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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

Bike moves around a bit, nothing too serious.

 

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...

 

I was out in those winds yesterday too.
I went to the shore !
Valley Forge . That is a nice park !

Jack

 

Another satisfied customer!