Wind deflectors
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 565
Likes: 471
From: Sapulpa, OKlahoma
The adjustable fairing-mounted deflectors are intended to increase airflow on the rider and don't really do much for buffeting. I have them on my Ultra-Limited and they do put a ton of air on the rider when/if you need it. I get plenty of airflow around and under my fairing so I rarely use mine until temps get over 100F.
The fork-mounted deflectors are intended to reduce buffeting. To be clear, I'm not talking about wind, I'm talking about helmet shaking turbulence between the rider and the windshield that only seems to occur with just the right combination of rider height, helmet, fairing, windshield, etc. The reports I've heard about the H-D deflectors (aka "Fangs") is that despite being ugly, they do a great job of eliminating or at least reducing buffeting. (Unfortunately, H-D doesn't make them for the Ultra-Limited so I have no personal experience) GADS makes fork deflectors and triple-tree deflectors that are less noticeable, but they get mixed reviews for reducing buffeting. (They didn't do much for my bike)
I agree with 702, I'd wait and ride it to see if you even need deflectors.
The fork-mounted deflectors are intended to reduce buffeting. To be clear, I'm not talking about wind, I'm talking about helmet shaking turbulence between the rider and the windshield that only seems to occur with just the right combination of rider height, helmet, fairing, windshield, etc. The reports I've heard about the H-D deflectors (aka "Fangs") is that despite being ugly, they do a great job of eliminating or at least reducing buffeting. (Unfortunately, H-D doesn't make them for the Ultra-Limited so I have no personal experience) GADS makes fork deflectors and triple-tree deflectors that are less noticeable, but they get mixed reviews for reducing buffeting. (They didn't do much for my bike)
I agree with 702, I'd wait and ride it to see if you even need deflectors.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 893
Likes: 537
From: Central NY
I came from a softail slim, (it came with some funky looking wind deflectors on it, I took them off because I thought they looked stupid) to my Road Glide special. I think there are things I can do to block but some of the wind on my road glide, but on those really hot days, I wouldn't want to. I don't get really any wind buffeting or anything that I've noticed. I'm leaving it just the way it is.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,903
Likes: 1,420
From: Lost
I had fork mounted deflectors which I really liked. Clean wind free pocket for riding. Last year I put hard lowers and decided to take them out because I read that will increase engine temp.
Now that fork deflectors are gone Im getting bad wind hitting my head on right side. So I may add my fork deflectors back. Not sure how much engine temps its going to raise. Ill get oil temp gauge and keep an eye on it.
Now that fork deflectors are gone Im getting bad wind hitting my head on right side. So I may add my fork deflectors back. Not sure how much engine temps its going to raise. Ill get oil temp gauge and keep an eye on it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
you might want to check into that a little more. some folks have found that the hard lowers actually lower engine temps by funneling air directly over the cylinders. myself, i don't worry about it one way or the other, i have hard lowers and i like the wind management and i don't stress over the engine temps. don't know if it raised or lowered mine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 399
From: Vancouver, BC
^this^
You'll need to spend some time in the saddle and put some miles in before you really know what you might need and what you really need.
FWIW buffeting was a huge issue with me (but not with my buddy with the same bike). I tried both the lower triple tree and fork mounted wind deflectors and played around with tank raisers and a variety of windshield heights. Ended up with both wind deflectors and a 6" gun smoke Windvest screen. The biggest change was when I went from my modular Schuberth helmet to a 3/4 Shoei RJ Platinum-R helmet. Buffetting is a thing of the past...below 120 KPH.
Anyway good luck and enjoy the ride
You'll need to spend some time in the saddle and put some miles in before you really know what you might need and what you really need.
FWIW buffeting was a huge issue with me (but not with my buddy with the same bike). I tried both the lower triple tree and fork mounted wind deflectors and played around with tank raisers and a variety of windshield heights. Ended up with both wind deflectors and a 6" gun smoke Windvest screen. The biggest change was when I went from my modular Schuberth helmet to a 3/4 Shoei RJ Platinum-R helmet. Buffetting is a thing of the past...below 120 KPH.
Anyway good luck and enjoy the ride
Last edited by hamah; Dec 4, 2023 at 11:07 AM.
