Worst aerodynamics
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,231
Likes: 5
From: In the north
I have a Harley 10 on my electraglide along with a deep bucket sundowner seat and adjustable side wind deflectors. All is wonderful in the world. I got lucky and most of it was already there when I got the scooter because I bought it used. Well not the seat, I bought that because I hated the looks of the reach seat without the tourpack installed. But I am 5'9" so that might be the difference for me.
No bike comes perfect for every body style out of the factory. They just can't possibly do that.
Only time I have issues with wind is when I have a 20+ mph side wind for hours and hours. Then the only problem is with my ears. I end up with a mild headack. Ear plugs were the fix for that.
Another thing to try and sliding forward or rearward on the seat. Sometimes a slight change in distance from the windsheild will make all the difference in the world.
No bike comes perfect for every body style out of the factory. They just can't possibly do that.
Only time I have issues with wind is when I have a 20+ mph side wind for hours and hours. Then the only problem is with my ears. I end up with a mild headack. Ear plugs were the fix for that.
Another thing to try and sliding forward or rearward on the seat. Sometimes a slight change in distance from the windsheild will make all the difference in the world.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Blame Harley? I was looking at a new Trumph Rocket touring bike the other day with all its little clear plastic wings to deflect the air arouind the rider. In fact, most Vtwin touring bikes have this problem and they solve it by adding little deflectors here and there. When you put a barn door in front of you, you are going to get funny air. You could get a Honda Goldwing with one of those six foot windshields to fix your problem, but then you won't have a Harley. The best solution out there is the retractable windshield like the BMWs have, but that doesn't work well on Vtwin touring bikes.
There are plenty of add-ons out there to make your bike your bike. But blame Harley? Shesh!
Beary
There are plenty of add-ons out there to make your bike your bike. But blame Harley? Shesh!
Beary
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Beroun, Czech Republic
Yup, I have been there. Not as an owner, actually, but I was bad enough to cancel my order and give up then already paid deposit. Since then I learned a lot about Batwing and buffeting issues. Its apparently the worst when you wear a full-face helmet which we tend to here in Europe. It also depends on the wind angle. If theres a strong sidewind the buffeting may get almost unbearable as the wind crashes with the vacuum-induced swirls underneath your chin.
It can be solved, to an extent, with add-ons, but I am absolutely with you: it is just not acceptable for a bike this expensive to have such a poor aerodynamics. Harley have had plenty of time to design the batwing properly.
As for those who blame the OP for whinning about the wind on a motorcycle, its not the wind. Its buffeting. If you have ever experienced it you would know the difference.
It can be solved, to an extent, with add-ons, but I am absolutely with you: it is just not acceptable for a bike this expensive to have such a poor aerodynamics. Harley have had plenty of time to design the batwing properly.
As for those who blame the OP for whinning about the wind on a motorcycle, its not the wind. Its buffeting. If you have ever experienced it you would know the difference.
Advanced
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: NC
Think of the list of things Harley "should" spend development money on:
Motor, transmission, suspension, brakes, aerodynamics, weight savings, etc etc etc and the list goes on.
Instead they focus on style, nostalgia, and sound. Who can blame them? They're still raking in money hand over fist.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
The issue is solvable, there are many threads..I personally have lower fork deflecters, freedom wings, and a LRS 9 1/2 that i installed a Clearview vent in....The vent makes a big difference....When you push all that air out of the way, it want s to collapse in and fill the void....The goal is to keep it from collapsing around your face, and creating the dreaded buffeting...I guarantee if you install fork deflecters, freedom wings, and a clearview 12 or 14 inch shield with the vent it will be a new ride
Now why a company like HD has to release a product that every one has to fix, I do not know..I installed a shield from rifle on one of my bikes and had no turbulence at all, of course they probably engineered it first.
Its a Harley, they have always had problems , but they are worth it
Now why a company like HD has to release a product that every one has to fix, I do not know..I installed a shield from rifle on one of my bikes and had no turbulence at all, of course they probably engineered it first.
Its a Harley, they have always had problems , but they are worth it
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 2
Could be the helmet. I can't use the RKC screen with a full face due to buffeting. The screen is not on the bike - whatever the weather. Screen works OK with half face though but I'll stay in the breeze thanks.
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