Wind Buffeting

[jaherbst]

That is exactly opposite of my experience but mine is a 2011 RTS and did not have the holes cut in the bottom at the bracket.

If your OEM shield does that might be the difference.

My OEM without the holes was the worst at buffeting or having that lurching feeling in the wind.

Bob

Bob, my vented shield came with the Spyder when I bought it. It was a demo with 225 miles and had the windshield, heated comfort seat, backrest etc. already installed. The vented always caused a lot of helmet buffeting and shoulder buffeting regardless of adjustable height and vent open or closed.

When at Spyderfest I mentioned this to Len at PitBull while he was putting on a vented windshield on a new Spyder. He said he had heard this from other vented customers. I asked him what he was doing with the new standard 25" he was taking off. He said he would swap it for my vented for no charge. I have been a happy camper ever after. The vented is about 1 1/2 inches narrower on each side. If you are of smaller frame this might pass. I am 5' 10" and 235# and the vented definately did not work for me.

Jack

[jaherbst]

Jack,

Just so I understand, when you say "vented" are you referring to the cutouts at the bottom of the windshield? Or was it the kind with the adjustable vent?

I'm in the market to replace my sport windshield, that's why I'm curious.

Thanks

Pam

Pam it was the $350-450 BRP windshield with the adjustable vent. The cutouts are standard on the OEM windshield and are located toward the bottom of the OEM to relieve pressure on the backside of the W/S.

Jack

[finless]

Bob, my vented shield came with the Spyder when I bought it. It was a demo with 225 miles and had the windshield, heated comfort seat, backrest etc. already installed. The vented always caused a lot of helmet buffeting and shoulder buffeting regardless of adjustable height and vent open or closed.

When at Spyderfest I mentioned this to Len at PitBull while he was putting on a vented windshield on a new Spyder. He said he had heard this from other vented customers. I asked him what he was doing with the new standard 25" he was taking off. He said he would swap it for my vented for no charge. I have been a happy camper ever after. The vented is about 1 1/2 inches narrower on each side. If you are of smaller frame this might pass. I am 5' 10" and 235# and the vented definately did not work for me.

Jack

6'4" 245 lbs.
Yes the vented is a little narrower but as I said it reduced Spyder buffeting and especially that lurching feeling.. But I did not notice any extra body or helmet buffeting. Not sure what to say. Maybe my helmet gets through the wind better. If I have the shield up, I get just about no helmet buffeting and maybe a little body buffeting in gusty winds. With the stock windshield (2011 so no holes) the lurching and spyder buffeting was a lot more than with the vented. I am sure this is why BRP added the holes in 2013 and up.

Bob

[sidecars]

Thanks for all the feedback... very helpful.

Though there are some varying opinions here, what I got out of this was what is bothering me the most is the buffeting of the entire bike, especially from strong winds and passing semis. Some of that is a given, but the majority here believe the BajaRon sway bar will help. I find it a bit surprising that an issue big enough for so many to think the new swaybar is such a huge fix as to be critical... hasn't just been corrected by BP. My opinion. I'll probably end up getting one.

In a related issue, somewhere between 25 and 50% of the drivers out there believe laws and safe driving apply to someone else. God forbid I should stay in the right hand lane and do the speed limit. It pisses people off, especially if they have a traditionally macho vehicle. God forbid the driver should be young and needing to show off how macho they are. Ugh. OTOH... In my experience, most semi drivers will pull up behind you and simply pass, without crazy tailgating, unless a hill is coming up... in which case I do them a favor and speed up a bit. On two lane roads I'll frequently pull over to let people pass, and there hasn't been much of an issue there.

Part of the issue is me, I'll admit. I'm still getting used to the bike, and feel a bit uncomfortable, still, at speed, especially on the tighter freeway curves. I've owned it a month and have about 1600 miles on it. (BTW... my lovely old Moto Guzzi has abut 5500 miles after three years, 90% of which is from commuting, which I will easily surpass on the Spyder.) I'll keep riding and keep getting more comfortable.

Body buffeting. I am six feet tall, but mostly from the belt line up. I am all torso. My head touches the ceiling in many, many cars. With the shorty windshield my shoulders and head are totally in the windstream. I'll probably buy a new windshield. At this point I like the price/value/idea of the CalSci XL. The majority seem to feel the vent holes are a good idea. CalSci certainly makes a good case for them.

We will each come up with our own decisions, but so far, those are mine. Thanks for the help getting there.

Final thought... I bought a low end Garmin and did the windshielf suction/ball mount. Worked fine for my Trike Trek #1. With the model I bought you have to work hard to get off road routing right, but given the price of $150 or so... I think that's fine.

Thanks

Bryan

[Bob Denman]

Regarding your "Related Issue"... Ride your own ride, and forget about anyone else!

[Pampurrs]

Regarding your "Related Issue"... Ride your own ride, and forget about anyone else!

and thank you for staying in the right lane.

Pam

[SpyderAnn01]

I think you will be happy with your CalSci windshield and you really should get the BajaRon bar.

[cohoff]

"....Body buffeting. I am six feet tall, but mostly from the belt line up. I am all torso. My head touches the ceiling in many, many cars. With the shorty windshield my shoulders and head are totally in the windstream. I'll probably buy a new windshield. At this point I like the price/value/idea of the CalSci XL. The majority seem to feel the vent holes are a good idea. CalSci certainly makes a good case for them....."


Sidecars----I don't think you will be disappointed in the CalSci windshield. You may indeed need/want an XL windshield, but i would suggest you give them a call and talk to them about what size you should get before committing to the XL. I did their test to determine what size I should get and it came out as a Large (I'm 5' 7"). I called them and they told me for my size and where I live, I would be happier with a medium. They were absolutely correct. I ended up talking to one of the owners of CalSci and he was so helpful ! I also concur about getting the BajaRon anti-swaybar. Once it's installed your Spyder will sit down and hug the road. I wouldn't own a Spyder w/o one!

[cohoff]

Which helmet are you using Bob? That's a super quiet ride! Thanks for the video.

Yes Bob, what helmet do you have? I can't get over how quiet it is.

[F4 Customs]

Please consider the F4 Customs windshield to solve your buffetting problem. We manufacture shields that will reduce this greatly. Input from other F4 Customers would be great here.
F4 Shields come in Clear or Tint and with or without a GL 1800 adjustable vent.
We make them standard width and then wider which is a real help.
The largest seller is the plus 3 that is 3" taller than stock and 2" wider per side. This really helps when you have a co rider.
F4 Shields are optically perfect, shed rain, and are highly scratch resistant even when rubbed with steel wool.
Call Don at F4 Customs, we would love to earn your business.
330-968-4644

[2ndChildhood]

Please consider the F4 Customs windshield to solve your buffetting problem. We manufacture shields that will reduce this greatly. Input from other F4 Customers would be great here.
F4 Shields come in Clear or Tint and with or without a GL 1800 adjustable vent.
We make them standard width and then wider which is a real help.
The largest seller is the plus 3 that is 3" taller than stock and 2" wider per side. This really helps when you have a co rider.
F4 Shields are optically perfect, shed rain, and are highly scratch resistant even when rubbed with steel wool.
Call Don at F4 Customs, we would love to earn your business.
330-968-4644

I had the F4 windshield installed on my 2012 RTL at Spyderfest. I went with the standard width and wider sides, vented and tinted. This windshield is now on my new 2015 RT-SS. This is a great windshield I absolutely love it. Thanks Don.


ToM
Life is Great
Be Safe

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[Pampurrs]

Please consider the F4 Customs windshield to solve your buffetting problem. We manufacture shields that will reduce this greatly. Input from other F4 Customers would be great here.
F4 Shields come in Clear or Tint and with or without a GL 1800 adjustable vent.
We make them standard width and then wider which is a real help.
The largest seller is the plus 3 that is 3" taller than stock and 2" wider per side. This really helps when you have a co rider.
F4 Shields are optically perfect, shed rain, and are highly scratch resistant even when rubbed with steel wool.
Call Don at F4 Customs, we would love to earn your business.
330-968-4644

I'm planning on ordering one in the fall to replace my shorty that I got with my . I'll need it for winter riding when the morning termperatures sometimes drop down to the 30s.

Pam

[Pampurrs]

Please consider the F4 Customs windshield to solve your buffetting problem. We manufacture shields that will reduce this greatly. Input from other F4 Customers would be great here.
F4 Shields come in Clear or Tint and with or without a GL 1800 adjustable vent.
We make them standard width and then wider which is a real help.
The largest seller is the plus 3 that is 3" taller than stock and 2" wider per side. This really helps when you have a co rider.
F4 Shields are optically perfect, shed rain, and are highly scratch resistant even when rubbed with steel wool.
Call Don at F4 Customs, we would love to earn your business.
330-968-4644

Don,

Is this the one you're referring to? -----> F4-SRT-W-C+V


Thanks

Pam

[finless]

Yes Bob, what helmet do you have? I can't get over how quiet it is.

It's a HJC IS-MAX. Trust me it is not quiet around the ears. It's quiet near the 20S boom MIC but not that great around the ears.

My next helmet will be the Shark Evoline.

Bob

[ricford]

Which helmet are you using Bob? That's a super quiet ride! Thanks for the video.

I don't have an answer but do have the same question. I bought a really expensive Arai helmet and it is really noisy. I really hate it. It's where the face shield meets the helmet and does not seal. So, please, someone answer. What IS a quiet helmet. I'll order one that day. I'm tired of the noise. And I ride a lot. At speeds above.. no I didn't say that...forget I said anything...

[jaherbst]

I don't have an answer but do have the same question. I bought a really expensive Arai helmet and it is really noisy. I really hate it. It's where the face shield meets the helmet and does not seal. So, please, someone answer. What IS a quiet helmet. I'll order one that day. I'm tired of the noise. And I ride a lot. At speeds above.. no I didn't say that...forget I said anything...

I always use earplugs with any Helmut and turn up the volume on speakers or ear buds.

Also close the top two forward vents and open the faceshield vents. I ride with an Arai helmut also.

Jack

[Tango]

We also had the F4 installed at Spyderfest. It has made a huge difference. We went for the tall and wide w/vent. Especially like the fact it clean so easy. Tom

[Pampurrs]

We also had the F4 installed at Spyderfest. It has made a huge difference. We went for the tall and wide w/vent. Especially like the fact it clean so easy. Tom

That's the one that I'm thinking of getting in late fall when the morning air begins to get chilly. I don't think this shorty windshield is gonna cut it for winter riding.

Pam

[AeroPilot]

[QUOTE=sidecars;1012065]Thanks for all the feedback... very helpful.

Though there are some varying opinions here, what I got out of this was what is bothering me the most is the buffeting of the entire bike, especially from strong winds and passing semis. Some of that is a given, but the majority here believe the BajaRon sway bar will help. I find it a bit surprising that an issue big enough for so many to think the new swaybar is such a huge fix as to be critical... hasn't just been corrected by BP. My opinion. I'll probably end up getting one.

In a related issue, somewhere between 25 and 50% of the drivers out there believe laws and safe driving apply to someone else. God forbid I should stay in the right hand lane and do the speed limit. It pisses people off, especially if they have a traditionally macho vehicle. God forbid the driver should be young and needing to show off how macho they are. Ugh. OTOH... In my experience, most semi drivers will pull up behind you and simply pass, without crazy tailgating, unless a hill is coming up... in which case I do them a favor and speed up a bit. On two lane roads I'll frequently pull over to let people pass, and there hasn't been much of an issue there.
]

Just got back from a three day jaunt through the mountains and plains. Worst wind and traffic was yesterday last 100 miles of interstate with strong cross winds coming off the mountains and interstate traffic hurrying home and occasionally causing an issue for the most part our group of three Spyders and a bike kept to the right lane running 73-75 mph (75 posted) and we only got split up once with the bike missing an exit.

As far as the buffeting, the older 2011 RT with solid windshield seems to get the "blast" of semis on the two lanes worse than the new cut-outs that the 2015's have. My wifes '15 RTS and the other 14 RT Ltd seemed to do better. I may try to add cutouts to my old OEM shield. Both our bikes were laser aligned and track well. We have Rons Swaybar on the '11 RT and I like it, but the wife is happy so far with 12,000 miles on the 15 with the OEM setup so the jury is still out.

Overall, ride your ride like you are, learn to get comfortable in the seat and grip with the legs when that seems to help, keep a light grip as many have said and ENJOY!! Trust the Spyder,, a blast may jostle you a little, but it will track straight without needing much input.

[Roadster Renovations]

Please consider the F4 Customs windshield to solve your buffetting problem. We manufacture shields that will reduce this greatly. Input from other F4 Customers would be great here.
F4 Shields come in Clear or Tint and with or without a GL 1800 adjustable vent.
We make them standard width and then wider which is a real help.
The largest seller is the plus 3 that is 3" taller than stock and 2" wider per side. This really helps when you have a co rider.
F4 Shields are optically perfect, shed rain, and are highly scratch resistant even when rubbed with steel wool.
Call Don at F4 Customs, we would love to earn your business.
330-968-4644

We have one. Both a vented wide and tall. think it's 2" wider and 3" taller. I like the vent so I can either have a lot of air flow, a medium amount, or none. Having it open sligtly helps to reduce the pressure created in the air. I would buy another one in a heartbeat.

[F4 Customs]

The tallest one we make is the SRT-28-V-C ; this is clear and vented and our largest seller.
The SRT-25-W-V-C is the standard height but 2.5" wider per side with a vent and clear.
Love to help in any way.
Don

Don,

Is this the one you're referring to? -----> F4-SRT-W-C+V


Thanks

Pam

[F4 Customs]

Folks Don here at F4 Customs. I thought it might be appropriate as a sponsor and manufacture to try and give an opinion on what our findings have been concerning wind buffeting and windshield selection.
We often get calls and asked "what is the best way to improve my ride and what windshield do I need"? This is surely based on your riding style, height, inseam, and those types of factors. Maybe this will help.
Width: In our findings the best way to improve your ride on the RT is by going wider and vented. Here is why: The stock windshield is 25" tall and the width does not take the air out and around your shoulders like most riders want. The F4 is 2.5" wider on each side giving you more wind protection and more comfort on those long rides.
Vent: The vent is used to reduce the back pressure, move in fresh air, and also get air to the rider when desired. The OEM shield had openings in the windshield about the second year they were making the RT for just this reason. Our philosophy was not to have cut outs but to add a GL1800 Vent so that the rider has control of the air flow in all riding conditions.
Height: We offer 3 different heights 22", 25", and 28". The 22" and 25" can be purchased in standard width or the wide version. We normally advise the wide for the reasons I suggest above but sometimes riders say I like what I have but I want tint or a vent so we offer the standard width as well.
Clear or Tint: This is a factor of your riding style. If you ride mostly during the day then tint is a nice option to cut down on some of the glare from the sun. If you ride a lot at night and look through the shield we recommend the clear just for clarity sake. The tint is a light tint and some folks prefer it to cut down on the on brightness of the on coming traffic but I prefer the Clear for night time riding.
Number 1 seller; The best seller is the SRT-PLS3-V-W. This is the shield that is 28" tall and is wide with a vent. This comes in clear and tint also. The reports we get state that folks that are riding with a co rider and want the best wind protection have found this to be the best option for them.
Material: F4 Customs produces all of their windshields from Highest Grade Polycarbonate and we bake in our proprietary coatings which gives you these results:
Absolutely clear with no distortion.
Extreme Scratch Resistance even when rubbed with steel wool
Rain Shedding is fantastic light Rain X on steroids
Chemically Sealed so just clean them with paper towels and any glass cleaner and ride.
I know this comment was long but I hope it helps in your decision of what is the best shield for you and your co rider.
Feel free to contact me if I can offer any more information.
Don Frank
F4 Customs

[Lou]

Baja Ron's sway bars took care of that issue for me. Nice pictures! Penny

DITTO

[Pampurrs]

Hey Sidecars, just wondering what you did about your windshield. FYI, I replaced the shorty that came with my Special Series with the F4 Customs tall and wide vented shield, and it makes all the difference in the world.

Pam

[DJFaninTN]

had the same issues on our 13RT Limited. Switched over to the F4 Windshield along with Lazer Alignment and Ron's Sway Bar and it took care of that problem. When we got the 15RT we did the exact same mods. It runs like it's on a rail pretty much most of the time.

if I remember reading you said you were trying to get used to riding the RT. I am betting you are gripping that handlebars pretty tight. You got to learn to relax your hands and arms and if the bike darts to one one side or the other from a large truck you will learn to let the bike do it's thing. You will also learn that sweet spot from where you are in relation to the 18 wheeler. sometimes being too close does make the bike jump around a little.

just practice keeping your hands a little looser on those grips and I bet it will solve a lot of your issues. once you get comfy with the bike you won't think one second about it.