First Mod.....Windshield or Swaybar

[jroberts650]

Ok guys, trying to decide what my first mod should be. Im expirencing wind buffeting with the stock 2010 RT windshield and wanting to try to minimize as much as possible. I've read some posts where the upgraded swaybar helps with the crosswinds and gives a more stable ride. But a vented windshield helps with the buffeting and a better feeling in the seat. Which one should I do first?

Also I have my first roadtrip this weekend on the new bike with the wife so I should have a good feel for what we really need to be more comfortable.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I'd start with the sway bar. Lower your windshield a bit and the buffeting should be reduced.

 

[Bob Denman]

Based on the lack of a lot of time before your trip; I'd pop for the windshield first, and then the Anti-SwayBar as time allows... :2thumbs:
Aren't choices fun?? :shocked:

 

[jroberts650]

I'd start with the sway bar. Lower your windshield a bit and the buffeting should be reduced.

Yeah, I have tried the lower settings of the windshield and it has helped but there is still buffeting with the crosswinds and trucks going by. I just thought maybe a vented windshield would help especially with smoothing the airflow around the passengers.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Yeah, I have tried the lower settings of the windshield and it has helped but there is still buffeting with the crosswinds and trucks going by. I just thought maybe a vented windshield would help especially with smoothing the airflow around the passengers.

I had a vented windshield and I did not feel that it was worth the price. I purchased it for my 2010 but traded in the 2010 for a 2013 before I put any miles on the windshield. I had the vented shield put on the 2013 and I just didn't think it was great. I didn't purchase one for my 2014.

 

[jroberts650]

I had a vented windshield and I did not feel that it was worth the price. I purchased it for my 2010 but traded in the 2010 for a 2013 before I put any miles on the windshield. I had the vented shield put on the 2013 and I just didn't think it was great. I didn't purchase one for my 2014.

I understand, I found one this morning online that was wider by 4.5" with 2 vents near the bottom that was said to reduce buffeting. I'm not sure of the height but I would like one a little shorter since anything except the very bottom position has me looking thru the shield. The price was only $149 so it's not too bad compared to what the BRP shields are. Here's the link...
http://www.bigbikeparts.com/templat...-400&GroupGuid=87#ctrl_USLightBoxAddToCart/0/

 

[jroberts650]

Based on the lack of a lot of time before your trip; I'd pop for the windshield first, and then the Anti-SwayBar as time allows... :2thumbs:
Aren't choices fun?? :shocked:

Hey I agree.. they are fun but I wont have time to get either one. I was just trying to decide which to get after I get back. I'll have about 4 hours total on the road so I'm sure I'll have a great feel for whats needed the most. I've only been on some short runs around town and backroads since I've had it but so far we're having a blast. As of today I've owned it 8 days.

 

[finless]

From my experience,
The sway bar does not help buffeting. It helps cornering. It does not really kick in until the Spyder starts to roll one side or the other, that's when you notice it over the stock sway bar.

Vented windshield does not help buffeting! It does help with lurching. e.g. forward to back lurching when wind hits you. It does not help side to side buffeting at all which is most of what I did not like at first.

I have both installed and this is my experience.
Bottom line you just get use to the buffeting and realize you just ride through it and let the Spyder do it's thing. It's not going anywhere that's going to surprise you.

Only other thing you might consider is alignment if your moving around on the road due to buffeting. You should not have to fight the buffeting to stay on the road. If you are, then this might be your issue.

Bob

 

[Chupaca]

Tough one..!!

see one is for comfort (worse on windy days) and the other for handling (constant). If your touring more than squirling around go for the windshield will help with long freeways at constant speeds and windier conditions. If your the backroads mountains and twisties the bar will be the better choice..jmo enjoy your trip and see which is more what you want after your back...hyea:hyea:

 

[DJFaninTN]

i'd opt for the swaybar and then get your alignment checked out. check your tire pressures cold and see where you are. windshield the last thing.

one last note: give up the death grip you have going on. we all did it at first. the more you relax your hands and trust the bike, the easier the ride.

 

[Larry rt]

Defiantly the saw bar first ! You will notice the difference !

 

[jroberts650]

see one is for comfort (worse on windy days) and the other for handling (constant). If your touring more than squirling around go for the windshield will help with long freeways at constant speeds and windier conditions. If your the backroads mountains and twisties the bar will be the better choice..jmo enjoy your trip and see which is more what you want after your back...hyea:hyea:

Yeah, thats what I had in mind to do. I'm more of a casual rider, nothing really sporty. But I like how you set the two apart, one for comfort and then other handling. I was really trying to put both in the same category when they shouldn't be. Thanks

 

[jroberts650]

i'd opt for the swaybar and then get your alignment checked out. check your tire pressures cold and see where you are. windshield the last thing.

one last note: give up the death grip you have going on. we all did it at first. the more you relax your hands and trust the bike, the easier the ride.

Last time I checked my pressures it was 17 in one and 17.5 in the other. I may try and go up to 18 in both and give it a try.
And on the death grip, I just went really loose this morning on my ride in and it was ALOT better. I wouldnt describe it as a death grip but more of counter steering to try and compensate but when I went loose it basically drove itself through.

 

[gonker]

The swaybar is a must have but the wind buffeting is all stock windshield. I bought the touring windshield for my 2010 and not only did it get rid of the buffeting but increased my gas milage. All the way up and it protects from rain, all the way down and I dont have to look through it to ride. I will be putting one on my 2014. When its 90+ riding the extra wind helps keep us cool.

 

[jroberts650]

The swaybar is a must have but the wind buffeting is all stock windshield. I bought the touring windshield for my 2010 and not only did it get rid of the buffeting but increased my gas milage. All the way up and it protects from rain, all the way down and I dont have to look through it to ride. I will be putting one on my 2014. When its 90+ riding the extra wind helps keep us cool.

Did you notice if the wind was directly in your face when it was all the way down?

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Whatever you choose for your windshield avoid riding with it in the lowest position. The bracket has a tendency to snap and it is a costly fix if out of warranty. Take the windshield to the lowest position then raise it about an inch.