Baffled about front fork air baffle
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
ORIGINAL: xxxflhrci
That baffle was standard on bikes up to 2000. In 2001, they left the baffle off claiming that as one of the big improvements for the model year. They claimed they left it off to help the engine run cooler. I doubt it...I'd say a bean counter somewhere found out they could save 50 cents per bike if they left it off and could make 20 bucks on everyone they sold as a bolt on option.
That baffle was standard on bikes up to 2000. In 2001, they left the baffle off claiming that as one of the big improvements for the model year. They claimed they left it off to help the engine run cooler. I doubt it...I'd say a bean counter somewhere found out they could save 50 cents per bike if they left it off and could make 20 bucks on everyone they sold as a bolt on option.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Omaha Nebraska
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
ORIGINAL: Ram
All H-D wants to do is make more $$$$. If they put it on it would cost them.
They start all the rumors about it being bad for engine heat to give you something to talk about and then you just want it all the more!
And if you don't run one your going to have more engine heat, since its loosing 1/2 the engines air with the baffle installed.
( [8D] , hope that you can tell I'm being a SA in some of this? )
Really with or with out that baffle it is not going to make the engine hotter or cooler.
It keeps you from getting a stiff breeze up in your face, from the air passing up past the tank after it goes through the fork tubes, only when you have the baffle installed.
And, H-D does make more money with it off the bikes, then putting them on stock as standard equipment or as an optional item.
All H-D wants to do is make more $$$$. If they put it on it would cost them.
They start all the rumors about it being bad for engine heat to give you something to talk about and then you just want it all the more!
And if you don't run one your going to have more engine heat, since its loosing 1/2 the engines air with the baffle installed.
( [8D] , hope that you can tell I'm being a SA in some of this? )
Really with or with out that baffle it is not going to make the engine hotter or cooler.
It keeps you from getting a stiff breeze up in your face, from the air passing up past the tank after it goes through the fork tubes, only when you have the baffle installed.
And, H-D does make more money with it off the bikes, then putting them on stock as standard equipment or as an optional item.
I have to agree with Ram. HD quit putting these on the touring bikes in 2001 I think. It probably saved them a buck or two on every bike they put out without the baffle. And then they turn around and sell it to be added on your bike for twenty bucks. How smart is that?
HD says nothing about not using it in any temp. I use it year around and never noticed a difference in the engine temp. Actually I would like someone to tell me how it could make the bike run hot. It actually kicks more air down towards the engine rather that coming up from under the fairing.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 7
From: Bellingham, WA
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
I bought an 01 Roadglide last summer and thought that the better wind protection was due to the superior fairing. Then I noted the deflector and put one on the Electraglide. It was a real improvement. I don't think the wind that was coming up into my face was doing anything at all to keep the engine cool. A note to those who want to put one on there bike, the factory didn't mask off the threaded holes prior to painting and so they are really filled up. I had to " chase " the threads before the supplied screws would even start in the holes.
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
What do you mean by "chasing " the threads. Might have an idea of what you're talking about. Just put one on my 07 EG standard. Haven't got to try it yet though. They were pretty filled up with paint. Got one in and then stripped out the head of the other one using a allen wrench too small(the allen wrench it comes with is the right size it's just small). I'll go and get another bolt and fix it. Guess I'll just get a wrench and Hoss out that stripped one, any other suggestions? Also there's 3 holes and it only comes with 2 bolts. Guess I'll just pick up 2 bolts when I go to the dealer when I fix it. Right now it's in there good, just can't stand seeing that one sticking halfway out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 2
From: USA
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
ORIGINAL: jockdawg
What do you mean by "chasing " the threads. Might have an idea of what you're talking about. Just put one on my 07 EG standard. Haven't got to try it yet though. They were pretty filled up with paint. Got one in and then stripped out the head of the other one using a allen wrench too small(the allen wrench it comes with is the right size it's just small). I'll go and get another bolt and fix it. Guess I'll just get a wrench and Hoss out that stripped one, any other suggestions? Also there's 3 holes and it only comes with 2 bolts. Guess I'll just pick up 2 bolts when I go to the dealer when I fix it. Right now it's in there good, just can't stand seeing that one sticking halfway out.
What do you mean by "chasing " the threads. Might have an idea of what you're talking about. Just put one on my 07 EG standard. Haven't got to try it yet though. They were pretty filled up with paint. Got one in and then stripped out the head of the other one using a allen wrench too small(the allen wrench it comes with is the right size it's just small). I'll go and get another bolt and fix it. Guess I'll just get a wrench and Hoss out that stripped one, any other suggestions? Also there's 3 holes and it only comes with 2 bolts. Guess I'll just pick up 2 bolts when I go to the dealer when I fix it. Right now it's in there good, just can't stand seeing that one sticking halfway out.
Good article as to what is ment by chasing out your threads.
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/art...5&scccid=9
And to repair your bolt holes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
From: Rep of Maryland (currently serving in Afghanistan)
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
I've got the baffle on mine, haven't noticed any difference in temp, but just got home from riding in a rain storm (not by choice) the baffle definately helped keep water from coming up tank sides. Probably the cheapest piece of bling I've bought so far.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
BTW for the uninitiated "chasing" a thread does not mean hit the subscribe button, it means the threads that are tapped into the part are somehow bleeped up and need an adjustment. running a tap thru them is one way to get out the crap, fix cross threading, etc.
Just don't use cheap taps that will recut the threads to a looser spec. This is especially important when you are engine building. I've seen instances where blocks were ruined by a vermont american tap.
Just don't use cheap taps that will recut the threads to a looser spec. This is especially important when you are engine building. I've seen instances where blocks were ruined by a vermont american tap.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
the wind buffeting is killing me on my flht...so after reading about this baffle, i ran out and bought one...i cant tell one bit of difference in the helmet buffeting from the wind....im getting desparate to find a cure and the only thing i can think to do, is to buy a giant windshield and look thru it...
ive got an eight inch clearshield brand windshieldwith the lip, does anyone have a taller one they want to trade?
ive got an eight inch clearshield brand windshieldwith the lip, does anyone have a taller one they want to trade?