How to solve wind buffeting on your motorcycle

[@MCrider]

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[@Antonemoe]

Mine is at nose level, I have fork lowers and highway bar lowers, very little buffeting

[@bailey648]

Hi Kevin - I just wanted to drop a quick thank you, as your videos may have possibly saved my and my girlfriend's life this past weekend. We went on a weekend trip from NY to Delaware, and after doing a little shopping, we were on our way back to our cabin. I was second in line at a traffic light on a 4 lane highway, waiting for the light to turn green. Traffic was coming up behind us, and as first car in the trailing pack moved to the turn lane, the car behind him didn't realize traffic was stopped in front of him. He locked up his brakes and began to skid. As soon as I realized what was happening, I was able to move forward and split the 2 cars in front of me, leaving enough room for the out of control vehicle to come to a stop and not hit us. I can't count how many times I've heard you say to leave yourself an escape, and it paid off. So thank you for doing what you do, and helping to keep us and my bike in one piece!

[@elgringoec]

Good job watching out and reacting appropriately, man!

[@raywise8727]

@@elgringoec Glad everyone was safe. I always look for my escape path. One other thing anytime I get to a red light, I am always in 1st gear (vs neutral) for the quick get away in my escape path.

[@elgringoec]

@@raywise8727 That's cool. Gotta protect yourself. I don't need to keep it in gear and put extra wear on my clutch mechanism, I can pop it in gear and take off just as fast. I'm watching and ready!

[@horizonized]

❤️

[@xXTECHxKNIGHTXx]

Having an escape has saved my skin countless times! Its almost become a 6th sense in a way.

[@chrispomphrett4283]

A long time ago, I had a little Honda CX500 which came with a large slab of a screen and it did just what you described, the up draught behind it was awful. A friend who was into flying encouraged me to drill a couple of one inch holes quite low down on each side and the air rushing through the holes disturbed the up flow enough to improve it immensely. Certainly sufficient to be able to live with it. (And, no more strange sight of rain flying upwards behind the screen!)

[@denisewildfortune4058]

Kevin! I just want to thank you for this video. I had discovered that wind was coming up from below on my Indian Springfield as you said. I recently found Indian brand lower wind deflectors on sale and bought them. They are fork mounted using the nacelle bolts so it was easy. What a difference! It is so quiet behind the windscreen that I can now ride with my visor open allowing me more fresh air and a more natural riding experience. Wicked happy!

[@afterburner2869]

Please Kevin, do a video on riding with a passenger, tips for both the rider and passenger. What both need to know for a safer more enjoyable ride would be so very helpful to a lot of us. Thanks .

[@bigg16]

Yes please

[@1stcarver]

Teach your passenger to look over your shoulder, and help you LOOK thru the curves, and turns. They need to look over your left shoulder for a left curve, and the right shoulder for a right turn. And that's really about it. Oh yeah, be sure to tell them to stay on the when moving! LOL

[@helaaspindakaas9282]

That would be really helpfull, optionally some tips for riding with small or young people

[@keithjohnston8629]

I have been riding since 1971. I’ve always told my passengers to keep their shoulders directly behind mine at all times, no sudden moves and keep your feet on the pegs/ boards unless they are getting off the bike. I’ve never lost a passenger yet. I’ve ridden passengers as young as 4 and as old as 82.

[@capt.nandhakumar2009]

As per my instructor's advice on this....make your pillion a co-rider. The co-rider anticipates every turn and stop and reacts accordingly to keep the bike stable. This takes away the boredom of sitting still.

[@Robnord1]

This was a *great* topic Kevin! Riding around with buffeting is not only uncomfortable, but dangerous. A stressed out rider is a higher risk rider, and you've offered some good solutions here. ♥

[@Robnord1]

On my Honda Shadow, buffeting was a real problem. Tried a tall windshield, then tried cutting it lower, then built a custom lower fairing...all with only fair results. Final solution, a BMW 1200RT. Infinitely adjustable for varying conditions. This may be my last motorcycle. Love it!

[@Speciation]

I'm having the same problem on my Shadow Phantom

[@Blueyes05]

Speciation Hi Speciation, my husband bought me a 2018 Honda Shadow Phantom last week (July 3rd). My first motorcycle was a used Honda Shadow Ace that I really enjoyed riding so that was my main reason to keep with a Honda Shadow. I would like to make few changes to my Honda Shadow Phantom. Have you made any changes or going to make changes to yours? 1) I’m not so crazy about Phantom only coming in the color black so I’m hoping to have a wrap put on once I decide on the design and color(s). 2) I don’t care for the handle bar it came with, (the straight bar) so I’m going to wait a few months to see if I decide to keep or change the handle bar for a different style. 3) I’m definitely going to add a windshield 4) I don’t know what it is with the positioning of the rear brake and foot peg. I believe the rear brake is too high which is causing my foot to be positioned at an odd angle. Basically my toes are pointing up at all times except for when I push on the rear brake. When my toes are pointed up it starts to bother my ankle. I had my husband ride it and he agreed that it needs to be adjusted so my foot doesn’t go to sleep or start cramping. Is yours the same way? If so what did you do to make it more comfortable?

[@brent1041]

I currently have a Honda shadow with the Honda tall windshield. The buffeting is kinda bad but I am thinking of getting a new triumph tiger 1200

[@2wrdr]

Yep, cruisers are notorious for having to live with wind buffeting. Compare that to a sport touring bike, well there is no comparing. The ST was designed to move in the wind. The cruiser? They primary excel at looking pretty if that's your thing and if you stay under 55 the buffeting is not too bad but I'll pass.

[@flyingdog1498]

The worst BMW has better aerodynamics than the best Harley

[@fuglbird]

I live in northern Europe and always click [Yes please] when KZbin suggest that I watch your channel. You always start explaining what you are going to talk about. Most often it's very different from what we do here and I leave looking forward to your next video. This time you addressed a problem that we have in common. This was very useful. Thank you! I started long distance touring 1978 with my girlfriend as passenger on the two stroke three cylinder Suzuki GT550 without windshield. Later I did the same on a Moto Guzzi 850 California. The wind screen was perfect. Only downside was that I didn't need the massaging of my back when we got there.

[@gabrialavichai9615]

No buffeting problems on my Triumph America with a factory shield installed. Wind goes right over my full face helmet. And the top of the windshield is below eye level like your experts recommend. Clean air for venting, and less road noise. It's a miracle!

[@kevinfeary6520]

Hey Kevin, it's Kevin. Thanks for the great video. I once thought I was a great rider, but I have learned so much from you. Thank you for your great advice and knowledge.

[@alkoenig85]

The more I learn, the more I understand my numerous shortcomings as a rider. This is not a bad thing. So, I am not a great rider and I have to drive for everyone else, be very aware.

[@kevinx5405]

Hi Kevin and Kevin, this is Kevin. I was just trying to figure out how to reducing buffeting . This is very helpful. Thanks!

[@1stcarver]

Another good video! I wish these options had been available way back when I was having problems in this area. I well remember the first windshield I installed on a bike. I fought with that thing for years, and the air flow. I figured out a lot of the problems on my own. Added lowers, but they didn't help much, so I made my own lowers, and trimmed them to what I needed for my particular motorcycle. But when I first started riding, there were no windshields, or lowers. And we didn't have people like you to help us out. 54 years later, and I'm still riding, but am a lot more comfortable on today's motorcycles than i was 50 + years ago! As you state, windshields come in all kinds of sizes, as do lowers. And they are not hard to modify. I look forward each Friday to another one of your videos. Thanks! And keep em coming!

[@phillipscott6179]

I really appreciated your comment on the ear plugs. I am a retired heavy equipment operator and I have tinnitus and I've ridden a lot. I used ear plugs at work but not so much on my motorcycle.

[@moushunter]

I have a 17 road king with a tall windshield. I'm short so I'm looking 6 inches below the top of the screen. I don't have much issue with buffeting generally. I did adjust the tilt of the windshield to give it a more laid back angle. Up here in the north we experience a seasonal change over in air density around mid September. Lots of people bring their bike in the shop then complaining about the bike riding like the front end is falling off. It is just the heavier colder air fighting back. It can be as bad as following a tractor trailer on the highway. Spend a couple hours on the road at highway speed and your arms feel like you've been shoveling manure all day. I had a Honda a long time ago that had a Vetter Windjammer fairing on it. It had 2 small vents under the fairing. You could sit behind that thing on the highway all day long and barely feel a draft. Earplugs aren't an option where I live. No earplugs or headphones.

[@mikecarreca7864]

I have no real problem on my heritage custom nor does my wife on her Softail deluxe. Windshield has to be the proper height and you can control the lower wind by how close your knees are to the tank. Thank you as always Kevin.

[@flyinggyros9745]

I ride a 2012 Honda Interstate VT1300-CT. I couldn’t find fork lowers for my bike. I went to a Honda forum and found a thread about doing your own. With a piece of plexiglass from Home Depot and 4 rubber coated metal clamps I was able to make my own. What a difference. That small sun visor was a source of my vibration. The lowers solved that problem. Now I can ride till my butt hurts instead of the wind fatigue. Great idea Kevin. It works. I spent all of $30 making my own.

[@Whiskers74]

I know I'm pretty late to this party, but thanks for another well thought out, well presented, and informative video. I've recently bought a 99 Suzuki Intruder 1500. When I bought it, it had the factory screen on it. Around local streets, and up to around 70km/h (43MPH) it was a joy to ride, but any higher speeds made it simply dangerous. Not only did it cause severe buffeting, but it also caused death wobbles. Since removing it, riding is a pleasure again as I my usual commute is mainly highway riding, yet there's no buffeting any more, and the death wobbles are a thing of the past. Yes, longer rides at highway speeds are a bit more physically tiring (I can always benefit from exercise that's actually fun), but for me at least, they're also a lot safer. Stay upright, and stay safe out there.

[@betruly7894]

Thank you a lot, I never thought that decreasing the windshield height will help with buffeting. I was all the time busy trying to have the highest possible windshield.😅

[@davewolf8869]

Kevin, I have a 99 or so BMW R1200C which came with a windshield. It was the first bike I had in a few years, and I just accepted the fact that I had to use brute strength to force my helmet into the wind... until one day I took the windshield off, and wind buffeting went from 150 to about 20. Turns out, I am a taller dude, and the windshield was the perfect height to direct all laminar flow directly into my FACE. (It was a smaller windshield) Also, I was always too cool for school and never wore ear plugs, even shooting guns, now I have tinnitus so bad it is literally all I hear, all the time. If you want to talk to me you have to talk ABOVE the tinnitus... It even affects my sleep, but I am adjusting to it over time, I may never have another quiet moment in my life. So, fellow riders, wear ear lugs, don't be "cool", tinnitus is NOT COOL. If you want to retain your hearing in front of your friends, but a set of bluetooth in ear plugs, and just tell your totally cool friends, "I like to hear music while riding...", and don't turn it up too loud, but that can help you avoid hearing damage trust me, it's just not worth it otherwise.

[@kuskus1695]

Hello. I have tinnitus as well but wearing earplugs makes my rides uncomfortable. I dont know why but all the vibrations makes my ringing louder so i domt wear them. I am all into protecting myself from excesive wind noise. Have you ever heard about trt?

[@djohnson3678]

impressive illustration on wind buffeting, i like it. i do not see why most riders dont want to wear helmets. the wind itself will damage your ear drums from gusting by so fast. awsome video !!

[@garya3056]

Great info, Kevin... a big thumbs up. Loved your comment “if a bug hits your windshield, you’re stuck with it”... am still smiling after that! Have a great week!🏍👍🏍

[@dennyr98373]

Good words, as usual, Kevin. My favorite bike of those I've ridden, is the Honda ST1300. There is virtually no buffeting and almost no vacuum. Air comes up behind the windshield and relieves the vacuum. But sometimes you get bug streaks on the back of the windshield!

[@rrmorris67]

I'm here to say I learned some very valuable info from this, so thank you! Last year I came to own a 2005 road king. It has a stock HD windshield that is sized pretty good for me but I was really frustrated by the upward constant gust hitting me in the chest and face. I had no idea about the fork fangs until I watched this. I soon ordered a pair (NOT the overpriced Harley stuff!) along with the curved fork triple tree piece that forces air downward (also not overpriced HD stuff). Can't wait to get these pieces installed and try them out!

[@terrillmel]

How did they work?

[@mrvoyagerm]

Great topic. I've been riding 47 years now in Canada and I prefer the top of the windshield such that I can see over it, but I can also duck down behind it in rain or especially hail storms. This is also good for oncoming trucks flinging debris all over. My wife and I have an Ultra Classic and it and we have been through hell and back on it - rain, hail, snow, gravel roads and cold weather. We both enjoy the security we feel being behind that simple looking but very functional Harley batwing fairing. It works better than you would expect with very little buffeting. - for us anyway.

[@randycoleman6065]

Puig makes adjustable windshield visors that attach near the top of a windshield and can be tilted as needed to minimize noise and buffeting, and to add more protection from wind and weather. They’re quite popular among the adventure riders, who tend to have smaller windshields with less protection. Very well designed and well made.

[@ekimandersom4478]

And ugly

[@morkthetubabiker5479]

The Harley “fangs” work great on lower buffeting. I have also used various Memphis Shades lowers on two previous bikes that worked almost as well.

[@richardanderson4916]

Man you totally nailed it. I have been struggling with this issue! I've talked to several people about it but this is the first time anyone was able to speak intelligently about this topic. You rock bro! Drive on!! Thank you!!!!👍

[@williamandrews8951]

Thanks I’m learning a lot , I used to ride in my 20-30, than gave it up . I’m 61 and I bought a Harley 1200 cc. I like all your instructional videos. Thank you.

[@COMB0RICO]

This was very useful to me because it demonstrates that even bikes with fairings can have under buffeting. This helped me keep my dream of getting a cruiser.

[@n4zou]

I put a 70's era Vetter Windjammer fairing on my Honda Shadow. No buffeting whatsoever. Then I found matching Vetter saddlebags and trunk and mounted those on my bike. Craig Vetter designed the fairing, bags, and trunk in a wind tunnel so all the air moves up, around, and then it's directed behind you. Nothing made today is better! There's a good reason Mr. Vetter manufactured and sold over a million of them in the 1970's.

[@keithjohnston8629]

Plus one for the Vetter fairing. I had a KZ1100 with a Vetter fairing, bags and trunk. Great low budget touring rig.

[@Sincity4me]

Got the same bike with a Windjammer fairing and concur with everything you said. In the 70's Windjammer was THE premium fairing and for a good reason. They delivered. Friend of mine had one on his bike also and he was a smoker. He could actually smoke a cigarette behind his fairing while going down the road. Hard to believe but absolutely true.

[@n4zou]

Vetter sold a left side pocket cover with a small pocket sewn in that was designed for a pack of cigarettes and a hole for a cigarette lighter socket just below the left side pocket cover came on every fairing. Just pop out the plastic plug and push in a lighter socket. Even the wiring pig tail included a wire for that lighter socket (on 9 pin pig tail sockets). A Smoker could easily reach under the flap pocket, pull a cigarette out, and light it with the cigarette lighter as soon as it popped up. All that was done using only the left hand and yes, it's no big deal to burn a cancer stick while riding at even super slab speeds. The Windjammer is still the best motorcycle fairing made to this very day.

[@Sincity4me]

Mine has two decent size pockets with a leather cover that snaps. Later models had a fiber glass covering that actually locked. You won't get any argument from me that they are the best made fairings. Wish I had one on my Harley. The windshield I have now allows a lot of turbulence so I'm going to try different settings and perhaps lowers if necessary.

[@rosicroix777]

had a '78 CB400 w a vetter fairing, square headlight, worked like a dream,

[@byronconstance7494]

Kevin, I really enjoy the information you share each week. For the windshield height, having it too low directs the wind off of the windshield into your face making it more intense than having no windshield. The ideal height is just below your eye level when sitting in your normal riding position. If it's too high (at or above your eye level), in the rain you will have to look through three layers of rain drops: the outside and inside of the windshield and on your face shield or goggles. With the distance between you and the windshield, having it just below eye level, will direct the wind above your head. The buffeting is primarily the wind that is pushed upward not clearing the top of your helmet.

[@Robnord1]

You make a very good point about tall windshields in the rain. First time my tall windshield got splashed with muddy debris I was at 50 mph or so on a curvy road it was terrifying. Instant blindness. I cut it down the next day.

[@pollywoggle6971]

Thank for the video. I was having this problem with extreme helmet shakiness at highway speeds and wasn't sure what was causing it or if it was just normal. A 2 hour ride on the highway didn't sound like much fun and would have ended up in a bad headache I'm sure so I tried removing the windshield and what a difference! I much prefer the smooth open wind to the buffeting that I was taking with a windshield, Instead of getting battered it feels like my helmet is slicing through the wind and the extra wind at my chest and sleeves helps keep cool too. Much more enjoyable ride now.

[@48grizzly]

Im 75 yrs old. Been riding since 1965, without any down time. Having owned several Harleys and a couple others , with and without windshields and /or fairings. In the end , NO windshield or fairing is much better in my opinion.

[@jeremys5187]

Kevin, I wish to extend a big THANK YOU for making and sharing these videos. Two months ago out of sheer random, I decided that I should learn to ride a motorcycle. I spent roughly 40 hours watching several of your videos. Soon after, I earned my motorcycle permit and put your videos into real life practice. Shortly after, I signed up for an MSF class and successfully passed the Basic Rider Course. Had I not watched your videos and put into practice what you taught me -- I would have surely failed. Thank you so very much. Ride safe brother!

[@mumbleypegjones6191]

When riding across the country, I strap my sleeping bag on top of the headlight & across the bars. It's a great wind deflector & 1 less thing strapped down on the back.

[@antondahl8945]

Good advice,thanks. I'm from North Carolina and a windshield can sure be nice in the winter,but I take them off in the summer. Ever since I started riding a streetbike in 1978,I've always worn the very best quality full coverage helmet available. And like you said,earplugs are a good idea on longer rides.

[@Marc-js8rx]

Thanks for this informative video, Kevin!! I, too, experienced significant buffeting on my windshielded '07 Softail Deluxe. I did more research and found which Part# actually fits the Deluxe from another rider forum, even though H-D didn't list its fitment for a Deluxe. Ordered it, installed it in about an hour, and it fit like a glove! What a dream! Cut my buffeting down by at least 2/3's...all the way up to about 70mph. After that, the wind does become more of a factor. But under 70, it's glorious! Not the most beautiful of mods, but functional?? Hell yeah!!

[@hardtop8086]

Hello Kevin, you put out Some great videos. As far as buffeting, I have 2001 FatBoy and had lots of buffeting. I have windshield that is just below my eyes. I add the lowers and that helped but still buffeted my head around. Then I added saddle heat shields to help with the heat on my legs. Well that worked great but I found that there was an added benefit, it almost completely took the buffeting away. The $70 I spend on that part was one of the best investments I've made to my bike...well besides the stage II upgrade but that was pricy. Thanks again for the videos. Keep up the great work!

[@yurikhromov2905]

Hey, Kevin! That's a nice topic to discuss. Thumbs up for it. One advice that I may give to other riders is to play with the mounts of their windshield, to try and find a sweet spot where the buffeting is minimal. An example there. I ride a Honda Shadow at the moment and I've got a National Cycle Switchblade windshield on it. In fact I've got two that I switch: a smaller one for my commuting and a bigger one for travelling. Same as you, Kevin, I don't like the windshield to obscure my line of sight, so I picked a "Switchblade Shorty" as my bigger windshield. And I had had some trouble with buffeting. I tried to mount it to the uppermost position on the fork, then to the lowest, and I still had my head bounce to the wind. I had even tried installing the 2up version, but it was even worse. Then after some experiments I managed to find a sweet spot in the middle of a height range, that keeps buffeting to a minimum. I guess that at that height airflows from the top and from the bottom compensate each other and the resulting impact on my helmet is minimal. So what I want to say is that even a minimal adjustment to the windshield can be a major factor on your comfort. And it's not obvious where that sweet spot is, so one has to experiment with the windshield adjustment before they decide to change it altogether or look for a different solution. Wow this turned up as a long post. But I hope it will be helpful to someone out there. Keep it up, Kevin! I'm really enjoying your videos!

[@saliston]

My gunner came with a Victory windsheild. It is a bit lower and I have no buffeting. This also allows my helmet vents to work and keep me cooler in hot temps.

[@RS-qw3cp]

I have a 2016 road king with the stock windscreen. I added the same harley lowers Kevin had in the video. The lowers have reduced the buffeting by about 75% (ballpark), so well worth the $128 (canadian). Haven't tested them in the rain, but they should make a huge difference. The blasts of air Kevin described adjacent to the gas tank are virtually gone. Good video Kevin, thanks.

[@davemiller1007]

Bought a sport fairing for my Honda VF700S Sabre 1984...did exactly what you said, took the wind off my chest and put it right in my face. Fortunately, a friend recommended the MRA X-Creen spoiler that I clamped on to the top of the windscreen. Eliminated most of the buffeting, and is adjustable to various heights. You can look through it or put it down low and look over it. Thanks for the education about the wind coming from underneath, I am getting wind in and around the base of my full face helmet, and I’ll bet that’s what it is.

[@jwmclean20016]

Thanks Kevin. Exactly right about the source of buffeting. I also ride a Road King, and after years of experimenting, I solved the top buffet with a stock Harley windshield, 19 inches, I think - it comes right at mouth level. To that I added a Memphis Shades top wing, which channels the air and relieves some of the back pressure, reducing the vacuum behind the shield. I also added Memphis Shades side wings to protect my hands. Works great. I can ride at freeway speeds with the same wind protection as a Road Glide, and still pop the windshield off when I want to cruise the boulevard. For the lower buffet, I also use the fork wind deflectors. They make a huge difference. As you say, managing the wind is key to comfort and endurance while riding at speed. Thanks for the tips.

[@JimmyBackbeat]

Putting a grinder to the bottom of the windshield, carving out small air intakes around the headlight hight, can fix the problem with vacuum around the helmet. It might be hard to get it to look like it came by design from the manufacturer, but it can be done. The idé is to let the air flow in below the screen and follow it up on the inside and thus reducing the vacuum effect.

[@arb52652]

Kevin Great Videos! I bought a used 2010 Ultra in '14. Still riding it. I had the problem of a windshield top of my helmet, don't like looking thru it either. (bugs, sun light glare). A buddy told me about KLOCK Windshields. Mine is 9 1/2" tall. Sits just below my nose, I can look over the shield and the air flow is up and over my helmet by an inch or so, because of the shape of the shield. NO buffetting the helmet! Great when passing big vehicles on highways also. Used to also buffet the handle bars back & forth little. Now all I feel is a little straight back pressure when passing. Best purchase I have made for a comfortable ride. I know I'm a little late to the party on this video, but just saw it! Safe Travels!

[@artiecisneros4691]

What I did with my 1100 Virago years ago, I had the windscreen cut a couple inched from the top and had that area polished and it was perfect. I also lowered the seat and had forward controls made. I really miss that bike. Thank you for this vid.

[@terencemeehan8237]

Hi Kevin, I never rode with a windshield, but after a back operation the wind blast on my chest and holding myself up caused pain, so I tried several different shields. They all caused horrible buffeting even with lowers. Then I tried an after market sport shield with infinite angle adjustment. I found the closer I moved the top of the shield toward my head (chin actually) the less buffeting I felt. Ends up that with the shield about 6 inches from my face and 3 inches above the headlight there's no buffeting at all, I was amazed! If it gets stuffy in hot weather I just raise my head up and the wind flows into the vents on my full face helmet. Thanks for the video.

[@deecee2837]

Yep. That's why sport bikes made for very high speeds have the windshield closer to the head.

[@outtabubblegum7034]

That Harley has one of the most beautiful speedometers I ever saw.

[@horizonized]

That’s funny, I thought the same thing as soon as the video started.

[@searcher9]

Just picked up a new 2022 Road King for myself two days ago. Seems Harley is just throwing the tallest windshield they have on every on...cant say I blame them. I remember having a Long Ride Shield on a bike years ago, and I absolutely loved it. For the buffeting from below, I had them install a set of lowers that sat mounted below the seat at..sorry...crotch level. The tank had to be taken off to do it, so it was a professional install. That seemed to cut out about 80% of the lower wind gust for me. I will try the fork mounted lowers though, as I may be able to save some money on technician hourly rates.

[@esa062]

I found that I like having no windshield or fairings at all. You get used to the pressure on your chest soon, and the wind you get is turbulence free. You also get a nice airflow to the vents on your gear. Of course if you ride long distances at highway speeds this may not be the solution for you.

[@mattevans5812]

Agree, left mine off on my last 10,000 mile road trip and will never use it again and i ride sitting straight up in the wind on a dual sport. Less sail area in crosswinds, no buffeting, better body cooling airflow, and bikes look better without them. If I need a windscreen (because it's freezing outside) I'll take the car.

[@joncastile3248]

I agree completely. I just took a 7500 mi. trip across America & back. I took my windshield off 2 years ago. And now I've built some body strength . I love the ride sooo much better now without it. I'm also 68 years old. So age is not a good excuse. And my cruiser looks better too in my opinion.

[@jmyoung513]

I agree also. I will put the windshield on on cold days. The windshield got to the point that my eyes wouldn't focus well. I've also tried half helmets to look cool, and full face to "be safer." I'm not huge on either. The most comfortable ride (to me) is no helmet and not windshield, but you gotta dress for the idiots (law included per your state). Most of the buffeting on my bike comes from the bottom when I have the windshield on. I built the bottom fairings a bit bigger than his. Just made the buffeting crisper and slower. Instead of a vibration that is blinding, it was more of a random popping that would relocate my head. I just stripped it all and go without.

[@Defiant95]

I totally agree, in the wind is the only way to ride!

[@betterduck57]

My experience too: I rode my BMW K75 without windscreen in the summer, and boy, was it quiet then; just a whispering of the wind on and through the helmet, instead of the noise I had with the windscreen on the bike

[@horizonized]

Thanks again Kevin. I really enjoy watching your videos, hearing what you have to share and the learning. You rock!

[@dennisbrewer393]

Perfect timing, as we were discussing this in the forum and I have been looking at this problem on my new Indian Springfield. I definitely need lowers.

[@kingkrimson8771]

I added fork-mounted wind deflectors (aka fork fangs) made by JES and an LRS recurve windshield to my '18 Street Glide. These changes reduced buffeting by at least 80% but most of the benefit was due to the fork fangs. Thanks for the video, it discusses a factor in buffeting that many don't realize, the wind coming up from around the tank.

[@MCrider]

They make a big difference

[@chrisloesch1870]

Yep I added them as well to my 2000 heritage and it made a huge difference

[@rcw2434]

MadStad out of Florida makes bike specific windshields designed to address this very issue. I had one on my 2016 Africa twin. Worked really well. Will be ordering their new design for my new Rebel 1100. It will allow for quick removal for warm days or short rides. They are polycarbonate and therefore very strong as well. Best solution I found so far.

[@clifscalifornia5420]

I have a gauntlet fairing on my Harley. I had damaging levels of noise from just this problem. I added the Laminar lip on the top which helped but didn't solve the problem. What I then did was remove the clear wind shield that comes on the gauntlet. This created a bigger gap in the middle which reduced the vacuum behind the fairing. Made a huge difference. Still working on an insert for that space to make it look more finished, something that looks like a proper vent. Great video! Thanks for the fantastic work!

[@crlsbrrds]

Clif's California put a mesh... it worked out for me on my seca...

[@clifscalifornia5420]

crlsbrrds great idea. I've been considering using some perforated metal that I have sitting around. Just trying to decide how best to place it.

[@phantomrose1999]

Great post, tried a small windscreen, tried a large one which was like a jack hammer on my head, exactly as you described. Took it all off and love the smooth air rushing past.

[@calebbaertschi9593]

Hey man, I’m a younger guy and I have a yellow sportster 1200 and I’m having the same exact problem with my Harley windshield, awesome video

[@andylynnpei]

A Laminar Lip, Sticks on your stock wind screen. I have one on all my bikes. It creates a laminar effect like an airplane wing, and moves the wind bubble higher without having to have a higher windscreen.reduces the vortex behind the wind screen as well. Best $100 I ever spent. I have lots of friends using Laminar Lips too.

[@TwoWheelsBackroads]

Thanks for this video. It helped me identify and fix the terrible wind buffeting issue I had that was exacerbated by a new windshield. I mentioned you and linked this video on my own tiny channel (for what it’s worth).

[@rickharris323]

Great video, important topic considering the fatigue factor. I struggled with head buffet on my Street Glide for years. I tried different windshields (tall, short, curved, etc.), and different helmets (full, modular, 3/4, and half). Adding a 2-up seat for touring had me sitting higher, helping with both the over-the-windshield turbulence as well as the heavy turbulence from under the batwing fairing and past the tank. But the big medicine was getting a bike with lower fairings. That pretty much stopped most of the under-the-batwing turbulence component, and along with a 6.5" Klock Werks Flare windshielf, solved 90% of my head buffet issue.

[@gsh319]

I'm with you Kevin. Only have the shield on my King if it's really cold up here in New England. In the wind is my absolute favorite. It's what it's all about. In the wind!

[@michaelohara2161]

Good Topic. I use Memphis Shades Side Wings also. They are approx $ 100. They mount to the stock windshield and give you more wind deflection away from hands, and cut down on wind felt from the side, much like a full faring. They are easy to remove in the warm months if you want, and keep your hands warmer in the cold or rainy days. I lost one on the road, after one years use, and reordered a new set, because they work well. Just check and tighten once in a while.

[@all-yw2yr]

Thanks Kevin, I got an Indian scout obviously no windshield, instead I got a fairing and it does take some wind of my chest but now has been redirected under my helmet, this video clarifies what to look for when I'm getting ready to buy one.

[@mtvertcaver]

I have a handlebar mounted windsheild. I found that sloping it back toward me(much farther than normal), still gave me good wind protection.....as well as, improved mileage and handling. My point is....if possible, experiment with height AND windhield angle.

[@sebastiantapia9236]

Rick Brinkman same here. I'm using the stock windshield on my Vulcan 900. At first I installed it the highest I could go on it which was right below eye level. I had a lot of buffeting at high speeds. I lowered it to the lowest, it got a little better. But the best setup was with the windshield as low and angled towards me. If I follow the windshield angle, it points right above my head

[@ctw2450]

handlebar mounted shields are positioned closer to the rider than a frame mount and usually deliver a more efficient job of deflecting the wind with similar shapes and sizes

[@larryj8924]

@@ctw2450 Very true. The closer you are to the shield & fairing, the better protection. Road test have shown how the handlebar mount HD Ultra vs HD Ultra Road Glide offers better, smoother wind protection. The distance to fairing is just too far away on frame mounted fairings usually, but their are some exceptions.

[@pmjn0943]

Hi Kevin, I agree with you, I've recently changed to a heritage classic . With the buffeting problem, I believe the standard HD windshield isn't wide enough because I was thinking the wind, travels over and around the windshield and therefor along your arms buffeting your head. the long term solution is change the windshield and your helmet, The short term solution is stay under 80 mph and there is no problem depending on the weather, great informative videos that helps us all, keep them coming,

[@melissalopez2436]

Time for me to adjust my windshield! I’m a new rider and I have a Sportster XL1200C. I’m getting beat the hell up when I hit higher speeds. This video couldn’t have come at a better time, thanks!

[@greydogmusic]

i was too on my Suzuki. The dealer had no answer. The Honda dealer, Eddie in the parts department, he noticed i could adjust the angle a bit. He suggested i lean it back, which made it shorter, helped quite a bit. I was ready to go purchase a taller screen. Good luck with yours. ( I still have a bit of a problem I'm looking into)

[@melissalopez2436]

Hoping I can get it cut down some instead of a new one. Or just take it off completely and see how I like it. I thought I was going to lose my eyewear this last time out and since they’re prescribed. Best of luck to you too 👍🏽.

[@HD2O13XL12OOC]

I too have a 1200 xlc and have an issue from wind coming up from the bottom mostly, Have not seen any lowers available though.. been considering cutting the windshield down and getting clean air to my helmet.

[@o.l.6964]

You sir gave me a bit of hope! At least now i know there are things can be done. I was getting the feeling i need to quit riding. Been getting headaches, blurry vision, and have a hard time keeping my balance. Very close to complete desperation.

[@PeowPeowPeowLasers]

I clicked like because you have a great voice but more importantly, you haven't put annoying and completely pointless background music on your video. Well done!

[@DFWKen]

Windshields create issues when riding in the rain. You'll get water droplets on the face of the windshield and also on the back side. That's double water droplets to impair vision. And worse, the updraft behind behind the windshield causes rainwater to get on the front of your face shield. If you're wearing an open-face or 3/4 face helmet with a face shield, you'll also get water droplets on the inside of the face shield. So you'll be looking through four layers of water droplets. I've heard it from riders many times in the rain, "I have to stop, I can't see." I've been there, myself. THE SOLUTION: A windshield that is cut just below the apparent horizon. Then, you're looking over the shield. That also lessens the updraft at the rider's face so it lessens the face shield droplets. Then, every 30 seconds or so, raise your left hand in a "Hitler salute" so that it directs the wind towards your face. It'll blow the raindrops off your face shield, giving at least 30 seconds of clear vision. Full face helmets don't allow raindrops to form on the inside of the face shield, another reason to enjoy the comfort of a full-face.

[@BeardedRaven]

Thanks for identifying a problem i didnt realize everyone else had too, just kinda dealt with it, im going to try some of these.

[@jakevipond3938]

I’m going through this exact issue on my 1200 sportster, I’ll be trying these solutions. Thanks!

[@bassbender7847]

I'm sold my Super Tenere for a Road King Special. It's funny how similar our garages are. On my S10 I used the madstad windshield bracket with a puig touring windscreen. I'm convinced that's the ultimate setup for that bike.

[@josephmatthews4890]

I could not agree more about the fork mounted lowers on a Harley front end. They make a tremendous difference. They are goofy looking, but as always, you sacrifice looks for comfort. I have had them on bat wing fairings, both the old (pre 96) and newer style. Will always have them!!

[@chrisloesch1870]

I’ve got the newer fork fangs and they look pretty good on most Harleys and more importantly they WORK!

[@rdglider98]

I have a 98 Road Glide and while I'm on my third and final windshield, cut down to just below eye level, I still had some buffeting. While walking through the parts department at a local HD dealership, I saw on the sale rack a set of paddles that attached to the upper front crash bar that they claimed reduced buffeting. The price was right so I bought and installed them right then. The ride home was like I was on a different bike! I They were the best twenty dollar investment and they're still on the bike to this day!

[@charlesfarley3864]

Is there anyway of seeing what these look like?

[@kennethjackman2120]

Good information to a subject often overlooked. I ride a 17 concours with a power adjustable windshield and an adjustable vent at the bottom of the shield. What a difference it makes! I wish everyone could see the changes in air flow at speed. I also like the shield below eye level where my helmet is mostly in the direct air flow.

[@1947DML]

At the age of 75 I recently started riding again after 40 years. I also went from a little Honda Rebel 250 to a Kawasaki Vulcan. When I first started getting up to 55-60 mph, my head began to really weird. I at first thought it was a physical problem with myself, but after repeated runs for short distances I figured out the main problem was a vibration in my helmet which was just a little loose fitting. A better fitting helmet and some adjustment on the angle of my windshield resolved the problem.

[@al4877]

Kevin, I have the exact same Road King that you have same color scheme. Was wondering how the fork mounted wind deflectors are working out. Thinking of getting a pair. You definitely found your calling helping your fellow motorcyclists. God bless you and your family!

[@kyclay58]

I found that on my Honda Stateline with a windshield set at mouth height I still had buffeting. I installed leather engine guard chaps that helped somewhat. What helped the most was installing Memphis Shades fork deflectors. This made a huge difference and I can now ride with very little buffeting.

[@chrisloesch1870]

Same here. I installed fork fangs and it made a HUGE difference.

[@LTVoyager]

After riding for 30 years on bikes without a windshield or with a fixed windshield, I finally found the solution. I bought a bike with an electrically adjustable windshield. Now I can raise and lower it based on the conditions. Full up with my wife onboard to reduce the wind on her, and then lower when riding solo to get a better view and keep the rain blown off my face-shield. This obviously doesn’t help address your current bike, but if you are in the market for a new motorcycle, give consideration to those with electrically adjustable windshields. They are the cat’s meow.

[@bigg16]

Just bought a 2nd bike and its a naked fitted the aftermarket PUIG windshield helps a lot for freeways :)

[@johnbland4068]

Great tips - thanks so much for all of your videos, very helpful for new and long time riders

[@mikemitchell3889]

Kevin, Your comments are particularly relevant for me, as I have an Africa Twin, and (just-traded-for) 2016 Road King. I guess great minds walk similar paths! Buffeting is not been a noticeable issue for me. I reckon I've ridden so long on less-than-perfect bikes, I've just gotten used to any characteristics of any particular scoot.--That, and I'm 'bout "rough as a cob!" Thank-You, Mike

[@dallas6028]

when i had a helmet a little to big the wind was making it feel like i was getting choked from the strap on my neck. Then I got a helmet that fit better, but now it felt like someone is manhandling me by my helmet pulling me back, sometimes twitchy (wind gust) to the sides. This was my first bike, i wasn't sure what was going on. I slowly didn't wanna ride cause my neck would be hurting after riding. When i went from a Harley to a sports bike the wind buffeting went away. This video explained everything i went thur and how to prevent it if i ever experience it again. Thank you MCrider :)

[@doghouseclassics6835]

One of my bikes( bsa a7 chop) is called against the wind, she is old school chop built in the 70s and i love her.

[@derekholme6922]

Hi Kevin, late on this post, I had a Heritage Softtail with this issue, LRS Recurve Screen, slight improvement, the screen is not at the same angle as the forks so with some modification to the quick release mounts brought the screen in line with the forks, even better, final mod was a home made Perspex shield in between the forks and under the headstock, now much improved, never did any of the other mods as this was ok for me, ride safe.

[@nomoreblahblah]

Buffeting at highway speeds is an issue I'm trying to resolve. Good video.

[@johndoe-ie1be]

The buffeting i was getting from the windshield was terrible! Removed it 100% better ! Soo much quieter and enjoyable!

[@tombeckett4340]

Hi Kevin even helmets can make a difference. I simply removed my peak from my adventure helmet and the problem was solved . It was nice and easy and the price was right . Cheers Tom

[@emilvva]

After years of trying all kind of heigh expensive screens, I finally understood that you cannot fight the wind like that and best solution is a small OEM screen , ear plugs and a good helmet!

[@rexwilson6598]

I ride my Bikes wearing Ear Plugs it keeps the wind from whistling in your Ears it makes a more comfortable ride ! Just telling my fellow bikers this one . Great Channel I Just Subscribed !

[@alkoenig85]

Thanks for the useful tips. I have some buffeting, but I know how to lessen it more effectively now. I’m a research scientist, I really try not to duplicate valid testing. Thanks!

[@markseifried3959]

I assumed you would talk about buffeting from passing traffic. This was good too. Thanks

[@foamyflyer]

I have found that the shape of the helmet has a lot to do with buffeting. Some are worse than others. To solve this problem I have taped a piece of foam across the top of my helmet. This solved the problem. Try laying a finger on top of your buffeting helmet. It will stop the buffeting.

[@tennwingman3350]

Goldwing riders solve this problem by using a vent in the windshield. We also use wind wings to adjust the wind flow as needed.

[@michaelhurst506]

I love your ability to describe the experience of wind buffeting and some ways to deal with it. However, having been a wind tunnel tester back in the day and currently a 2018 Heritage Classic rider with a windshield, I have traced the wind incursions into the low pressure cockpit area. They are not coming up from the road! Rather the wind curls around the windshield from the bottom and sides and is accelerated up into the low pressure area behind the shield by the rounded tank-in fact, the wind from under the shield is accelerated through that zone and directly into the chest and up into the lower opening (and around) the helmet. It really can be worse than without a windshield. One needs to redirect the curling wind down and to the outside, and the inside toward the engine, to avoid this effect and to redirect it up and to the outside of the low pressure zone. I could send you pictures of what i designed (not for sale but to show others), made and installed. They really make a difference at 55+ mph. What's the best way to do that? Thanks again.

[@lorrainefrost6285]

love to hear about it

[@rogereastman3187]

Love your program I have a question...hoping you have some thoughts and ideas for me. Recently bought a older Valkyrie. I really love the bike. I bought it in Indianapolis, and rode it home to Minneapolis. I just dreaded when big semi's would pass me. When they started to pass, a blast of air would tend to wanna push me to the side. Not a big deal there, but once they passed and got 30....50.....100 feet in front of me, the turbulent air from the rear of the trailer wanted to toss the bike from side to side, which forced me to wanna hold the bar with a death grip. I didn't like it at all, and dreaded Everytime I saw a truck coming up behind me to pass. It made the trip nerve-racking. I'm going to change, or alter the windshield, as like you, I didn't care for it being so high.....any thoughts that might help me deal with this pleasure robbing experience ???? THX

[@DavidSmith-br4vt]

Afternoon Kevin, I had wind buffeting with a three-quarter helmet that had a bill on the front I tried an experiment with the bill the underside was hollow and I filled it in with RTV silicone. After it dried I took a ride and there was no more buffeting felt great cutting through the win while riding the bike it was smooth as silk.

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Kevin I keep an old wet face cloth with a light application of dish soap in a Ziploc bag to clean bugs on my visor, along with a dry microfiber to dry up, at my stops. This makes a day riding more comfortable. On the contrary to your preference to have your helmet in the wind, and I understand the heat in Texas problem, up here in the North I prefer to have it just slightly above the windshield so my eyes are over as you described because I have had neck injuries and with the force of the Wind on my helmet and needing to turn my head from side to side it is a struggle to fight the wind to get my helmet back straight and forces my head back constantly at speed. So slightly in the vacuum is better for me. Everybody is different depending on considerations as you mention

[@scottgorman7166]

Good idea with the zip lock and towel. We carry baby wipes in AZ....dual purpose LOL

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Scott Gorman Hey Scott. I started off using baby wipes as well but the package is never really close tight enough for them not to dry out on me and they cost me money so I thought of what else I could do to keep them sealed tight period a ziplock came to mind and since I had some old face cloths that were really good with the raised cotton Pips on them too bite into those juicy bugs while they're still not kicked on little bit of water and soap and it stays wet in the bag for two months which is pretty much my riding season up here in Southern Ontario. Take it out wash it out dry it out and wait for the next season to come around.

[@scottgorman7166]

Bikemike...I usually put the wipes in a zip lock and they stay wet for a while. Thanks for the reply. Good riding to you

[@victorhawkins3461]

On my Kawasaki Vulcan 2000, I have a 14" 7JuRock windshield and matching lowers, and they work quite well But here in the desert, we have WIND, I'm tellin' ya'! I live quite near a wind farm, so 20-30 mph winds are the norm, with gusts to 40 or 50 on occasion, and about 12 miles NW of me, it can get to 60 or 70 pretty darned easy. And I'm talking about Interstate 10, not some delightfully curvy back road! You learn to live with it...but it's kinda scary at the beginning! Thanks for your vids, Kevin. You rawk!

[@davewolf8869]

I have a huge problem buffeting, I'm really gaining weight, whenever I see one I have to stare at the food through the sneeze shield, until people ask me if I am going to have the salad, I always say no, and go for the pie.

[@daymaker5460]

Always go for the pie first!

[@realist-2024]

Heck yeah...give me the pie! Lmao

[@mclement052164]

Best comment! 😆!

[@chadvarnell1889]

"Life is short, start with dessert."

[@dwarfboy100]

Don't forget to blow on the pie ( Google blow on the pie hilarious)

[@tombeckett4340]

I noticed a real difference when I put an air hawk seat cushion on . Just that that little difference in height . Thanks Kevin good information. Cheers.