Chrome Front Fork Air Baffle - A Problem?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,203
Likes: 368
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
I know it helps reduce wind coming up under the fairing.
As for cooling it seems also to direct air onto the front cylinder instead of coming over the top of the engine. Affect is probably better cooling of the front cylinder and less on the rear.
I was worried about it at first but not enough to waste a day checking cylinder temps both with and without the baffle.
As for cooling it seems also to direct air onto the front cylinder instead of coming over the top of the engine. Affect is probably better cooling of the front cylinder and less on the rear.
I was worried about it at first but not enough to waste a day checking cylinder temps both with and without the baffle.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I rode with it for a while and then took it off to see if it made a difference. I felt a lot more buffeting. I am also lower and back because of my seat. I have an oil cooler so I'm not really worried about it affecting cooling. I ride just about everyday and it hit well over 100 here this summer and I had no heating issues even in traffic.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,788
Likes: 2,222
From: Texas
All I know about this subject is,..... I had one of those on every Ultra that I ever owned (all evolutions) untill the '02. The parts man at the selling dealership WOULD NOT sell me one for the '02. Said it would cause big heating issues.
Go figure!!!
Go figure!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,319
Likes: 1
From: Deep South Texas
The '09 RG's come stock with the baffle already installed. I have ridden all summer in 100+ weather and the bike did not die. Don't get me wrong, it was putting off plenty of heat. I may take it off and see if a difference can be noticed.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 10
Likes: 6
From: Burbs of Philly
I had a chrome one. I dont think it impedes cooling, HOWEVER, as an experiment I took it off, and DID notice a reduction in heat buildup under the gas tank and at the nose of the seat. While I think the motor gets cooled ok with the baffle on, it does kill the airflow at the very top of the motor, (rocker boxes etc) and that heat does build up under the tank, and flow backwards to the rider.
Im leaving mine off. The difference in rider comfort from the lack of heat buildup, outweighs the minimal (if any) reduction in buffeting I felt. Frankly, as far as THAT goes, it was a waste of money IMHO.
Im leaving mine off. The difference in rider comfort from the lack of heat buildup, outweighs the minimal (if any) reduction in buffeting I felt. Frankly, as far as THAT goes, it was a waste of money IMHO.
.....
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 673
Likes: 252
From: Alberta
Don't know if it does a lot for buffeting maybe a little. No problems with heating but I have an engine rebuilt and seemingly done correctly, mildly modded exhaust and oil cooler. The one big benefit that I notice is a huge collection of bug guts and other curious stuff that would be more difficult to wipe off other areas of the bike, so a win for me.
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