Buffeting Question
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Road Master
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 780
Likes: 934
From: North Carolina
Buffeting Question
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 didn’t 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 didn’t 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,
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
If you have a properly fitting helmet, how tight the chin strap is doesn't matter. I have zero buffeting with either my Shoei FF or my Badass (brand) 1/2 helmet. They fit me properly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,027
Likes: 6,916
From: NC
I tighten the straps to retain the helmet in a crash. So fairly tight, but not uncomfortable.
Sound to me like your helmet is loose fitting and needs to be replaced with a proper fitting helmet. Helmet manufacturers make different shaped helmets. Round, oval and a couple others. Finding what fits you best can resolve your issue with the helmet chatter.
The higher cost helmets are the ones that have the many shell shapes. They do not offer more crash protection, just more comfort (fit and ventilation) for the long rides. I prefer the Shoei and the Arai helmets. I have an oval head. You can find those two brands on sale (Shoei at Cycle gear was just one sale and maybe still is).
Sound to me like your helmet is loose fitting and needs to be replaced with a proper fitting helmet. Helmet manufacturers make different shaped helmets. Round, oval and a couple others. Finding what fits you best can resolve your issue with the helmet chatter.
The higher cost helmets are the ones that have the many shell shapes. They do not offer more crash protection, just more comfort (fit and ventilation) for the long rides. I prefer the Shoei and the Arai helmets. I have an oval head. You can find those two brands on sale (Shoei at Cycle gear was just one sale and maybe still is).
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 730
From: Indianapolis
I catch some grief for wearing a race class full face on long interstate trips. But the aerodynamics of the helmet really matter. The chinstrap should be tight, and so should the helmet. Most people run a size too big. A good fit should leave lines in your face. Uncomfortable at first, but you get accustomed to it pretty quick. Sadly, you'll still have your head pushed around a little. Just part of it.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 780
Likes: 934
From: North Carolina
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.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 953
From: Sarasota Florida
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 780
Likes: 934
From: North Carolina
I catch some grief for wearing a race class full face on long interstate trips. But the aerodynamics of the helmet really matter. The chinstrap should be tight, and so should the helmet. Most people run a size too big. A good fit should leave lines in your face. Uncomfortable at first, but you get accustomed to it pretty quick. Sadly, you'll still have your head pushed around a little. Just part of it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,178
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From: central NC
HD Fork fangs (no lowers on my batwing) and a Freedom Shields recurve that I look over the top about two inches provides smooth sailing for me right up to 90 mph which is about as fast as I ride, regardless of which helmet I’m wearing. I’m tall in the saddle so buffeting had been an issue on batwing, as well as sharknose and Road King.
I was able to manage it but each bike required different measures
I was able to manage it but each bike required different measures