Baffled about front fork air baffle
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Baffled about front fork air baffle
I have a front fork air baffle on the used bikeI recently bought. (Part# 58520-79TC). I've had a few people tell me I should remove it since the temp in South Florida will make the bike run hotter with this air deflector. I've looked around at other Road Kings and it seems to be evenly divided between bikes that have it and those that don't.
What do you guys think? Did Harley intend to only have this for cooler climates, or does this direct the air down onto the engine, instead of over the tank?
What do you guys think? Did Harley intend to only have this for cooler climates, or does this direct the air down onto the engine, instead of over the tank?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,893
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From: USA
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
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 themore!
Andif you don't run one your going to have more engine heat, since its loosing 1/2 the enginesair with the baffle installed.
( [8D] , hope that you can tell I'm being a SA in some of this? )
Reallywith or with out that baffle it isnot 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.
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 themore!
Andif you don't run one your going to have more engine heat, since its loosing 1/2 the enginesair with the baffle installed.
( [8D] , hope that you can tell I'm being a SA in some of this? )
Reallywith or with out that baffle it isnot 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.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,481
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RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
Ok, how about a test? First without the baffle, then with, (or vice versa):
Have a buddy hold a leaf-blower aboutsix feetin front of the bike, aimed at the forks. Hold your hand rightin front of thehead on the front jug. Any difference?
Let us know what you find out.
I'm halfway kidding here. But then again, why not?
Have a buddy hold a leaf-blower aboutsix feetin front of the bike, aimed at the forks. Hold your hand rightin front of thehead on the front jug. Any difference?
Let us know what you find out.
I'm halfway kidding here. But then again, why not?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
I have the chrome one on my 06 EGS and I like the difference it makes in reducing the wind behind my glasses at higher speeds.
I purchased it from a recomendation by a harley sales guy (and friend) at the local dealer.
It did what he said it would and I really believe it doesn't make airflow worse at the front cylinder.
Maybe the company makes a few more bucks this way by making it an add-on part , but the results were good for $20.00.
JMHO..
Mick
I purchased it from a recomendation by a harley sales guy (and friend) at the local dealer.
It did what he said it would and I really believe it doesn't make airflow worse at the front cylinder.
Maybe the company makes a few more bucks this way by making it an add-on part , but the results were good for $20.00.
JMHO..
Mick
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Joined: Apr 2006
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RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
For what it's worth-the 2005 touring service manual refers to it as an air dam and make it sound like it was standard on the road glides.
They suggest remoiving it when temps are above 70 degrees to give some relief to the rider.
In the description they mention how it actially deflects air to the cylinder heads and never mention that it should be removed for any mechanical reason.
It's on page 2-71.
I just put one on my E-glide, but haven't had a chance to try it out yet.
Jack
They suggest remoiving it when temps are above 70 degrees to give some relief to the rider.
In the description they mention how it actially deflects air to the cylinder heads and never mention that it should be removed for any mechanical reason.
It's on page 2-71.
I just put one on my E-glide, but haven't had a chance to try it out yet.
Jack
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 867
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From: Bridgewater, NJ
RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
Had one on my 97 and didn't know how much I missed it on th 06 till I got caught in my first rain storm. It helps deflect the rain down and away from the tank. Without it the rain drops form just behind the fairing and end up in your face.
Got one now for the 06 and never take it off.
Got one now for the 06 and never take it off.
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RE: Baffled about front fork air baffle
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.
