I rode my 2004 883C from Michigan to Sturgis in 2005. Overall, I was very happy with the bike accept two things wind noise and the wind pushed me around a lot. The BT did not look like the wind was pushing them around. I plan on going to 100/90-19 and 160 rear to help the bike keep its line better. Anything else I can do to help the bike keep its line better in the wind? I have an HD touring shield and I am thinking about going to a 22 wide Memphis Fat shield by 21 tall to help with wind noise. I am 5'11 in height and wear a full-face helmet. Will the bigger shield make ridding in the wind worst? Anybody have experience with this shield and high wind? Will it help reduce wind noise? Does having a solid rear wheel make riding in the wind worst? Anybody change out the solid rear wheel? Any difference riding in the wind without the solid rear wheel?

Thanks for all the help.
Mark

I got an aerovest from http://www.jacksflaps.com and that did wonders for me! I laughed when someone told me about it but I gave it a shot anyway and was amazed with the results.

Thanks KC, that vest looks a little crazy but from what other have written about it on the web site and harley tech talk seems like it works.

Thanks,
Mark

Going to the bigger shield won't help the pushing. I had a National Cycle Flyscreen on mine then change to a bat wing. Huge difference in in wind reduction but the bike got pushed areound alot last year in Chatanooga. Have a freind with a Dyna and he has similar issues. On a long haul, the Glide is the ride, but that's not where we all want to be all the time. Try slanting the shield back as much as you can, that helps.

What is and where can you get a bat wing? When you say Glide you mean road glide? Have you riden one ?

The big twins are heavier, have a lower center of gravity, and the riding position is lower - all of which help in crosswinds. In general, look at your bike from the side, and minimize the surface area. Changes to the top of the bike will be more noticeable than those made to the bottom. While I do not have experience riding with a disc (my bike came with factory-installed spoke options), I have heard reports from friends that say they can make a big difference.

One thing is for certain, our bikes can manage in crosswind *much* better than our sportbike brethren. I was riding with a friend the other day in some pretty good crosswinds. He commented that I looked to be running a lot better than he... well, he rides a gixxer!

Oh yeah... and tight leathers make a difference!

Thanks KC, that vest looks a little crazy but from what other have written about it on the web site and harley tech talk seems like it works.

Thanks,
MarkHeading east and west on I-90 is tough no matter what you do. The road is rough, wind gusts are common and often there's no place to get out of that thunderstorm that you run into. I don't know if the vest will help under these conditions, but it can't hurt. Bigger bike? I often have my hands full with my truck. Windshield ? yeah it helps to lay it back, but only if the wind is in your face. I hate looking through the windshield. Your eyes should be above it.

I like to take the senic routes, but then finding fuel and a motel can be fun too. Also keep your eyes open for the animals and trains. I have friends that hit both last year and lived to tell about it, They both plan to have new bikes by spring. :clap

I know this wasn't much help, I guess there isn't a good answer in my opinion.

Just be careful.

TC

I think your friends are right about the rear disc, I think it is coming off this winter. Thanks for the help!

Thanks TC, My buddy (on a ST1300) I rode out to S.D. with thinks I am make a big deal out of nothing but I have never seen golf ball size hale and 60mph winds in month of August in Michigan. I had a lot of fun at the rally but the weather and wind makes my nervous about going back.

Thanks TC, My buddy (on a ST1300) I rode out to S.D. with thinks I am make a big deal out of nothing but I have never seen golf ball size hale and 60mph winds in month of August in Michigan. I had a lot of fun at the rally but the weather and wind makes my nervous about going back.No problem Bro. Just don't miss the show all because of a little weather. wait a day it will change.

TC

Sorry I wasn't clearer on the batwing thing. Looks like I was covered by Lynk really well. Point is like most made, you are going to get swayed in that kind of weather so build what you want and just ride safe.....

Have nearly 20 years and oh so many miles behind a silloutte windshield very similar to this one found on Ebay. Works great.
Shaped to keep buffeting and turbulance behind it to a minimum.
Can talk to your rider without having to yell. hehe
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/125-UNVERSAL-MOTORCYCLE-WINDSHIELD-BOLT-ON-BARS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35590QQitemZ460558 3869QQrdZ1

Think about changing out your solid wheel. I ride a RK....been through some hellashish winds. A pain,but manageable. I rented a FatBoy with solid wheels in LasVegas couple years ago. Similar winds and with gusts sometimes had to use a lane and a half to keep it going. Dealer buddy laughed, said it was the solid wheels.

Thanks, guys

Mark

My previous bike had solid wheels and my sporty has spoked wheels. Same trip, same time of year and both times crosswinds. Sporty was much easier to handle.

Just learn to ride in Wyoming.....
Then any other wind seems calm <grin>

Seriously though. Anytime you create surface area that is "flat" from the crosswind, you are essentially making a very crude sail. Letting the air "pass through" does relieve this some.

However, you are describing 2 problems here. The first is that tou want to relieve yourself from the wind buffeting and noise, the second is that you want to releive the bike from being buffeted around...

They can be counter productive, because the most common way to get the wind away from YOU is to create a diversion for the air (windscreens, fork lowers, even the air flaps on the vest listed above) But by doing this, you are creating the "sails" above. Or at least with what is commercially available.

The best way to avoid any buffeting at all would be with a vehicle that is completely aerodynamic. Basically a "teardrop" shape...But that would not look anything like a sportster.

Having ridden in windy areas since I was 8....you just need to choose what is the level of each you are willing to put up with.

I tend to take the state highways, which are more scenic as well. But they are also 2 lane, and often in high winds you'll get buffeted by the trucks going the other way.

So, I also stop more often. Get off, take some pics. Re-energize the mind and body....

Mav

The shape of the windshield makes all the difference. I had a National street shield and got blown all over the road. I purchased a HD quick detach which is bigger for winter ridding. I immediately noticed that the wind had almost no effect even though the shield was bigger. I highly recommend the quick detach.

I have an 05 custom. I recently added softail chrome lowers. That kept the wind from hitting the tank and coming up into my face.

Maybe some sheilds help a little more than others but when your caught in bad ass winds you just have to fight it and stay alert. Plus take plenty of breaks because really it just don't matter if your on your 550 lb sportster, a goldwing, e-glide, or a big ass car the winds gonna blow you around!

my thought on wheels is that once a spoke rim is turning 50 plus mph it will have as much wind resistance as a solid disk wheel ... turbulance from spokes spinning will act like a solid disk .. no proof of this just my thoughts

You would be correct. Like an overspeeding prop on an aircraft, the spokes will indeed act as a disk. At any rate, it would be the front wheel creating your problem. You'd be amazed how much less adverse yaw the wind will create at ten or so less mph.