Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Windshields and wind buffet

I started with a Triumph Summer Shield for my 2006 America. Switched to the Clearview shield that I hoped would get rid of the buffeting. It didn't do it. Yes, it deflected more wind over the top because it's a taller shield, but then I discovered that the wind is actually coming up from UNDERNEATH the shiled, not over the top. The effect is that the wind is getting under the helmet (open face) and shaking it around. I wear glasses so this is a real problem. Does anyone know of a solution? A totally different shield? No shield? Help!

this page should get you where you want to go
http://www.fasteddysports.com/?page_id=3&category=55

Lowers are a huge help.

See http://www.bonnevilleamerica.com/forums/...ge=0#Post441462 Worked for me.

I also have the Clearview Screen. I'ts not the problem. You need Lowers!

Thank you. I picked up on that particular shield available from Fast Eddys and am going to call them tomorrow. Thanks for the feedback. Bill

Another question, though. What about the space between the forks? That appears to still be open. Not an issue? Bill

I have a Memphis Shades "Fats" screen without lowers and don't have buffeting issues (3/4 helmet). With the Fats screen, it is necessary to make your own cutouts for the driving lamps. I gave the cutouts some additional room on lamp clearance that the Clearview doesn't appear to have. That may make a difference, allowing some airflow to sneak thru those larger gaps and upset the turbulence around my face. Just a hunch.

I also replaced the Triumph Summer Screen with the Clearview. The Summer Screen used to shake my head so violently I realized I was better off with no screen. I've had no problem since switching to the Clearview. Granted there is some wind coming under the screen and over the tank top that hits me, but not anything like having no screen wind hitting me.

If you want to eliminate all "buffeted" wind hitting you, you might as well get a car. Personally, I don't won't to block all the wind hitting me while riding nor do I want a mass of plastic on the front of the bike.

Which height shield do you have? I'm 5'8" and I think the Clearview is a 17". Does their Memphia Shades shield need to be that high?

Bob,

I'm 70 years old and have had 8 M/Cs over the years (3 Triumphs, 1 BSA, 2 H-D's, 1 Ariel, 1 Kawasaki - not counting a Whizzer and a Cushman Eagle iin the early years). Still riding. But, I have tri-focals now. Have you ever had them vibrating & bouncing around at 70-80 mph? Yes, I accept some buffet, but when it gets to the point that I'm seeking answers for a problem, it has become an issue worth delving into. BTW - I don't ride at night anymore either - can't pick up either the apex of or exit from the curve with lights from oncoming traffic in my face. "Discretion is the better part of valor".

Bill

if all else fails, maybe consider a full face or 3/4 helmet with face shield

I don't know Bob... it really is possible to get rid of all the buffeting. I'm about to prove that this riding season on my own bike by using lowers and a different screen, but I've experienced on other bikes total quietude behind wind protection so I know it's within reach.

That buffeting is in my opinion not just a discomfort, but a safely issue as well. If yer gonna run with a windshield, add lowers too to address the head buffet issue.

I read somewhere that a windshield height should be at around the same height as your nose.

Keith, I don't have any buffeting problem since going with the Clearview. I do feel some wind coming under the screen and over the top sides of the tank. It hits me in the upper chest, but absolutely no big deal.

I also can understand the need some have to be totally "shielded" from the wind. At 61 I wonder how may "good" riding years I have left. At present, the negative aspects of a larger shield (wind gusts, appearance, etc.) are a bigger issue to me. Fortunately, I have no negatives riding at this time. OK, I have a little arthritis issue with my left thumb, but it isn't stopping me from riding every chance I can.

Hope I'm still enjoying riding at 70!

I know I may be answering this way late, butas far as shield go.....I had put a triumph roadster shield on and got tons of buffeting. i went back to my slipstreamer. it was one of the big shieldshas the wing outs for hand coverage and partial lowers on it. I cut the top down about 4 inches and rounded off the lowers some. its been the best one and i cant remember who it was on this forum I bought it from but a big thank you. Its been doing the job for 4 years!

That's good information Scott. The Slipstreamer seems to be more of a total solution than other screens with lowers added. And hand protection too... sounds great!

IF YOU GO THAT WAY YOU HAVE TO GET THE OVER SIZED MOUNTS. I CANT REMEMBER. IF YOU HIT UP MY FACEBOOK THERE IS PICS OF MY BIKE AND THE WAY I CUT THE SHIELD. JUST SEND A NOTE THAT ITS YOU SO I KNOW WHO IS TRYING TO FRIEND ME. OR YOU CAN SEND ME A E-MAIL AND ILL SEND YOU THE PIC. BEAMER326@YAHOO.COM

I am the same height and the Memphis Shades Alleycat plus the lowers have pretty much done away with buffeting on my America. Most of the wind from below comes over the tank and your knees and right up into your face. The lowers took care of that. The wind between the forks goes around the tank or over the engine/oil cooler so it is not a problem.

I have the same type windshield. I have to agree it is nice when it comes to wind deflection. The hand fairing can be especially great with keeping wind off your hands when it's really coooold out.

I just got the bike on the road, and was able to hit the highway with the Clearview Summer Shield in place. This was the 17" screen, in which I cut 1" off the top.

The bike was steady, and no wind buffeting was experienced. The windshield was cut down for my wife, as she's a bit shorter than I am. I had the bike up to 120 km/h (75 mph). I could feel the air coming from under the tank, but there was no turbulence that's associated with wind buffeting. I could feel air directed towards me, but it was 'smooth air'.

So, I am pleasantly surprised at the results so far.

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H.

Chris... can you flash us a picture of your bike with the windscreen on it?

ClearView has a new Roadster screen with integrated lowers (somewhat) and an upper recurve. We'll see how that works in about 2 weeks.

Oh, and a 10% discount through March.

Well after reading all of your comments, I decided to go wit the 18" clearview. I had the triumph summertime screen and found it unbearable at speeds over 70. I just ordered the clearview shield today. I will get it in 2 weeks.

You won't be disappointed with the correctly sized screen regardless of which brand it is. My experience has been that with the wind deflecting over your head, the change or pressure variation had the effect of making more air come up from below and only a set of lowers from Fast Eddy sorted it.

Now I'm Happy with my cofiguration.

Staffo

One thing for sure-there is no single answer for a rider. A ton of (mostly expensive) trial and error need to be done. 90% at least report lowers help a great deal. The idea, in a nutshell, is to smooth the airflow. This is not an exact science, as we all know!

I just installed the summer shield rode for 80 miles and loved it. I have a modular helmet and felt no buffeting or wind noice.

I'm 6'2" and have the Clearview +4 screen. I get serious buffeting at 65+ MPH. This isn't just nuisance buffeting, it's so bad I can't actually focus on the road. I have a 36 mile one-way commute to work > All 70 - 75 MPH slab, so I really need to figure out something to reduce this.

Does Fast Eddy have the Lower mounting brackets for the 09 Speedy?

The lower fork mount that you can use is from Memphis Shades. It's for a Kawasaki VN900, and also fits Honda VTX 1300, 1800, Suzuki C50, and Intruder. Part number M9898. Old part number is 2321-0038. I will be getting these myself. These are just the brackets. You have to make your own lowers. These will work with the 07's for sure, but should work with the newer bikes too. I can measure my forks with a caliper if that helps.

CLICKY

Shutterbug has these on his '07 Speedmaster.

HTH,
H.

Hello all,

I am really gratified by all the feedback on this issue. Eddy and I have been working on it and have come up with a combination that is presently installed: Lowers mounted on the upper tubes (above the triple tree) and secured with the short mounting arms. This arrangement fits under the Clearview shield. Don't know how it's going to work yet since the weather has been totally lousy for bikes for a week. I did, however, absolutely confirm on a ride last Sunday that the wind is coming up from underneath the tank and hitting me in the chest and face. Thus, it really moves my tri-focals around. Went from the 3/4 helmet to the full face and, of course, the problem goes away. But I really prefer the 3/4 since the full adds yet another layer of plastic between my eyes and the air (glasses, face shield, windshield) with the resulting distortion.

So, now the lowers are in place and ready for a test flight. I'll report on the result. I can't seem to figure out how to load pix here but I have the before/after set. Anyone wanting to see them, please contact me directly at: cappybs@bellsouth.net and I'll reply with the photos attached.

Bill Stroud
2006 America
17" Clearview shield on Triumph Summershield brackets
Memphis Shades lowers (untested)

Quote:

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ClearView has a new Roadster screen with integrated lowers (somewhat) and an upper recurve. We'll see how that works in about 2 weeks.

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How did the extended lower part of the screen work out? I'm interested in the Clearview with that option. Does anyone else have this on their Clearview? I just sent them a question as to whether or not they can make those without the cutouts for the turnsignals. This is the photo they show for an America/Speedmaster; not even a Bonneville or variant?

I'm happy with it. It doesn't completely block the turbulence from under the screen, but it's not uncomfortable up to about 80mph (my comfort zone). I'm 6'2" and wear a 3/4 helmet. I got the +4 with the top recurve. I'll be picking up another full coverage Shoei in the next few weeks and expect that to eliminate all discomfort on longer rides. I'll keep the 3/4 for local summer rides. I agree with the others, adding lowers should give you the best result, I'm just not a big fan of the look. Would probably use them if I did more longer rides (or in colder weather). I'll soon be switching from an 8" to 12" wide toolbag under the trees and am curious if that makes any difference.

As for the cutouts, they'll accomodate the factory driving lights of the America/Speedmaster.

Erwin,

Not sure from the angle of your pic, but I think the lowers on the new Clearview may be just a couple inches longer.

Fwiw, I too have gone from the summer screen (inheritance) to clearview to Memphis with lowers. Obviously the summer had to go cos of the Turbulence but with the clearview when it was the right height (long story), I found it worked well with no buffetting and little updraught.

I then had to change to a higher screen and decided my best bet was the memphis because of the quick disconnect brackets function if I wanted to use it. Well it's funny cos with the memphis and no lowers, the updraught was something not just noticeable, it was bad. Enter stage left the lowers. Well this was a curious situation also cos I found they worked better up side down using the short brackets. The only factor I can put it down to is the memphis shades big shot which I now have has a different profile compared to the alley cat which correct me if I'm wrong but I think has been on the market longer than the big shot.

Perhaps the lowers which I don't think have changed may have been designed more for it than the big shot? It's the only thing I can think of but again, this is all guesswork. If anyone knows differently, pipe up cos I'm interested myself.

Regardless, for some reason I actually prefer the look of the supposed, upside down lowers. Maybe I'm just different, but that's meant to be cool now anyway isn't it?

Just thought I'd throw in my results for others to put into the mix. One final thing. With my currnt configuration, I've found I can ride even with the shoei multitech fully open without any glasses and my eyes don't water. No, I'm not in the "cone of silence" or a vacuum but when it's cold or raining, the big shot with upside down lowers is duck's nuts.