This is a possible solution to the "updraft" buffeting you get from the wind bouncing of the leading edge of your frame/airbox cover and then deflecting up your torso and up beneath you helmet.
I fab'd a pair of these out of some .080 plex today as a project.
Took a test ride this afternoon, and they seem to do exactly what I intended. I am running with the stock flyscreen and a stock w/s with palmer brackets. I'm going to switch back to my gigantic Cee Bailey's w/s and see how they work with it
If they prove to be as beneficial as they seem, I'll fab some out of proper acrylic as plex is too brittle.
Interesting idea. It might provide better coverage without looking like a huge flyscreen (because it is clear) but an overall picture of the bike would be needed. The stock flyscreen size is fine for me, but if your extensions work for you, that's what counts. Post another picture that shows the whole bike with your extensions installed.
I really struggled with buffeting on my Road King. The solution was *not* a new screen. It was lowers mounted to the forks. I look forward to your test results.
I roded a BMW LT that had small folding lower wind foils below the fairing. I was always amazed at when I folded them out how much smoother the air was on the bike. I have always felt that mfgrs have spent far too little effort in adding this v. trying to make taller and wider windscreens.
I've always wished I could spend some time in a wind tunnel, and get photographic proof of where all the different types of "buffeting" come from.
i may just tape about 50 tufts of yarn to the bike and go for a ride. I'll get a friend drive next to me in a cage and take photos. Change w/s and do it again, add tabs, and try again, it might be a fun project...
Ok, this thread got me thinking. I've been riding, and just using my left hand to feel around for where the air pressure is, and follow it forward or down to where it originates. There seem to be two major sources of turbulence: one is of course the top and sides of the windshield, and the second does appear to be the air coming off the front of the frame/airbox cover on each. This air seems to originate on each side of the forks, between the triple clamps upper and lower. I think that some 3" or so wings that stick out at 45 degrees on each of those fork tubes would really help. I've been covered up with work and haven't had a chance to fab a test mule/proto-anybody want to try it? let me know. I may do it with stiff cardboard and duct tape just to test the idea. doc
I installed a set of Memphis Shades lower wind deflectors in clear. I have a 26" Parabellum windshield. The turbulence was horrendous before I installed these. Now it is non-existent. The kit with clamps to mount these are for Honda VTX. You can view these on the Memphis Shades website.
I am cutting and fitting the second version of them tonight and will photograph and post tomorrow after riding 50 miles with them. The second version has a slightly different profile to blend in with the original flyscreen shape, and I'm widening them 1/2 inch. This set is out of .095 Lexan
Damn it's hard to photograph a transparent object, after dark, with a cheapo digital camera, but i think you get the idea what version 2 looks like. I sprayed some water on the deflectors in the one shot so you could see them better. I'll try again in the morning with daylight and repost if it works.
Thanks CA for the idea. Wind noise is my biggest complaint about the bike. If I can get that fixed then the only thing I will complain about is the fan noise.
I agree that the factory really needs to address this and give us a good accessory option. I bought the bike to ride 300 - 500 mile days and wind noise is the only area that it falls short.
Hi, Tom, I'm still finalising costs and need to set up a banner on here before selling stuff. My Windshield adapter kit is currently $99 (incl. postage) and the screens I'm targetting for £80 ($150) with an extra £6 ($10) for tinted ones plus a bit of postage. I'll obviously do a deal on a total kit of bits. The picture above is a proto of the final shape which has now been CAD modelled and awaiting a former to be made.
Also how is the wind buffing with this setup ? I had A Cee Bailey's 12In to much wind noise cut down 2 times better but still pretty bad ,put on A Zero Gravity better buffing but a lot of wind.
The key to the whole concept of the screen mounting is it's positioning and adjustability. I find that the taller Buell screen with my Adapter Kit is about 90% ideal for long, high-speed journeys. The new screen adds that bit extra. It's a similar shape to the Buell tall screen but bigger. I now can't imagine how the setup can be improved and it's been an exciting revelation which I'm sure will provide other riders with the extra benefits that have been sadly lacking until now. For me, there is no other bike I can think of (or want) that would make a better adventuring mount!
That is probably the most comprehensive statement I've ever seen on a forum post, here or elsewhere! And the best part of it is that it is absolutely true.
However, since most of us are pussies, windshields of some sort will always be around, and therefore, buffeting threads, like oil threads, will always be around.
There may be no buffetting but it gets very uncomfortable at high speed - just ask the Kawasaki Z1300 rider I passed at 80+ as he was doing some silly dance in a prone position, unable to even look over his shoulder. Aerodynamics is the key and I was glad I had my screen fitted on my way back from Belgium a few weeks ago, riding for 2 hours in the worst weather I've ridden in. The screen gave me a small clear window of rainfree vision through my visor, whereas my mate was having to wipe his visor every 10 seconds!
is the solution FtBstrd is recommending that we all take steroids and become gay? Not that there's anything wrong with that, but as for me . . . No F**king Way!
>>However, since most of us are pussies, windshields of some sort will always be around, and therefore, buffeting threads, like oil threads, will always be around.<<
Yeah - I just like naked bikes. The key to a good windscreen for me is how easily it is removed.