HELP - Eyes Effected by Helmet and Goggle Buffeting / Vibration Issue

[bayoumanPIBE]

I am a six month noob with the Spyders, but love my 2014 ST-S! I have about 1,300 miles thus far and getting ready for my first SpyderFest in Springfield this year.

Anyway....My only issue really with riding is the buffeting or bad vibrations in my eyes while riding at 65+ MPH. I have to tighten my goggles and helmet as tight as possible plus slow down to help reduce the problem. I also have my windshield up all the way. I could not even imagine what it'd be like if I just tried to where sunglasses...they'd be all over the place!

I have heard of people changing out their windshields, but I have no idea of a reliable replacement that won't give me issues such as sliding down when I hit a bump or something else dumb.

Thoughts my new fellow Spyder Peeps! ray:

 

[Cruzr Joe]

This close to Spyderfest, i would try to wait and see all the options that other ST owners have at Spyderfest.


Cruzr Joe

 

[JayBros]

Joe makes a very good point. My eyes are so important to me I wear a modular helmet; best insurance IMO.

 

[Chupaca]

Agree..!!

Don't know your set up but the modular is the way to go. 3/4 face plate up full face with plate down.

 

[Explorer]

I have a 2014 STL. I am 5' 10". I wear a Nolan 103 modular. Day: Clear shield up, Sun shield down, for ventilation. Night or Rain: Clear shield down, Sun shield up. The wind screan is always at lowest seting.
Good Luck
Roger

 

[chuck gross]

calsci windshield

I have a California Scientific medium extra wide windshield way less buffeting on the old noggin than the stock ST one.
I do wear a full face helmet unless it is like 90 degrees out then I use a half helmet.

 

[Motorcycledave]

Looking at your profile it looks like you are riding an ST, that windshield is adjustable try moving it way up
kyou may get rid of all that buffeting, I had the same trouble with my Spyder I have a 2008 GS I solved the
problem by installing a Madstad adjustable shield on mine, it adjusts up 5 inches and down the same as well
as forward and back I have ZERO wind buffeting and my wife says with it up all the way she don't have any
at all as well... if you don't have enough adjustment on yours try a LAMINER LIP on top of yours... they work great
as well
Ride Safe
Dave

I am a six month noob with the Spyders, but love my 2014 ST-S! I have about 1,300 miles thus far and getting ready for my first SpyderFest in Springfield this year.

Anyway....My only issue really with riding is the buffeting or bad vibrations in my eyes while riding at 65+ MPH. I have to tighten my goggles and helmet as tight as possible plus slow down to help reduce the problem. I also have my windshield up all the way. I could not even imagine what it'd be like if I just tried to where sunglasses...they'd be all over the place!

I have heard of people changing out their windshields, but I have no idea of a reliable replacement that won't give me issues such as sliding down when I hit a bump or something else dumb.

Thoughts my new fellow Spyder Peeps! ray:

 

[Trbayth]

This close to Spyderfest, i would try to wait and see all the options that other ST owners have at Spyderfest.

:agree:


I've got a few things on my farkle list including a wider windshield, highway pegs, and a new seat but this close to Spyderfest I'd like to see other people's ST's with some of these items.

I figure I'm in it for the long term so there's no rush.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

You Could

I am a six month noob with the Spyders, but love my 2014 ST-S! I have about 1,300 miles thus far and getting ready for my first SpyderFest in Springfield this year.

Anyway....My only issue really with riding is the buffeting or bad vibrations in my eyes while riding at 65+ MPH. I have to tighten my goggles and helmet as tight as possible plus slow down to help reduce the problem. I also have my windshield up all the way. I could not even imagine what it'd be like if I just tried to where sunglasses...they'd be all over the place!

I have heard of people changing out their windshields, but I have no idea of a reliable replacement that won't give me issues such as sliding down when I hit a bump or something else dumb.

Thoughts my new fellow Spyder Peeps! ray:

buy a real helmet, loose the goggles and all will be fine.:roflblack:

 

[Orange Spyder Man]

I wear a full face Bell helmet.. a better helmet prolly will help... but try lowering your windshield... have heard from others that it helps with the buffeting

osm

 

[BajaRon]

Regardless of what other things you may need to do. Be sure your helmet fits! If your helmet is moving around on your head at all, it is too big and will contribute greatly to issues caused by buffeting. Not to mention that it is likely to come off your head entirely during an accident.

A properly fit helmet will move VERY LITTLE on your head.

Every so many years Arai does a survey of non-professional riders. Every time they do this they find that an average of 70% are wearing a helmet AT LEAST 1 size too big for their head. Many are wearing a helmet 2 sizes or more bigger than they should.

An easy way to tell is to strap your helmet on good and snug. Now shake your head back and forth quickly (like saying no!). If the helmet isn't keeping up with your head, there is a very good chance the helmet is Too Big.

People get helmets that are too big for 'Comfort'. But once you get used to a properly fitting helmet, it is actually more comfortable than 4 lbs. of fiberglass rattling around on top of your head.

A second important test is to reach over the top of the helmet (I like to use both hands so you get a more even pull) and try to roll the helmet off your head. You need to pull fairly hard to even come close to simulating the G-Forces incurred in an accident.

If you can get the helmet off, or even come close to feeling like it MAY come off, you are wearing a helmet AT LEAST 1 size too big.

 

[bullant12]

To add into Ron's very good advice regarding helmets, the windshield is a choice determination, but you want to make sure that it protects you correctly.
A good desirable windshield should cover your chest up to your neck or at maximum, your nose and/or eye level. This would result in less buffeting. The ST's windshield is adjustable, so play around with it some more once you have determined your helmet fits correctly. If you are tall and the windshield goes as high as it can, then you might look into aftermarket ones.

 

[bayoumanPIBE]

Lots of Great Ideas!

Thanks ya'll for the suggestions. The freebie ideas I'll try first chance I get. I do like the idea of being this close to SpyderFest, I'll see what others have done in person instead of $$ trial and error and so-on. I also appreciate BajaRon on making some really good educational points on helmets as a good reminder for myself (and others). I also like the idea of the Laminar (http://laminarlip.com/caspyder.php) product...much cheaper than a new windshield, but we'll see. I have tried re-positioning my windshield at various speeds...no luck. And per bullant12, it seems to be sitting at good spot, but maybe just a tad too short...

I do want to point out that I have three helmets (half, 3/4 with pull down shield and a full with shield). They all vibrate like crazy, and they are pretty dang tight. Pitbull Powersports made sure I was leaving with proper fitting helmets...we/I just didn't realize there might be such an issue for me afterwards such as the buffeting. And the only place around Columbia, MO that has helmets I know of is the Harley store and well...most everything in there has the Harley emblem...so. I am pumped about SpyderFest. I can't wait to be around my own kind of riders so I can chat like we are now but in person!
:doorag:

 

[ARtraveler]

All good advice above. Also recommend you give Nolan helmets a good look. My brand of choice for years.

 

[Dragonrider]

Personally, I loathe full helmets - one of the many reasons to ride a Spyder, is they aren't necessary, even in bad weather (RT) - you might want to talk to either F4 windshields, or Laminar Lip (a much less expensive option.)

 

[Cruzr Joe]

I have a 2014 STL. I am 5' 10". I wear a Nolan 103 modular. Day: Clear shield up, Sun shield down, for ventilation. Night or Rain: Clear shield down, Sun shield up. The wind screan is always at lowest seting.
Good Luck
Roger

Be sure to keep your windshield up at least a little bit in order to prevent the lower windshield bar from hitting bottom and breaking.

Cruzr Joe

 

[chuck gross]

Personally, I loathe full helmets - one of the many reasons to ride a Spyder, is they aren't necessary, even in bad weather (RT) - you might want to talk to either F4 windshields, or Laminar Lip (a much less expensive option.)

F4 makes a really good windshield they just don't make one for the ST :banghead: GO FIGURE ?
The ST windshield is just a really bad design it seems to cause buffeting no matter what position you put it in.
I am really happy with my CALSI they may not be the super high quality that F4 has, but their vent relieves the back pressure created by the windshield and cuts all that annoying buffeting down to a bare minimum there will be lots of really cool looking things at Spyderfest but remember just cause it looks good doesn't mean it works good. :thumbup:

 

[Dan_Ashley]

Do your goggles fit? They should let very little air in on the sides of your face. Also, get some ear plugs. (No joke) Some people experience the increased wind sound from the high speed wind whipping through the helmet and past their goggles as buffeting. So get some foam ear plugs and try that out. Watch a you tube video on how to install them. There is a little trick to doing it right. The foam ones are good for two or three rides then they need to be replaced. They are real cheap if you buy them on line by the case. The foam ones are a lot better than molded or plastic ones.

 

[bayoumanPIBE]

Goggle fit

Do your goggles fit? They should let very little air in on the sides of your face. Also, get some ear plugs. (No joke) Some people experience the increased wind sound from the high speed wind whipping through the helmet and past their goggles as buffeting. So get some foam ear plugs and try that out. Watch a you tube video on how to install them. There is a little trick to doing it right. The foam ones are good for two or three rides then they need to be replaced. They are real cheap if you buy them on line by the case. The foam ones are a lot better than molded or plastic ones.

Yeah, I have three types of goggles. One fits perfect and only allows a small amount of air in (until the buffeting). My goggles have a soft/tough inside instead of a foam seal. Coinincidence I just put some ear plugs in my frunk bag.

 

[bayoumanPIBE]

Laminar (No options...yet.)

Just got off the phone with a really nice guy at Laminar. He states the Spyder lips they have are only for the first year and model of the Can-Am Spyders (I think 2007). He cannot guarantee it will come close to fitting any other model including the ST. They do not have the luxery of getting their hands on Spyders where they are...no dealers and such. Similar to where I am...three hour drive to get mine. I will be keeping in touch with them. We may work things out where I can send my stock windshield and then they can work their magic on an option for us ST owners.

Wonder how to even ship a windshield...or costs...ugh, it might be cheaper or the same price for a different windshield, but as others have said...unless you try it you will not know if it works. And the lip is much cheaper to try...thus far...

I'll post what I find out.