Windshield-no
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 2
From: Franklin, TN
Windshield-no
I'm going on a 200 mile trip soon, all back roads, so decided to put the windsheild on for the first time and try it out. I even took it off and put it in my wifes car for the trip home from the dealership when I bought it, so I'm not used to it.
Well I must confess I hate it. Talk about buffeting. It even blew out something I had in my pocket. It even buffeted my legs. The wind noise around my helmet was reduced replaced by engin noise. I don't know if I can handle riding almost 400 miles with the thing. Anyone else feel like this or is just me?
Maybe if I cut it down???
Marsh
Well I must confess I hate it. Talk about buffeting. It even blew out something I had in my pocket. It even buffeted my legs. The wind noise around my helmet was reduced replaced by engin noise. I don't know if I can handle riding almost 400 miles with the thing. Anyone else feel like this or is just me?
Maybe if I cut it down???
Marsh
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Windshield-no
You are not alone. Same experience in my 07 FB. With the windshield on and at speed the buffeting coming from underneath is huge, makes myteeth clatter, put your left hand with the palm down and you'll see.I wear ear plugs now.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 808
Likes: 4
From:
RE: Windshield-no
..might try what others have.. different height windshield .. fork air baffel..wind deflectors.. I have a Streetglide with the 4" shield and coming from no windshiield bikes didn't see much ofa change except my hands don't get cold..probably gonna cut my 4" down to 2"...
Later
Later
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Windshield-no
I have the 'quick disconnect' windshield for my FatBoy, and notice the same thing whenever I ride with it installed.
The wind is coming from under the windshield, and it flows right up the sides of the tank. I normally ride wearing a t-shirt (untucked), and the wind flowing up the sides of the gas tank will almost try to take the shirt right off your back.
(For a comparison, my Road King has a windshield, but it also has the wind deflectors under the windshield and attached to the front tubes. This greatly reduces the wind that flows under the shield and up the sides of the tank).
I don't use the windshield on the FatBoy very often (never used them in over 35 years and it's hard for me to get use to them), but when it's on I found that pressing my legs/knees close to the gas tank will block the majority of the wind that tries to flow up the sides of the tank.
I believe you can also purchase and add wind deflectors to the various Softails, but I don't use the windshield enough to worry about adding more stuff to the tubes.
In the below picture of the Road King you can probably notice the wind deflectors and how they are positioned.
The wind is coming from under the windshield, and it flows right up the sides of the tank. I normally ride wearing a t-shirt (untucked), and the wind flowing up the sides of the gas tank will almost try to take the shirt right off your back.
(For a comparison, my Road King has a windshield, but it also has the wind deflectors under the windshield and attached to the front tubes. This greatly reduces the wind that flows under the shield and up the sides of the tank).
I don't use the windshield on the FatBoy very often (never used them in over 35 years and it's hard for me to get use to them), but when it's on I found that pressing my legs/knees close to the gas tank will block the majority of the wind that tries to flow up the sides of the tank.
I believe you can also purchase and add wind deflectors to the various Softails, but I don't use the windshield enough to worry about adding more stuff to the tubes.
In the below picture of the Road King you can probably notice the wind deflectors and how they are positioned.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
RE: Windshield-no
I usually only use mine when it's cold out or on long trips. It is quite a bit different than riding w/o it. You will feel better after doing 200miles with it though.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,511
Likes: 12
From: Western, MA.
RE: Windshield-no
I don't use my windshield that often but when I do, the only thing I notice is that I tend to hear the engine noise a bit more.
I think the pro's of the windshield definetely out weigh the con's, especiallyon a chilly New England day.
I think the pro's of the windshield definetely out weigh the con's, especiallyon a chilly New England day.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 581
Likes: 7
From: Portland, OR
RE: Windshield-no
This is probably the most talked about and repeated thread. Do a search for windshield and you will find hundreds of threads.
In summary, the consensus is to set the height of your windshield at just below your nose. This should allow you to see over the shield but still wind up and over your head.
For under the shield turbulence causing helmet buffeting, there's several solutions and may require the use of more then one.
1. Lower shields from Harley or Memphis Shades
2. Tank lift from sponsor on this forum
3. Jack's Flaps from sponsor on this forum
4. Hang tool bag below head light
And I've come to accept the fact that you will not get rid of all of the turbulence.
In summary, the consensus is to set the height of your windshield at just below your nose. This should allow you to see over the shield but still wind up and over your head.
For under the shield turbulence causing helmet buffeting, there's several solutions and may require the use of more then one.
1. Lower shields from Harley or Memphis Shades
2. Tank lift from sponsor on this forum
3. Jack's Flaps from sponsor on this forum
4. Hang tool bag below head light
And I've come to accept the fact that you will not get rid of all of the turbulence.