There was a thread here a few days ago on this topic, but I could not find it. Anyway, I bought a set of these yesterday. i am referring to the 30 dollar air deflectors that snap onto the engine guard (crash bar for us old guys). Mine would not fit over the tank bolt on my 2010. I cut the top ears off, drilled a hole above the crash bar section, and installed a zip tie. For experimental purposes, I only put on the right side deflector, and placed the other one in the saddlebag. I had a 45 mile trip to run, so I could get a pretty good comparison with and without the deflectors in place.
My particulars: 2010 FLTRX, vented H-D lowers, vents open. 12 inch KW shield. C&C solo seat. I am 5'11 inches tall. 208 pounds. Extremely attractive, and I like puppies. Capricorn. 51 years old. Wind speed between 5 and 10 MPH. Cruising speeds between 45 (construction zone) and 75 (55 mph speed limit) MPH
Checking with my hands while traveling down Highway 79, the air near the gas tank was dead still, both on top and side. Air moving quickly near bottom section of handlebar on side with deflector in place. Other side, wind whipping over gas tank and around the side of tank.
Effect on rider: On the side with no deflector, lots of wind on the side of my head. On the side with deflector, much less wind. I have a long beard, and have become accustomed to it whipping around and up in front of my face. This is my sixth Road Glide, so this is just normal for me. Still better than waking up everyday and scraping the hair off my face. I pulled over and installed the other wind deflector. Moving again at speeds up to 75 MPH, there was MUCH less turbulence around my head. My beard hung straight down, just gentling blowing in the breeze. No whipping around my head and popping me on the shoulders. Less wind noise. I hear the radio much clearer at lower volume. Gene Watson rips my heart out, and them Tucker Boys make me crank that throttle.
Conclusion: For my particular set of conditions, the deflectors work very well. I have not tried them with my lowers off, and will not. The lowers are there to stay. Glad I bought the little deflectors. I had my doubts, but they work very well for me with the equipment that I have installed.
I am heading off on a trip down the Natchez Trace tomorrow morning early, and can give an update on the effectiveness of the deflectors when I return.
UPDATE October 8th:
Works great! Over 700 miles, even running 80 MPH, really cut down on the turbulence. Still get plenty of air. It is not like riding in a minivan. Love the new parts.
Jeff
Jeff Quinn
My particulars: 2010 FLTRX, vented H-D lowers, vents open. 12 inch KW shield. C&C solo seat. I am 5'11 inches tall. 208 pounds. Extremely attractive, and I like puppies. Capricorn. 51 years old. Wind speed between 5 and 10 MPH. Cruising speeds between 45 (construction zone) and 75 (55 mph speed limit) MPH
Checking with my hands while traveling down Highway 79, the air near the gas tank was dead still, both on top and side. Air moving quickly near bottom section of handlebar on side with deflector in place. Other side, wind whipping over gas tank and around the side of tank.
Effect on rider: On the side with no deflector, lots of wind on the side of my head. On the side with deflector, much less wind. I have a long beard, and have become accustomed to it whipping around and up in front of my face. This is my sixth Road Glide, so this is just normal for me. Still better than waking up everyday and scraping the hair off my face. I pulled over and installed the other wind deflector. Moving again at speeds up to 75 MPH, there was MUCH less turbulence around my head. My beard hung straight down, just gentling blowing in the breeze. No whipping around my head and popping me on the shoulders. Less wind noise. I hear the radio much clearer at lower volume. Gene Watson rips my heart out, and them Tucker Boys make me crank that throttle.
Conclusion: For my particular set of conditions, the deflectors work very well. I have not tried them with my lowers off, and will not. The lowers are there to stay. Glad I bought the little deflectors. I had my doubts, but they work very well for me with the equipment that I have installed.
I am heading off on a trip down the Natchez Trace tomorrow morning early, and can give an update on the effectiveness of the deflectors when I return.
UPDATE October 8th:
Works great! Over 700 miles, even running 80 MPH, really cut down on the turbulence. Still get plenty of air. It is not like riding in a minivan. Love the new parts.
Jeff
Jeff Quinn
