My bike came with the touring windshield. It is the one that has the wider design and it extends a little lower than a normal windshield. I hated it when I bought the bike and have ridden 2,500 miles with it off. I bought some straight risers and now the handlebars interfere a little. Well today I adjusted the bars and the turn signals and headed out. I had a headache after 5 miles from the buffeting. I put it a little higher and same thing.

Now I can't lower it anymore because it hits the headlight hood, I plan on getting a new light that mounts to the bottom tree, do you think that would help the buffeting if I lower it all the way?

 

Try hanging a bag under the headlight, off the lower triple. Should stop a lot of the flow from underneath. Also try keeping your legs in close tothe tank. Helps with mine.

DougJ

 

I had a buffeting problem that was not fixed by several changes. Then I had to replace my helmet for an unrelated reason and the new one had better aerodynamics. The buffeting was greatly reduced.

Obviously if you don't wear a helmet, this suggestion is not worth much.

I'm sure someone will suggest a mod that will work. Lower air deflectors, different brand of shield, etc.

 

Try Dougs idea with thew bag under the headlight, but I went a little further. It does help.

I put a new larger headlight, also sticks out further than original. I also mount the lower QD bracket just under the bottom triple tree, and cut the windshield tight around the new headlight (about 2" or so following the same line as the shield had arounf the original light). Problem solved.

Now I'm really spoiled, was agreat warm day up here in Pa., decided I'd take the windshield off for a short two hour ride. I think the shield will start being a permanant structure on the bike, forgot how much thosesmall bird size bugs hurt when spattered in the face.

 

Sounds like a plan. The new headlight will be on once I get $100 I can do without!

My dad said it was pretty nice in Pgh today. But it sure wasn't 85 like it was here in AZ!

 

You have to figure out where the wind that's buffeting is coming from to be able to fix the problem. Most likely it is coming from underneath the shield, go for a ride and fold your left arm across your chest, if the buffeting lessens it is most likely coming from underneath the shield. Try putting a bag under the headlight and then get a tank lift to help direct air under tank. Adjust the shield til the buffeting is mininimized, mine had to mount til it hung over headlight about 1/2". You'll also have more turbulance around the head with some helmets than others. You'll always have wind in the face, but you can minimize the buffeting. Peace.

 

All these ideas do a little with each change. I raised the tank 1.5", made a filler plate to block the air from coming around the headlight, made a deflector plate that goes below the fork tree, raised the windshield as high as it goes, keep my legs against the tank and it all together is a lot better. Up to 65 is great - 70 and up wears on me after 40-50 miles though. All this on my St. Bob. OLDED

 

I have the full sized 19" standard QD windhield with a 12" fork bag hung under it. I have never had a problem with head buffeting except in high winds on the front quarter. Still get some air up from under the windshield, enough to ruffle my moustache, but not bang on my head like a drum. Wear a half helmet - have two in fact. No difference with either. Will be adding chaps to my Lindby engine guard soon. Be interesting to see how that works. Also considering fabricating some lexan lowers to add to the bottom of the windshield, but don't want to kill the air flow to the engine for cooling.

 

I changed the angle of my shield, pulling the top closer to me. Buffeting gone.

 

I thought I had a real problem when I got my windshield. But realized i was riding faster with the shield. When you try new things make sure you use a consistant test speed. My .02

Shawn