Batwing in the Wind

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Jun 11, 2006 | 12:29 PM

Mac57

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 1,807

Likes: 1

From: North Jersey

Batwing in the Wind

Well I finally experianced first hand how the Batwing fairing handles in heavy wind. It was a gorgeous day here in northern NJ yesterday, but the winds were averaging about 15 to 20 mph with gusts hitting 45 (according to weatherchannel). All I know is that it was DAMN windy! Traveled about 250 miles from North Jersey down to Valley Forge PA including some meandering around on both interstates and local roads and I've got to tell you, I am impressed with the Batwing! I have heard some horror stories about how the Bat acts like a sail sometimes and practically jerks the handle bars right from the rider's hands. The E-Glide was rock steady all day through side gusts, head winds, wake turbulence from tractor trailers, you name it. Speeds up to 80 mph on I-287 and the PA Turnpike. We rode two-up, my wife and I. Maybe that helps. A bit more weight increasing stability? I'm sure that more considerable wind than we had here yesterday might yield different results, but if wind approaches gale force, we're heading for a Motel to take cover and get some "quality time". I can't see tempting fate by riding in a hurricane. On ANY bike. I'm interested in hearing from all of you on your experiances. I for one have confidence in the Bat.

Jun 11, 2006 | 12:37 PM

Terry TK

Big Kahuna HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 20,310

Likes: 160

From: San Antonio Texas

RE: Batwing in the Wind

I've owned a bunch of batwings prior to buying my Roadglide and I've never said that the batwing handled badly. All I've ever said was that the fixed fairing handles better. Both bikes are wonderful

Jun 11, 2006 | 12:41 PM

eddybo69

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 1,080

Likes: 0

From: MS

RE: Batwing in the Wind

My experiances mirrior your own. I think you are right added weight of passanger does add stability.

Jun 11, 2006 | 12:46 PM

Bryan TTM

Banned

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 8,603

Likes: 10

RE: Batwing in the Wind

see...most of these "sky is fallin" stories are unfounded...glad you had a great ride

Jun 11, 2006 | 12:48 PM

Eyespy

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 1,423

Likes: 0

From: Southern California High Desert, here and there....

RE: Batwing in the Wind

Bike moves around a bit, nothing too serious.

Jun 11, 2006 | 03:22 PM

harley0711

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 5,072

Likes: 104

From: Prescott, AZ

RE: Batwing in the Wind

Most wind I ever found on my FLHTCI was three years ago between Clines Corner NM to Santa Fe NM - big storm coming in from the East - We past a stop sign that look like one of those videos of a Hurricane - it was flopping around - I was able to maintain about 50MPH into Santa Fe - The bike was steady - This storm was on the edge of making us take shelter - With that under my belt, I feel pretty secure on this bike...