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On a previous bike that I owned (2010 SG), I had an oil temp gauge. The bike actually ran cooler, probably because of the fact that I got rid of the catted exhaust pipe, and the restrictive stock air cleaner. Again, the fangs didn't increase any "eng heat" or oil temp.
I have chased around buffeting problems quite a bit. There is no one answer and I have found that different fixes don't work the same on different bikes.
I put a batwing on a 2006 Fat Boy and the Goldwing vent in the windshield was the magic bullet for that bike. The curve fit fine. If you don't have a fairing vent try installing a Goldwing vent in the windshield. They are cheap and easy to install. Only downside is if you really don't like it you are out the windshield.
As a couple others have mentioned, the shape of your helmet makes a big difference too. On my EG Standard, my Arai Defiant helmet gives me buffeting, switching to a Shoei GT Air almost completely eliminates it.
Gas Smasher, good to hear the wing vent works and will work with the HD windshield. I have another winter project, thanks. Or tempt myself into a new machine but the $$$$ are daunting.
Originally Posted by Gas Smasher
I put a batwing on a 2006 Fat Boy and the Goldwing vent in the windshield was the magic bullet for that bike. The curve fit fine. If you don't have a fairing vent try installing a Goldwing vent in the windshield. They are cheap and easy to install. Only downside is if you really don't like it you are out the windshield.
What works for me: Madstad windshield, fork fangs, Kuryakyn Triple Tree Wind Deflector and open fairing vent. All of these work well independently, but the biggest factor to me is the Madstad. It just works!
Most buffeting comes from below. Im not sure about your specific application but look around for devices that block the wind below the tank. Ie, lowers. In my case I use Baker Air Wings.
JK, in all seriousness, buffeting comes fm "all" angles and differs w/ each person/bike. For my 2009 FLHX it took (1) 8.5" LRS shield, (2) batwing fairing side extensions (I think Kuryakyn calls them dragon wings), (3) front fork baffle (bolts on fork between tank & forks) and the final/best was (4) lower fairings. With all "four" I was able to ride comfortably w/little/no buffeting, depending on wind direction/speed.
FWIW, don't get those ugly-a$$ fork baffles...make bike(s) look like fk'd up steel sculpture in front...IMO.
seriously, best of luck in your search. Fangs, while ugly make a big difference. As others have said your helmet also reduces dramatically. Shoei makes a lot of noise about the aerodynamics of their helmets. I ride wearing a Shoei motocross helmet with a visor. All that noise about aerodynamics is true. My visor has no effect in the wind at highway speeds.
Well, I just bought this super cool American flag pattern helmet so I wont be getting rid of that any time soon....
Fangs seem to be the next best solution, but Im with many others on this post and think they look awful. Honestly, I thought they were purely cosmetic until I read all this. I guess Ill have to experiment with windshields and maybe one of my older helmets to really narrow it down. Thanks for the input guys.
Dave NPBT has the right idea with the triple tree wind deflector. I have one on my Road King and it made a huge difference on buffeting. And it's not as ugly as the fangs.
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