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Old 03-28-2009, 06:02 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Windshield Airflow Problem

Hello everybody. Got a puzzler for ya.

Had the dealer install a new Quick-release, standard height, clear windshield on my new 2008 Softail Custom 105th Anniversary bike yesterday. Waited two weeks for it to come in. Looked fantastic. Would have done the installation myself, but since the recommended procedure involves relocating the turn signals up front (and draining and removing the fuel tank to get at some wires), I bit the bullet and shelled out $133 for 1.5 hours of labor.

Sitting on the bike, the windshield comes up to about the bridge of my nose. Supposedly, that's the perfect height. I put my full-face helmet on and jump on the bike looking forward to the 12 mile or so ride home. Boy howdy, was I in for a surprise.

Ay any speed above around 35 - 40 MPH, the airflow is severely disrupted to the point that my helmet (and my head) vibrate such that the road becomes blurry. The noise is so bad I can't even hear the Harley under me. By the time I got home, I had a headache that lasted for hours. I was not expecting this at all. If I lean forward and bring my head down completely behind the windshield it's better. I can't stretch very far above the windshield, but that seemed a little better too. Anybody had this happen before?
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Old 03-28-2009, 07:15 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Can the shield be tilted forward any?
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Old 03-28-2009, 07:28 AM   #3 (permalink)
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Search for buffetting windshield. with my name and CBM.

That's the same result everybody has, the wind that's causing it is coming up from below, glancing off your thighs. Try placing your arm horizontal across and close to your chest, you'll see the buffetting stops and feel the force. My similar windshield works best clamped lower, top is below my chin, the bottom clamp is actually just below my lower triple tree.

I tickled everybody by suggesting using turbulence inducers, something strapped around your thigh like a string of large wooden beads, or decorative plastic chain, something to disturb/break up the solid flow of wind.
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Old 03-28-2009, 07:37 AM   #4 (permalink)
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http://www.hdtalking.com/softail_mod...html#post87712

Mine was doing the same.

Bob at Danbury Harley saw it was too upright so I leaned it back. It worked for the head/helmet but there was air coming over the tank and up my chest to my face.
I adapted this(kit#5820-79TC) front wheel air baffle and solved the face air.
Then the air coming up the top of my legs, this helped (Memphis Shades Independent Lowers Kit)

All of this made a very comfortable ride.

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Old 03-29-2009, 10:06 AM   #5 (permalink)
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The one I got is a quick-release and doesn't appear to be adjustable (tilt). I told the dealer what happened, and we decided to give the low-profile version of this windsheild a try. It'll be in Wed...
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Old 03-29-2009, 12:38 PM   #6 (permalink)
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try a lower wind deflictors, I have problem with the wind coming from around the bottom of the windshield, the lower wind deflictors should solve that problem
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Old 06-23-2009, 07:24 AM   #7 (permalink)
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Ive got a 07 softail custom and having the same problem, any solutions
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Old 06-23-2009, 09:02 AM   #8 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelly73170 View Post
Ive got a 07 softail custom and having the same problem, any solutions
Changed the windshield angle - Harley Davidson Community

Al
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Old 06-23-2009, 10:10 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Angle

I know this sounds crazy but, I had a similar problem w/my windshield. JC Whitney has crome muffler brackets w/ pre drilled wholes at various lengths. You can use these to change the angles of the shield to suit you.
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Old 06-23-2009, 11:10 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Have read that sometimes it's the helmet shape causing the problems.
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