Short windshield, less wobble? 2014 FLHX.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 313
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From: Georgia
Short windshield, less wobble? 2014 FLHX.
Been trying to settle on a new windshield for my 2014 FLHX. Have had a LRS 8" recurve that suddenly seemed a bit tall. Bought a 6.5" Klockwerks and completely dislike it. In the meantime I bought a C&C wide solo seat. Puts me down and back roughly an inch. Nice seat - will do a review after a thousand miles or so. I'm roughly 5'10".
So I've been swapping those two windshields back and forth to try to better understand my preference. A little fed up with both of them, I pulled the stock windshield (4.5") off my parts shelf and put it on for the ride today. I've actually never ridden with the stocker. Was out about 5 hours today, 200 or miles. I note two specific things:
1. The stock windshield is terrible. Lots of wind in my face. Surprisingly not much more head bobble than the Klockwerks. Though, all the wind caught my half-helmet like a parachute and I had to put in ear plugs to block the wind. No surprise there.
2. I had MUCH MUCH less wobble/wiggle from the bike. Nearly none. What? I've been on a couple rides lately where the bike wiggled plenty enough to get my attention and make me wonder what is wrong (but not enough to think "death wobble"). All three rides it has been fairly windy and I have ridden at 85+ mph for good portions of time. Today I hit 100mph for a short time and the bike was super solid. Only thing I can think is that the windshield is the variable. Now, I will say that my tire pressure today was perfect because I checked and leveled right before the ride (new Avon Cobra Chromes at 39/45 - Avon recommends 38/44). But I would not say that the previous two wobbly rides that the pressure was much off.
Any comments on the difference in wobble?
So I've been swapping those two windshields back and forth to try to better understand my preference. A little fed up with both of them, I pulled the stock windshield (4.5") off my parts shelf and put it on for the ride today. I've actually never ridden with the stocker. Was out about 5 hours today, 200 or miles. I note two specific things:
1. The stock windshield is terrible. Lots of wind in my face. Surprisingly not much more head bobble than the Klockwerks. Though, all the wind caught my half-helmet like a parachute and I had to put in ear plugs to block the wind. No surprise there.
2. I had MUCH MUCH less wobble/wiggle from the bike. Nearly none. What? I've been on a couple rides lately where the bike wiggled plenty enough to get my attention and make me wonder what is wrong (but not enough to think "death wobble"). All three rides it has been fairly windy and I have ridden at 85+ mph for good portions of time. Today I hit 100mph for a short time and the bike was super solid. Only thing I can think is that the windshield is the variable. Now, I will say that my tire pressure today was perfect because I checked and leveled right before the ride (new Avon Cobra Chromes at 39/45 - Avon recommends 38/44). But I would not say that the previous two wobbly rides that the pressure was much off.
Any comments on the difference in wobble?
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 609
Likes: 159
From: Allover
My opinion is that you are having two different issues here. The wind that bobbles your Helmet is coming from under the tank. Harley sell a dish deflector that fits between the lower triple tree and the fender. Don't believe me? Place your left arm across your ribs. You will feel the up draught under your arm and your head will stop vibrating and ruining your vision.
Next buy yourself a Half Shell Harley Helmet with visor 
. A pair of gloves also really save your hands when you fall over.
Last but not least .Your faring deflector vent needs to be open ! The only time to close it is when the raindrops hang around your sunglasses or your visor. Yes really!
Next buy yourself a Half Shell Harley Helmet with visor . A pair of gloves also really save your hands when you fall over.Last but not least .Your faring deflector vent needs to be open ! The only time to close it is when the raindrops hang around your sunglasses or your visor. Yes really!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I'm not sure I can agree with Peter. The stock SG windshield doesn't block much air, so a rider is very likely suffering from a lot of air over the fairing. True, strong air comes from the tank up into the chest, but there isn't any fix that will help that situation with the stock SG windshield.
As for the stability, I've not heard this discussed, but it make sense because the bigger the windshield, the higher the pressure moving around the fairing/windshield combination. If that is a concern, there are several windshields that are shaped to provide a smaller frontal profile, but still give the rider some protection. But, I find that ALL windshields have some compromise. One that has to be considered is the impact of the air into the passenger. I'm told the RG has that issue as well.
As someone who rides in the typically windy state of Oklahoma, I've rarely had to fight stability with my Batwing Faring bikes except while passing some trucks. I'm not sure the faring is the cause of the instability in that situation because I had the same experience with my RK.
I do agree that the vent should always be open to reduce the some of the pressure on the front of the rider. But, I don't believe it reduces the pressure more than 10%.
Air on the rider (and passenger) is very dependent on the riders size, the style of helmet, and very much on the windshield. At some point we each find the combination that gives us enough comfort for a long enjoyable ride. I had three windshields for my 09 SG. The stock for show, and I hated it because it beat me to death. The 6 inch was for show and some wind deflection, and the 9 inch for comfortable long rides. I 'm a six foot tall 170 lb build using a full face helmet.
Good luck and enjoy the research to find you comfort level of ride.
Beary
Beary
As for the stability, I've not heard this discussed, but it make sense because the bigger the windshield, the higher the pressure moving around the fairing/windshield combination. If that is a concern, there are several windshields that are shaped to provide a smaller frontal profile, but still give the rider some protection. But, I find that ALL windshields have some compromise. One that has to be considered is the impact of the air into the passenger. I'm told the RG has that issue as well.
As someone who rides in the typically windy state of Oklahoma, I've rarely had to fight stability with my Batwing Faring bikes except while passing some trucks. I'm not sure the faring is the cause of the instability in that situation because I had the same experience with my RK.
I do agree that the vent should always be open to reduce the some of the pressure on the front of the rider. But, I don't believe it reduces the pressure more than 10%.
Air on the rider (and passenger) is very dependent on the riders size, the style of helmet, and very much on the windshield. At some point we each find the combination that gives us enough comfort for a long enjoyable ride. I had three windshields for my 09 SG. The stock for show, and I hated it because it beat me to death. The 6 inch was for show and some wind deflection, and the 9 inch for comfortable long rides. I 'm a six foot tall 170 lb build using a full face helmet.
Good luck and enjoy the research to find you comfort level of ride.
Beary
Beary
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 313
Likes: 51
From: Georgia
Thanks for the comments. With both of the taller shields I do have air that comes up from under the tank. I've mostly learned to accept that piece for now - I had fangs for a while they really helped that issue, but took them off to mount driving lights.
I think I am heading in the multiple windshield direction as well - one for just me and one for when I have a passenger. I just ordered a 7 inch Freedom Shield. Will report back on stability (and airflow) once I have in my hands (two week lead).
I think I am heading in the multiple windshield direction as well - one for just me and one for when I have a passenger. I just ordered a 7 inch Freedom Shield. Will report back on stability (and airflow) once I have in my hands (two week lead).
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 653
From: Atlantic Canada, eh
Fangs pretty much solved most of my head bobble. Also, I notice this time of year(ie: cccold) when I put on my soft lowers, even less head bobble still.
I've had 2 difference height stock RK windshields and then 2 different shields on my MS Batwing fairing and don't notice any bike stability issues of any kind
so can't speak to that.....just the head bobble thing.
Good luck OP !
I've had 2 difference height stock RK windshields and then 2 different shields on my MS Batwing fairing and don't notice any bike stability issues of any kind
so can't speak to that.....just the head bobble thing.
Good luck OP !
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 263
Likes: 30
shield
I have a 2014 SG and I found for me that the Klock Werks 5.5 was perfect for me! I'm 5'8'' and I had the 6.5 to tall I didn't like it also had a LRS 7" didn't like looking through it! So I knew I wanted something to curve the wind so I ordered the 5.5 KW Perfect! I also have a C&C solo seat and that combination is just right for me! One inch can make a difference so don't think that size doesn't matter! Ha Ha
Last edited by Ranger Rick; Sep 22, 2020 at 08:43 AM.
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