Fat Boy Wind and Buffeting
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
I need some advice. I'm riding a 2007 Fat Boy and my only complaint is the wind blast that comes up from the forks and gas tank. I like to run with a windshield on longer highway trips, but the windcauses a buffeting on my head and ears that gives me double vision. Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 913
Likes: 1
From: Canary Islands
I had that same problem, couldn't believe it. Told the dealer and he just said, yup, live with it or get the chrome lowers.
Did that and it solved all the problems. Absolutely no updraft now, or none that I noticed.
If you're gonna throw on a windshield, which is ugly as hell in my opinion, what you worried about the chrome lowers for. If it's that much of a problem then attach the chrome lowers to the windshield. A guy did it on this forum last year. Bit of a project but when he removed the shield; off came the lowers too. Do a search, it's here somewhere.
---------------------------
Did that and it solved all the problems. Absolutely no updraft now, or none that I noticed.
If you're gonna throw on a windshield, which is ugly as hell in my opinion, what you worried about the chrome lowers for. If it's that much of a problem then attach the chrome lowers to the windshield. A guy did it on this forum last year. Bit of a project but when he removed the shield; off came the lowers too. Do a search, it's here somewhere.
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Last edited by Demkay; Sep 9, 2008 at 04:56 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,120
Likes: 192
From: Lakeland, FL
get rid of the windshield. I don't have one on my fatboy and never will. I have no problem with buffeting unless I'm behind a semi or something. I think they look geezerish, anyway. I guess I should be thankful that I'm young enough to sacrifice comfort for looks. 
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
May have found and answer to this windshield buffing problem. www.clearviewshields.com this company makes the plastic that is predrilled to fit you king sized brackets. They are backed up from the previous ridding season so delivery will be 5-7 weeks. Anyway I plan to give them a try. Called them and they were very nice and offered many suggestions to help resolve the problem.
To reiterate my issue was the wind coming over the top of the shield not the lower and this company puts a re-curve (slight) in the top 2 inches of the shield to push the air 1-2 inches higher then without, so in theory you could use the same sized wind shield while the air is pushed up higher (exactly what I need!)
Dont get me wrong I love the wind in my face to but not while going 80 MPH for 4 hours on the interstate
Price inst bad about 160.00 per shield depending on the bike model.
To reiterate my issue was the wind coming over the top of the shield not the lower and this company puts a re-curve (slight) in the top 2 inches of the shield to push the air 1-2 inches higher then without, so in theory you could use the same sized wind shield while the air is pushed up higher (exactly what I need!)
Dont get me wrong I love the wind in my face to but not while going 80 MPH for 4 hours on the interstate
Price inst bad about 160.00 per shield depending on the bike model.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
I need some advice. I'm riding a 2007 Fat Boy and my only complaint is the wind blast that comes up from the forks and gas tank. I like to run with a windshield on longer highway trips, but the windcauses a buffeting on my head and ears that gives me double vision.
Does anyone have any thoughts on lower wind deflectors? HD has the chrome ones, but I'm not sure if I like the look. Does anyone run with some aftermarket lowers they like?
Thanks.
Does anyone have any thoughts on lower wind deflectors? HD has the chrome ones, but I'm not sure if I like the look. Does anyone run with some aftermarket lowers they like?
Thanks.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/motorcycle-parts-for-sale-misc-parts/270081-flst-softail-windshield-86-06-a.html
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Ordered my clearview windscreen today, they are way busy had to call several times to get through. But again very friendly (talk to john)
Ordered the tallest I could for the fatboy due to my seat raising me up a little higher then stock plus have to factor in the extra height my helmet will go. May have to look through the shield but that’s fine, these shields can have rain-x applied without causing dullness (unlike most plastics) so that should help tremendously.
Got the clear, with re-curve (at the top supposed to move wind up another 2 inches) and also added the windshield vent. Since this shield is so tall I didn’t want to “not“ have no air flow incase of hot weather. This is the same type of vent that the Honda’s come with on some models.
Altogether costs 230.00! For a piece of plastic manufactured and shipped. I am very confident that it will eliminate my problem of not being able to wear a helmet with my current windscreen due to severe wind buffeting resulting in a nasty head ache.
The vent may look out of place and a little stupid but if its comfortable then what the heck, will still look better then those chrome lowers, I may try the Memphis shades plastic lowers in the futures and see if that helps any. I would think that with this new wind screen and the Memphis lowers this should be a good combination. Will not ship for 5 weeks due to high demand... oh well if it works then I will be a very happy person.
Man these mods are really adding up… 600 exhaust, 500 seat, 325 Harley windscreen (which doesn’t work) 200 leather coat, 230 clear ) still need to get a passenger seat (mustang) sissy barview (hope it works! and saddle bags plus rain gear which have to wait until next year, deer season is just around the corner
Instead of ridding the bike freezing my A$$ I get to sit in a tree freezing my A$$ off… Yee Haaaaw
Ordered the tallest I could for the fatboy due to my seat raising me up a little higher then stock plus have to factor in the extra height my helmet will go. May have to look through the shield but that’s fine, these shields can have rain-x applied without causing dullness (unlike most plastics) so that should help tremendously.
Got the clear, with re-curve (at the top supposed to move wind up another 2 inches) and also added the windshield vent. Since this shield is so tall I didn’t want to “not“ have no air flow incase of hot weather. This is the same type of vent that the Honda’s come with on some models.
Altogether costs 230.00! For a piece of plastic manufactured and shipped. I am very confident that it will eliminate my problem of not being able to wear a helmet with my current windscreen due to severe wind buffeting resulting in a nasty head ache.
The vent may look out of place and a little stupid but if its comfortable then what the heck, will still look better then those chrome lowers, I may try the Memphis shades plastic lowers in the futures and see if that helps any. I would think that with this new wind screen and the Memphis lowers this should be a good combination. Will not ship for 5 weeks due to high demand... oh well if it works then I will be a very happy person.
Man these mods are really adding up… 600 exhaust, 500 seat, 325 Harley windscreen (which doesn’t work) 200 leather coat, 230 clear ) still need to get a passenger seat (mustang) sissy barview (hope it works! and saddle bags plus rain gear which have to wait until next year, deer season is just around the corner
Instead of ridding the bike freezing my A$$ I get to sit in a tree freezing my A$$ off… Yee Haaaaw
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Fort McMurray Canada
wow
went for a ride 1 hour ago and agree the wind coming up the tank needs to go. I put my hand arround the fuel gage and it stopped lots of the wind. does not need much to fix
its 5*C here today and its nice to keep the chill off so windshield stays
but summer.... windshield goes
went for a ride 1 hour ago and agree the wind coming up the tank needs to go. I put my hand arround the fuel gage and it stopped lots of the wind. does not need much to fix
its 5*C here today and its nice to keep the chill off so windshield stays
but summer.... windshield goes
Last edited by unimog_willys; Sep 13, 2008 at 05:35 PM.
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Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I bought a Memphis Shades windshield, and purposely got it short so I could still feel the wind on my face, but not so much resistance on my body for a ride from NJ to Daytona. I was greatful for the comfort, but my shades did rattle on my face for most of the trip, very annoying. Once down there my bro made me buy a new DOT helmet. I rode with the new helmet, which is much bigger than my old novelty cap, and life was good. Then I took the windshield off, it was like I had a parachute on my head. I could barely keep my head forward with the new helmet on! I had to put the windshield back on just to keep the creak out of my neck. I don't like the look of a windshield, but it definately makes riding more comfortable. I just wish DOT helmets weren't so darn big!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Canal Fulton, Ohio
I pulled the little visor off that was on my DOT 1/2 helmet and it made a huge difference on the neck tension / parachute effect. Am still thinking about getting a windshield for my '06 Fatboy for longer rides. Rode from Ky to Ohio (4 hours) without one and it felt like I had been hit by a truck when I got home.