I’m here because after 20 years of riding I never really knew what buffeting is until I got a new seat that changed my angle just enough that my helmet would vibrate like I had a personal massager on full power, duct taped to my helmet. Vision became blurry and got dizzy. This has never happened before and now I know what buffeting really is.
One of Kevin’s BEST and most informative videos concerning accessories on a motorcycle ! The MOST UNDERESTIMATED and NOT talked about subjects on motorcycle forums ! Thanks M/C rider !
Vented windshields make a HUGE difference! They allow air through to fill that void which keeps the air from crashing in from the bottom, sides, and top.
As some people have suggested there’s a lot more to airflow than just the size or location of a shield. 40 years ago a company called Rifle Fairings figured out that putting a vent at the base of the windshield would greatly reduce the low pressure area where your head is located. Harley touring bikes in this century have included a similar vent. Another company, Madstad makes windshields that not only adjust vertically but tilt as well. It is amazing how effective they are. The stock windshield on my old Ducati ST-2 had a raised lip on the trailing edge. It was supposed to deflect the wind over the rider but instead it just caused turbulence. I got so sick of it that I cut the lip off! Suddenly I was riding in smooth air! Aerodynamics is as much art as it is science. Unfortunately almost no bike manufacturers or windshield makers use the invention that’s been around for over 100 years. Wilbur and Orville Wright invented the first wind tunnel so they could study the actual effect of airflow. Unless a bike manufacturer is designing a 200 + mph bike they simply ignore the science and with a shrug say “that looks about right”😡
I know, I would be running some CFD analysis on my bike if I had the software license (I found a fairly good computer model of my bike for sale), because I really want a better windshield and as an aerospace nerd I've even optimized custom 3d printed Nerf Dart tips with CFD, and I model lots of custom accessories for my bikes).
Moto Guzzi prides itself of having built the first wind tunnel for motorcycles in the 1950s and their newest model V100 Mandello was definitely optimized in it.
I'm going to try to drill 3 or 4, 3/8" holes a the lower 3rd of my cruiser windshield, someone did 3, 1-3/4" holes and said it worked very well for buffeting on the helmet!
I have been riding for about 60 years, and many different bikes under many weather conditions. The large group I've done coast-to-coast runs with for around 10 of those years has a "do not stop for weather" rule, which means I've ridden through a *lot* of rain - sometimes days-worth. I've come to value being able to peer just over the top of the windshield to eliminate water blindness. Balancing that with reducing wind buffeting has been a challenge. My usual solution has been the "recurve" windshields available for some touring bikes which have a curvature built-in at the top which helps to sort-of flip the airstream higher and over the top of the helmet. On certain bike models this has proven to be perfect for me. Unfortunately, since I've now been cured of the Harley disease, I've struggled to find the right windshield for my latest metric tourer. Still working on it.
My (once my gamps) 1957 Gilera has a very big windshield with a lever actuated wiper, you just squeeze the clutch like lever to clean the rain off.. It's amazing what people can come up with to be able to ride with a hat and a lit cigarette in winter
No I don't own a Harley. Can't afford them and no I won't buy used.why should I settle for a used bike? I would rather have brand new and I do.@@bobconaway
Check out Madstad Engineering. They do a pretty comprehensive job at fixing the aerodynamic sins of the OEMs, although sometimes the resultant windscreen doesn't match the overall style and aesthetic of the bike as a result.
Very good points. I ride two up a lot. I find that if I cure my buffeting, many times it just moves to my passenger. The fix for me many times just makes a huge backdraft on my Wife's back. I also agree that bigger, taller, wider, is not the answer. One thing to consider is that buffeting is mostly speed related. If you find a cure for buffeting at 60, it probably won't work at 70 mph. As you said the style of the helmet is also a factor. On the '01 thru '17 Wing I have found that opening the windshield vent slightly helps the buffeting at interstate speeds. I also agree that clean air from a short windshield causes less buffeting IF you can stand the constant noise, bugs, and neck strain from a 10 hour day at interstate speeds, such as when we are trying to just get "out west". Thanks Kevin for your videos! Happy Trails!
On my 2002 VTX 1800 - with 8 inch rake - I've removed my windscreen and raised headlight about 6 inches. Due to the 24" seat height and fat gas tank - this puts my headlight approximately center with my chest. The result is an area of calm from about eye-level down. Before I raised headlight it was all you could do to hang on. Now is completely manageable even at 80MPH. I have no plans to put windshield back on. Different stroke for different folks - but I agree with everything Kevin pointed out - great content.
Yes sir, the reasons I ride a motorcycle are Many, after 50 years I’ve got it down to just one motorcycle now, a Harley V rod anniversary. I know, so one day traveling with my first wife down eastern Avenue. She goes pull in there, happen to be a Harley Davidson shop the year 2002, we went inside the building and I noticed things seem somewhat organized as to salesman‘s greeted my wife right away well lo and behold she purchased a 2003 anniversary V rod for me. As you can imagine, I was in the height of my happiness looking at this beautiful motorcycle wow and it had a big old windshield on it anyway was a beautiful day I wrote it ride home, took the windshield off, and never put it back on, well, the wife has passed on, but the V ROD still remains, it still is my most prized possessions 21 years old and still shines like a diamond. I put 70,000 miles on it. And it’s still going strong, and the windshield it’s still wrapped up, on the shelf in my closet, I know this was supposed to be about windshields and I didn’t like it. It made my head wobble on the top just like Mc Rider said. Thanks for all of the great content we’re all in a better place when you’re along with us for the ride keep up the good work will be listening.
Kevin, another great video! Some windshields can be adjusted for pitch (i.e. more vertical or less vertical), such as aftermarket windshields that mount to the handlebar and fork. I find that the more vertical the windshield, the more buffeting I get. By canting the windshield to a less vertical position, I've been able to reduce the buffeting around the helmet while still taking the windblast off of my torso. This might help someone....😉
I had the cloth legscreens on a former Police Electra Glide….this courses buffeting and not the Klockwerks screen with recurve! I took them off, buffeting was gone👍🏼
I have never noticed wind buffeting on my helmet on any bike. What hits me are the sidewind gusts that forced me to slow down to 30 mph when going over the mountains to Achill Island in Ireland.
My '87 Wing had an extra tall and wide windshield when I bought it. Nice for cold and rain but terrible for glare in the late afternoon. I cut 6" off and it is much better.
Great information. In 2013 I bought a Harley Davidson switchback. Initially the wind buffeting was terrible and I purchased a large recurve windscreen. I found that that didn’t help. I also realized that the wind that I was getting hit with was coming underneath the windshield. I installed fork, mounted wind, deflectors and it solve my problem completely. Then I found that I had no wind at all so I installed a lower windshield. now I have a smooth flow of air and zero wind buffeting. You are right about trial and error, but it can be expensive.
@@rudeawakening3833 windshield from Klockwerks and Wind Deflectors from J&S Custom which, unfortunately, do not make them anymore for Switchbacks. Not enough volume I guess. However, Harley still supplies them.
I was thinking about that actually. I take the road tomorrow... without my windshield. I might try a shorter, smaller deflector and see what happens. Gotta try stuff sometimes.
Spot on video, Kevin. From adjusting the windshield, to finding the uprising air with your free hand/arm, and finally adding the “lowers” are all part of the learning curve I went through when I started back riding (after 30 years) and first time riding with a ‘shield.
I owned a 2009 VTX1300R with windshield. Wind buffeting was fairly noticeable at cruise speed so, I fabricated a strut mounted deflectors out of clear plexiglass. It helped some but, not too much. About 3 years later, I solved it by buying a used 2005 Goldwing... To "better" control buffeting, I installed a 6" taller than OEM. Like you mentioned, looking through it made for problems during "buggy" season for obvious reasons. So, now on my 2nd used Goldwing, a 2007 model, I kept the OEM and adjusted to where I can just see over it. The bike also came with 2 deflectors...ones mounted on mirrors and ones mounted on fairings, both adjustable. Nice smooth ride compared to 2 previous bikes.
I fabricated strut mounted deflectors for my Shadow 750. Tried getting a tall windshield and trimming it down an inch at a time. My solution was to get a BMW R1200RT with an adjustable windshield and overall design made to protect the rider from wind and rain. The Shadow was designed to look good.
I recently got a 2018 Harley Fat Bob and thought I could make it without a windshield. Well after a couple of longer rides I decided I definitely needed one. My research leaned me towards a product by MADSTAD. Their windshields are adjustable up/down as well as you can tilt them back which helps clean the air up. I’ve only had it a couple of weeks but so far so good.
I think you meant MadStad. So when conditions change, you get off your bike, adjust it, try it, stop again, adjust again until you get it right and until the conditions change again? Sounds brilliant.
@@heybruh3274 you are correct… it is MADSTAD. When I have to fine tune the position all I have to do is pull over. It is not necessary to get off the bike. It is possible to make the adjustment while moving although I would not recommend that.
It's the reason that I WILL NOT use a windshield. I've even had wind buffering because my phone holder was set too high and it was overall very low to the bike, so it doesn't have to necessarily be anything tall in front of you just something to displace the air in front of your helmet be it low at your helmet or high.
I am surprised Kevin didn't mention his experience with his Goldwing that he used to have. The only "buffeting" I've experienced is from extremely strong side winds, something that EVERY motorcycle rider experiences. The Goldwing has a frame mounted fixed fairing with a windshield. I happen to like my windshield height just above my eyesight. I think the key with the Goldwing is the area around the forks is open and allows fresh air to come up through there to displace the vacuum created by the fairing and windshield. In listening to this video, I realize I have not experienced any of the buffeting he describes here. I have owned 3/4 helmets with and without snap on face shield and modular helmets with flip up shields. No problem here. His videos are always informational and beneficial. Thanks Kevin!
Kevin's former GW had a windshield that could be raised electronically up and down while in motion! I have one and it changes it's 'angle to rider' space as it moves; excellent! I have no such issues with buffeting. Good Rides
Had a H-D Road King with a big windshield so I cut it down about 2". Was easy enough to do with a band saw and a fine tooth blade. Felt so much better looking just over the top, and not through it. Safer I think and wind was still controlled.
I modified HD lowers to for my V Star 1300 Tourer. What a difference for me, but especially for my wife when riding 2-up. Buffeting was really pronounced for the passenger, and this mod nearly completely eliminated it. It also reduced the amount of updraft in my face and protects my lower legs, so I stay dry-ish on rainy days.
I had good luck with MadStad windshields out of Florida. They are engineered to pull air under the front of the windshield so the air flows smoothly over both sides of the windshield. And it does it well below the line of sight! Check them out.
I don't know a lot of folks who own a Rocket 3. I have one, a 2022 R3 GT and love that crazy thing. It's fun, beautiful and .... fun. Cheers! Dallas rider here. Merry Christmas.
My '22 Street Glide gave me buffeting headaches for the first couple of months. I put on a taller windscreen, 6.5 inches. The buffetting decreaseed but still not enough. I also thought about an even taller windscreen, but, like you, did not appreciate the look. I purchased Harley's fork-mounted wind protectors, and it solved my problem. If you have a black-out bike, then you are in a bit of a jam because they are only sold as chrome. I paid my local powder coater to make them vivid black, and they matched pretty well. Be prepared to put out $100 for the coating. Now I am considering lowering the windscreen because I think most of the problem was from the air pushing up from the forks.
Riding an electric motorcycle, I especially enjoy the relative silence. At lower speeds it is very relaxing to make almost no noise. But at higher speeds the wind noise is more noticeable. And more annoying. I am going to experiment a bit more with different windshields. Thanks for the advice.
On my VFR800 Crossrunner I fitted a taller screen AND fitted mounting screws that placed the screen a further 12mm forward of the fairing. The screen had a small gap at the bottom that allowed some air to move into the void. A larger gap with a larger screen worked well to reduce buffeting.
I’m a relatively new rider (about 2 years) and I like a taller windshield setting most of the time on my touring bike. I rode from SC to SD, Wyoming, Montana, & back last September and appreciated the protection from the elements. I do prefer a smaller, lower windshield on my dual sport bike. I tend to be riding it off road and at slower speeds so the wind isn’t as much of an issue. All that to say I think I know what I like but you have given me some new information to consider and I’m open to changing my mind. Thanks 🙏
Vents in the shield👍🏻 Also if you can space the bottom of the WS out some to allow air to come under and relieve the back pressure. That worked really well on my ST1300!
My 2008 Buell Uysses . has terrible wind pressure buffeting and whistling in my ears inside my Helmut. The Madstad windscreens are adjustable height and angle .. The Stock Buell windscreen was fixed and it was the taller option .. Just terrible windbuffeting .. I installed a Madstad and it helped some. The Madstad screen is pushed out from the Instrument panel area.. Buell did the same thing on the Ulyssis on later models..
I'm not sure if I experienced wind buffeting but I have some observations about screens. The first big cruiser I owned was a Yamaha XV1100. It had a tall screen and the lowers you referred to. It did a great job of keeping the wind off my head and chest when riding at highway speed. It was a fixed screen. I traded that for a Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager which also had a fixed screen and leg shields that could be opened to allow some air through on the legs in summer. It was good at keeping the wind off as well but in summer when riding through built up areas at low speeds (50km/h in Australia) where you might need some airflow it was not so good. I have a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter with an adjustable screen (electrically so it can be done while riding) it does a great job of keeping the wind off the chest and head but allows for air flow at low speed. The screen has a good amount of travel and has a concave curve so the wind is directed up and away. I traded the Kawasaki for a Can Am Spyder (RT Ltd) that has an electrically adjustable screen and a pretty wide nose as well as wind deflectors so I think it does a pretty good job keeping the wind off as well. The one bike I owned for a short time that had a useless screen was the Piaggio MP3 400. It had one of those stupid little sports screens that didn't do anything and was more of a decoration than of any practical use. Enjoy your ride wherever you're going and everyone stay safe on the road.
Great content. The key is finding a setup that the helmet isn’t 1/2 in and 1/2 out of the envelope. The noise is what bothers me the most. The advantage of deflecting the air higher is fewer bugs and rain in the face. But having your head in the wind is cooler on a hot day.
I had a Goldwing that has side deflecters or some call vent windows like cars used to have they were adjustable. After a few tries at different angles, it felt just like riding with no windshield or fairing, and the bugs ended on the windshield, not my visor or my jacket. I only ride with a fairing after the windshields deflected a black bird that most likely would have hit me. It cost me a windshield but better than knocking me off the bike with a head or chest shot Enjoy your tips. Keep up the good work.
Have a 2018 softail deluxe. The major mod for buffetting I made was to add the fork mounted wind deflectors. They decrease buffetting when I have the wind shield on it, but push the buffetting right into my chest when I pop the windshield off. I also feel a little more heat from the motor after adding the fork mounted deflectors. I recently purchased a Shoei Geotec 2 helmet, hoping that will help when I ride without the windshield.
I own a FXLR Low Rider ( 2018 ) I bought the factory HD “ detachable “ windshield - the tallest one that Harley offers . I rarely go out on the Interstate ; but when I do - major buffeting on my half- helmet . Is your ride the new soft tail like the Low Rider ? I’m wondering if they sell those things you bought for mine ???
I have also found that the windshield on my Triumph was to small. so I put a larger one on and ran into the buffeting. So, looking at some of the products on the market with the scooped upper lip, I decided to try adjusting the angle of the windscreen. I found that when I shimmed the screen to a more vertical angle the turbulent air went over my head when I sat in my normal position. I used rubber bottle stoppers under the mounting bolts at the screen to screen frame.
There are foils that you can attach to the top of the wind screen that make it act like it’s taller than it is, you see the ADV guys use them. I like to keep my wind screen short otherwise I might get hit in the face when the front wheel tries to climb over a big obstacle. Check the aftermarket for your bike. Sometimes they make bits to fill in areas around the fairing that create a common problem for a lot of riders. There are small folks that go on the sides of the GS fairing that make a big difference by moving the side air a little further to the side. Sometimes it’s also the helmet you have. Some cheap helmets are just helmet shaped. More expensive helmets often have features on the outside that help smooth the air to quiet them down but it can also sometimes buffeting. How close or far away you are from your fairing makes a big difference. Sometimes moving a bit forward helps. Some motorcycles are designed for the rider to stay closer to the machine. On a sport bike if you tuck a bit more the air smooths out because you are not there to block it.
Some manufacturers actually use wind tunnels to help them optimize their windscreens to minimize buffeting. Add-on windscreens are typically a compromise so it fits multiple types of bikes, and you get to be your own wind tunnel, trying to figure out how to adjust it to keep the buffeting off you, while still allowing airflow so you're not roasting on hot days... Adjustability usually means you get to get your tools out again... I had narrowed down my purchase choices to either a BMW R-1150-RT, or a R-1150-RS, the latter with a noticeably smaller fairing and windscreen. Both had adjustable windscreens. I chose the R-1150-RS as it was lighter and aimed at more sporting rides. Once I owned it I found the smaller fairing still allowed good wind circulation on hot days, while taking the pressure off the wind blast on high speed runs with minimal buffeting. The screen is height adjustable to optimize airflow and to further increase wind protection when the air gets cold, or wet... Many mornings I start out with the screen up to keep the cold air off, then lower it to get a cool breeze when the heat rises. An ideal choice for me and they types of rides I take.
This is a thoughtful, balanced presentation. However, the problem was introduced and explained but no actual solutions to managing the core problem were provided. I counted 2 ideas (besides the barn door approach). A shorter screen does get your helmet into clean air but essentially moves buffeting lower and in front of your helmet, yet direct air is likely not what many riders are seeking (a more quiet ride with less buffeting). Fork deflectors do little except make the pocket larger and again move the buffeting effect. The goal in preventing or mitigating buffeting significantly is balancing the pressure difference between the front and the back of the screen. This can be accomplished with a hole in the lower middle of the windscreen and/or a spoiler mounted in parallel with the front of the screen (NOT at the top, as deflection like that is essentially just a taller screen). I have experimented with many screen sizes, screen angles, deflectors, etc, and by far found that a spoiler (laminar flow lip) with or without a hole/vent in the screen smooths airflow, reduces noise and buffeting and makes the most comfortable ride behind a screen.
I've never been too concerned with buffetting but my better half went through the entire ensemble of devices to minimize wind shake. What worked the best was a shorter windscreen with a duck tail and fork mounted deflectors.
One of the reasons I bought the 2014 Ninja 1000 was the 3 way adjustable windshield. It has a complex shape that they must have spent some time on. Some wind is directed under the lower front edge to flow up the inside. I also have two other windshields I tried under various conditions. Bags on, I installed the tallest one for a 3 day trip. It was a smooth bubble with no buffeting, but it was a simple shape and maybe that contributed to the high noise level. I continue to use the stock unit set to the medium height, but I will try moving my hand around as you suggested to see if the air flow can be improved.
This is one of the best videos . I've said this a long time but found this video while looking on how to cut my windshield . On my goldwing the turbulent air was just in front and under my head . Very interesting in the fa"", to see leaves flying and (floating ) in front of my face . My New Harley electra glide has lots of buffeting , I'm trying a new windshield in a few weeks
Hey Kevin, great reminder video. After watching your original video regarding wind buffeting a couple of years ago, I installed the lower deflectors, and they worked great. I also switched to a lower windscreen because the taller one had to many reflections, and it was very hard to see through in the rain. Once again, the video described a problem and offered great solutions. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!a couple of years ag
All very good stuff!! A subject that's much misunderstood and one I've done a lot of experimental work on. 'Buffeting' in aerodynamics language = turbulence and turbulence at best means noise and it it's worst, means physical issues. I ride an FJR 1300. The stock screen is useless to me - I'm 6'1" but all my height is in my back. I 'sit tall'. My problem was the horizontal 'roll' of turbulence which came off the top edge of the Yamaha screen making an unholy noise in my helmet. I changed to an MRA Vario Screen which made things eerily quiet but introduced a problem which nobody talks about - lateral turbulence. The top of the MRA screen is quite narrow so as the air leaves the vertical edges, it tumbles and squirms behind and the result of that (for me) was that at speeds over 70mph, I couldn't read road signs due to blurred vision! What happens is my head gets slapped around from side to side. I got a different screen - a Polish one - taller and wider than the MRA but that had a different problem. It's like riding behind a barn door and the flip on the top edge causes problems at a certain height which is only cured by having it high enough that I have to look through it - not ideal as it's not optically correct plus add a little damp dirt and it's got to be moved down and out of the way. Also, riding behind an acrylic 'barn door' beats the hell out of my fuel consumption!! Consequently, I'm still experimenting. Unfortunately we don't have a lot of choice here in the UK but I'm looking seriously at both the Cal Sci and Rifle products. Just need to commit to one and find out...!!
Wind buffering with no windscreen caused by the cage that just passed me and then sits there in front of me wrecking the air is worse than with a fairing and windscreen. 👍🏻. Same as coming up behind the cages. Love the learning.
I own the Suzuki Gsx-s1000gt + I replaced the standard screen for the Puig touring screen and also added a wind deflector on the top... it is absolutely perfect now even cruising at 90mph ... and the total height is at my chin level... 🙂
i ride a suzuki dl1000xt. no windscreen, changed mirrors, just smoother clean air. bigger screen, no thanks. no screen, yes please. and smaller lower profile mirrors( closer to the handlebars the better). good advice on this video. sub👍
I'm 6' tall and my main ride is a Bonneville T120, anything bigger than the 9" Dart fly screen on it ruins the classic look of my bike even though I stand pretty tall on it my helmet works well enough even above 80 mph. I have several helmets, the most quiet are my SHOEI and a carbon LS2. Glad to hear someone else point out how stupid some wind screens look and mostly a waste of money. For those who ride Triumph modern classics try a Dart screen, they work well, look good and are priced around $100.
Had a LongRider shield on my 1992 GoldWing with vent. Very little buffeting. MadStad on my 2017 Africa twin it gave a very smooth ride, great for long days in the saddle & a great unobstructed view. Plan to order a MadStad for my 2022 Rebel 1100, they just finished the design & made it so you can remove it easily for the short rides; nice. Worth a look. They make shields for many makes & models. Cheers. Keep up the good work. 🤙
@@MCrider I didn’t. But the replier appeared surprised you never mentioned it as a good viable solution. I guess I was surprised too. That’s why I replied.
@RCW Yeah, my reply was to James. I have had a madstad and removed it. Not saying it doesn’t work for you but it didn’t for me. If there is a one stop solution to the problem I have not found it.
Thankyou for this video it's been extremely helpful. Facing buying a screen for the first time and you've helped save me buying a few things I shouldn't have
Have had many bikes and currently riding a HD Streetglide. I have tried many sheilds over the years and currently have a Madstad shield on mine. It articulates so that you can adjust the height and angle of it for different conditions. Best I've tried so far! Also added side shields (I think Kuryakyn) on fairing that you can change the angle of that helps deflect the air coming up the sides. In summer I direct air toward me then block it when its cold or on long trips when I can adjust for conditions. Great for when it rains to, water doesn't puddle up in your crotch.
Thank you Kevin for all the information and knowledge you provide. I am a new rider and have learned a lot from you. I'm having bufiting issues over 50mph. So far I cannot find lower fork mounted farings for a Fat Boy. I had a windshield installed to keep the clean air pressure off my chest and Virginia bugs off my face but it definitely caused big bufiting issues for my 🤕. Appreciate your channel, Bruce.
You're searching for the wrong thing. Search for "fork mounted wind deflectors" or "fork mounted lowers" for your bike. There's nothing out there that mounts to the LOWER forks, and that's where you're getting messed up.
My first bike so I have no clue if its just wind smacking me or wind buffetting but this helps. I do lke shorter windshield on my adv bike as half time im at 40 mph in mtns. Was gonna go buy bit bigger windshield but this explains the WHY better for sure
I am 82 years old, and prefer to ride without a windshield. I have one that I cut down for my Harley 99 Softail Custom, but I hate the buffeting. I do have some small fairings that go below the windshield that really help, but still do not remove it all. I ride with a helmet and goggles most of the time without the shield. Back in the day, my 42 Flat Head had a windshield that had a heavy edge that stopped much of the windshield vibration. When I run a windshield on my Softail, I can reach up and the top of the windshield is vibrating. I have cut it down to well below eye level, but it should probably be cut some more. It is a Harley quick disconnect windshield. I just plain like riding without one most of the time. I like the visibility more than I dislike the wind. To each his own. Most of my riding is around the back roads where I live. Not a lot of interstate riding.
6'5" on an 09 Road King. Custom windshield(multi-day trips only) that is at mouth level and H-D fork mounted deflectors. Now zero buffeting, 12 to 14 hour days no issues. No issues without windshield, fork deflectors are well worth it for taller riders.
Good video. See DK Customs cooling deflector wings that redirect air flowing through the forks and over the tank. I've been researching ways to cut the buffeting on my H-D batwing touring bike. A test to see the airflow is pin strips of ribbon or cloth to your chest, neck area, helmet and other buffeting areas then ride. You will note how the air fills the void behind the windshield and fairing and where the turbulance is. Harley came up with the fairing vent in 2014 and up touring models. The vent does make a difference. After experimenting with different windshields (Klock Werks & Freedom Shield) I'm going to order the DK deflector wings. After 30 years of riding I just don't want to get beat up with turbulance anymore. Doc Harley has a video on this topic too. Ride safe!
This was really handy to watch. I've recently hung up my one-piece and sold my R1 for a Z750 (Something up-right for my mid-thirties frame lol). And I've been struggling with head on wind. On a super sports you're in essentially a vacuum like bubble at motorway speeds due to aerodynamics and what not. On a naked, it's a totally different set of conditions. I love the z750, but I did get an up & down puig screen only to find that the wind now hits me directly in the eyes LOL Didn't think of checking for windage from below. Also, I think I need to adjust the screen so the turbulent wind is below eye level. Cheers for the tips! Subscribed!
On my Road Glide Ultra, the Memphis Shades 6.5 worked very well…. but my pillion wasn’t happy until I went with the Memphis Shades 8.5. Bike still looks good and problem solved.
Good discussion. Summer: definitely shorter wind screen. Winter: I can ride in 10 degrees colder weather with a taller wind screen. An the taller screen gives less noise in and outside my helmet. Yes, I do get wind on back of my neck with taller screen, but a good scarf takes care of that. I don't care how uncool it looks, I'm out to ride?
I found that lowers have helped with the buffeting more than anything. Without them the wind hits the front of the gas tank and send it right into your chest.
Good video. Another problem with tall windshield is structural with the leverage it has on mounts and steering influence. A strong wind can take the shield right off the bike if the mounts are not up to the task.
Since my post below, I purchased a set of DK cooling deflector wings for my '16 Ultra. They do indeed reduce the buffeting between my chest and windscreen. The air is almost dead in that space.
I ride a Pan Am, I have the short screen and a small deflector on top, at the highest setting it keeps the wind off my chest and shoulders, and the most of my helmet. I don't get any buffeting on my helmet. The Pan Am has a vent under it's screen, to let some air under the screen, this reduces the buffeting. The small deflector on top of the screen is angled 45 degrees, steeper than the standard screen, and this helps control the air flow coming over the screen, and cleans up the air flow. It also has side deflectors on the lower part of the screen.
Yep all the above as I have two OEM Windshields and helmet selection based on the windshield mounted counts as well. One helmet with high speed low drag shape will rattle my brains if a windshield in on, while a older traditional Shoei or a 3/4 helmet will work just fine. Another, is the lowers must match the windshield in that the smaller windshield will absolutely rattle your head with the lowers, but the larger one needs them. Great video explaining the phenomena as at first I was baffled, to finding solutions as your windshield height below the nose is the best....
Rider in the central coast. I have found that my tall windshield was placed at its highest setting upright, making my bike lose control because of the headwind. When I adjusted to more of a 45-degree angle seemed to improve my area dynamic and a more leisurely ride.
Look into MadStad Engineering windshields. Their screens are designed to let air come up on the backside of the screen, thus eliminating turbulence. They design customized screens for different brands. The angle of the screen is adjustable. Best screen I've ever had.
i have a 2" x 1" x 18" foam rubber strip. i jam that between the base of my helmet , starting in the back of my neck and around my jaw line. it stops the wind from entering the helmet from the bottom. it reduces wind noise
I put "lowers" on my super tenere.... they made a huge difference. Have friends who spent a lot of bucks changing windshields around and it didn't cure the problem.. but the lowers certainly did. And the company put holes in the frame next to the fuel tank so they fit nicely.
@@boscodog4358 Not at all. And if you mean to the rider or the engine... the lowers keep the wind off the rider, the engine fan is under the left cowling, well below the lowers so it has no impact either. Last summer it was 106 coming across Kansas.. no problem.
My HD Heritage seems to get hotter in the summer months with the lowers Inplace, but I do like the way it does with the air. And actually it's not the air as much as it is the rain under my helmet face shield.
Take a look at deflector screens - an example (the one I use) is the MRA X-creen. A quick google will find it. I have already installed 4 of them on different bikes, has solved the buffeting problem every time with minimal hassle.
The solution for me has always been an aerodynamic wind deflector in addition to the screen. It has a "slot" with an adjustable angle so after a little experimentation you can find the sweet spot to smooth out the airflow. It works extremely well and is better than even a tall screen by itself.
I'm from Ohio, the only time I use one is around in May just because of the June bug's, other than that I can't stand them, I like the wind,👍 Kevin thanks for the video and be safe everyone 🙏
My stock windshield on my Royal Enfield meatier 350 has a small opening in the lower center of the windshield that's I'm sure use to neutralize the pressure -it works great
My super Tenere had bad buffeting, I fixed it by 100% by installing a madstad windshield and bracket it wasn't cheap but well worth it. Madstad also recommends chin level for optimal performance
I’m getting a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, I’ve heard it is hard to get a good windshield for it. On my Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero, I installed an 8 inch Long Range Shield and installed a gold wing vent. The vent works great in the summertime even up here in Ontario Canada 🇨🇦.
Hi Kevin, I had a Honda CBR600 and have ridden and owned several Adventure "Style" bikes (Fazer, Honda Crossrunner and X-ADV, Tiger 800 and 900) the only ones that did not have or cause buffeting (with the screen set to their high or low position) were the X-ADV and Tiger 900, and interestingly, both these bikes had large slots at the bottom of the screen and integral tiny little winglet on the bottom sides, so it seems the air through the slot disperses the air drawn from the back, one other side effect is, I also get insects splattered on the back of the screen. So perhaps the answer is to get rid of those screen extenders and cut a slot in the bottom of your screen (perhaps someone with a deep pocket should try first). Cheers, Gordon
great point. I always thought my windshield was a tad too low (kinda even with my chin but works great for me.) as opposed to what most windshield manufactures say to have it nose level.
This is a sad subject. I’ve been riding since the ‘80s and love riding. After a couple of injuries in my neck in the military resulting in a couple fused vertebrae and deterioration in the condition of the joints around that, including arthritis, I’m starting to suffer significant pain from buffeting. Riding in open wind is also problematic but not as much as the constant beating of buffeting. I fear I am now ordered to stay down on surface roads and low speed, if I continue riding, as per my doctor. He would prefer not at all because of the helmet, but is willing to go with low speed surface streets. As bad as it hurts, looks like I’m retiring to motor scooters. (Don’t get me wrong, I love riding scooters too, had several over the years, just going to miss rolling out on some highways across Texas and road trips)
Installing the Harley brand lowers on a Twin Cam Deluxe Softail with a windshield (cut down to be at nose level) made an ENORMOUS difference. With the windshield mounted, it was OK as far as wind protection is concerned, but with the lowers added (also called fangs by some forum members) it’s like going from a windy day to being able to light a cigar. This, by the way, was all experienced when wearing a so-called Shorty helmet. With a three-quarter helmet it’s always better regardless. A full face? Well, I have one of those, too - it’s parked in the driveway 😁 Now then …do I like the look of the fangs? Absolutely not! The windshield by itself is really grampsy Geezer-Glide enough ☹️ From Southern California ~ Ride Forever!
I never had wind buffering with my Duke 390 no matter what the speed but with the RE Himalayan and the standard wind shield my head was buffetingr like my head was on a spring rather than on my neck. Removed the shield and got cured of it.
I have a honda rebel 1100. I tried the puig and hated it. I now have a Memphis Shades Gauntlet...I'm very happy...no buffeting! Aso, I don't feel like when I go speeds above 70 I'm about to fall off my bike.
Thanks for the information, I would think that the fork lowers on an air cooled motor like the Harley would not allow for optimum air to cool the engine. However, a water cooled motor should have no issue.
I so much agree with you I ride Yamah GTS 1000 and a Niken and I always agrue with me fellow rides who want higher biger windscreen where as I ride the very shortes version. The advantage is that I ride in a laminate airstream. AND in sommer I get fresh air on my helmet and me which cools ...
On my Harley Limited I installed a short "wave" windshield. Still look over it instead of thru it. Worked great to stop most buffeting. My Super Tenere will be getting the "lowers" shortly.
I had a Givi Airstream screen on the BMW GS. It lets air under a movable section that stops the buffeting. It cuts the >80mph wind pressure allowing you to maintain high speeds all day long.
I think you mean Givi Airflow. My friend has a F650GS (800cc) and it has Givi Airflow. I set that to a height little below eye level and that thing was totally silent.
Thanks Kevin for another great video! I have a 2016 Road King, I am 6 foot tall. The top of the windshield is right there at eye level. I can straighten my back and see over the top. Not too much buffeting going on for me.
I got an aftermarket screen for my Honda Varadero and it has a deflector at the top which works really well but needs setting up carefully. However, thanks to this video, I am going to test what is coming up from the fairing.
Had an '06 GL1800 Wing and it was HORRIBLE for buffeting. My wife would not ride with me as she got beat to hell back there. Sold that ponderous pig and bought a '17 BMW R1200RT and it is COMPLETELY different and better in every way. The aerodynamics of that bike with the electric windshield are superb. At highway speeds, I put it up to about chin height and get a smooth flow over my helmet. In the city, I just drop it down completely. My wife loves it and looks forward to riding with me again. The German engineers clearly put their designs into a wind tunnel and it really shows.
In town, and the twisties, I like no windshield. But most of my riding miles are freeway commute, where I prefer it. I have a Tracer9, and leave it at the lowest position.
I, too, have a Rocket III - a '14 Roadster. You mentioned a small windshield on yours - what do you have? I'm guessing the sport fly? Do you have lowers as well?
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I’m here because after 20 years of riding I never really knew what buffeting is until I got a new seat that changed my angle just enough that my helmet would vibrate like I had a personal massager on full power, duct taped to my helmet. Vision became blurry and got dizzy. This has never happened before and now I know what buffeting really is.
One of Kevin’s BEST and most informative videos concerning accessories on a motorcycle !
The MOST UNDERESTIMATED and NOT talked about subjects on motorcycle forums !
Thanks M/C rider !
I have an 2019 Yamaha FJR the electric windscreen is magic for me
Vented windshields make a HUGE difference! They allow air through to fill that void which keeps the air from crashing in from the bottom, sides, and top.
CalSci makes great custom ventilated windshields for lots of bikes. High quality optics too.
@@brad_wilson Just looked them up - thank you for sharing this!
Big YES here! Did it on my VStar and the difference was incredible.
What about drilling holes in the windshield for air flow??
@@carlostrujillo4750holes can whistle
As some people have suggested there’s a lot more to airflow than just the size or location of a shield. 40 years ago a company called Rifle Fairings figured out that putting a vent at the base of the windshield would greatly reduce the low pressure area where your head is located. Harley touring bikes in this century have included a similar vent.
Another company, Madstad makes windshields that not only adjust vertically but tilt as well. It is amazing how effective they are.
The stock windshield on my old Ducati ST-2 had a raised lip on the trailing edge. It was supposed to deflect the wind over the rider but instead it just caused turbulence. I got so sick of it that I cut the lip off! Suddenly I was riding in smooth air!
Aerodynamics is as much art as it is science. Unfortunately almost no bike manufacturers or windshield makers use the invention that’s been around for over 100 years. Wilbur and Orville Wright invented the first wind tunnel so they could study the actual effect of airflow. Unless a bike manufacturer is designing a 200 + mph bike they simply ignore the science and with a shrug say “that looks about right”😡
I know, I would be running some CFD analysis on my bike if I had the software license (I found a fairly good computer model of my bike for sale), because I really want a better windshield and as an aerospace nerd I've even optimized custom 3d printed Nerf Dart tips with CFD, and I model lots of custom accessories for my bikes).
Moto Guzzi prides itself of having built the first wind tunnel for motorcycles in the 1950s and their newest model V100 Mandello was definitely optimized in it.
Parabellum in Georgia, makes great windshields for motorcycles, the owner I think was the founder of Rifel , great company and products
I'm going to try to drill 3 or 4, 3/8" holes a the lower 3rd of my cruiser windshield, someone did 3, 1-3/4" holes and said it worked very well for buffeting on the helmet!
I have been riding for about 60 years, and many different bikes under many weather conditions. The large group I've done coast-to-coast runs with for around 10 of those years has a "do not stop for weather" rule, which means I've ridden through a *lot* of rain - sometimes days-worth. I've come to value being able to peer just over the top of the windshield to eliminate water blindness. Balancing that with reducing wind buffeting has been a challenge. My usual solution has been the "recurve" windshields available for some touring bikes which have a curvature built-in at the top which helps to sort-of flip the airstream higher and over the top of the helmet. On certain bike models this has proven to be perfect for me. Unfortunately, since I've now been cured of the Harley disease, I've struggled to find the right windshield for my latest metric tourer. Still working on it.
My (once my gamps) 1957 Gilera has a very big windshield with a lever actuated wiper, you just squeeze the clutch like lever to clean the rain off.. It's amazing what people can come up with to be able to ride with a hat and a lit cigarette in winter
Please explain Harley disease?
@@carlostrujillo4750 owning a Harley. If you do, you know.
No I don't own a Harley. Can't afford them and no I won't buy used.why should I settle for a used bike? I would rather have brand new and I do.@@bobconaway
Check out Madstad Engineering. They do a pretty comprehensive job at fixing the aerodynamic sins of the OEMs, although sometimes the resultant windscreen doesn't match the overall style and aesthetic of the bike as a result.
Very good points. I ride two up a lot. I find that if I cure my buffeting, many times it just moves to my passenger. The fix for me many times just makes a huge backdraft on my Wife's back. I also agree that bigger, taller, wider, is not the answer. One thing to consider is that buffeting is mostly speed related. If you find a cure for buffeting at 60, it probably won't work at 70 mph. As you said the style of the helmet is also a factor. On the '01 thru '17 Wing I have found that opening the windshield vent slightly helps the buffeting at interstate speeds. I also agree that clean air from a short windshield causes less buffeting IF you can stand the constant noise, bugs, and neck strain from a 10 hour day at interstate speeds, such as when we are trying to just get "out west". Thanks Kevin for your videos! Happy Trails!
On my 2002 VTX 1800 - with 8 inch rake - I've removed my windscreen and raised headlight about 6 inches. Due to the 24" seat height and fat gas tank - this puts my headlight approximately center with my chest. The result is an area of calm from about eye-level down.
Before I raised headlight it was all you could do to hang on. Now is completely manageable even at 80MPH. I have no plans to put windshield back on. Different stroke for different folks - but I agree with everything Kevin pointed out - great content.
Yes sir, the reasons I ride a motorcycle are Many, after 50 years I’ve got it down to just one motorcycle now, a Harley V rod anniversary. I know, so one day traveling with my first wife down eastern Avenue. She goes pull in there, happen to be a Harley Davidson shop the year 2002, we went inside the building and I noticed things seem somewhat organized as to salesman‘s greeted my wife right away well lo and behold she purchased a 2003 anniversary V rod for me. As you can imagine, I was in the height of my happiness looking at this beautiful motorcycle wow and it had a big old windshield on it anyway was a beautiful day I wrote it ride home, took the windshield off, and never put it back on, well, the wife has passed on, but the V ROD still remains, it still is my most prized possessions 21 years old and still shines like a diamond. I put 70,000 miles on it. And it’s still going strong, and the windshield it’s still wrapped up, on the shelf in my closet, I know this was supposed to be about windshields and I didn’t like it. It made my head wobble on the top just like Mc Rider said.
Thanks for all of the great content we’re all in a better place when you’re along with us for the ride keep up the good work will be listening.
Kevin, another great video! Some windshields can be adjusted for pitch (i.e. more vertical or less vertical), such as aftermarket windshields that mount to the handlebar and fork. I find that the more vertical the windshield, the more buffeting I get. By canting the windshield to a less vertical position, I've been able to reduce the buffeting around the helmet while still taking the windblast off of my torso. This might help someone....😉
Thank you for that info! I'm going to try that before getting a different windshield. 🙂
My previous bike had a more inclined windshield and, I agree with you, wind flow was much better.
Yes the Memphis shades in my profile pic is angled back pretty good and I never had a problem one. 👍
I had the cloth legscreens on a former Police Electra Glide….this courses buffeting and not the Klockwerks screen with recurve! I took them off, buffeting was gone👍🏼
I have never noticed wind buffeting on my helmet on any bike. What hits me are the sidewind gusts that forced me to slow down to 30 mph when going over the mountains to Achill Island in Ireland.
My '87 Wing had an extra tall and wide windshield when I bought it. Nice for cold and rain but terrible for glare in the late afternoon. I cut 6" off and it is much better.
Great information. In 2013 I bought a Harley Davidson switchback. Initially the wind buffeting was terrible and I purchased a large recurve windscreen. I found that that didn’t help. I also realized that the wind that I was getting hit with was coming underneath the windshield. I installed fork, mounted wind, deflectors and it solve my problem completely. Then I found that I had no wind at all so I installed a lower windshield. now I have a smooth flow of air and zero wind buffeting. You are right about trial and error, but it can be expensive.
Where did you get all these add ons ?
@@rudeawakening3833 windshield from Klockwerks and Wind Deflectors from J&S Custom which, unfortunately, do not make them anymore for Switchbacks. Not enough volume I guess. However, Harley still supplies them.
@@PHICEN
Thanks for that and for getting back to me !
Might not work for everyone but I solved the problem by removing the wind shield.
I was thinking about that actually. I take the road tomorrow... without my windshield. I might try a shorter, smaller deflector and see what happens. Gotta try stuff sometimes.
Spot on video, Kevin. From adjusting the windshield, to finding the uprising air with your free hand/arm, and finally adding the “lowers” are all part of the learning curve I went through when I started back riding (after 30 years) and first time riding with a ‘shield.
I owned a 2009 VTX1300R with windshield.
Wind buffeting was fairly noticeable at cruise speed so, I fabricated a strut mounted deflectors out of clear plexiglass.
It helped some but, not too much.
About 3 years later, I solved it by buying a used 2005 Goldwing...
To "better" control buffeting, I installed a 6" taller than OEM.
Like you mentioned, looking through it made for problems during "buggy" season for obvious reasons.
So, now on my 2nd used Goldwing, a 2007 model, I kept the OEM and adjusted to where I can just see over it.
The bike also came with 2 deflectors...ones mounted on mirrors and ones mounted on fairings, both adjustable.
Nice smooth ride compared to 2 previous bikes.
I fabricated strut mounted deflectors for my Shadow 750. Tried getting a tall windshield and trimming it down an inch at a time. My solution was to get a BMW R1200RT with an adjustable windshield and overall design made to protect the rider from wind and rain. The Shadow was designed to look good.
I recently got a 2018 Harley Fat Bob and thought I could make it without a windshield. Well after a couple of longer rides I decided I definitely needed one. My research leaned me towards a product by MADSTAD. Their windshields are adjustable up/down as well as you can tilt them back which helps clean the air up. I’ve only had it a couple of weeks but so far so good.
I think you meant MadStad. So when conditions change, you get off your bike, adjust it, try it, stop again, adjust again until you get it right and until the conditions change again? Sounds brilliant.
@@heybruh3274 you are correct… it is MADSTAD. When I have to fine tune the position all I have to do is pull over. It is not necessary to get off the bike. It is possible to make the adjustment while moving although I would not recommend that.
I had one on a Klr and it was fantastic. I could ride year round in Ohio. I think the key is that wind goes underneath it as well as over it.
Been considering a madstad mount for so long. I don't care a lot during summer, but in winter less wind would be better
@@TravisTerrell It’s worth the money
It's the reason that I WILL NOT use a windshield. I've even had wind buffering because my phone holder was set too high and it was overall very low to the bike, so it doesn't have to necessarily be anything tall in front of you just something to displace the air in front of your helmet be it low at your helmet or high.
I am surprised Kevin didn't mention his experience with his Goldwing that he used to have. The only "buffeting" I've experienced is from extremely strong side winds, something that EVERY motorcycle rider experiences. The Goldwing has a frame mounted fixed fairing with a windshield. I happen to like my windshield height just above my eyesight. I think the key with the Goldwing is the area around the forks is open and allows fresh air to come up through there to displace the vacuum created by the fairing and windshield. In listening to this video, I realize I have not experienced any of the buffeting he describes here. I have owned 3/4 helmets with and without snap on face shield and modular helmets with flip up shields. No problem here. His videos are always informational and beneficial. Thanks Kevin!
Kevin's former GW had a windshield that could be raised electronically up and down while in motion! I have one and it changes it's 'angle to rider' space as it moves; excellent! I have no such issues with buffeting.
Good Rides
Concur on the side wind. I have a 2006 Suzuki VSTROM and I only experience vortex shedding with side winds. I love the windshield on the VSTROM.
Had a H-D Road King with a big windshield so I cut it down about 2". Was easy enough to do with a band saw and a fine tooth blade. Felt so much better looking just over the top, and not through it. Safer I think and wind was still controlled.
I modified HD lowers to for my V Star 1300 Tourer. What a difference for me, but especially for my wife when riding 2-up. Buffeting was really pronounced for the passenger, and this mod nearly completely eliminated it. It also reduced the amount of updraft in my face and protects my lower legs, so I stay dry-ish on rainy days.
I had good luck with MadStad windshields out of Florida. They are engineered to pull air under the front of the windshield so the air flows smoothly over both sides of the windshield. And it does it well below the line of sight! Check them out.
I don't know a lot of folks who own a Rocket 3. I have one, a 2022 R3 GT and love that crazy thing. It's fun, beautiful and .... fun. Cheers! Dallas rider here. Merry Christmas.
My '22 Street Glide gave me buffeting headaches for the first couple of months. I put on a taller windscreen, 6.5 inches. The buffetting decreaseed but still not enough. I also thought about an even taller windscreen, but, like you, did not appreciate the look. I purchased Harley's fork-mounted wind protectors, and it solved my problem. If you have a black-out bike, then you are in a bit of a jam because they are only sold as chrome. I paid my local powder coater to make them vivid black, and they matched pretty well. Be prepared to put out $100 for the coating. Now I am considering lowering the windscreen because I think most of the problem was from the air pushing up from the forks.
Riding an electric motorcycle, I especially enjoy the relative silence. At lower speeds it is very relaxing to make almost no noise. But at higher speeds the wind noise is more noticeable. And more annoying.
I am going to experiment a bit more with different windshields. Thanks for the advice.
On my VFR800 Crossrunner I fitted a taller screen AND fitted mounting screws that placed the screen a further 12mm forward of the fairing. The screen had a small gap at the bottom that allowed some air to move into the void. A larger gap with a larger screen worked well to reduce buffeting.
I’m a relatively new rider (about 2 years) and I like a taller windshield setting most of the time on my touring bike. I rode from SC to SD, Wyoming, Montana, & back last September and appreciated the protection from the elements. I do prefer a smaller, lower windshield on my dual sport bike. I tend to be riding it off road and at slower speeds so the wind isn’t as much of an issue.
All that to say I think I know what I like but you have given me some new information to consider and I’m open to changing my mind.
Thanks 🙏
Vents in the shield👍🏻
Also if you can space the bottom of the WS out some to allow air to come under and relieve the back pressure. That worked really well on my ST1300!
My 2008 Buell Uysses . has terrible wind pressure buffeting and whistling in my ears inside my Helmut. The Madstad windscreens are adjustable height and angle ..
The Stock Buell windscreen was fixed and it was the taller option .. Just terrible windbuffeting ..
I installed a Madstad and it helped some. The Madstad screen is pushed out from the Instrument panel area.. Buell did the same thing on the Ulyssis on later models..
I'm not sure if I experienced wind buffeting but I have some observations about screens. The first big cruiser I owned was a Yamaha XV1100. It had a tall screen and the lowers you referred to. It did a great job of keeping the wind off my head and chest when riding at highway speed. It was a fixed screen. I traded that for a Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager which also had a fixed screen and leg shields that could be opened to allow some air through on the legs in summer. It was good at keeping the wind off as well but in summer when riding through built up areas at low speeds (50km/h in Australia) where you might need some airflow it was not so good. I have a Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter with an adjustable screen (electrically so it can be done while riding) it does a great job of keeping the wind off the chest and head but allows for air flow at low speed. The screen has a good amount of travel and has a concave curve so the wind is directed up and away. I traded the Kawasaki for a Can Am Spyder (RT Ltd) that has an electrically adjustable screen and a pretty wide nose as well as wind deflectors so I think it does a pretty good job keeping the wind off as well. The one bike I owned for a short time that had a useless screen was the Piaggio MP3 400. It had one of those stupid little sports screens that didn't do anything and was more of a decoration than of any practical use. Enjoy your ride wherever you're going and everyone stay safe on the road.
Great content. The key is finding a setup that the helmet isn’t 1/2 in and 1/2 out of the envelope. The noise is what bothers me the most. The advantage of deflecting the air higher is fewer bugs and rain in the face. But having your head in the wind is cooler on a hot day.
I had a Goldwing that has side deflecters or some call vent windows like cars used to have they were adjustable. After a few tries at different angles, it felt just like riding with no windshield or fairing, and the bugs ended on the windshield, not my visor or my jacket. I only ride with a fairing after the windshields deflected a black bird that most likely would have hit me. It cost me a windshield but better than knocking me off the bike with a head or chest shot
Enjoy your tips. Keep up the good work.
Have a 2018 softail deluxe. The major mod for buffetting I made was to add the fork mounted wind deflectors. They decrease buffetting when I have the wind shield on it, but push the buffetting right into my chest when I pop the windshield off. I also feel a little more heat from the motor after adding the fork mounted deflectors. I recently purchased a Shoei Geotec 2 helmet, hoping that will help when I ride without the windshield.
I own a FXLR Low Rider ( 2018 )
I bought the factory HD
“ detachable “ windshield - the tallest one that Harley offers .
I rarely go out on the Interstate ; but when I do - major buffeting on my half- helmet .
Is your ride the new soft tail like the Low Rider ?
I’m wondering if they sell those things you bought for mine ???
I put on fork mounts on my road King special. I love it. 15 to 20 mph improvement. I prefer no windshield and it's a huge improvement.
I have also found that the windshield on my Triumph was to small. so I put a larger one on and ran into the buffeting. So, looking at some of the products on the market with the scooped upper lip, I decided to try adjusting the angle of the windscreen. I found that when I shimmed the screen to a more vertical angle the turbulent air went over my head when I sat in my normal position. I used rubber bottle stoppers under the mounting bolts at the screen to screen frame.
There are foils that you can attach to the top of the wind screen that make it act like it’s taller than it is, you see the ADV guys use them. I like to keep my wind screen short otherwise I might get hit in the face when the front wheel tries to climb over a big obstacle.
Check the aftermarket for your bike. Sometimes they make bits to fill in areas around the fairing that create a common problem for a lot of riders. There are small folks that go on the sides of the GS fairing that make a big difference by moving the side air a little further to the side.
Sometimes it’s also the helmet you have. Some cheap helmets are just helmet shaped. More expensive helmets often have features on the outside that help smooth the air to quiet them down but it can also sometimes buffeting.
How close or far away you are from your fairing makes a big difference. Sometimes moving a bit forward helps.
Some motorcycles are designed for the rider to stay closer to the machine. On a sport bike if you tuck a bit more the air smooths out because you are not there to block it.
Some manufacturers actually use wind tunnels to help them optimize their windscreens to minimize buffeting. Add-on windscreens are typically a compromise so it fits multiple types of bikes, and you get to be your own wind tunnel, trying to figure out how to adjust it to keep the buffeting off you, while still allowing airflow so you're not roasting on hot days... Adjustability usually means you get to get your tools out again...
I had narrowed down my purchase choices to either a BMW R-1150-RT, or a R-1150-RS, the latter with a noticeably smaller fairing and windscreen. Both had adjustable windscreens. I chose the R-1150-RS as it was lighter and aimed at more sporting rides. Once I owned it I found the smaller fairing still allowed good wind circulation on hot days, while taking the pressure off the wind blast on high speed runs with minimal buffeting. The screen is height adjustable to optimize airflow and to further increase wind protection when the air gets cold, or wet... Many mornings I start out with the screen up to keep the cold air off, then lower it to get a cool breeze when the heat rises. An ideal choice for me and they types of rides I take.
This is a thoughtful, balanced presentation. However, the problem was introduced and explained but no actual solutions to managing the core problem were provided. I counted 2 ideas (besides the barn door approach). A shorter screen does get your helmet into clean air but essentially moves buffeting lower and in front of your helmet, yet direct air is likely not what many riders are seeking (a more quiet ride with less buffeting). Fork deflectors do little except make the pocket larger and again move the buffeting effect. The goal in preventing or mitigating buffeting significantly is balancing the pressure difference between the front and the back of the screen. This can be accomplished with a hole in the lower middle of the windscreen and/or a spoiler mounted in parallel with the front of the screen (NOT at the top, as deflection like that is essentially just a taller screen). I have experimented with many screen sizes, screen angles, deflectors, etc, and by far found that a spoiler (laminar flow lip) with or without a hole/vent in the screen smooths airflow, reduces noise and buffeting and makes the most comfortable ride behind a screen.
I've never been too concerned with buffetting but my better half went through the entire ensemble of devices to minimize wind shake. What worked the best was a shorter windscreen with a duck tail and fork mounted deflectors.
One of the reasons I bought the 2014 Ninja 1000 was the 3 way adjustable windshield. It has a complex shape that they must have spent some time on. Some wind is directed under the lower front edge to flow up the inside. I also have two other windshields I tried under various conditions. Bags on, I installed the tallest one for a 3 day trip. It was a smooth bubble with no buffeting, but it was a simple shape and maybe that contributed to the high noise level. I continue to use the stock unit set to the medium height, but I will try moving my hand around as you suggested to see if the air flow can be improved.
10:00 was great to hear. I'm trying to lower wind noise on my SV650, and will try this. Thanks a million!
This is one of the best videos . I've said this a long time but found this video while looking on how to cut my windshield . On my goldwing the turbulent air was just in front and under my head . Very interesting in the fa"", to see leaves flying and (floating ) in front of my face .
My New Harley electra glide has lots of buffeting , I'm trying a new windshield in a few weeks
Hey Kevin, great reminder video. After watching your original video regarding wind buffeting a couple of years ago, I installed the lower deflectors, and they worked great. I also switched to a lower windscreen because the taller one had to many reflections, and it was very hard to see through in the rain. Once again, the video described a problem and offered great solutions. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!a couple of years ag
where did u get the lower deflectors?
All very good stuff!! A subject that's much misunderstood and one I've done a lot of experimental work on. 'Buffeting' in aerodynamics language = turbulence and turbulence at best means noise and it it's worst, means physical issues. I ride an FJR 1300. The stock screen is useless to me - I'm 6'1" but all my height is in my back. I 'sit tall'. My problem was the horizontal 'roll' of turbulence which came off the top edge of the Yamaha screen making an unholy noise in my helmet. I changed to an MRA Vario Screen which made things eerily quiet but introduced a problem which nobody talks about - lateral turbulence. The top of the MRA screen is quite narrow so as the air leaves the vertical edges, it tumbles and squirms behind and the result of that (for me) was that at speeds over 70mph, I couldn't read road signs due to blurred vision! What happens is my head gets slapped around from side to side.
I got a different screen - a Polish one - taller and wider than the MRA but that had a different problem. It's like riding behind a barn door and the flip on the top edge causes problems at a certain height which is only cured by having it high enough that I have to look through it - not ideal as it's not optically correct plus add a little damp dirt and it's got to be moved down and out of the way. Also, riding behind an acrylic 'barn door' beats the hell out of my fuel consumption!!
Consequently, I'm still experimenting. Unfortunately we don't have a lot of choice here in the UK but I'm looking seriously at both the Cal Sci and Rifle products. Just need to commit to one and find out...!!
Wind buffering with no windscreen caused by the cage that just passed me and then sits there in front of me wrecking the air is worse than with a fairing and windscreen. 👍🏻. Same as coming up behind the cages. Love the learning.
I own the Suzuki Gsx-s1000gt + I replaced the standard screen for the Puig touring screen and also added a wind deflector on the top... it is absolutely perfect now even cruising at 90mph ... and the total height is at my chin level... 🙂
i ride a suzuki dl1000xt. no windscreen, changed mirrors, just smoother clean air. bigger screen, no thanks. no screen, yes please. and smaller lower profile mirrors( closer to the handlebars the better). good advice on this video. sub👍
I'm 6' tall and my main ride is a Bonneville T120, anything bigger than the 9" Dart fly screen on it ruins the classic look of my bike even though I stand pretty tall on it my helmet works well enough even above 80 mph. I have several helmets, the most quiet are my SHOEI and a carbon LS2. Glad to hear someone else point out how stupid some wind screens look and mostly a waste of money. For those who ride Triumph modern classics try a Dart screen, they work well, look good and are priced around $100.
Had a LongRider shield on my 1992 GoldWing with vent. Very little buffeting. MadStad on my 2017 Africa twin it gave a very smooth ride, great for long days in the saddle & a great unobstructed view. Plan to order a MadStad for my 2022 Rebel 1100, they just finished the design & made it so you can remove it easily for the short rides; nice. Worth a look. They make shields for many makes & models. Cheers. Keep up the good work. 🤙
Yes, I am surprised that Kevin has never heard of Madstad either. It’s the most obvious solution and he has no idea
Who said I never heard of it?
@@MCrider I didn’t. But the replier appeared surprised you never mentioned it as a good viable solution.
I guess I was surprised too. That’s why I replied.
@RCW Yeah, my reply was to James. I have had a madstad and removed it. Not saying it doesn’t work for you but it didn’t for me. If there is a one stop solution to the problem I have not found it.
@@MCrider yeah. At the end of the day the best solution is a tail wind. Roads that follow the trade winds are hard to find.
Thankyou for this video it's been extremely helpful. Facing buying a screen for the first time and you've helped save me buying a few things I shouldn't have
Have had many bikes and currently riding a HD Streetglide. I have tried many sheilds over the years and currently have a Madstad shield on mine. It articulates so that you can adjust the height and angle of it for different conditions. Best I've tried so far! Also added side shields (I think Kuryakyn) on fairing that you can change the angle of that helps deflect the air coming up the sides. In summer I direct air toward me then block it when its cold or on long trips when I can adjust for conditions. Great for when it rains to, water doesn't puddle up in your crotch.
Thank you Kevin for all the information and knowledge you provide.
I am a new rider and have learned a lot from you.
I'm having bufiting issues over 50mph.
So far I cannot find lower fork mounted farings for a Fat Boy.
I had a windshield installed to keep the clean air pressure off my chest and Virginia bugs off my face but it definitely caused big bufiting issues for my 🤕.
Appreciate your channel,
Bruce.
You're searching for the wrong thing. Search for "fork mounted wind deflectors" or "fork mounted lowers" for your bike. There's nothing out there that mounts to the LOWER forks, and that's where you're getting messed up.
Same issue 😢
My first bike so I have no clue if its just wind smacking me or wind buffetting but this helps. I do lke shorter windshield on my adv bike as half time im at 40 mph in mtns. Was gonna go buy bit bigger windshield but this explains the WHY better for sure
I am 82 years old, and prefer to ride without a windshield. I have one that I cut down for my Harley 99 Softail Custom, but I hate the buffeting. I do have some small fairings that go below the windshield that really help, but still do not remove it all. I ride with a helmet and goggles most of the time without the shield.
Back in the day, my 42 Flat Head had a windshield that had a heavy edge that stopped much of the windshield vibration. When I run a windshield on my Softail, I can reach up and the top of the windshield is vibrating. I have cut it down to well below eye level, but it should probably be cut some more. It is a Harley quick disconnect windshield. I just plain like riding without one most of the time. I like the visibility more than I dislike the wind. To each his own. Most of my riding is around the back roads where I live. Not a lot of interstate riding.
6'5" on an 09 Road King. Custom windshield(multi-day trips only) that is at mouth level and H-D fork mounted deflectors. Now zero buffeting, 12 to 14 hour days no issues. No issues without windshield, fork deflectors are well worth it for taller riders.
Ive always preferred no wind screen. I don't have my head being thrown around and the motorcycle looks SO much better and clean.
2015 Heritage I have the fork mounted and that really help with the buffering
Good video. See DK Customs cooling deflector wings that redirect air flowing through the forks and over the tank. I've been researching ways to cut the buffeting on my H-D batwing touring bike. A test to see the airflow is pin strips of ribbon or cloth to your chest, neck area, helmet and other buffeting areas then ride. You will note how the air fills the void behind the windshield and fairing and where the turbulance is. Harley came up with the fairing vent in 2014 and up touring models. The vent does make a difference. After experimenting with different windshields (Klock Werks & Freedom Shield) I'm going to order the DK deflector wings. After 30 years of riding I just don't want to get beat up with turbulance anymore. Doc Harley has a video on this topic too. Ride safe!
I put a 19.5 inch Klockwerks windshield on my Road King and huge improvment for buffiting.
This was really handy to watch.
I've recently hung up my one-piece and sold my R1 for a Z750 (Something up-right for my mid-thirties frame lol).
And I've been struggling with head on wind. On a super sports you're in essentially a vacuum like bubble at motorway speeds due to aerodynamics and what not.
On a naked, it's a totally different set of conditions.
I love the z750, but I did get an up & down puig screen only to find that the wind now hits me directly in the eyes LOL
Didn't think of checking for windage from below.
Also, I think I need to adjust the screen so the turbulent wind is below eye level.
Cheers for the tips!
Subscribed!
100% right. For the ones that don't believe it just go and ask a sailor. Sails flogging don't last to long. Thanks, MCrider.
On my Road Glide Ultra, the Memphis Shades 6.5 worked very well…. but my pillion wasn’t happy until I went with the Memphis Shades 8.5. Bike still looks good and problem solved.
Thank you just got back into riding been watching all your videos they have been putting alot of anxiety at ease your a blessing brother
Good discussion. Summer: definitely shorter wind screen. Winter: I can ride in 10 degrees colder weather with a taller wind screen. An the taller screen gives less noise in and outside my helmet. Yes, I do get wind on back of my neck with taller screen, but a good scarf takes care of that. I don't care how uncool it looks, I'm out to ride?
I found that lowers have helped with the buffeting more than anything. Without them the wind hits the front of the gas tank and send it right into your chest.
Good video. Another problem with tall windshield is structural with the leverage it has on mounts and steering influence. A strong wind can take the shield right off the bike if the mounts are not up to the task.
Since my post below, I purchased a set of DK cooling deflector wings for my '16 Ultra. They do indeed reduce the buffeting between my chest and windscreen. The air is almost dead in that space.
I ride a Pan Am, I have the short screen and a small deflector on top, at the highest setting it keeps the wind off my chest and shoulders, and the most of my helmet. I don't get any buffeting on my helmet. The Pan Am has a vent under it's screen, to let some air under the screen, this reduces the buffeting. The small deflector on top of the screen is angled 45 degrees, steeper than the standard screen, and this helps control the air flow coming over the screen, and cleans up the air flow. It also has side deflectors on the lower part of the screen.
Yep all the above as I have two OEM Windshields and helmet selection based on the windshield mounted counts as well. One helmet with high speed low drag shape will rattle my brains if a windshield in on, while a older traditional Shoei or a 3/4 helmet will work just fine. Another, is the lowers must match the windshield in that the smaller windshield will absolutely rattle your head with the lowers, but the larger one needs them. Great video explaining the phenomena as at first I was baffled, to finding solutions as your windshield height below the nose is the best....
I never thought of the wind buffet ,I have a short screen on mine but I'm going to check out if I'm getting any from the sides.Thanks for the tips ..👍
Buffeting is normally the result of a tall windshield not a shorter shield.
Rider in the central coast. I have found that my tall windshield was placed at its highest setting upright, making my bike lose control because of the headwind. When I adjusted to more of a 45-degree angle seemed to improve my area dynamic and a more leisurely ride.
thank u for this explaination, im currently trying to solve the nasty buffeting my 2017 suzuki vstrom gives me. its so bad i get headaches from it
Look into MadStad Engineering windshields. Their screens are designed to let air come up on the backside of the screen, thus eliminating turbulence. They design customized screens for different brands. The angle of the screen is adjustable. Best screen I've ever had.
i have a 2" x 1" x 18" foam rubber strip. i jam that between the base of my helmet , starting in the back of my neck and around my jaw line. it stops the wind from entering the helmet from the bottom. it reduces wind noise
I put "lowers" on my super tenere.... they made a huge difference. Have friends who spent a lot of bucks changing windshields around and it didn't cure the problem.. but the lowers certainly did. And the company put holes in the frame next to the fuel tank so they fit nicely.
Does your bike get hot with the lowers installed??
@@boscodog4358 Not at all. And if you mean to the rider or the engine... the lowers keep the wind off the rider, the engine fan is under the left cowling, well below the lowers so it has no impact either. Last summer it was 106 coming across Kansas.. no problem.
My HD Heritage seems to get hotter in the summer months with the lowers
Inplace, but I do like the way it does with the air.
And actually it's not the air as much as it is the rain under my helmet face shield.
Take a look at deflector screens - an example (the one I use) is the MRA X-creen. A quick google will find it. I have already installed 4 of them on different bikes, has solved the buffeting problem every time with minimal hassle.
The solution for me has always been an aerodynamic wind deflector in addition to the screen. It has a "slot" with an adjustable angle so after a little experimentation you can find the sweet spot to smooth out the airflow. It works extremely well and is better than even a tall screen by itself.
I'm from Ohio, the only time I use one is around in May just because of the June bug's, other than that I can't stand them, I like the wind,👍 Kevin thanks for the video and be safe everyone 🙏
My stock windshield on my Royal Enfield meatier 350 has a small opening in the lower center of the windshield that's I'm sure use to neutralize the pressure -it works great
My super Tenere had bad buffeting, I fixed it by 100% by installing a madstad windshield and bracket it wasn't cheap but well worth it. Madstad also recommends chin level for optimal performance
Thanks Kevin. While not a continual problem, wind buffeting does show up from time to time and you need to know what to do with it.
I’m getting a Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, I’ve heard it is hard to get a good windshield for it. On my Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero, I installed an 8 inch Long Range Shield and installed a gold wing vent. The vent works great in the summertime even up here in Ontario Canada 🇨🇦.
Hi Kevin, I had a Honda CBR600 and have ridden and owned several Adventure "Style" bikes (Fazer, Honda Crossrunner and X-ADV, Tiger 800 and 900) the only ones that did not have or cause buffeting (with the screen set to their high or low position) were the X-ADV and Tiger 900, and interestingly, both these bikes had large slots at the bottom of the screen and integral tiny little winglet on the bottom sides, so it seems the air through the slot disperses the air drawn from the back, one other side effect is, I also get insects splattered on the back of the screen. So perhaps the answer is to get rid of those screen extenders and cut a slot in the bottom of your screen (perhaps someone with a deep pocket should try first). Cheers, Gordon
great point. I always thought my windshield was a tad too low (kinda even with my chin but works great for me.) as opposed to what most windshield manufactures say to have it nose level.
I have a19 Road Glide installed the 15 inch Harley Wind Splitter windshield it does a great job very little buffeting
This is a sad subject. I’ve been riding since the ‘80s and love riding. After a couple of injuries in my neck in the military resulting in a couple fused vertebrae and deterioration in the condition of the joints around that, including arthritis, I’m starting to suffer significant pain from buffeting. Riding in open wind is also problematic but not as much as the constant beating of buffeting. I fear I am now ordered to stay down on surface roads and low speed, if I continue riding, as per my doctor. He would prefer not at all because of the helmet, but is willing to go with low speed surface streets. As bad as it hurts, looks like I’m retiring to motor scooters. (Don’t get me wrong, I love riding scooters too, had several over the years, just going to miss rolling out on some highways across Texas and road trips)
Installing the Harley brand lowers on a Twin Cam Deluxe Softail with a windshield (cut down to be at nose level) made an ENORMOUS difference. With the windshield mounted, it was OK as far as wind protection is concerned, but with the lowers added (also called fangs by some forum members) it’s like going from a windy day to being able to light a cigar. This, by the way, was all experienced when wearing a so-called Shorty helmet. With a three-quarter helmet it’s always better regardless. A full face? Well, I have one of those, too - it’s parked in the driveway 😁 Now then …do I like the look of the fangs? Absolutely not! The windshield by itself is really grampsy Geezer-Glide enough ☹️
From Southern California ~ Ride Forever!
I never had wind buffering with my Duke 390 no matter what the speed but with the RE Himalayan and the standard wind shield my head was buffetingr like my head was on a spring rather than on my neck. Removed the shield and got cured of it.
I have a windshield set at my nose and most of the buffeting comes from lower angle like he mentioned. Thx for this video! R
I have a honda rebel 1100. I tried the puig and hated it. I now have a Memphis Shades Gauntlet...I'm very happy...no buffeting! Aso, I don't feel like when I go speeds above 70 I'm about to fall off my bike.
Thanks for the information, I would think that the fork lowers on an air cooled motor like the Harley would not allow for optimum air to cool the engine. However, a water cooled motor should have no issue.
I so much agree with you I ride Yamah GTS 1000 and a Niken and I always agrue with me fellow rides who want higher biger windscreen where as I ride the very shortes version. The advantage is that I ride in a laminate airstream. AND in sommer I get fresh air on my helmet and me which cools ...
On my Harley Limited I installed a short "wave" windshield. Still look over it instead of thru it. Worked great to stop most buffeting. My Super Tenere will be getting the "lowers" shortly.
I had a Givi Airstream screen on the BMW GS. It lets air under a movable section that stops the buffeting. It cuts the >80mph wind pressure allowing you to maintain high speeds all day long.
I think you mean Givi Airflow. My friend has a F650GS (800cc) and it has Givi Airflow. I set that to a height little below eye level and that thing was totally silent.
Thanks Kevin for another great video! I have a 2016 Road King, I am 6 foot tall. The top of the windshield is right there at eye level. I can straighten my back and see over the top. Not too much buffeting going on for me.
I got an aftermarket screen for my Honda Varadero and it has a deflector at the top which works really well but needs setting up carefully. However, thanks to this video, I am going to test what is coming up from the fairing.
I solved this problem by installing an air flow windshield from givi, it's amazing
I agree installed an air flow after breaking my OEM in a accident. I ride a 650 Vstrom I like how easy it is to adjust.
@@roberthaldeman5312 I drive a vstrom 650 too, excellent windshield
Had an '06 GL1800 Wing and it was HORRIBLE for buffeting. My wife would not ride with me as she got beat to hell back there. Sold that ponderous pig and bought a '17 BMW R1200RT and it is COMPLETELY different and better in every way. The aerodynamics of that bike with the electric windshield are superb. At highway speeds, I put it up to about chin height and get a smooth flow over my helmet. In the city, I just drop it down completely. My wife loves it and looks forward to riding with me again. The German engineers clearly put their designs into a wind tunnel and it really shows.
In town, and the twisties, I like no windshield. But most of my riding miles are freeway commute, where I prefer it. I have a Tracer9, and leave it at the lowest position.
I simply prefer to turn my cap around and fly like the wind. Always interesting and informative, thanks!
I, too, have a Rocket III - a '14 Roadster. You mentioned a small windshield on yours - what do you have? I'm guessing the sport fly? Do you have lowers as well?