20k is only 1/2 a harley, takes another 20k to get it right...

 

Wow, how fast are you guys going? I cruise at 80 on my SG with a 7 inch shield which is basically the same curve as stock only taller, and I don't have any issues with buffeting.

 

Not sure how to take your rant ...

I guess I feel for you ... but at the same time I'm not sure it's all HDs fault. After all, you claim all this experience and knowledge ... but you couldn't figure out that the little bitty windshield on the RG probably won't protect you.

Did you not ever compare the Electra Glide or Ultra to the RG? Ever see them in the same showroom? There's a reason the other two have larger windshields.

I don't know ... is it really a wind tunnel and testing issue? After all, windshields have been on bikes for almost a century now, and they basic design hasn't changed that much. Fairings have been around long enough that the HD windshield has undergone some minor changes in favor of aerodynamics, but as you've pointed out ... your're on a bike.

I certainly don't have all the experience with HDs you claim to have, but from what I can see none of those other bikes you've owned had windshields much less fairings. So what are you expecting exactly?

I just can't imagine how that itsy-bitsy windshield can provide much protection. Looks more like a boulevard cruiser than a highway tourer ... but that's just me.

For now, though, I'd recommend a FastAire Windshield. I bought 2 for my Ultra, and love them both. I have the 6 inch smoked for local riding, but I can't imagine doing anything more than 100 miles in a day behind that windshield. You bet that you're going to get a lot buffetting, but that's the way it's designed. Give you more air and look good ...

I also have a 9 inch medium grey that is good for most riding conditions. I won't use it for cooler weather (I'll go back to the original clear for that), but it does well for warm weather and short touring (300+ mile days).

Best part is that the prices are pretty good, so you can get a couple windshields to fit your particular needs. Since I'm just over 6'1" I'd actually like to have about a 15 inch windshield as well, but that's for another thread.

I guess the long and short of it is that I'm sorry you're unhappy, but I'm not sure what else you should have expected. Good luck in figuring it out, and hopefully next time you'll do some more comparison shopping before you spend that kind of money.

 

The windshield is not the cause. Have you heard of "lowers" I don't think HD has them but look at aftermarket sources. They clamp to the forks and have clear plastic wings. They prevent the wind from coming up and at you and mix with the wind that comes over the shield which causes the buffeting.

On my 07 Nomad they were standard equipment. The lowers have been around for decades to combat the buffeting problem.

 

doc cj i am not opposed to the wind i just dont understand how you pay 20k for a bike regardless of the screen and get buffeting like i said before i have a honda silver wing its a highway legal scooter with a windscreen and i get no buffeting now how can that be? i will tell shitty design and r&d its that simple and your right i did research but they got me harley that is we all are victims its like we show up and the tell us to drink the kool-aid and we all do what bullshit matbe i ll ride up to milwaukee and shove this bike up willie gs *** lol!

 

While I was reading this post - the wife walked in and was reading over my shoulder - got to the UPSGUY's post and wants to know how 'I' can get 12"'s to get me/her through the winter months??? lol

 

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!

 

Trade it in on an '09 Ultra?

Good luck and ride safe.

 

+1 -

I think you're going to find that there are many factors that contribute to wind buffeting. Direction of the wind, coming from underneath the fairing (for sure this is a factor on my SG), height of the windshield, lowers or no lowers, seat height, handle bar position, etc. Next time you're out on the bike, take your left arm and cross it in front of you and "feel" for the buffeting that is coming up. I am thinking that lowers may be in your future.

And lastly, a few commas and periods would go a long way to help sort out your rants!

 

Hey bob37....it's a motorcycle. Buffeting? That's just the wind going past your head. Buy a car. The buffeting will go away. BTW, I love my Roadie. Wouldn't change a thing.