN
Yes.
I ordered the wide Cleaview windshield to help reduce bugs on knuckles while riding. This added backpressure, of course, and more tendency to wind-steer, as the windshield is mounted to the steering axle, not the frame. It's windy up here in the Siberia of America, so wind gusts tend to jerk the steering around. Adding a vent helps reduce this significantly. I would say that is more important than any cooling effect.
I ordered the wide Cleaview windshield to help reduce bugs on knuckles while riding. This added backpressure, of course, and more tendency to wind-steer, as the windshield is mounted to the steering axle, not the frame. It's windy up here in the Siberia of America, so wind gusts tend to jerk the steering around. Adding a vent helps reduce this significantly. I would say that is more important than any cooling effect.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,192
From: Maryland
I've got the vent on the ClearView shield on my Heritage. It's primary purpose is to minimize the pressure differential created behind the windshield. The pressure differential causes turbulence (re. buffeting) with the air coming over the windshield. I find it has little noticeable cooling effect for the rider. How effective is it with buffeting reduction? It helps quite a bit, but it doesn't completely solve the problem. Is it worth it? In my mind... Absolutely.
You can have the vent and a windshield bag installed. You just have to have them put the vent above the horizontal windshield brace. This is how I have it on mine. Works fine.
You can have the vent and a windshield bag installed. You just have to have them put the vent above the horizontal windshield brace. This is how I have it on mine. Works fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,430
Likes: 836
From: The High Plains, USA
For me, a vent is necessary. I can tell an immediate and significant difference with the vent open vs. closed on my H-D Wind Splitter and my Clearview with the vent option. Agree that it makes things more difficult if you run a windshield bag, though.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 165
Likes: 115
From: South Carolina
I've got the Clearview GT width (extra wide) with the vent. Helps a little to cool you down during the hot months by moving a small amount of air over your sweat-soaked shirt but the main benefit is the buffeting reduction. Unless you can buy two windshields you won't be able to make a direct comparison but my first windshield didn't have one then got it when I had to replace it. Even with the vent closed there are on tope of the vent that allow the vacuum to be broken so you always have the buffeting reduction (more with it open though). I noticed the difference and will get the vented option on my next one also.
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