Windshield experiment
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Windshield experiment
So I ordered a 18 inch clear compact quick release windshield for my 2009 883 custom. I also purchased a locking clamp which replaces one of the normal clamps. As far as the windshield itself, it looked good as far as fit and finish. The lock worked great and is probably a good idea. The quick release was nice (really easy to take on and off, but certainly sturdy).
However, the buffeting was crazy! I figured out that it's not the flow of air from the top of the windshield, it's the flow underneath the windshield. Basically it was creating a flow which came from my pants up to my helmet. Very annoying and way more annoying than riding without a windshield. The only way to make it OK was to lean forward and crouch down. I do wear a helmet, so that may have contributed a little.
I theorize that the fact that my bike is a custom with forward controls, that may be making a difference in the airflow dynamics. I am leaning back a little in my riding position. I don't think any other HD quick release windshields would have made a difference since the airflow was coming from underneath.
Either way, after an hour of riding I went back and got my money back. It's no windshield for me anytime soon. It actually felt really good to have the wind hitting me in the chest again
... especially under 55. 
However, the buffeting was crazy! I figured out that it's not the flow of air from the top of the windshield, it's the flow underneath the windshield. Basically it was creating a flow which came from my pants up to my helmet. Very annoying and way more annoying than riding without a windshield. The only way to make it OK was to lean forward and crouch down. I do wear a helmet, so that may have contributed a little.
I theorize that the fact that my bike is a custom with forward controls, that may be making a difference in the airflow dynamics. I am leaning back a little in my riding position. I don't think any other HD quick release windshields would have made a difference since the airflow was coming from underneath.
Either way, after an hour of riding I went back and got my money back. It's no windshield for me anytime soon. It actually felt really good to have the wind hitting me in the chest again
... especially under 55.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 194
Likes: 2
From: South West Missouri
I made a thread on my wind shield buffet a week ago or so ...I had the same experience. However, I've bought a set of lowers that *should* deflect most of the air that is coming from underneath. I like the wind, but not the bugs and road debris.
Lowers haven't arrived yet ....but when they do I'll write about my experiences with them here on the forum.
Lowers haven't arrived yet ....but when they do I'll write about my experiences with them here on the forum.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,122
Likes: 44
From: Boise Idaho
I have wasted a ton of money on windshields and the assorted crap people sell to try and make them work. I concluded after the first 8 years of riding they just don't work, they just create a different set of problems, unless you live in bug country they aren't worth the trouble.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 83
I agree. I tried everthing and came to the conclusion that the HD windshields are poorly designed all the way around. I cut mine down from 18 and 12 in a sacrifical manner to try and eliminate helmet buffeting, wind buffeting , etc etc. Athough height is a factor the slim width is the bigger issue. It's not wide enough to push the air out around the sides for you to be in clean air.
The pro's of having less wind pressure on the chest are not worth the annoyance of the shake and the NOISE caused by a windshield at least not a HD quick disconnect windshield. If your in decent physical condition , windshields are really not necessary with the exception of COLD weather riding which you can get around by wearing chaps and a baclava. (face mask). The HD quick disconnect feature is cool but the windshields are junk imo.
The pro's of having less wind pressure on the chest are not worth the annoyance of the shake and the NOISE caused by a windshield at least not a HD quick disconnect windshield. If your in decent physical condition , windshields are really not necessary with the exception of COLD weather riding which you can get around by wearing chaps and a baclava. (face mask). The HD quick disconnect feature is cool but the windshields are junk imo.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Could not have possibly done my 2,000 mile tour of Europe without my Harley 18" quick release windshield on my 2009 1200 Low.
On the autobahn it was 85-90 MPH for 100 miles per stint and 3 stints per day. No buffeting and great protection especially when it rained. No way anyone could handle the wind pressure at those speeds for more than an hour at a time without a good windshield.
On the autobahn it was 85-90 MPH for 100 miles per stint and 3 stints per day. No buffeting and great protection especially when it rained. No way anyone could handle the wind pressure at those speeds for more than an hour at a time without a good windshield.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 83
Could not have possibly done my 2,000 mile tour of Europe without my Harley 18" quick release windshield on my 2009 1200 Low.
On the autobahn it was 85-90 MPH for 100 miles per stint and 3 stints per day. No buffeting and great protection especially when it rained. No way anyone could handle the wind pressure at those speeds for more than an hour at a time without a good windshield.
On the autobahn it was 85-90 MPH for 100 miles per stint and 3 stints per day. No buffeting and great protection especially when it rained. No way anyone could handle the wind pressure at those speeds for more than an hour at a time without a good windshield.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
I would suffer a brain injury (from the buffeting) running those speeds for that distance with a HD windshield.. HD windshields are too short for those 6 foot height or higher too narrow for those of us with large frame bodies.HD QD windshields just don't have any adjustment which is also an issue.
I am 5'9" and not very wide, but I had quiet air at least 2 inches above my head using the old hand test.
I repeat no buffeting and great protection with my Harley QD windshield. I recommend them to anyone planning to tour on a Sportster.
Here is the Sportster packed in Germany with the Harley windshield:
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,598
Likes: 3
From: 27°51' N, 082°17' W
I use an HD Quick Disconnect on my 48 on highway rides over 50 miles or so. I have some wind whipping around but nothing I consider "buffeting" and am very happy with the setup. I have 16" Burly apes and a so an upright riding position. I do wear a 3/4 or FF helmet on most of the rides when I have the windshield on but so far I'm pretty happy with it. I hated long highway rides without the windshield. Just my experience with it all.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 16
From: Fort Myers, Fl.
Funny, I just put the quick detach windshield on today that I got with the bike when I bought it. Never tried it before and figured I'd see what it was like. First few minutes on the road at about 45 mph, I really hated the wind flow coming up from underneath. As I got through town, I started to get used to it, but couldn't stand the optical distortion of trying to look through, above, or around the thing. On the way home, I hit the interstate and wound it up to around 80. It seemed better as far as the buffeting and much more comfortable than trying to run that fast without it. I hate the way it looks, but if I were going on a long stint and expected rain, I'd put it on again.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Enterprise, Alabama
I have posted this before. This is a windshield I made back at the end of 07 or early 08. Yes these are actual cutouts in the 1/8" grey lexan. This shield has been on my bike ever since and I can say there is no buffeting even at speeds of 90+ mph. It has been a very good performing windshield with just enough holes in it to let some air thru and avoid buffeting and yet still retain a good bug shield. I will make another when this one becomes to scratched to see thru good anymore.The other one with the hand over the skulls face is pretty good but not quite as balanced as the one on the bike.