Hi ,

I am new to the bagger scene having traded by 06 Softail Standard on an 08 RK Classic . Love the look and ride of the bike especillay with the race tuner/ Vance and Hines 2into1 exhaust fitted - power is amazing compared to my 88 with power commander . The problem is the buffeting I am getting from the screen at  speeds above 80km/hr. I am very close to 6ft - previous owner about 5'8" - have tried a pillow under butt to simulate lowering the screen but little improvement - have tried squatting down behind screen much improvement but have also tried moving closer to screen which improved things - not sure when squatting whether it is the fact that I am lower or closer to screen. I wear a Nolan flipfront helmet and on the softail with no screen I experienced some buffeting but could at least have my visor open a notch to allow airflow but not on the RK with screen- heaps of buffeting plus wind noise. I have searched this site for information - any suggestion - do I need a higher screen or will the wind deflecting lowers assist.

My plans are to start doing some longer rides with the handbrake on back hence the bagger but need the screen . One of the reasons for the RK is I can strip it down for local day rides but have the comfort afforded by a screen for weekends away .

Any suggestions greatfully received

Barchem - Hervey Bay QLD

 

Mate I have the same bike and im just an inch taller and I get no buffeting at all..........I even use the same helmet as you..........sorry i dont have an answer just thought that funny how just an inch taller can make the difference????

You might try clearview screens,the curve in the top of the screen deflects air away from the rider.BMW have been doing it for years   www.clearviewshields.com/shop/product.php   .They take a while to deliver,but a lot of good reports on the U.S. site regarding helping to solve the same thing you report.

nobody

Thanks for replies- are any of you using the HD lowers and if so to what effect

Barchem

Hi Barchem.

Now, I'm a lot shorter than you. Actually I'm  lot shorter than most people. I look through the top 2" of screen and I had the same problem with buffeting with my HJC Symax flipfront helmet. It's much less of an issue with an open face, but I don't wear them.

Anyway, have a look at the wind deflectors here:

members.optusnet.com.au/gonzalesb/rkc/

I'm really happy with the result. I think fitting something on the lower part of the screen/forks/crashbars is a good idea. The only problem with the HD items is, if we're talking about the same things, that they're big and heavy.

Gonzo.

Howdy Barchem, funny thing is I have done the same upgrade, from a 2003 Softail to an 08 RKC. Love it, and I'm a screen convert. Reading your thread I'm thinking it may just be the helmet. I have both an open face and full face helmet. Used the fullface on the Softail for long trips in winter.

Riding the RKC I find that the open face is fine, no buffeting at all. However I did try wearing the fullface helmet one day, and the buffetting was that bad I turned back home and changed helmets. I don't know why this happened or if it was just a once off with the weather conditions, but I now prefer the open face. I don't like the closed in feel of the FF, you feel more isolated from whats happening and what you can see.

I'm about 5ft 10 inches tall, and I look over and through the screen.

Cheers.............twincam

due to the ape hangers and the highway pegs my riding position fortunately prevents any buffer at all.

Hey Barchem,

Simple test - While you're riding and you're getting the buffeting, try putting your feet on the top rail of the crashbar, just behind the indicators. If the buffeting stops or reduces a lot, you'll benefit from the air deflectors. If it doesn't improve - it's something else.

Gonzo