I think most of the turbulent air comes up from the bottom and forces up under your helmet. That is where the lowers come in and why they come stamdard on the ultra glides.

 

The stock windshield is cool looking but worthless. I went to the HD windsplitter- better- but still buffeting at 65 plus. After reading lots of threads about different solutions- I am going to live with it as I'm now used to it.

 

I had the same problem and people wouldnt believe me when I said it was bad. They said Im not used to the wind in my face......Hello I have ridden without windshields for 35 years. I finally got a Klockwerks 8.5 and it is not perfect but made the ride acceptable. I can scoot around town no problem, before I couldnt got 20 mph without my head feeling like it was in a blender. Dont really notice any buffeting till around 80 mph

 

Didn't care for stock windshield went with klock werks 6.5 helped with glasses and helmet issues. Wind still blows around tank and up chest. There are several products to help this. I have gotten used to it. It also depends on wind direction while you ride. Bottom line is IMO batwing is better then direct wind on long rides.

 

Taking a test ride on any HD model, prior to purchase, is the first step, so kudos for doing this the right way.

Let me answer your question this way: It's the was it is, but you don't need to live with it.

No manufacturer can market a bike that will meet all one's needs, but they CAN manufacture a bike that will meet many of those needs, so...

What you need to do first is decide on the style you like and the platform you like.

Once that is complete, RIDE the BIKE! The bike will tell you what it needs.

Next, the real fun begins. You get to make it your own!

Many of us have signature lines which describe how our Tourer's spoke to US.

With regard to your question about windshields, my choice was Fast Aire's "Aero" windshield. I chose the 8-inch version in dark gray and I LOVE it.

 

The fork baffle helps alot and is a must no matter what windshield you use.

 

Get a Klockweks 8.5" or 10:
No problem then.

 

Fork baffle, proper windshield, and wings on the fairing is the best your going to get. IMHO

 

Don't give up on the Street Glide, do what he says. Look at other threads on the subject. Windshields will not solve the problem, fork baffles will.

 

Yep on the stock w/s being really cool but ineffective!! I went with the slightly taller (6") I think, Kuryakyn and it helps alot. Haven't tried fork baffles yet but may do that as well. I do like the ride as it is now tho, and I rode a RKC before this bike.
Good luck in your choices, ride safe...