Buffeting Question
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 777
Likes: 928
From: North Carolina
Update, on my ride back from the dealer I wore my Bell full-face. There is less buffeting with that helmet.
Just an FYI, the Bell Full-face is actually a little looser fitting than the Sedici Modular.
Just an FYI, the Bell Full-face is actually a little looser fitting than the Sedici Modular.
Last edited by mseawell1022; Mar 19, 2025 at 04:39 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
Elsewhere I ran across a comment from another rider that had played with basically a neck guard to good effect on greatly reducing the buffeting he was getting with his helmet.
I thought that was kinda interesting, so when it was a warm day and I was out for a ride, I put my hand down by my shoulder under my helmet. The results were astonishing. Wind noise went almost to zero, and the buffeting almost completely disapeared.
My Nolan helmet came with a chin skirt and a neck guard, which I had immediately removed, because I wanted maximum ventilation. Luckily, I'd kept them. So I put them back onto the helmet, and ride. Wow! Huge difference, in a wonderful way.
Something you might want to explore. For many helmets, especially full faced, there are aftermarket chin guards and such that might help you with the buffetting.
I thought that was kinda interesting, so when it was a warm day and I was out for a ride, I put my hand down by my shoulder under my helmet. The results were astonishing. Wind noise went almost to zero, and the buffeting almost completely disapeared.
My Nolan helmet came with a chin skirt and a neck guard, which I had immediately removed, because I wanted maximum ventilation. Luckily, I'd kept them. So I put them back onto the helmet, and ride. Wow! Huge difference, in a wonderful way.
Something you might want to explore. For many helmets, especially full faced, there are aftermarket chin guards and such that might help you with the buffetting.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,736
Likes: 1,786
From: Newnan, GA
I apologize, this may be a stupid question but here goes.
A little background first. On my ride down to Daytona, I had bad buffeting on my head. We rode at 70 - 80 mph a lot. Plus it was windy!
While at Daytona I test rode, a Street Glide, Road Glide and a Goldwing. Specifically paying attention to how much buffeting I received on each. I really didnt notice that much improvement on any of those over my 2013 Ultra Classic. Even added a new Klockworks shield while at Daytona. It made some difference.
On the trip back after a fuel and break stop I decided to tighten my helmet chin strap almost to the point of choking myself. That reduced buffeting more than all the other mods (I have added Wing deflectors, tried several different windshields, etc..) I have tried to date.
So the stupid question is How tight are you suppose to strap on your helmet? 🤷♂️
Thanks,
A little background first. On my ride down to Daytona, I had bad buffeting on my head. We rode at 70 - 80 mph a lot. Plus it was windy!
While at Daytona I test rode, a Street Glide, Road Glide and a Goldwing. Specifically paying attention to how much buffeting I received on each. I really didnt notice that much improvement on any of those over my 2013 Ultra Classic. Even added a new Klockworks shield while at Daytona. It made some difference.
On the trip back after a fuel and break stop I decided to tighten my helmet chin strap almost to the point of choking myself. That reduced buffeting more than all the other mods (I have added Wing deflectors, tried several different windshields, etc..) I have tried to date.
So the stupid question is How tight are you suppose to strap on your helmet? 🤷♂️
Thanks,
I think your helmet is too large. Try adding a do-rag to your head before you put on your lid.
You could always get a smaller helmet.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 235
Likes: 202
From: TX
Thanks guys. My current helmet fits pretty good (I guess). I have an oval head also. It's not loose on my head, it was in lower mid range price wise on sale at Cycle Gear. It a Sedice Sistema II Parlare Bluetooth Modular. I also have a Bell Qualifier DLX Full-face. Maybe I do need to get a higher cost helmet. But it seems most of the time when I spend money on a mod I'm disappointed in the results.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 855
From: B.C.
My last helmet was a Shoei GT Air 2. I found it was much quieter with the face shield removed. It stayed off until I got a wasp wedged between my helmet and head. The little bugger started stinging his *** off. So the shield went back on.
My new helmet is a Shoei RF1400. I only wore it in the house so far, but I can feel it is much lighter than the GT Air 2. I have been wearing Shoei helmets exclusively since 1985.
I have the HD fork fangs and a Drag Specialties dog dish. They definitely reduce buffeting. One of my experiments to try this year is keep the dog dish and remove the fangs.
My new helmet is a Shoei RF1400. I only wore it in the house so far, but I can feel it is much lighter than the GT Air 2. I have been wearing Shoei helmets exclusively since 1985.
I have the HD fork fangs and a Drag Specialties dog dish. They definitely reduce buffeting. One of my experiments to try this year is keep the dog dish and remove the fangs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,113
Likes: 9,504
From: central NC
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 777
Likes: 928
From: North Carolina
Well, after my experiment the other day to and from the dealership, it appears that Ill be looking for a couple of Shoeis. A modular and an open face for warmer weather.
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Joined: Jan 2022
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I try to keep an open mind, but the damn thing keeps snapping shut.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 29
Likes: 11
From: Toronto
Anyone else liking the fork fangs for buffeting? I just put an 8.5" Klock Werks shield on my SGS to replace a the10" 'regular' shield that came with the bike. I was hoping to get away with a slightly lower shield with the recurve. The buffeting has definitely increased though. Perhaps fork fangs could work for me...