Chrome Wind Deflectors - 2 week update
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
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Chrome Wind Deflectors - 2 week update
After a couple weeks and several hundred miles, results are in. They work. They reduce approximately 90% of the helmet buffeting at highway speeds of 55-70. Once you get above 70 the buffeting is noticeable but its not nearly as bad as not having them. Didn't get above 80mph and I'd say the reduction in buffeting drops to around 75% at that speed. Again, they still work very well at higher speeds and I didn't feel like I needed to wear a mouthpiece to keep from chipping a tooth.
Some people have said in other posts that they wouldn't like the looks of them. I was indifferent at the looks when I installed them but they've grown on me since. They catch as many bugs as the windshield but a little soap and water works wonders. And they look great when clean.
Any downsides? Moderately. You feel the heat of the engine a little more with the deflectors due to less airflow around you. The digital temp guage was reading 242 deg after an hour of highway riding yesterday and it was only like 80 deg outside. Before the deflectors, that same ride was 230 deg, same outside temp. All of this is after Stage 1 and synthetics in engine and primary. Even after seeing the temp results first-hand, I wouldn't remove them because (1) they're a beeotch to put on a Heritage with the turning signals up front and you risk stripping the bolts because of a really tight fit during install, and (2) although I like the thought of the "Jack's Flaps Vest," which do the same thing, I like my Harley vest w/o the non-detachable hard flaps. If they were easy to take on/off of an 07 Heritage, I would take them off for local riding and only put them on for longer rides.
Some people have said in other posts that they wouldn't like the looks of them. I was indifferent at the looks when I installed them but they've grown on me since. They catch as many bugs as the windshield but a little soap and water works wonders. And they look great when clean.
Any downsides? Moderately. You feel the heat of the engine a little more with the deflectors due to less airflow around you. The digital temp guage was reading 242 deg after an hour of highway riding yesterday and it was only like 80 deg outside. Before the deflectors, that same ride was 230 deg, same outside temp. All of this is after Stage 1 and synthetics in engine and primary. Even after seeing the temp results first-hand, I wouldn't remove them because (1) they're a beeotch to put on a Heritage with the turning signals up front and you risk stripping the bolts because of a really tight fit during install, and (2) although I like the thought of the "Jack's Flaps Vest," which do the same thing, I like my Harley vest w/o the non-detachable hard flaps. If they were easy to take on/off of an 07 Heritage, I would take them off for local riding and only put them on for longer rides.
RE: Chrome Wind Deflectors - 2 week update
Yep, they are a pain to get on, but do a good job of deflecting wind. I've gotten used to the looks of them on and also like the way they shine when cleaned up. Nothing like extra chrome! 
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
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RE: Chrome Wind Deflectors - 2 week update
I sure like mine...same results as you, greatly reduced helmet buffeting. I don't think I could ride without these deflectors more than 15 minutes or so without getting punch drunk from the buffeting. With them on, I sail serenely down the road at 70-75, no buffeting, no vision problems from my glasses bouncing up and down. Life is sweet with these deflectors!
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
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RE: Chrome Wind Deflectors - 2 week update
Man, looks like a Transformer waiting to morph.
Sorry couldn't
help it.
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From: Arkansas
RE: Chrome Wind Deflectors - 2 week update
here they are on a Fatboy ...they look better on a Heritage Classic, but work well all the same...I removed them for summer riding (engine runs 225 at 70mph and up anyway), so I didn't wanna risk the extra heat...but they're goin back on when it gets cold...
[IMG]local://upfiles/18910/DF7EC8E947514220B9C25764FF9E8D45.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/18910/DF7EC8E947514220B9C25764FF9E8D45.jpg[/IMG]
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: San Ramon, Ca
RE: Chrome Wind Deflectors - 2 week update
I think they're great too. But a wintertime deal for me. It's the cold air you notice from under the windshield. They are close to the turn signals, but still on & off in 5-10 min. I also switch to my smaller 4" lwr windshield in the summertime too. Need a little breeze comin thru