Do the "Fork baffles" work?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Richmond, VA
Yeah, that's a true concern. Especially given all the similar options that aren't ugly, and supposedly work just as well. National Cycle, Memphis shades and what blackpearl did at the top of my list.
Thanks for all the great replies!
Grand HDF Member
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From: SOON TO BE A SAFE AMERICA
The "dog bowl" fork baffle used to come stock on older bikes, but with typical MoCo fashion, it's now an P&A item.
I think pending which bike, which shield, which fairing, fairing lowers, and body type. You are going to get a bunch of different answers.
On my Road Glide with the "dog bowl" fork baffle, lower fairings, engine guard baffles and 10" Windvest wind screen, I couldn't be more STOKED with my set up.
For me and my ride, it's just part of the set up that makes it prefect!
YB
I think pending which bike, which shield, which fairing, fairing lowers, and body type. You are going to get a bunch of different answers.
On my Road Glide with the "dog bowl" fork baffle, lower fairings, engine guard baffles and 10" Windvest wind screen, I couldn't be more STOKED with my set up.
For me and my ride, it's just part of the set up that makes it prefect!
YB
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: Richmond, VA
Couldn't agree more yellowbird. You know whats funny is, the bike WAS perfect! I mean dead calm air, till I went and messed with it. Lol. I swap rides with brothers all the time and always hear the same thing.... man, I wish my bike had air like that Road King! So I can only blame myself. But hey, bikes are all bout the journey to happyness, right??? I will get it perfect again. :-)
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Mountain Top, Alabama
As mentioned, the difference is most noticeable in cold weather. Buzz down the road and feel the difference with an ungloved hand. Together, the fangs with the baffle is the real deal!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Northern Colorado
The difference is negligible on my Road Glide, and it looks like it might even divert some of the air down away from the heads. I take it off during the summer, it's more of a cold weather accessory for me.
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From: Pacific Northwest
Just to add to my previous reply - I don't have a Road King. My experience is with Electra Glides only. On those models that triple tree baffle is useless. Tried it on and off several times and for extended periods. No discernible difference at any time which is likely the very reason the Moco discontinued installing them at the factory.
My '95 EGC came stock with a black one, my '06 SG didn't have one until I fell for the shiny chrome $25 unit that now takes up space on my shop wall.
As far as the fork deflectors go, they definitely do work and do so quite well. Combined with some elephant ears and an 8" windshield (and no baffle) wind buffetting is a thing of the past.
I have a bud with a Road King and I think I'll let him use my baffle to see if he finds any improvement.Then we'll try it sans baffle.
I have serious doubts that there will be any discernible difference at all, but you just never know.
My '95 EGC came stock with a black one, my '06 SG didn't have one until I fell for the shiny chrome $25 unit that now takes up space on my shop wall.
As far as the fork deflectors go, they definitely do work and do so quite well. Combined with some elephant ears and an 8" windshield (and no baffle) wind buffetting is a thing of the past.
I have a bud with a Road King and I think I'll let him use my baffle to see if he finds any improvement.Then we'll try it sans baffle.
I have serious doubts that there will be any discernible difference at all, but you just never know.
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Ultimate HDF Member
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From: Richmond, VA
There are very differing opinions, for sure. Tracking says it will be here Friday. I will certianly revive this thread over the weekend and report back. The new found buffeting is very very minor. So it won't take much to irradicate it. If the deflector does anything whatsoever, the problem is fixed. But now I am even more interested in the fangs. Everyone sounds like but for the heat issue, they are the cats a$$ for function. This has really peaked my interest!
The dog bowl was standard equipment on pre 08 bikes and was removed as the engine size increased. The Manufacture became worried about airflow change around the engine so they removed it. I had one in my hand and was ready to purchase it when the guy behind the counter cautioned me about installing it on my 110ci.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Pacific Northwest
The dog bowl was standard equipment on pre 08 bikes and was removed as the engine size increased. The Manufacture became worried about airflow change around the engine so they removed it. I had one in my hand and was ready to purchase it when the guy behind the counter cautioned me about installing it on my 110ci.
That guy behind the counter is full of ****.
My '06 had no baffle right from the factory. And I don't recall ever seeing any twin cams with the baffle either. The last bikes I recall seeing with a factory baffle were EVOs.
I see a new parts man in your future - hope you do too.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Nevada
Leftcoaster said
That guy behind the counter is full of ****.
My '06 had no baffle right from the factory. And I don't recall ever seeing any twin cams with the baffle either. The last bikes I recall seeing with a factory baffle were EVOs.
I see a new parts man in your future - hope you do too.
Nope. Fork baffles were installed well after the evos. Mostly, if not all they were on the Road Glides. Up until at least 2008 the upper trees were still drilled and tapped for them.
That guy behind the counter is full of ****.
My '06 had no baffle right from the factory. And I don't recall ever seeing any twin cams with the baffle either. The last bikes I recall seeing with a factory baffle were EVOs.
I see a new parts man in your future - hope you do too.
Nope. Fork baffles were installed well after the evos. Mostly, if not all they were on the Road Glides. Up until at least 2008 the upper trees were still drilled and tapped for them.
Last edited by nvsteve; Aug 20, 2014 at 08:13 PM.