I need to figure out the source, so I can correct it. Background: When I first started riding, I wore a full face helmet on a Sporty with no windshield. I then switched to a DOT half helmet, and then to a novelty beanie. I then Bought a Road King Custom with a windshield. The shield was 20 inches, I cut it down to 17 so I am looking comfortably over it. I am about 5'9". Through all these combinations, I never experienced any form of buffeting on either bike. One time I rode the King with the DOT half helmet with a snap on visor for about 5 miles down the highway, and it rattled my eyes out of my head. I took the visor off, it was a little better but not good. Threw that helmet in the garbage. Yesterday I rode about 100 miles with my new Fulmer V2 3/4 helmet. I did not have the visor on it. The helmet seems to fit well, but I definitely will have to get used to riding with my ears covered again, but that is a topic for another day. Around town, everything was reasonable. Once I hit about 55-60 mph, the buffeting started. Not severe, not to the point where I could actually feel it on my head, but just enough that it was vibrating my eyes enough to affect my vision. Not to the point of really blurring, but it made it difficult to perceive things. I found myself having a hard time judging speed of other vehicles, and also distinguishing objects from the background especially in shaded areas. It also didn't take long to develop a headache. This is not good, I need to able to see clearly to ride safely. I feel like the helmet may protect me in a crash, but I also feel like it may contribute to me being in one.
I have searched and have seen many opinions, but not a clear cut answer. Why after 7000 plus miles on the King with a novelty lid did I have no problems, but now I do. Makes it seem like the problem is helmet related, but I know people wear helmets all the time and they must be able to see. I guess maybe a combination of factors due to airflow around the bike, behind the windshield, around the helmet. Not sure what to do. I want to wear an actual helmet, but not like this. I am willing to try different windshields, but I don't want to just throw money at it without an idea of what might actually work. Reports seem mixed on the various fork mounted deflectors. Not to mention ugly. I'm gonna try riding without the windshield and see what difference that makes, but it is going to get cold here soon, and that isn't always going to be an option.
Sorry for the long winded post, but I need some suggestions. Thanks.

 

I certainly have less buffiting with a full face on my RK then my 3/4 with the visor. If you ride in cold weather like I do just go back to a FF.

 

It seems there are so many variables from windshield height to helmet shape to rider height and seating position. Other threads I've read, some guys said buffeting was just as bad or worse with a full face, so I don't know. There has to be a combo that works, I just don't want to spend a fortune finding it.

 

I rarely wear a hard hat.
when I enter hostile territory I use a H-D branded 1/2 with a little ducktail on the back. ( yes, similar to the one shown below)

no bobble, no pulling up on the chin.

It is the only helmet i have ever had which was not a problem for comfort.

mike

 

I think this is the one mkguitar is referring to, It's the best helmet I every had. It really should help alot with any buffeting issues, if not it really comfortable and light.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/m...bmLocale=en_US

 

Take a ride and when it starts happening use your hand/arm to block the wind and figure out where the air causing the buffeting is coming from.
On my ultra I found it was coming up between the tank and fairing. Harley has a baffle that fits between the forks and blocks a lot of it. (I think it was about $20).

 

I have had several smaller bikes over the years, sportys and metrics, once I got my first touring bike with a full batwing faring I will never go back, no buffeting and being beaten up by the wind.

 

I had a similar problem when I tried a 3/4 helmet. What I found was that the arms of the glasses were touching the padding of the helmet near the ears. I trimmed the padding and it helped a lot.

 

As piasspj pointed out, H-D has an air baffle (they used to install on all production touring bikes) that mounts just below the headlamp and deflects wind off of the rider, but may also direct wind away from the engine.
I have two touring bikes (both T/C 88's) and these things work great but on the later T/C's where heat became an issue they may not be a good idea.

Also, you may want to try (if you don't currently have them) a set of the chrome fork air deflectors (some people call them fangs).
TO get an idea of what protection they provide to the rider, while riding at 50 or so MPH, cross your left arm across your chest (towards your right side) and see if you feel any decrease in air flow to your upper chest, face area.
We have them on Heritage and the RK and we're very happy with them.

 

I run the chrome baffle mounted to the back side of the lower triple tree on on '03 and '12 glide with no heat related issues.