Air Wings, Lowers or windshield

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Sep 21, 2012 | 02:37 PM

tlar1540

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Tourer

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 317

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From: South Dakota

Air Wings, Lowers or windshield

Not sure if I should post this here or not but I figured I would get better answers on this side of the fence.. I have an 08 Heritage with a Kuryakyn batwing fairing on it and I'm wondering what you guys did to help with wind. Not sure if I should try a different windshiled, air wings, or some lowers. I know if I put my feet on top of the engine guard the wind is virtually gone, so not sure if lowers would help or if the air wings would be better. Appreciate what worked for the guys running a batwing fairing..

Thanks!!

Sep 21, 2012 | 03:31 PM

mkguitar

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Joined: Sep 2010

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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

the bigger hole you push through air, the larger and deeper the low pressure zone in the cockpit.

air rushes to fill this low pressure zone from the sides, above and below and the rear.

the key ( for me) is to reduce the pressure differential.

so, windscreen is cut down to where the wind blast hits right where my hairline used to be. - this throws most of the grit and bugs just over my head.

and I use fairing mounted wind deflectors to direct air INTO the cockpit. this controlled high pressure air helps to offset the pressure differential in the cockpit, and is a factor I can control.

and 3.) expectations need to be realistic.

some guys seem to add every deflector and trick in the book when they'd be more comfortable in the mini van ( with Harley sticker in the rear window)

I do use fairing lowers but not for any kind of buffeting issue

a.) they enhance the "teardrop" profile of the Harley Touring bike which I like

b.) increased air flow to the motor- cooling

c.) leg protection from the elements makes for less rider fatigue

Mike

Last edited by mkguitar; Sep 21, 2012 at 03:50 PM.

Sep 21, 2012 | 03:38 PM

tlar1540

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Joined: Mar 2012

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From: South Dakota

Thanks for the education Mike. I'm not expecting it to be as calm as a mini van but would like it to be a bit better than what it is now. I can tell you that the way better now with the fairing on it than it was with the stock windshield but also know it can be improved a bit. I don't mind the wind in my face but with the cooler temps coming in, I would like a bit more protection.

Sep 21, 2012 | 03:51 PM

fightingmajor

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Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 335

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From: St. Louis

Check out this discussion https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...fantastic.html

Sep 21, 2012 | 05:47 PM

0ldhippie

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 6,129

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From: Santa Cruz

Imho the batwing is the worst thing ya could have done for buffeting. I got all the deflectors and lowers, still not happy like my old roadglide or even road king? Sorry I'm little help but, each gadget helps some.

Sep 21, 2012 | 08:01 PM

rleggs

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Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 451

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From: Laurel,Ms USA

Try a set of the roadglide wind deflectors that snap to your crash bar and tank bolts. I added a set to my Ultra and they killed alot of the under the fairing buffing. The're about $30 at your HD dealer.

Sep 24, 2012 | 02:46 PM

leadermc

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Joined: Sep 2005

Posts: 416

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Simple but effective - and it will keep you warmer since you mentioned that would be a plus (we ride in MN, we know all about that) - is the rain guards that fasten over the crash bar: http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/harl...n-rain-guards/ (these are not like the HD similiar product, nicer material, no temp restriction, easy on/off...)