Total Windshield Confusion
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Yuma, AZ
I did a little more experimenting. The wind coming off the bottom sides of the fairing does not impact the helmet, it does hit my legs, but doesn't travel upwards. Don't know if this sounds wierd or not - ithe wind causing the helmet buffeting seems to be coming off the windshield around the 10 and 2 o'clock positions, but it also seems to be going by the side of my head and curling back around behind my head to cause the buffet.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
I do hope you used the forum search function prior to posting your question....this same topic has been coming up regularly about once a week for a month or so now. I really don't know what more can be said, that hasn't already been said.
Your "experiment" failed. SGs are NOTORIOUS for air turbulence coming up from under the batwing. That's the reason for all the multiplicity of devices out there to deal with it. First thing most people do is install air deflectors under the batwing. They help a lot, but they don't do it all, because the air comes from elsewhere as well.
There is a "fork baffle" that mounts on the lower triple tree. It's not as effective as the other things, but every little bit helps, and it's cheap.
The last option is fork deflectors. These are surprisingly effective, and several others have already recommended them.
Far as a windshield goes, at your height, a simple 6-8" recurve should do nicely - you want to be able to look over the shield. I'm 3" taller than you, and I use an 8" LRS. But as others here have said, trying to eliminate air turbulence behind a SG batwing with a windshield alone is futile; just not going to happen. Before I installed the 3 deflection devices above, I had air turbulence so severe my glasses were being blown all over my face, and I could barely see to drive, much less enjoy the ride. With them installed, I now have basically no air turbulence at all to deal with, only a breeze, which I want - it's a bike.
There is a "fork baffle" that mounts on the lower triple tree. It's not as effective as the other things, but every little bit helps, and it's cheap.
The last option is fork deflectors. These are surprisingly effective, and several others have already recommended them.
Far as a windshield goes, at your height, a simple 6-8" recurve should do nicely - you want to be able to look over the shield. I'm 3" taller than you, and I use an 8" LRS. But as others here have said, trying to eliminate air turbulence behind a SG batwing with a windshield alone is futile; just not going to happen. Before I installed the 3 deflection devices above, I had air turbulence so severe my glasses were being blown all over my face, and I could barely see to drive, much less enjoy the ride. With them installed, I now have basically no air turbulence at all to deal with, only a breeze, which I want - it's a bike.
Last edited by racklefratz; May 26, 2012 at 02:27 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 532
Likes: 9
Hey Splais, the problem may be your helmet not the windshield. I have a '12 Limited with an LRS 9" I ride with three different helmets for various reasons. Both the full-face and 3/4 helmet have significantly more buffeting then my half-helmet.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
Doesn't matter if they "sent the right one" or not, the question is, does it work for you? If not, get one that does.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
+ one.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 18
From: Beautiful SW Missouri Ozark Mountain Country
I had the factory WS on my EG when I bought it and had no buffeting issues.
Then I got the LRS 9 inch recurve and still no buffeting issues.
Then I made a 4 inch WS out of Lexan and the buffeting is horrible. Then I put a Saddleman seat on it that sits me farther back and much lower. I'm 6'1" and sit in the bike now, and not on top of it. Buffeting with short WS is cured now.
I hate looking through the WS.
They say that the wind comes up from under the fairing, but when your running down the road at 70 mph plus, you can take your hand and trace the direction the wind is traveling and it doesn't come anywhere near your head, so I just don't think that's the issue.
HD dealerships have different style seats that you can try out. I'd go try several of them and if you find one that works, you can go from there.
Then I got the LRS 9 inch recurve and still no buffeting issues.
Then I made a 4 inch WS out of Lexan and the buffeting is horrible. Then I put a Saddleman seat on it that sits me farther back and much lower. I'm 6'1" and sit in the bike now, and not on top of it. Buffeting with short WS is cured now.
I hate looking through the WS.
They say that the wind comes up from under the fairing, but when your running down the road at 70 mph plus, you can take your hand and trace the direction the wind is traveling and it doesn't come anywhere near your head, so I just don't think that's the issue.
HD dealerships have different style seats that you can try out. I'd go try several of them and if you find one that works, you can go from there.
