Is this normal for Heritage?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 7
From: USA
Your are just feeling the difference between the aerodynamics and geometry of the touring bike as opposed to the softail. The stock windshield on the hertiage is like throwing a barn door into the wind. I ended up going with a better aerodynamically designed windsheild on my Fatboy and it did smooth it out noticeably.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Thanks guys for all the good info. Hopefully, its just the difference in the bikes. The Ultra was about 200lbs. more, and didn't move around, even when it was windy. Probably just need to get used to the Heritage. Thanks, again.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 148
Likes: 2
From: Saint Clair Shores, Mi
I feel a similar thing on my 07 Deluxe. Above 70 and things start to get a bit blurry. Still too new to me to say what the difference is with and without the windshield but without the windshield I don't think I will be doing much riding over 70.
I took a 2011 Road King with an extra tall windshield out for a test ride and what a smooth as silk ride it was. The windshield was way above my eyes but like I said.. smooth as silk right up to 80.
I was impressed with that RK but love my Deluxe too. I think I need one of each.
I took a 2011 Road King with an extra tall windshield out for a test ride and what a smooth as silk ride it was. The windshield was way above my eyes but like I said.. smooth as silk right up to 80.
I was impressed with that RK but love my Deluxe too. I think I need one of each.
Stage I
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
I have this exact same problem with my 13 Heritage. I am on my 3rd windshield trying to cut back on the buffeting and turbulence, I've also added the lower fangs. At around 55 it's good but get up to 65 mph+ the turbulence shake the whole bike. If I take the windshield off, it's as smooth as glass but now your holding with a 70 mph headwind. The parts guy at the dealer described the problem as a vacuum being created just behind the windshield that causes the turbulence. My next option is a fairing. A little different for a Heritage but I've seen some photos and I like it.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 7
From: USA
I have this exact same problem with my 13 Heritage. I am on my 3rd windshield trying to cut back on the buffeting and turbulence, I've also added the lower fangs. At around 55 it's good but get up to 65 mph+ the turbulence shake the whole bike. If I take the windshield off, it's as smooth as glass but now your holding with a 70 mph headwind. The parts guy at the dealer described the problem as a vacuum being created just behind the windshield that causes the turbulence. My next option is a fairing. A little different for a Heritage but I've seen some photos and I like it.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...ter-windshield
I have ridden my 12 Heritage with and without the windshield. Feels solid as a rock to me, whether I'm cruising at 70, 80 or 90 mph. In fact it feels more solid to me than my 09 Ultra, part of that may be that I am sitting lower.
Could be any variety of things that you are feeling.
If it is buffeting, a Tank Lift will push more air over the engine and less air over the top of the tank to hit you. Results in cooler running engine, and the chrome rocker covers will be visible and easier to clean.
If I felt the actual bike was unstable, my first things I would check are:
Tires for unusual wear
Loose spokes
Neck bearings
Tire balance
Could be any variety of things that you are feeling.
If it is buffeting, a Tank Lift will push more air over the engine and less air over the top of the tank to hit you. Results in cooler running engine, and the chrome rocker covers will be visible and easier to clean.
If I felt the actual bike was unstable, my first things I would check are:
Tires for unusual wear
Loose spokes
Neck bearings
Tire balance
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Stage IV
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Willow Spring, NC
Neck Bearing
I've got a 2008 Heritage that I had the rear tire replaced. I picked the bike up and took it home. I took it out a few days later and It felt like the rear tire was either miss aligned or loose. It was all over the road. Well the neck bearing was loose. So that might be what is going on with yours.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 16,271
Likes: 15,108
From: Somewhere SW
I took off my windshield and did some freeway riding, it made a big difference instead of plowing through the wind I'm riding with no issues.
Here's a link for wind deflectors from HD
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...wind-deflector
I may get a set to see how they work.
Here's a link for wind deflectors from HD
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...wind-deflector
I may get a set to see how they work.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Okay, I took the windshield off, put my FF helmet on, and took out on a 50 mile ride.
I drove between 70 and 85 mph. Bike was solid, and strait as an arrow. The only problem was, I needed a backrest to steady me. So the windshield is causing more turbulence at higher speeds.
I have the fangs on already, but I can't see riding all the time without a windshield.
I have the handlebar boom speakers, so I don't think I can use the more aerodynamic windshields.
Anyway, Its good to know my bike is okay. I'll just have to deal with the windshield.
I drove between 70 and 85 mph. Bike was solid, and strait as an arrow. The only problem was, I needed a backrest to steady me. So the windshield is causing more turbulence at higher speeds.
I have the fangs on already, but I can't see riding all the time without a windshield.
I have the handlebar boom speakers, so I don't think I can use the more aerodynamic windshields.
Anyway, Its good to know my bike is okay. I'll just have to deal with the windshield.