Shark nose fairing
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,138
Likes: 9,544
From: central NC
In my pursuits to manage buffeting on a new Road Glide, the fairing vents were part of the solution, not the problem.
I’m tall so I have to go with a taller windshield. I ran a Madstad for a while, but put a 14” Freedom Shield back on it, with some air deflectors on the bottom of the fairing (GADS, Glide air deflectors) which helped, but ultimately I put fairing lowers on it. That combination of 14” recurve windshield and hard lowers works best for me.
I’m tall so I have to go with a taller windshield. I ran a Madstad for a while, but put a 14” Freedom Shield back on it, with some air deflectors on the bottom of the fairing (GADS, Glide air deflectors) which helped, but ultimately I put fairing lowers on it. That combination of 14” recurve windshield and hard lowers works best for me.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 382
Likes: 217
From: Wisconsin
On my 19, I still have the closeable vents, which I'msurprised HD took them out soon after this model year. When I have the vents closed on cold or rainy rides, I don't notice the buffeting enough to make it a concern. I do however have a taller 14" sport sheild from Freedom Shields and I also added the 1.5" tank lift kit and cooling fins from DK Customs. I have zero buffeting at highway speeds, at least not so much that I'm bothered by it. The 14" sheild was a bit tall for the stock seat, but I eventually bought a Saddlemen Road Sofa, which pushed me up and the combo of the sheild and seat are perfect for me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,525
Likes: 646
From: Saint Charles, Missouri
DK Customs Cooling Wings, they are designed for the batwing fairings, but they made a difference on my Road Glide. They direct the air to the top of the engine, an added benefit.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 722
From: Ontario, Canada
HD sells the closable vent kits (that used to be included) so after I got back, I ordered them (29200071 & 29200072) and installed them. I like the fact that I can open/close on the fly. A worthwhile investment for me.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,088
Likes: 2,100
From: NoVA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
a lot of folks don't think so, but they work well for me. if i don't close them in the rain, i get more water in my face. but i'm short, so it's directed right at me. i also like to close them in the winter if it's cold. i have a '19, last year they came on. but if i had a '20 or newer, i would spring for them. i've had mine out a couple of times, they aren't difficult to replace.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
I don’t feel much wind and the fact that vents are open doesn’t bother me in rain or cold weather. Several friends have older road glides and the vents always get stuck either open or closed. I thought about buying the above kit, but didn’t want to spend that much for something that may not work very long.