Zero Buffeting - Screen vs Fairing vs Nothing?
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 106
From: Colorado Front Range
I had an '07 Street Glide and now ride an '09 Road King. Sounds like I may be in the minority, but I was SUPER surprised at how the RK windshield is actually MUCH better in big gusty crosswinds (we get a lot of that in the non-mountain areas of CO).
In straight-on headwinds, the SG was better...but not by much. It is prob more common to have quartering or cross winds vs head-on...but of course it all depends where you ride.
I was totally shocked at how much more stable and non-buffeting ride I had on the RK. I think it is that the batwing "grabs" the wind from angles other than head-on a bit more than the windshield. I am not imagining it...just had some good winds last week and again marveled.
Good luck...and I certainly wold NOT choose your bike based on the "wind buffeting" thing...hey, you're out side in the elements, eh?
In straight-on headwinds, the SG was better...but not by much. It is prob more common to have quartering or cross winds vs head-on...but of course it all depends where you ride.
I was totally shocked at how much more stable and non-buffeting ride I had on the RK. I think it is that the batwing "grabs" the wind from angles other than head-on a bit more than the windshield. I am not imagining it...just had some good winds last week and again marveled.
Good luck...and I certainly wold NOT choose your bike based on the "wind buffeting" thing...hey, you're out side in the elements, eh?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
I'm just a little over 5'10" as well, and I've been through them all. I've got the detachable fairing on my Road King, and I'm now running the Klock Werks 6 1/2 in shield. It does a pretty decent job of protecting, and I don't notice any really significant buffeting. The tall Road King shield did the best for me, but I've got my eye on the new 8 1/2 Klock Werks that's due out very soon. If you're serious about touring, you need the fairing type bikes. They offer a lot of options, and windshields are snap to change. Most of us have 4-5 at least that we've gone through trying to find the perfect fit. I happen to like the look and feel of the Klock Werks shields, and they bubble up every once in a while on the classifieds. I'd say go rent a variety of bikes and find out what works for you.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
I had an '07 Street Glide and now ride an '09 Road King. Sounds like I may be in the minority, but I was SUPER surprised at how the RK windshield is actually MUCH better in big gusty crosswinds (we get a lot of that in the non-mountain areas of CO).
In straight-on headwinds, the SG was better...but not by much. It is prob more common to have quartering or cross winds vs head-on...but of course it all depends where you ride.
I was totally shocked at how much more stable and non-buffeting ride I had on the RK. I think it is that the batwing "grabs" the wind from angles other than head-on a bit more than the windshield. I am not imagining it...just had some good winds last week and again marveled.
Good luck...and I certainly wold NOT choose your bike based on the "wind buffeting" thing...hey, you're out side in the elements, eh?
In straight-on headwinds, the SG was better...but not by much. It is prob more common to have quartering or cross winds vs head-on...but of course it all depends where you ride.
I was totally shocked at how much more stable and non-buffeting ride I had on the RK. I think it is that the batwing "grabs" the wind from angles other than head-on a bit more than the windshield. I am not imagining it...just had some good winds last week and again marveled.
Good luck...and I certainly wold NOT choose your bike based on the "wind buffeting" thing...hey, you're out side in the elements, eh?
I should add that I always wear a helmet (by law) and it is the helmet that causes the turbulence. and secondly, its not just "the wind" or the "elements" I'm trying to avoid its that awful turbulence that shakes your head until you cant see straight. I remember a guy posting on here that after severe buffeting from his streetglide? he had to go to the doctor and was told he had concussion.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Street Glide with a 9" windshield for your height should protect you from the wind...Klockwerks or other curved shields should offer a bit more protection...Anything you ride will always give you a bit of wind buffting....go test drive a couple bikes you'll see. I like the fairing better.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
Really depends on too many factors to just have one solution.
Your riding position even what type of helmet and clothing you are wearing all affect buffeting. Fortunately it can be corrected for almost anyone on any bike.
Your riding position even what type of helmet and clothing you are wearing all affect buffeting. Fortunately it can be corrected for almost anyone on any bike.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: New Hampshire
I have an 08 SG with a 9.5 inch windshield and I had some pretty rough, helmet slapping buffeting between 50 and 60 mph. Once I added the Harley adjustable fairing deflectors, it smoothed out completely. I'm actually going to drop down to an 8" windshield now to see how that works with the deflectors. BTW, I'm 6' tall and look over the 9.5 to give some comparison.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
I have an 09 King, and found the OEM windshield inadequate. I got the larger HD 'shield and it was also too small. So I got a Clearview shield in their largest size. It's actually too big, so I'm working it down with the Dremel tool until it's just right. Buffeting is minimal and the ride and view are both great. And if you're very careful, you can't tell that the shield was modified.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
I have an 08 SG with a 9.5 inch windshield and I had some pretty rough, helmet slapping buffeting between 50 and 60 mph. Once I added the Harley adjustable fairing deflectors, it smoothed out completely. I'm actually going to drop down to an 8" windshield now to see how that works with the deflectors. BTW, I'm 6' tall and look over the 9.5 to give some comparison.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Yes I agree - the helmet makes the most difference. Full face is the worst.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 106
From: Colorado Front Range
There is so much at play...one guy's 'buffeting' is another's 'breeze', eh? Sure, you can get out your Reynolds meters and slide rule ;^), get in a wind tunnel and start calculating lift, drag, etc. and go nuts. Sorta takes the fun out of things for me...call me crazy.
I do have to say I completely disagree that "if you're going to take touring 'seriously' a full fairing (e.g. batwing) is the only way to go." (to paraphrase). I've done thousands of miles with each type. At the end of the day, whatever form of windshield or faring you coose...your helmet makes a HUGE difference (speaking of drag and lift factors)...and where the wind is rushing over or into your face. You can be completely comfy with either style shield. I guess if my primary mode was 1,000 mi plus rides I would lean toward a fixed faring...but I gotta say, I love the ability to take-off the RK shield and feel the wind (not for more than a couple of hundred miles max though). I am 6'1" and wear a FF helmet (cooler weather or long highway cruise) or half-helmet (hot weather and around town) and the stock setup works fine for me (I want to see OVER the screen by about 1/2 inch - advised strongly vs being totally behind the screen)...just my .02. This is a heck of a lot more than I have EVER thought about this stuff...but there ya go.
Have fun...
I do have to say I completely disagree that "if you're going to take touring 'seriously' a full fairing (e.g. batwing) is the only way to go." (to paraphrase). I've done thousands of miles with each type. At the end of the day, whatever form of windshield or faring you coose...your helmet makes a HUGE difference (speaking of drag and lift factors)...and where the wind is rushing over or into your face. You can be completely comfy with either style shield. I guess if my primary mode was 1,000 mi plus rides I would lean toward a fixed faring...but I gotta say, I love the ability to take-off the RK shield and feel the wind (not for more than a couple of hundred miles max though). I am 6'1" and wear a FF helmet (cooler weather or long highway cruise) or half-helmet (hot weather and around town) and the stock setup works fine for me (I want to see OVER the screen by about 1/2 inch - advised strongly vs being totally behind the screen)...just my .02. This is a heck of a lot more than I have EVER thought about this stuff...but there ya go.
Have fun...
Last edited by sgnden; Sep 16, 2009 at 08:35 AM.