Windshield vs Fairing
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 189
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From:
Windshield vs Fairing
Hey all.....
Took one of my longest rides to date on my 05 RK Custom. Had a great time. I initially had the full size windshield installed, but later got the one thats 4 inches lower. Love it during crusing and at speeds 50 or less. But on on long rides at 70 or so....I catch a bit more wind.....its not too bad, kinda depends on how windy and which direction the wind is coming from, but it can be a bit turbulant...which sure does wear on ya after a while.
Anyway.....I've always like the look of the "bat wing" farings with the smaller "smoked" windshields....in fact I probably would of gone with an Ultra if I didnt like the look of the tank mounted gages so much. So I'm thinking I might just look into mounting an aftermarket fairing. I ran accross the fairing made by "Dragonfly Cycle Concepts" and they look like just the thing I'm after. A cross between a RK Cust and an Ultra......how cool would that be?
My questions are.....how much better is the wind turbulance with the faring over the windshields found on the RK's? And has anyone had any experience with the Dragon Fly Farings?
Took one of my longest rides to date on my 05 RK Custom. Had a great time. I initially had the full size windshield installed, but later got the one thats 4 inches lower. Love it during crusing and at speeds 50 or less. But on on long rides at 70 or so....I catch a bit more wind.....its not too bad, kinda depends on how windy and which direction the wind is coming from, but it can be a bit turbulant...which sure does wear on ya after a while.
Anyway.....I've always like the look of the "bat wing" farings with the smaller "smoked" windshields....in fact I probably would of gone with an Ultra if I didnt like the look of the tank mounted gages so much. So I'm thinking I might just look into mounting an aftermarket fairing. I ran accross the fairing made by "Dragonfly Cycle Concepts" and they look like just the thing I'm after. A cross between a RK Cust and an Ultra......how cool would that be?
My questions are.....how much better is the wind turbulance with the faring over the windshields found on the RK's? And has anyone had any experience with the Dragon Fly Farings?
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 743
Likes: 4
From: Ohio
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
I just put a short (7") dark smoke windshield on my Ultra yesterday. Took it out again tonight and i also feel alot of turbulance over 65 mph. Felt good though 60 mph and lower. I'm going to put the stock one back on since colder weather is heading my way in Ohio. I'll put the shorty back on in summer when the extra air feels good. The dark smoke short windshield looks really good though!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
I have a short smoked windshield on my EG Classic, and with the fairing I think I get less wind with the short shield than I did with the full sized shield on the Roadking I had. The batwing fairing will also keep wind, rain and cold off of your hands better.
After riding a Roadking for 10 years and then getting the Classic with the fairing, I don't think I would ever go back. guess I'm getting old and like my comforts.
Regards,
Bill
After riding a Roadking for 10 years and then getting the Classic with the fairing, I don't think I would ever go back. guess I'm getting old and like my comforts.
Regards,
Bill
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
I also ride a FLHTCI - I am 5' 6" and have used both the stock and a short 6" shield..... with out saying, the stock is great for blocking wind - however, I have the problem with grime and bugs being in my line of sight - I have used the shorter on several long trips and it works just fine, the only problem would be in heaver rain... I like the look of the shorter one.... As far as the gauges,,,, At first the {car like guages} were strange but now after two years - very normal feeling and I do like the radio when riding alone...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
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From:
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
Thanks Bill. I appreciate you insights, especially since you have road both bikes. I'm getting pretty close to that big 50 so I too think much more about ride quality these days.....the trick is the balance between look and ride. Its going to take some time to get it all just like I want it......but the journey getting there is pretty cool.
Thanks again!
Neal a.k.a Mayday
Thanks again!
Neal a.k.a Mayday
Banned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,100
Likes: 5
From: Boerne, Texas (Gods Country)
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
Hell I'm 42 years young and I love My Classic.Haven't rode a road king but one time but I know (like Bill said)I love the Bat Wing.There is a road king sitting at my local dealer with a bat wing and it actually looks nice and it has a stereo.Good luck with your decision.
Craig
Craig
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 3
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
mayday,
You didn't mention your height but I am 5' 11" and I have an '06 Street Glide which came with the 4" smoked windshield. For the first few weeks I tried to suffer through the turbulence because I loved the look but it just got to be too much. I needed to make a change but didn't want to go all the way to the 12" windshield so I compromised and got the 9". What a difference! Much more comfortable, easy to hear the radio, talk with my passenger etc. I also think the bat wing really does a nice job of protecting your hands from bugs and weather. Just my .02.
You didn't mention your height but I am 5' 11" and I have an '06 Street Glide which came with the 4" smoked windshield. For the first few weeks I tried to suffer through the turbulence because I loved the look but it just got to be too much. I needed to make a change but didn't want to go all the way to the 12" windshield so I compromised and got the 9". What a difference! Much more comfortable, easy to hear the radio, talk with my passenger etc. I also think the bat wing really does a nice job of protecting your hands from bugs and weather. Just my .02.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,772
Likes: 9
From: Texas, USA
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
I think alot has to do with the thickness of the windshield. The thinner the more it is going to give.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,772
Likes: 9
From: Texas, USA
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
Found another post on an other website
Colorado riders can test Clearview windshields
Posted: 04 Dec 2002 11:42 PM
Clearview has a new +5" windshield for the Classic F650. I gave it a test ride at the shop 2 weekends ago. They sold 2 already and I'm buying the 3rd one. This is the BEST shield I have ever used on an F. I've tried the stock ST, stock Funduro, Parabellum +4, Cheetah, and AeroFlow. None of them came close to stopping wind turbulence like this one does.
If you live in Colorado or are passing through, call Craig in Bailey, Colorado at 1-800-798-6089 and let him know that you want to test-ride this shield and/or hang around for awhile while he experiments with other options for the F, because IMHO the air flowing around the bottom sides of the gas tank causes extra turbulence, and he wants to work on that. I would help him with further testing, but the shop is almost 90 mountain miles from my house, which includes a couple of mountain passes at about 10,000 feet; not the best place to be driving in the winter.
It costs about $124.00 which includes Colorado sales tax and shipping. If it is shipped outside of Colorado then you won't have to pay sales tax. He is giving 10% off during the month of December. Part #BMW-F605 (that's the correct #, not a typo). The F6 stands for F650. The 0 stands for Clear (as opposed to tinted). And the 5 stands for +5".
He did say that he is going to experiment with a more pronounced lip at the top of the shield before he sends it to me. I'll give you an update report on how that affects the turbulence.
Colorado riders can test Clearview windshields
Posted: 04 Dec 2002 11:42 PM
Clearview has a new +5" windshield for the Classic F650. I gave it a test ride at the shop 2 weekends ago. They sold 2 already and I'm buying the 3rd one. This is the BEST shield I have ever used on an F. I've tried the stock ST, stock Funduro, Parabellum +4, Cheetah, and AeroFlow. None of them came close to stopping wind turbulence like this one does.
If you live in Colorado or are passing through, call Craig in Bailey, Colorado at 1-800-798-6089 and let him know that you want to test-ride this shield and/or hang around for awhile while he experiments with other options for the F, because IMHO the air flowing around the bottom sides of the gas tank causes extra turbulence, and he wants to work on that. I would help him with further testing, but the shop is almost 90 mountain miles from my house, which includes a couple of mountain passes at about 10,000 feet; not the best place to be driving in the winter.
It costs about $124.00 which includes Colorado sales tax and shipping. If it is shipped outside of Colorado then you won't have to pay sales tax. He is giving 10% off during the month of December. Part #BMW-F605 (that's the correct #, not a typo). The F6 stands for F650. The 0 stands for Clear (as opposed to tinted). And the 5 stands for +5".
He did say that he is going to experiment with a more pronounced lip at the top of the shield before he sends it to me. I'll give you an update report on how that affects the turbulence.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,772
Likes: 9
From: Texas, USA
RE: Windshield vs Fairing
Here is some info
How to choose the best windshield height for you.
If your stock shield is adjustable, put it in the lowest position.
Get a yard (meter) stick - free at Home Depot or most hardware stores.
Park your bike on level ground. Measure 15' (five meters) from your front wheel contact patch. Drop something on the pavement, keys, a rock, whatever.
Measure 15' (five meters) more, you're now 30' (10 meters) in front of your bike. Drop something else, wallet, ex-girlfriend, whatever.
Tape the yardstick to the center of the windshield with masking tape or something, with the 20" mark aligned with the top of the windshield and the stick pointing straight up.
Sit on your bike and look at the two things you dropped on the pavement. Try to sit with your normal riding posture. Don't cheat - if you slouch a bit when riding, slouch a bit now.
You can sight along the yard stick and see how many inches up from the top of the shield you see the 15' and 30' marks. This tells you how many inches taller you would like your windshield.
Your optimum windshield height is somewhere between these two heights. Lower for warmer climates and more air flow, higher for colder climates / quieter riding / more wind protection. Our shields are typically made in 2" (5cm) increments to help you get the best height for you.
How to choose the best windshield height for you.
If your stock shield is adjustable, put it in the lowest position.
Get a yard (meter) stick - free at Home Depot or most hardware stores.
Park your bike on level ground. Measure 15' (five meters) from your front wheel contact patch. Drop something on the pavement, keys, a rock, whatever.
Measure 15' (five meters) more, you're now 30' (10 meters) in front of your bike. Drop something else, wallet, ex-girlfriend, whatever.
Tape the yardstick to the center of the windshield with masking tape or something, with the 20" mark aligned with the top of the windshield and the stick pointing straight up.
Sit on your bike and look at the two things you dropped on the pavement. Try to sit with your normal riding posture. Don't cheat - if you slouch a bit when riding, slouch a bit now.
You can sight along the yard stick and see how many inches up from the top of the shield you see the 15' and 30' marks. This tells you how many inches taller you would like your windshield.
Your optimum windshield height is somewhere between these two heights. Lower for warmer climates and more air flow, higher for colder climates / quieter riding / more wind protection. Our shields are typically made in 2" (5cm) increments to help you get the best height for you.