New to Harley's... Tell me about buffeting
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, IL
I have a SG with the stock shield. I'm 5'9 by the way.
The ONLY time I experience buffeting is when I'm wearing a 1/2 helmet, and then it drives me nuts.
I ride on the interstate all the time, and pass lots of semis. No problems there, just the usual leaning into the wind.
If I wore a helmet more often, I'd consider a re-curve windshield, but I usually just wear a ball cap. It doesn't happen with my full face helmet.
The ONLY time I experience buffeting is when I'm wearing a 1/2 helmet, and then it drives me nuts.
I ride on the interstate all the time, and pass lots of semis. No problems there, just the usual leaning into the wind.
If I wore a helmet more often, I'd consider a re-curve windshield, but I usually just wear a ball cap. It doesn't happen with my full face helmet.
two types of buffiting as i understand it if your seat height or windshield height puts your head or helmet in wrong position it be uncomfortable, this never was an issue to me on bat wing bikes.
second one is cross breezes, first strong cross breeze on high bridge i almost sh@t my pants same with passing trucks when cross wing at 50 mph or better
i lived thru them all, you will to, just get them over with and once you live thru them u will loose the fear, that bike is 900 lb it aint going to far under most circumstances
second one is cross breezes, first strong cross breeze on high bridge i almost sh@t my pants same with passing trucks when cross wing at 50 mph or better
i lived thru them all, you will to, just get them over with and once you live thru them u will loose the fear, that bike is 900 lb it aint going to far under most circumstances
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
I don't have a huge problem with wind on my glide. Worst is when passing big trucks. I manage the exposure by going into 5th and rolling it on to get by them faster
. Recurved windshields help. Never ridden a Road Glide by I would love to.
Take one of each for a test ride and post your opinion.
. Recurved windshields help. Never ridden a Road Glide by I would love to.Take one of each for a test ride and post your opinion.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, IL
That's what I do.
I don't think it'll help you, but I sure do like nachos...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Go ride one, the stock windshield on the SG is worthless. You may hate the fairing, I know I did. Don't spend $20k on a bike you are going to hate by not test riding it. I have had 3 new Harleys in 2 years. I should have bought the RKC the first time around. By the way, whats an FLHTCUI? Sounds like a government program. What happened to calling them Ultra's, Road Kings, Dyna's etc.
Last edited by KCFLHRC; Feb 22, 2012 at 09:25 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 7
From: Hoffman Estates, IL
Keeping in mind that I got so tired of trying to get the buffeting down and turning my "sleek" SG into basically a "Geezer Glide" that I ended up trading in for a EGC and making it "more sleek" (and fairing lowers change e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g)...
If you wind up with serious buffeting problems (I actually would up at the doctor with a minor concussion once - seriously), things to consider:
NO DOUBT: Fork baffle.
NO DOUBT: Adjustable Air Deflectors.
NO DOUBT: Shield.
Got so tired of digging up the part numbers, I put 'em all on a page that lists my accessories: http://www.johnscrip.com/html/bike_accessories.html
One thing to seriously consider is the shield -- You bought a SG because it's more "sleek" to some extent I'm sure. Most shield MFG's blanks are pretty similar -- The difference between a 9 and a 10" is really only about a half inch in height - but a different "shoulder" (for lack of a better term). A 9" shield (LRS for example - my personal favorite) will likely have a fairly smooth curve along the height, continuing into the top. A 10" will go almost straight up and then "suddenly" curve towards the top. The 9" offers less wind resistance, but goes much better with the lines of the bike. The dynamics of the 10" is easily superior, but looks like crap. I shouldn't say "crap" - It just doesn't look right on a SG.
You might want both. If the "flare" type shield doesn't bug you, LRS's 10" is fantastic as far as wind dynamics are concerned - I just have an easier time ducking behind the "Ultra Flip" 9" (which is the one I keep on my EGC - Along with the fork baffle and the adjustable air deflectors.
THAT ALL SAID -- It seems to be a "per bike" thing to some extent. A buddy of mine has the exact same bike I had (2008 SG), down to the color. We both had the same windshields. I always bitched about buffeting and he said I was crazy.
So of course, we swapped bikes for a few miles. Then he said I was crazy for riding that bike because his head felt like it was in a paint shaker. I on the other hand, was going over his bike with a fine-tooth comb trying desperately to figure out why his bike wasn't nearly as unmanageable as mine (which is about the time I went to the LRS recurve, fork baffle and air deflectors).
IMO/E? Start with a 9" Ultra Flip LRS (even if you could use a 10 or a 12"). You might need a higher shield for longer hauls (if you really have any buffeting issues at all). It won't completely wreck the lines and it'll give you some decent protection.
If you're thinking of adding lowers, don't wait - That's the game-changer.
If you wind up with serious buffeting problems (I actually would up at the doctor with a minor concussion once - seriously), things to consider:
NO DOUBT: Fork baffle.
NO DOUBT: Adjustable Air Deflectors.
NO DOUBT: Shield.
Got so tired of digging up the part numbers, I put 'em all on a page that lists my accessories: http://www.johnscrip.com/html/bike_accessories.html
One thing to seriously consider is the shield -- You bought a SG because it's more "sleek" to some extent I'm sure. Most shield MFG's blanks are pretty similar -- The difference between a 9 and a 10" is really only about a half inch in height - but a different "shoulder" (for lack of a better term). A 9" shield (LRS for example - my personal favorite) will likely have a fairly smooth curve along the height, continuing into the top. A 10" will go almost straight up and then "suddenly" curve towards the top. The 9" offers less wind resistance, but goes much better with the lines of the bike. The dynamics of the 10" is easily superior, but looks like crap. I shouldn't say "crap" - It just doesn't look right on a SG.
You might want both. If the "flare" type shield doesn't bug you, LRS's 10" is fantastic as far as wind dynamics are concerned - I just have an easier time ducking behind the "Ultra Flip" 9" (which is the one I keep on my EGC - Along with the fork baffle and the adjustable air deflectors.
THAT ALL SAID -- It seems to be a "per bike" thing to some extent. A buddy of mine has the exact same bike I had (2008 SG), down to the color. We both had the same windshields. I always bitched about buffeting and he said I was crazy.
So of course, we swapped bikes for a few miles. Then he said I was crazy for riding that bike because his head felt like it was in a paint shaker. I on the other hand, was going over his bike with a fine-tooth comb trying desperately to figure out why his bike wasn't nearly as unmanageable as mine (which is about the time I went to the LRS recurve, fork baffle and air deflectors).
IMO/E? Start with a 9" Ultra Flip LRS (even if you could use a 10 or a 12"). You might need a higher shield for longer hauls (if you really have any buffeting issues at all). It won't completely wreck the lines and it'll give you some decent protection.
If you're thinking of adding lowers, don't wait - That's the game-changer.
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Minden, NV
Keeping in mind that I got so tired of trying to get the buffeting down and turning my "sleek" SG into basically a "Geezer Glide" that I ended up trading in for a EGC and making it "more sleek" (and fairing lowers change e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g)...
If you wind up with serious buffeting problems (I actually would up at the doctor with a minor concussion once - seriously), things to consider:
NO DOUBT: Fork baffle.
NO DOUBT: Adjustable Air Deflectors.
NO DOUBT: Shield.
Got so tired of digging up the part numbers, I put 'em all on a page that lists my accessories: http://www.johnscrip.com/html/bike_accessories.html
One thing to seriously consider is the shield -- You bought a SG because it's more "sleek" to some extent I'm sure. Most shield MFG's blanks are pretty similar -- The difference between a 9 and a 10" is really only about a half inch in height - but a different "shoulder" (for lack of a better term). A 9" shield (LRS for example - my personal favorite) will likely have a fairly smooth curve along the height, continuing into the top. A 10" will go almost straight up and then "suddenly" curve towards the top. The 9" offers less wind resistance, but goes much better with the lines of the bike. The dynamics of the 10" is easily superior, but looks like crap. I shouldn't say "crap" - It just doesn't look right on a SG.
You might want both. If the "flare" type shield doesn't bug you, LRS's 10" is fantastic as far as wind dynamics are concerned - I just have an easier time ducking behind the "Ultra Flip" 9" (which is the one I keep on my EGC - Along with the fork baffle and the adjustable air deflectors.
THAT ALL SAID -- It seems to be a "per bike" thing to some extent. A buddy of mine has the exact same bike I had (2008 SG), down to the color. We both had the same windshields. I always bitched about buffeting and he said I was crazy.
So of course, we swapped bikes for a few miles. Then he said I was crazy for riding that bike because his head felt like it was in a paint shaker. I on the other hand, was going over his bike with a fine-tooth comb trying desperately to figure out why his bike wasn't nearly as unmanageable as mine (which is about the time I went to the LRS recurve, fork baffle and air deflectors).
IMO/E? Start with a 9" Ultra Flip LRS (even if you could use a 10 or a 12"). You might need a higher shield for longer hauls (if you really have any buffeting issues at all). It won't completely wreck the lines and it'll give you some decent protection.
If you're thinking of adding lowers, don't wait - That's the game-changer.
If you wind up with serious buffeting problems (I actually would up at the doctor with a minor concussion once - seriously), things to consider:
NO DOUBT: Fork baffle.
NO DOUBT: Adjustable Air Deflectors.
NO DOUBT: Shield.
Got so tired of digging up the part numbers, I put 'em all on a page that lists my accessories: http://www.johnscrip.com/html/bike_accessories.html
One thing to seriously consider is the shield -- You bought a SG because it's more "sleek" to some extent I'm sure. Most shield MFG's blanks are pretty similar -- The difference between a 9 and a 10" is really only about a half inch in height - but a different "shoulder" (for lack of a better term). A 9" shield (LRS for example - my personal favorite) will likely have a fairly smooth curve along the height, continuing into the top. A 10" will go almost straight up and then "suddenly" curve towards the top. The 9" offers less wind resistance, but goes much better with the lines of the bike. The dynamics of the 10" is easily superior, but looks like crap. I shouldn't say "crap" - It just doesn't look right on a SG.
You might want both. If the "flare" type shield doesn't bug you, LRS's 10" is fantastic as far as wind dynamics are concerned - I just have an easier time ducking behind the "Ultra Flip" 9" (which is the one I keep on my EGC - Along with the fork baffle and the adjustable air deflectors.
THAT ALL SAID -- It seems to be a "per bike" thing to some extent. A buddy of mine has the exact same bike I had (2008 SG), down to the color. We both had the same windshields. I always bitched about buffeting and he said I was crazy.
So of course, we swapped bikes for a few miles. Then he said I was crazy for riding that bike because his head felt like it was in a paint shaker. I on the other hand, was going over his bike with a fine-tooth comb trying desperately to figure out why his bike wasn't nearly as unmanageable as mine (which is about the time I went to the LRS recurve, fork baffle and air deflectors).
IMO/E? Start with a 9" Ultra Flip LRS (even if you could use a 10 or a 12"). You might need a higher shield for longer hauls (if you really have any buffeting issues at all). It won't completely wreck the lines and it'll give you some decent protection.
If you're thinking of adding lowers, don't wait - That's the game-changer.
Absolutely agree!! I have a 2011 SG and have a short KW windshiled, the fork baffle and some ebay fork air deflectors. Solved my problem and now I can ride all day without a problem. Mine was worse with the full-face than the half, but it was bad either way! Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide to go with!
