What's my windshield problem?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
First you need to know where the wind is coming from...above or below.
When riding during buffeting first put your arm over your chest to block wind coming from below. Move it around a little to see if you can make the buffeting stop.
If that is the case you need to try lower wind baffles between the forks, or mounted on the fork tubes.
If your arm on chest routine does not make an improvement, then use your hand to act as a windshield extension. Move it around some to see if it makes the buffeting go away or bet better. You can also put your hand up near your face and helmet to feel if the wind is going back into your face, helmet or above it.
If this works, you can look for a different windshield. Maybe one of the curved ones.
Might need both.
This should get you on the right start to getting a quiet, enjoyable ride.
When riding during buffeting first put your arm over your chest to block wind coming from below. Move it around a little to see if you can make the buffeting stop.
If that is the case you need to try lower wind baffles between the forks, or mounted on the fork tubes.
If your arm on chest routine does not make an improvement, then use your hand to act as a windshield extension. Move it around some to see if it makes the buffeting go away or bet better. You can also put your hand up near your face and helmet to feel if the wind is going back into your face, helmet or above it.
If this works, you can look for a different windshield. Maybe one of the curved ones.
Might need both.
This should get you on the right start to getting a quiet, enjoyable ride.
I have a 2013 Street Glide, I am 6'1 with a 38" inseam, I have tried at least 4 windshields and finally found one that has zero buffeting. I am using the Harley Davidson 10" Wind Splitter Windshield Part Number 57400092. It looks nice and is not too dark .. Go by the Harley Shop and pick up the loner.. They will let you use one for a few days for free. I did this and was back in the store in 2 hours after I hit the interstate and had zero buffeting at 60 and above.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
I have the HD tinted 7" on mine but I am shorter, 5"7". Most buffeting, if you want to call it that, comes from the gap between the bat wing and lowers. Put your arm horizontal in front of your chest a couple inches and move it around a bit up and down. Likely you will feel the buffeting shift around some. Wind over the top of my windscreen just barely grazes the top of my helmet and none comes at the side of the helmet from the top. I also cut my stock shield down to about 8" and similar results.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 7
From: Shaconage
Like Chunker's explanation above, I've found most buffeting comes from below. I put on some JSE fork deflectors to eliminate almost all of my buffeting. The deflectors actually work a little too good. I had to take them back off mid-summer to increase my airflow. They'll be going back on when it cools down some.
Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to go out and do some testing later today or tomorrow and try and figure out where this wind is coming from. I'm also going to remove the visor from my helmet as well as put my brain bucket back on and see if I get the same results. Based on this I should be able to determine if the wind deflector is needed.
It's funny how a person goes from riding for 20 years without a windshield at all, buys a UC then has wind problems. WTF.
Do you have a link to these?
It's funny how a person goes from riding for 20 years without a windshield at all, buys a UC then has wind problems. WTF.
Like Chunker's explanation above, I've found most buffeting comes from below. I put on some JSE fork deflectors to eliminate almost all of my buffeting. The deflectors actually work a little too good. I had to take them back off mid-summer to increase my airflow. They'll be going back on when it cools down some.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 709
Likes: 2
From: SO Cal
I have a 13 ultra classic. I'm 6'2" with a 33-34" inseam.
I replaced the stock 12" clear shield with a 10" ultra from LRS (medium tint).
With the stock shield I get no buffeting but I'm looking through the glass a lot. I love the looks of this LRS but the buffeting is so bad I can't see 12 seconds ahead. I had to go back to stock. Now I measured and the LRS comes to the bottom of my nose which is where it should be. Why so much buffeting then?
I replaced the stock 12" clear shield with a 10" ultra from LRS (medium tint).
With the stock shield I get no buffeting but I'm looking through the glass a lot. I love the looks of this LRS but the buffeting is so bad I can't see 12 seconds ahead. I had to go back to stock. Now I measured and the LRS comes to the bottom of my nose which is where it should be. Why so much buffeting then?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 506
Likes: 7
From: Charlotte, NC
Thanks for all the input guys. I'm going to go out and do some testing later today or tomorrow and try and figure out where this wind is coming from. I'm also going to remove the visor from my helmet as well as put my brain bucket back on and see if I get the same results. Based on this I should be able to determine if the wind deflector is needed.
It's funny how a person goes from riding for 20 years without a windshield at all, buys a UC then has wind problems. WTF.
Do you have a link to these?
It's funny how a person goes from riding for 20 years without a windshield at all, buys a UC then has wind problems. WTF.
Do you have a link to these?
I have these on my 07 Street Glide with lowers and they work great. The real nice thing is these are the only ones that do not hit the lowers when locking your steering all the way to the right or left. All the "other" deflectors have a warning that they will hit the lowers. I have the same helmet as you and I have no problems with the visor on the helmet causing buffeting. I have a National Cycles 6.5" VStream windshield.
Last edited by Deckman; Aug 12, 2013 at 08:37 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 503
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
I've also found moving my knees towards the tank and back out will tell you where the wind is coming from...... I have a LRS 10 shield and its made a big difference but the wind doesn't bother me that much....still there but not bad
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 3
From: Long Island, NY
http://www.jescustomaccents.com/
I have these on my 07 Street Glide with lowers and they work great. The real nice thing is these are the only ones that do not hit the lowers when locking your steering all the way to the right or left. All the "other" deflectors have a warning that they will hit the lowers. I have the same helmet as you and I have no problems with the visor on the helmet causing buffeting. I have a National Cycles 6.5" VStream windshield.
I have these on my 07 Street Glide with lowers and they work great. The real nice thing is these are the only ones that do not hit the lowers when locking your steering all the way to the right or left. All the "other" deflectors have a warning that they will hit the lowers. I have the same helmet as you and I have no problems with the visor on the helmet causing buffeting. I have a National Cycles 6.5" VStream windshield.