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Friendly advice on windsplitter for 2018 Fatboy

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Old May 29, 2018 | 05:45 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by FatBob2018
I actually ended up buying both. Started with the 15" (for FXFB), and l love almost everything about it, but yeah, the wind hits me right in the nose. It causes some buffeting, which made me question whether it was worth it. So I sprung for the 19". Originally I was concerned the 19" would be too tall, but on my bike, it only comes up to my chin. I don't have to look through it at all... And I'm not tall (5' 8"). So, for wind protection, I'd advise everyone to look at the 19", unless you just want a "sporty" windshield -- the 15" definitely takes all the wind blast off your chest and arms, and if you crouch down behind it you can have a blissfully peaceful ride. But it's louder because it puts all that wind right at ear level. If you're 6'2" it might sail under your ears, but for me I found it very loud (and lots of buffeting) at 5' 8". The 19" is 4" taller, so it moved the wind from my nose up to the top of my helmet. It's a lot quieter. I still get some buffeting, which is annoying, but I have verified it's caused by wind coming up from the tank area and will be getting some fangs to block that off. With the wind blocked off (I tried some experiments to verify) it's a very pleasant ride, even at 80+.
Yep - I confirm the same. The (minor) buffeting I feel on my Fat Bob with the 19" screen is caused by wind coming up from below, travelling up my chest and hitting the bottom of the helmet. Putting an arm horizontal at chest height eliminates it - so some fangs my be in my future for long days.

I did 1100 miles this weekend behind the 19" screen and it a very nice place to be at speeds of over 110mph.

EDITED TO ADD: The little fairing extender didn't make any difference. The wind coming over the top of the screen is not the cause of buffeting. Wind noise, yes, but buffeting, no.
 

Last edited by adm; May 29, 2018 at 05:47 AM.
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Old May 31, 2018 | 10:35 AM
  #32  
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Yesterday, I made a test setup for my 2018 FatBoy and the OEM 19" shield.

I bought a piece of steel bar with holes in it from Menards. Then I moved the shield up about 2-3 inches. I did have to turn my fangs over to make room for the shield.

I was able to ride at 60+ with my FF helmet visor open, much less buffeting.

Now I have to more permanent mounting bracket out of stainless with nicer bolts and spacers, etc.

Here is a picture:

Tom

 
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Old May 31, 2018 | 11:38 AM
  #33  
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You may be able to put the fangs on behind the assembly like designed. Bolt both the bottom and top fasteners to the shield forks and fang under it instead of rocking the windshield on front to back per the instructions. That's how I put my 2017 fangs on the 2018 Fat Boy with the 19" HD shield. To remove the shield unbolt the bottom and top fasteners.
 
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Old May 31, 2018 | 11:43 AM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by PA1195
You may be able to put the fangs on behind the assembly like designed. Bolt both the bottom and top fasteners to the shield forks and fang under it instead of rocking the windshield on front to back per the instructions. That's how I put my 2017 fangs on the 2018 Fat Boy with the 19" HD shield. To remove the shield unbolt the bottom and top fasteners.

Ah, ok. Good idea. It took me a bit to figure out what you were saying, but that could work great. I don't take it off that often, anyway.

Thanks,

Tom
 
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Old May 31, 2018 | 04:00 PM
  #35  
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Having someone there to hold things helps. Put the rubber gadgets in the forks, slide the fangs under one side and then install one of the two bolts loose. Do the same on the other side then the rest of the fasteners. I'd put a towel on the fender and any exposed paint of chrome so they don't get dinged if the shield gets away from you.
 
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Old May 31, 2018 | 07:04 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by dusty1300
Yesterday, I made a test setup for my 2018 FatBoy and the OEM 19" shield.

I bought a piece of steel bar with holes in it from Menards. Then I moved the shield up about 2-3 inches. I did have to turn my fangs over to make room for the shield.

I was able to ride at 60+ with my FF helmet visor open, much less buffeting.

Now I have to more permanent mounting bracket out of stainless with nicer bolts and spacers, etc.

Here is a picture:

Tom

Hey, sorry I missed your question before, but yes, you've accomplished exactly what I meant by "MadStad style". On the Fat Bob (which is what I have) I was able to just mount the windshield mounting hardware up above the triple tree on top of the forks, which raised the shield up about 2", giving a nice vent at the bottom for backpressure and throwing the turbulent wind over the helmet top. It looks like you've accomplished exactly the same thing on the Fat Boy. Well done, and I hope you have a peaceful and blissfully buffet-free ride from now on!
 
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Old Jun 1, 2018 | 02:49 PM
  #37  
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I test drove the first run setup as in the picture. Much better wind flow and reduced buffeting. Didn't like the top of the shield right at eye level.

Today, I lowered the shield by about an inch ( 1 hole in the bar ). Visibility better, but buffeting still pretty good.

I just removed it all and put it back on like I had before I started. I did reverse the fangs to see what that would do.

I tried to put the fangs flush with the forks, but the shield bracket hits the fangs and can't be put on.

Time to go for a ride!!!

Tom
 
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Old Jun 21, 2018 | 06:04 AM
  #38  
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Default New member going to fit 15" screen to Fat Bob 114 2018

Good morning everyone from sunny Wales.

This my first Harley and was love at first sight (previously rode Ducati 848 Streetfighter). I'm new to the Harley community and learning more every day!!!

Probably a very silly question but I don't know the answer so thought I would ask...

I have just bought the detachable windshield and have had a quick look at the fitting instructions. First instruction: Remove Nacelle.... what is a Nacelle and how do I remove it? I'm guessing it got something to do with the headlight housing?
I would appreciate any advice on this
Many thanks in advance
 
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Old Jun 21, 2018 | 06:27 AM
  #39  
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Originally Posted by DamonLink
Good morning everyone from sunny Wales.

This my first Harley and was love at first sight (previously rode Ducati 848 Streetfighter). I'm new to the Harley community and learning more every day!!!

Probably a very silly question but I don't know the answer so thought I would ask...

I have just bought the detachable windshield and have had a quick look at the fitting instructions. First instruction: Remove Nacelle.... what is a Nacelle and how do I remove it? I'm guessing it got something to do with the headlight housing?
I would appreciate any advice on this
Many thanks in advance
Welcome!

The nacelle is indeed the headlight housing. Just the metal cowl that goes around the headlight itself.

It is very simple to remove. Just two bolts on the bottom front of it, then lift it up and unclip the top.
 
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Old Jun 21, 2018 | 12:02 PM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by adm
Welcome!

The nacelle is indeed the headlight housing. Just the metal cowl that goes around the headlight itself.

It is very simple to remove. Just two bolts on the bottom front of it, then lift it up and unclip the top.
Cheers Adm.
i really appreciate your help. Now all I need to buy is a torque wrench with settings between 6 - 11 nm. Guess Halfords it is!!!
 
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