Installed lower fairing today = increased buffeting
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 1
From: Orangetown, NY
Installed lower fairing today = increased buffeting
Well I installed my new vented lowers today and went for a ride. I was impressed at first cruising the back roads and 2 lane roads but the wind buffeting was horrendous on the highway. My glasses would not stay put above 65 mph and at 80 mph it was just dangerous trying to keep up with my friend on the thruway. I also have the fork baffle and Klockwerks 6.5 Flare WS which I didn't have a problem before my lower fairing. I was thinking of going back to my old 4" stock WS. Any ideas or thoughts into the subject to improve the buffeting and keep my new lowers.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Well I installed my new vented lowers today and went for a ride. I was impressed at first cruising the back roads and 2 lane roads but the wind buffeting was horrendous on the highway. My glasses would not stay put above 65 mph and at 80 mph it was just dangerous trying to keep up with my friend on the thruway. I also have the fork baffle and Klockwerks 6.5 Flare WS which I didn't have a problem before my lower fairing. I was thinking of going back to my old 4" stock WS. Any ideas or thoughts into the subject to improve the buffeting and keep my new lowers.
I have an '09 Ultra, gonna remove the lower for summer, but I also have the batwing mounted wind deflectors. When I have them open cook'n along at 60-70, the air is definitely stronger than when they are closed. I suggest if you want to run at high speeds with the lowers, get the HD batwing mounted vents and close them when you are over 55... it will cut the wind nearly in half and you should have a much better ride. I have a LRS 6" windshield too.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 1
From: Orangetown, NY
So the 4" stock windshield is my next step and then I will try other brands of windshields, maybe LRS recurve. Definitely don't want to use fork or fairing deflectors if I can't help it or maybe just wear goggles. Lol
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Wind = Nice
Buffeting = Not so nice
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 1
From: Orangetown, NY
Thanks for clarifying buffeting to these guys. I love the wind on my face not wind knocking my glasses off and bitch slapping me. lol
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
Can you feel where the buffeting is coming from with your free hand while riding? I would guess you'll need a taller windshield. If you wear a helmet try a different kinda. My 3/4 with face shield was terrible switched to a full face and it was much better. With shield open or closed. The lowers on the Road Glide really cut down on buffeting. Strange your having the reverse effect.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 10
From: Jacksonville
I have an ultra and in stock configuration, I get no buffeting. 12" windshield, batwing wind deflectors and vented lowers. If I take off the lowers and put on a 4" windshield, I almost get detached retinas and have to constantly push my shades back up. If I turn my head, I almost lose them.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 354
Likes: 88
From: British Columbia, Canada
I had terrible buffeting until I removed the visor on one of my half helmets. I had put on one of my other helmets (3/4) that doesn't have a visor but has the mic for the intercom. I realized after a short time without a visor on the helmet my eyes weren't vibrating out of their sockets from the buffeting.
FYI, I have an 8" Windvest windshield. Could be another inch taller and it would be perfect.
FYI, I have an 8" Windvest windshield. Could be another inch taller and it would be perfect.