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I have read many threads in here about buffeting and different windshields and even how to get the right height windshield for riding. I love the amount of information this brings me to a few questions and assistance from the people here. I have a 2006 Heritage and the Wife has a 2008 Heritage Classic and both have a windshield when measured from the lower headlight curve to the top are about 21"s. This made swapping windshields a moot point as they are identical in size.
The one on my 2006 is worn out and I am planning to use it as a test windshield for proper height that I will need since the 21" is way too tall for me. I plan to cut it down to the size, according to sources, it should be at and ride with it to determine windshield height for me that has no buffeting (anyone done this and how did it work out?). This is part one of my question.
Now for Part 2 anyone using or used the recurve windscreen such as this one, BTW this is the style of windshield I have on my bike. It was from a 2005 Deluxe. Here is a link to it
I am hoping for some good info on this as I do not want to ride with this buffeting. I have never used a windshield so this is rather new to me and appreciate the help. (P.S. I already put some fangs on the wife's bike to see if it helped and it did reduce some, but until I put the right windshield it will suck for me.)
I don't think windshield height will do it for you. The airflow up the nose is coming under the shield and around the tank. The fork mounted wind deflectors (fangs) was my only option. Couldn't see in my mirrors at highway speeds. I went through many beers staring at the front end of the bike in the garage picturing the fangs installed. Finally figured wth, only $100 and pulled the trigger. First ride out put all doubts and feelings behind me and honestly... They don't look that bad at all on a Heritage. Might save you some experimental time and expense. Just sharing my results. 0 buffeting for me
It's a common problem. I solved mine two ways. I got the fangs. They helped some, maybe 10-15 percent.
But THEN, I simply tied a leather fork bag to the front forks. Most of the buffeting wind comes up from underneath, in the gap between the forks.
That helped tremendously, much more than the $100 fangs. The ride now is 90 percent better. Sounds simple, but sometimes the best fix is cheap and simple.
I am going to try the bag on the forks. Since I have an extra one sitting around. Where did you put it on the front forks? I honestly prefer not having a windshield for my daily riding, but I do want it for those long rides and the idea of a headache every time I ride due to buffeting is no fun.
I am going to try the bag on the forks. Since I have an extra one sitting around. Where did you put it on the front forks? I honestly prefer not having a windshield for my daily riding, but I do want it for those long rides and the idea of a headache every time I ride due to buffeting is no fun.
I had one laying around too, a pretty big one I hadn't used for years. I just tied it to the windshield mounts on each side so the bag was hanging right in the middle of the forks, where it covered as much of that open gap as possible. You might have to find a different spot, but believe me it worked wonders for me and didn't cost me a dime.
Make sure it's secure so it doesn't flop around in the wind.
I had the same issue. Had a 20" windshield. Hated looking through it. Very mild buffeting, but the passenger liked it.
I love it with no windshield....up to about 50mph when I become a sail, and the wind force is enough to force increased grip pressure and leg and lower back tension.
Tried a 16" recurve. The height was "right" according to common opinion. Helmet buffeting so bad, it was unridable about 55mph.
Then a 18" recurve. Still had buffeting but not as bad.
Tried fangs. Not enough difference to endure the way it looked.
Final solution....Cutting the windshield down to sport shield size. About 10" high from the top of the headlight, and two inches off each side. Puts my helmet in clean air and takes enough wind pressure of my midsection to enjoy a relaxed ride
I'm running the Clearview 18" flip on my 00 Heritage
I also have the fangs on. I had removed them for the
summer and was REALLY surprised at the difference they made
when I put them back on.
That combo takes most of the buffeting away. I still feel air blasting
in from somewhere though.
I am going to try that tool bag idea.
I have one of those soft leather Harley bags in my saddlebag.
It'll make more room in there.
Last edited by byersmtrco; Nov 10, 2017 at 12:35 PM.
Agree with most here...most of the turbulence is coming up from underneath the fairing. I went with fangs and modified heritage wind deflectors to fit my Fatboy Lo S and I have virtually no buffeting at all.
I went to a 16.5" LRS recurve windshield and it helped a little. The fangs helped a ton. I still get some at 75+, but I dont ride at those speeds very often. I blame some of it on my 1/2 helmet that I believe acts as a small sail and grabs whatever air is there and shakes it around.
I put the correct height windshield on my FLSS and OMG the buffeting was horrendous. Anything above 35 mph was bad. The faster I went the worse it got.
I put the fangs on and it got rid of about 90% of it. I can still feel a bit of buffeting at the top of my helmet. I think adjustable fangs would truly solve the problem as I noticed if I lean forward closer to the windshield it completely stops...
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Need help with windshields and buffeting
