Wind Buffeting
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
Simple.
I did an 8.5" recurve however.
Its pretty windy up here in Wise County, TX and I dont have a problem. Of course I keep in mind I'm on a Motorcycle!
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Mid Fork Baffle?
I've read many posts about this and can imagine what it looks like and where it goes but ........ does anyone have a picture? I saw a chrome, curved thingy hanging on the wall at the local dealer and I "think" it's a baffle (looks like a headlite eyebrow). I might buy it and try it just for research.
My experience with the batwing / windshields:
09 Street Glide - 6' 2" - Sundowner seat - fairing deflectors - RF1000
4" OE - stylin' but at highway speeds worst than a naked bike.
8" Recurve - 3/4 helmet okay up to 60, FF helmet internal resonance with shield fully closed, goes away with half inch shield opening
10" Clearview - Full face, works fine up to 110mph, still a little closed shield resonance at 70 (this more from helmet design I think)
My experience with the batwing / windshields:
09 Street Glide - 6' 2" - Sundowner seat - fairing deflectors - RF1000
4" OE - stylin' but at highway speeds worst than a naked bike.
8" Recurve - 3/4 helmet okay up to 60, FF helmet internal resonance with shield fully closed, goes away with half inch shield opening
10" Clearview - Full face, works fine up to 110mph, still a little closed shield resonance at 70 (this more from helmet design I think)
Last edited by mtnbikerx; May 15, 2009 at 10:19 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 7
From: Hoffman Estates, IL
I was going to buy item #3 the other day while at the Harley shop. the parts guy told me not to buy it because they prevent the engine from cooling in hot weather. during cool weather its fine but during the hot days is when you need the air flow the most. he said the item was discontinued as standard issue back in 2002 I believe. Not sure if this is true or not just passing on what I was told at the Harley shop.
More likely, they stopped putting them on as "standard equipment" because they could make another $25 on a part that has a production cost of around $3.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Louisville, KY
Last edited by Bad Pig; May 15, 2009 at 03:24 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 2
From: Alberta, Canada
I was going to buy item #3 the other day while at the Harley shop. the parts guy told me not to buy it because they prevent the engine from cooling in hot weather. during cool weather its fine but during the hot days is when you need the air flow the most. he said the item was discontinued as standard issue back in 2002 I believe. Not sure if this is true or not just passing on what I was told at the Harley shop.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
Regarding the fork air baffle the service manual says, "NOTE: By allowing the flow of air to pass under the fuel tank and over the cylinder heads, removing the air baffle evacuates heated air and provides some relief to the rider in warmer temperatures: 70 F (21 C) or above."
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Got my new bike!!
I wish to thank you all very much for the helpful feedback!!! I have been doing a lot of travelling and finally was able to find the time time to sell my Heritage and buy an 09 Street Glide. I love the way the bike handles and of course the look. It is the red hot sunglow and it really pops in the sun. I have the montser ovals coming next week with the black tips...love the look and sound!
I did figure out that with a short 4" winshield and the fact that I wear a 1/2 helmet, my head felt like it was in a shaker the whole time. I test rode one that has a 9" shield and the head shaking completely stopped.
One more thing...with the small stock windshield, and NO HELMET...there was no buffeting. Again, many of you were very helpful with your advice and I appreciate it!!
Ride Safe
I did figure out that with a short 4" winshield and the fact that I wear a 1/2 helmet, my head felt like it was in a shaker the whole time. I test rode one that has a 9" shield and the head shaking completely stopped.
One more thing...with the small stock windshield, and NO HELMET...there was no buffeting. Again, many of you were very helpful with your advice and I appreciate it!!
Ride Safe
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Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 395
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
I prefer the Road Glide for the frame mounted fairing. Cuts the wind better and doesn't allow buffeting to move into the steering since it's not connected to the forks. The Street Glide is cool and great for short trips but the fairing is like riding with a piece of plywood strapped to your forks. Also, for me, the inner fairing is way too close on the batwing bikes but that has a lot to do with my size.
