wind deflectors question
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 348
Likes: 122
From: Wichita
I've had more than a few PM's and emails with questions about the CDW's brought up in this thread.
I apologize that the website is not really clear. We will be making some changes to it to clear it up a bit.
There are two different style CDW's-
1. Fits HD Trikes with a tank lift and looks like this-
2. Fits Trikes without a tank lift and all 2 wheel Touring models (with or without a tank lift) and looks like this-
The reason for the different design is that on all two wheelers, and Trikes without a tank lift, there is less clearance room, so the design is a bit different (and smaller) to get everything to fit.
They both have a "wing" to them that extends out past where the air is that would cause buffeting, this wing is to catch extra air and direct it down onto the engine.
The purpose for designing these was two-fold:
1. Redirect air onto the engine to cool it down. This happens 100% of the time and is good for an 8-15* reduction in engine temps (regardless of design).
2. Reduce buffeting. How much it will reduce it is dependent on dozens of factors. How tall you are, what kind of seat you use, how you sit/slouch, foot/leg placement, type of helmet, etc.
Here are a few photos, side by side, for comparision-
btw, the one made for the two wheelers/trikes with no tank lift, will also fit on the trikes with a tank lift.
Kevin
I apologize that the website is not really clear. We will be making some changes to it to clear it up a bit.
There are two different style CDW's-
1. Fits HD Trikes with a tank lift and looks like this-
2. Fits Trikes without a tank lift and all 2 wheel Touring models (with or without a tank lift) and looks like this-
The reason for the different design is that on all two wheelers, and Trikes without a tank lift, there is less clearance room, so the design is a bit different (and smaller) to get everything to fit.
They both have a "wing" to them that extends out past where the air is that would cause buffeting, this wing is to catch extra air and direct it down onto the engine.
The purpose for designing these was two-fold:
1. Redirect air onto the engine to cool it down. This happens 100% of the time and is good for an 8-15* reduction in engine temps (regardless of design).
2. Reduce buffeting. How much it will reduce it is dependent on dozens of factors. How tall you are, what kind of seat you use, how you sit/slouch, foot/leg placement, type of helmet, etc.
Here are a few photos, side by side, for comparision-
btw, the one made for the two wheelers/trikes with no tank lift, will also fit on the trikes with a tank lift.
Kevin
hi Kevin, looking at the pictures of the wings that you posted that fits without fairing, on a 17 Road King it appears to me that the handlebars can't hit the stops on left and right without hitting the wings is that correct and I have to put my vote in that they would look very good on a Road King if they were in Chrome
In the black they pretty much are inconspicuous...one of the reasons it is hard to get photos of them installed is that they disappear against the black frame.
When sitting on the bike, they are not even visible...below is a photo taken a bit to the right of where one sits, only a small part is visible then.
It probably would look really good in chrome...and it would really up the price too!
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 130
From: Maple City, Michigan
I slowly added everything in this order. Re-curved w/s: Ashtray: Fangs: Tank wings: 1.5" Tank Lift. Fangs were the one item that made a huge positive difference for me.
Today I pulled the fangs, first time since I lifted the tank a couple of weeks ago. Currently I'm using everything I mentioned minus the fangs. Wind buffeting is minimal. It was less with the fangs but I'm going to give it a try for a couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure engine temps may be a little lower without the fangs, and IMO the SGS looks better without Fangs. The tank lift did create a clearance problem, but I got around that ok. I like the looks of the lifted tank and it did help with buffeting in conjunction with the other goodies.
Fangless For Now!
Today I pulled the fangs, first time since I lifted the tank a couple of weeks ago. Currently I'm using everything I mentioned minus the fangs. Wind buffeting is minimal. It was less with the fangs but I'm going to give it a try for a couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure engine temps may be a little lower without the fangs, and IMO the SGS looks better without Fangs. The tank lift did create a clearance problem, but I got around that ok. I like the looks of the lifted tank and it did help with buffeting in conjunction with the other goodies.
Fangless For Now!
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 348
Likes: 122
From: Wichita
There have been no fitment issues with the CDW's on any '17's, including the RK.
In the black they pretty much are inconspicuous...one of the reasons it is hard to get photos of them installed is that they disappear against the black frame.
When sitting on the bike, they are not even visible...below is a photo taken a bit to the right of where one sits, only a small part is visible then.
It probably would look really good in chrome...and it would really up the price too!
In the black they pretty much are inconspicuous...one of the reasons it is hard to get photos of them installed is that they disappear against the black frame.
When sitting on the bike, they are not even visible...below is a photo taken a bit to the right of where one sits, only a small part is visible then.
It probably would look really good in chrome...and it would really up the price too!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,001
Likes: 5,266
No disrespect to DK's product, but I don't want to pay $100 for the wings. I think they're great and they reduced my buffeting immensely, but I'd prefer them to be inconspicuous. They're not that attractive to where I'd want them chromed. 
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 348
Likes: 122
From: Wichita
I completely understand your feelings most of the items they offer are in multi finishes different price levels
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 35
From: Southern Maryland
not shown on this pic, hadn't installed them yet
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 28
From:
I want to point out there are two different fangs from Harley. The old "flat" type of fang that is no longer sold and interferes with lowers a little bit, and the new style "curved" fang which works with lowers even though HD says they do not. They both do a good job of eliminating under the fairing air. However the best combination I found is the fangs and the lowers together. You can only run this combo in cool weather because you'll feel the heat.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 412
Likes: 28
From:
One last note. You'll never get rid of all the buffeting because the seating position on a Harley and they do not have full fairings like a Gold Wing for example. Road Glides are the exception to this. On a Harley wind hits your legs and is directed up into your cockpit area. With a full fairing wind does not hit your legs. For a test if you are agile enough contort your legs onto the rear pegs when you are riding down the expressway. Viola! Instant calm wind. With both lowers and fangs you eliminate most air hitting your legs and you will have the best possible quiet air in the cockpit.
