The Slipstream Vent Mystery and What It Really Means to Bikers

1. An Iconic Masterpiece

Harley-Davidson reported than when working on the eight new models for Project Rushmore in 2013 one of the most significant and stressful tasks given to their engineers was the redesign of the iconic batwing fairing. The massive fairing first arrived on the scene on the 1969 Electra Glide and quickly became the standard for long-haul touring. The design was quickly embraced by riders as the protection it offered enhanced the riding experience. the fairing underwent a few upgrades in shape and size throughout the years but it has generally retained its original look.  

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2. Contemporary Favorite

Although Harley Davidson also released the Tour Glide, which would later be called the Road Glide, it would seem that many more riders are still partial to the batwing as a go-to for touring. Where the batwing is a fork-mounted fairing, today's Road Glide's "shark nose" as it is sometimes referred to is a frame-mounted fairing. The jury still out after all these years on which one is better, which one provides better wind protection, and which allows for better handling. Regardless, Harley Davidson's Project Rushmore saw slipstream vents added to both. 

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3. What is the Splitstream Anyway?

Engineers at Haley Davidson needed to enhance aesthetics and functionality of an already well functioning touring piece. The work was concentrated on the airflow around the fairing and the impact of that air on both rider and passenger. For some time now small plastic "wings" or air deflectors have been available for touring bikes that essentially extend the surface of the fairing effectively providing more protection for the rider. CVO models have had these deflectors as standard for some time; however, instead of simply increasing the size of the windshield engineers created the Splitstream vent. More than a styling change this vent actually provides a tangible benefit providing the rider spends a considerable amount of time in the saddle. 

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4. What Does it Actually Do?

According to Harley Davidson, the Splitstream vent directs airflow behind the windshield up and above the rider's head effectively reducing helmet buffeting. But what does that really mean? 

On a ride from East to West coast and back in March of 2017 on a 2017 CVO, I paid very close attention to the effects that the vent had on the wind behind the fairing. Having no less than 12 hours per day in the saddle I became very sensitive to any changes in sound and feel as they came from the motorcycle. At 5'6 tall, riding an average of 75 mph with the vent CLOSED and sitting perfectly straight the "buffeting" feels like someone gently slaps your forehead ever so slightly. This is probably more of an issue for a taller rider but it certainly became unbearable after a few hours. With the vent CLOSED this "buffeting" completely disappeared for me. 

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5. Is it necessary?

If you own a touring motorcycle (Limited, Street Glide, Road Glide, etc) and the majority of your riding is in-traffic, around the city or the occasional commute to work, the Splitstream vent will likely have little to no impact on your riding experience. When you decide to take that week or weekend trip and get a few hundred miles under your tires, you'll appreciate its benefits. It is designed to be left open unless it rains, and you do want to close it when it does! but this is only important to keep water from splashing on your visor. In hot or cold weather it makes no difference in terms of temperature. I rode through Las Vegas at 114 degrees and the next day through Colorado at 14 degrees. Keep it open unless it rains.  

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6. Not only for Big Fairings

The Splitstream vent was also added to windshield-fitted motorcycles such as the Road King so there are choices out there for those who are not big fans of the big fairings. It is unlikely that aftermarket windshields or fairings will become available with a Splitstream vent anytime soon (trademark I'm sure). However, HD does make fairings that may fit a variety of other Softail models. In short, and if you are planning a long tour on your motorcycle, you will surely appreciate this piece of H-D engineering. 

>>Join the conversation about the Splitstream vent right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.

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