I have always thought the windshield vent was supposed to allow more airflow for the rider. I am sure it does that but my question to those who have the vent is this. Does riding with the vent open change the airflow around you because it has relieved the low pressure area created behind the windshield. I heard about this theory and never thought to much about it. I guess it could have the effect of less turbulent air around the rider. Has anybody experimented with this idea? Can you tell a difference in the airflow around the windshield at highway speeds with the vent open or closed?

Thanks


06 Road Glide
Clearview +3" Windshield
6'5" tall

 

BMW has been using a vent for a few years now and it does break the wind as it goes over the shield - and the vent when open in the summertime to give the rider more air flow - I have used a vented windshield on some of my past rides and it has worked well..

 

Yes it does. If you have the vent closed, the faster you go the more the pressure behind the shield drops and this forces your head/upper body forwards towards the negative pressure. Open the vent and that equalizes the pressure and takes that buffeting away.

 

Looking at the Clearview website they mention about the vent helping with the airflow. If it is like what happens in a car when you only open one window and you get the buffeting, then you open the second and things smooth out, that could be a big difference. Sure wish there was an easy way to try that without cutting holes.