Batwing or Sharknose?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I have a SG that is in storage that I've only test ridden but am getting set to roll up my sleves in the Spring to tackle the buffeting issue.
I'm leaning toward the V-Stream from National cycle. It's a polycarbonite (Lexan) shield (see the video on their site for the benefits of polycarbonite) and they show a diagram of the aerodynamic effect the shape of their shield has. I couldn't find the diagram on their website for some reason, but here it is from an ebay ad.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Natio...Q5fAccessories
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I know it's just a duagram and not wind tunnel results, but it's the closest thing I've seen grom any of the vendors depicting the airflow. I wish they had a similar shape with a flip on the top. I'm also considering the Long Ride Shield
I would suggest you search the forum for "buffeting". You'll find far more info on the subject that way.
I'm leaning toward the V-Stream from National cycle. It's a polycarbonite (Lexan) shield (see the video on their site for the benefits of polycarbonite) and they show a diagram of the aerodynamic effect the shape of their shield has. I couldn't find the diagram on their website for some reason, but here it is from an ebay ad.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Natio...Q5fAccessories
I know it's just a duagram and not wind tunnel results, but it's the closest thing I've seen grom any of the vendors depicting the airflow. I wish they had a similar shape with a flip on the top. I'm also considering the Long Ride Shield
I would suggest you search the forum for "buffeting". You'll find far more info on the subject that way.
Don't get too excited about this shield. I had one and it was terrible with bufffering at 70 mph. The windshields with the flip on top works much better.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
Went to Demo DAys 3-4 times a year for 2 yrs trying to make a decesion. Got a Couple buddys that bought a Road Glide Ulta. Finally figures out after I had a boner for the Road Glide that the heavy front end didn't fit my style of riding. I run way too hard and make hard cornering. Could really feel the weight of the shark nose.
Although the bike did ride good. Also notises when I make a hard 90* turn and hit the throtle hard and the wind was blowin it kinda swayed like driveing a Boat.
Go to a dealership and rent one of these bikes for a Day to Best Answer yer question.
Different motorcycles fit people and their style of riding in Different ways.
This would be making a major decesion and you would want to be happy when you buy something. Cause if'n you change yer mind, its gonna cost thousands of dollars.
Although the bike did ride good. Also notises when I make a hard 90* turn and hit the throtle hard and the wind was blowin it kinda swayed like driveing a Boat.
Go to a dealership and rent one of these bikes for a Day to Best Answer yer question.
Different motorcycles fit people and their style of riding in Different ways.
This would be making a major decesion and you would want to be happy when you buy something. Cause if'n you change yer mind, its gonna cost thousands of dollars.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 389
Likes: 3
From: Third Coast TX
Bat Wing Winz ! The Road Commodes just don't look right. 
I personally found better protection from the elements with the bat wing, I don't own a cage so for me this was a huge deal.
I can tuck in behind the bat wing. I could not tuck in behind the shark nose.
I'm 6'1/ 240 the shark nose felt more open than the bat wing does.
Windshield selection is going to make the difference in buffeting, whichever way you decide to go.
Try both bikes the same day if possible, the wind test is the best test !!
I personally found better protection from the elements with the bat wing, I don't own a cage so for me this was a huge deal.
I can tuck in behind the bat wing. I could not tuck in behind the shark nose.
I'm 6'1/ 240 the shark nose felt more open than the bat wing does.
Windshield selection is going to make the difference in buffeting, whichever way you decide to go.
Try both bikes the same day if possible, the wind test is the best test !!
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 805
Likes: 4
From: The Live Free or Die State
Sorry for the hijack
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
Sounds like yer new to tourning bikes. After you ride for a while behind a EG 12" windshield you won't notise the buffering anymore.
I like the windshield so when I slouch I look threw the windshield. When I sit upright. I'm on the border line of lookin bearly threw the top.
When i sit tall I can look over the windshield which I rarely ever do.
And I wear a modular full crash helmet.
Although I do have a buddy that does not ride over 75 who put a 15" windshield on his bike so he could smoke his Cig with no problem.
That is a tall windshield too.
Too tall for me, and I'm only 5'10"
I like the windshield so when I slouch I look threw the windshield. When I sit upright. I'm on the border line of lookin bearly threw the top.
When i sit tall I can look over the windshield which I rarely ever do.
And I wear a modular full crash helmet.
Although I do have a buddy that does not ride over 75 who put a 15" windshield on his bike so he could smoke his Cig with no problem.
That is a tall windshield too.
Too tall for me, and I'm only 5'10"
Last edited by cardboard; Feb 5, 2011 at 09:11 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Ocala, FL