Zero Buffeting - Screen vs Fairing vs Nothing?
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 143
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Zero Buffeting - Screen vs Fairing vs Nothing?
Looking for some advice regarding these different set ups as I am about to purchase a new bike - a touring bike - because I'm tired of getting beat up by the wind on long day trips on my dyna (just sold) and have been doing more of these long days in the saddle each year.
BUT I have also read so much about buffeting caused by both fairings and the windshields that it makes me think I might be very disappointed with my purchase....
What do you guys think is the best set up to ensure no helmet turbulence/buffeting??? I'm 5'10" if that helps, and thinking about the Road King or Street Glide.....
Thanks.
BUT I have also read so much about buffeting caused by both fairings and the windshields that it makes me think I might be very disappointed with my purchase....
What do you guys think is the best set up to ensure no helmet turbulence/buffeting??? I'm 5'10" if that helps, and thinking about the Road King or Street Glide.....
Thanks.
Just from my own experience on my Ultra, buffeting has never been a problem for me. I am 6'1" and just use the stock windshield with a half-helmet (or without sometimes). There are tons of different opinions, though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,712
Likes: 9,219
From: Snow Hill, NC
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.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,028
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i have played around with things and the best combo i came up with is fork wings and http://customflhtwindshields.net/ the fork wings make the biggest difference i dont like the wind without the wings
i ride a ultra
i ride a ultra
Last edited by ranman469; Sep 15, 2009 at 09:47 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 866
Likes: 2
From: Pocahontas, IL
If I use the windscreen and NO helmet, it is a beautiful ride. If I use the windscreen and a helmet, the buffeting/head rattle/shaking is horrible. I put on a pair of fork air deflecters to see if that help. Haven't had a chance to drive it yet with the rain coming down.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 481
Likes: 2
From: Bgosh,WI
I notice more buffeting with the windshield on my wifes Softail and Zero on my FLH Classic with a Fairing. Don't like my face blowing backwards with nothing in front of me. My old 78 Lowrider is ok without up to 55.
Extreme HDF Member
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From: Texas
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 171
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From: central Texas
RK windshield
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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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
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From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
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.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 431
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From: southeast indiana
my experience with wind
Ok heres what I have found. I have an 09 Street GLide. I am about 6' 2" tall. I had minimal buffeting (barely noticed it) with the stock 4" wind shield. I just installed a 8" long ride for the fall and have no buffetting.
On the 4" shield the wind hit me right about eye level.
I do not wear a helmet so even with only glasses on the buffeting was minimal, it was more of a direct blast of air passing over the screen versus turbulent flow caused air casacading in the pocket behind the wind screen. With the 8" the wind just hits the top of my head.
On the 4" shield the wind hit me right about eye level.
I do not wear a helmet so even with only glasses on the buffeting was minimal, it was more of a direct blast of air passing over the screen versus turbulent flow caused air casacading in the pocket behind the wind screen. With the 8" the wind just hits the top of my head.