Keep wind off the knees
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Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 50
Likes: 8
From: Uniontown, PA
Yeah, I'm not big on wearing anything more than jeans. May consider the long johns but other than that I don't get into the whole chaps or bike suit thing. Just didn't want to waste money on those other wind deflectors if they wouldn't help that situation. Thanks guys.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I've owned several Softail models and not so recently a '00 UC then later on a '13 CVO Ultra.
Both bikes of course came with full fairings but I added the fork air baffle as well as the wind deflector "fangs" to help reduce air flow and combines with the OEM deflectors on the upper fairing unwanted wind for was greatly reduced.
The fork air baffle helps reduce the wind flow than comes up and over the fuel tank and the "fangs" reduces wind flow to the knees and also to the upper body.
I now have an '18 Tri-Glide that also came with the full fairings and I have added (against the advice of some in fear of overheating the engine) but due the the hydraulic fork dampener I cannot mount the air fork baffle.
It seems to me (and I could be wrong) that both Ultras provided more wind deflection than I now have on my Tri-Glide.
All that said if a rider wants warmer knees he or she should be looking into either leather chaps or pants (I prefer pants).
I have seen some mini-chaps that strap on and provides protection only for the knees and shins but they take less storage space when not being used and they're fast on and off.
The "best" solution for any cool or cold riding is of course heated riding gear but as already stated it may be too much of a hassle for short rides.
I have all of my bikes wired with a "power port" and with heated grips, seats, jacket liner, gloves and a FF MOD helmet a cooler trip can be done much more comfortably.
Both bikes of course came with full fairings but I added the fork air baffle as well as the wind deflector "fangs" to help reduce air flow and combines with the OEM deflectors on the upper fairing unwanted wind for was greatly reduced.
The fork air baffle helps reduce the wind flow than comes up and over the fuel tank and the "fangs" reduces wind flow to the knees and also to the upper body.
I now have an '18 Tri-Glide that also came with the full fairings and I have added (against the advice of some in fear of overheating the engine) but due the the hydraulic fork dampener I cannot mount the air fork baffle.
It seems to me (and I could be wrong) that both Ultras provided more wind deflection than I now have on my Tri-Glide.
All that said if a rider wants warmer knees he or she should be looking into either leather chaps or pants (I prefer pants).
I have seen some mini-chaps that strap on and provides protection only for the knees and shins but they take less storage space when not being used and they're fast on and off.
The "best" solution for any cool or cold riding is of course heated riding gear but as already stated it may be too much of a hassle for short rides.
I have all of my bikes wired with a "power port" and with heated grips, seats, jacket liner, gloves and a FF MOD helmet a cooler trip can be done much more comfortably.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 2,081
From: Massachusetts
Something like these work well. Get them large enough to fit over your pants. No wires and they bend when you sit down.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
With soft lowers + smartwool long thermal baselayer + Heated pant liner + jeans I barely feel any cold. And this is coming from a guy who feels anything below 73 is cold LOL. Just rode 300 miles this week with this setup without soft lowers and I felt extremely comfortable all day in 45ş, cloudy, windy day.
Don't think you need Heated pantliner and chaps. But if that makes you comfortable, go for it.
Don't think you need Heated pantliner and chaps. But if that makes you comfortable, go for it.