Topic: Do the new wind deflector kits work? (Read 30540 times)

Indenial · « **on:** September 10, 2010, 07:18:33 PM »

Has anyone tried the new wind deflector kits that come with the 2011 RG Ultra? Do they work? Do they improve anything? I couldn't get the pic to copy. Thanks

FLTR Wind Deflector Kit

Easy-to-install, these snap-fit Wind Deflectors reduce and redirect the air flow that rises between the fairing and fork tubes. The resulting reduction in updraft can dramatically reduce buffeting for many riders. Stock on '11 CVO™ Road Glide®.

57000063

Fits '09-later FLTR and FLTRU models. (Will not fit models equipped with the Fuel Tank retrofit mounting kit.)

MSRP US $29.95

LC110 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 10, 2010, 08:23:12 PM »

IMO Best $30.00 I have spent in a long time.
I run with no lowers and a 13" CB windshield.
With the deflectors installed, I have less wind around me from the waist up.
I also noticed my pants don't get blown around as much. And I hear less of that rattling noise from the engine.

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2010, 12:55:24 AM »

"hear less of that rattling noise from the engine"?

I bought a set, but have not gotten home to put them on. If you have a chnace post some pixs of them on the SERG.

LC110 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2010, 08:54:01 AM »

"hear less of that rattling noise from the engine"?
Yes mine rattles like most of them in that 2000 to 2500 RPM range.
Also Compensator needs to be replaced and I have the in neutral clutch out when hot rattle also.
G guess all the noise these engines make is normal

But the wind deflectors work great

Picture by chainsaw

doubledown · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2010, 09:18:35 PM »

I did'nt want to believe it, and now don't want to admit it, but those $30 pieces of plastic really do work. After reading the posts here, I took a ride to the Harley dealer today, and bought a set ( they had them in stock!) Put about 200 miles on the bike today, and they definately cut down on the wind blast. My wife even made a comment about the wind not being so bad today (she didnt know I put them on)

Just wanted to post this for the skeptics out there ( i'm one of them) they work!

Indenial · « **Reply #5 on:** September 12, 2010, 08:07:56 AM »

Fits '09-later FLTR and FLTRU models. (Will not fit models equipped with the Fuel Tank retrofit mounting kit.)

Couple of questions for you guys. Will they fit even if we had the "upgrade fix" to the fuel tank mount? Also, those that have them installed, where does the wind go now. Meaning that the wind deflection has to be there, just in a different direction. Can you feel it with your hand anyplace? Thanks,

LC110 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 12, 2010, 09:25:57 AM »

I had the fuel tank retrofit done. They don't snap on to the bolts, like HD would like.But they fit tight on the bolt heads.
I have not had any problem with mine moving around at all.
As for the wind, I feel it just breaks the air up (if that makes sense)
I don't feel any extra wind/air any place only less wind/air and my BSR commented that things are a lot quieter.
AKA/ can hold a conversation a lot easier.

Dracula · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2010, 09:17:40 AM »

"The resulting reduction in updraft can dramatically reduce buffeting for many riders. Stock on '11 CVO™ Road Glide®."

You would think after spending as much money as we did on our bikes the MoCo would send us a set for free!!!

Dan_Lockwood · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2010, 10:12:17 AM »

Quote from: OldLefty on September 12, 2010, 09:25:57 AM

I had the fuel tank retrofit done. They don't snap on to the bolts, like HD would like.But they fit tight on the bolt heads.
I have not had any problem with mine moving around at all.
As for the wind, I feel it just breaks the air up (if that makes sense)
I don't feel any extra wind/air any place only less wind/air and my BSR commented that things are a lot quieter.
AKA/ can hold a conversation a lot easier.

I just bought a set yesterday and installed them at the dealer before leaving for my 50 mile ride home. You're right, they do not fit just right, but as you did, I just slid them over the head of the tank mount bolt. A little loose, but didn't move all the way home.

I'm uncertain yet whether they make a BIG difference or not, but I can say it is BETTER. I've only ridden solo so I'll get the BSR on next weekend and see what she thinks.

BigLew55 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2010, 10:59:33 AM »

For $30, I might spting for a set to see if I can adapt them to my FLHX. I think I have some other stuff on my 'Jenni' list.

charles05663 · « **Reply #10 on:** September 13, 2010, 11:09:31 PM »

It is ridiculous that they don't fit the mandatory fuel tank fix for the 09 SERG.

BigLew · « **Reply #11 on:** September 14, 2010, 10:38:54 PM »

I have the retro fit on the tank and bought the pieces. I don't see how the upper snap would work. There is a black cover on the new bolt and the upper snap will not fit. Any pics of the upper fitting?

Mike

Dracula · « **Reply #12 on:** September 15, 2010, 09:04:45 AM »

Put a set on last night. They don't "snap" onto the bolts, but they rest there and with the clamp on the engine guard beging a tight enough fit, they can't go anywhere.

Rode last night but didn't get a chance to get out on the highway. At 60 mph, they changed the wind alot around my legs. If I spread my knees outward slightly, it got a lot cooler (alot more wind passing). The wind up around my chest and head didn't seem to be that much different.

BigLew · « **Reply #13 on:** September 15, 2010, 09:07:29 AM »

You would think that they would need to be at the correct angle to work correctly??

Mike

Dracula · « **Reply #14 on:** September 15, 2010, 11:01:55 AM »

When they snap onto the engine guard, you push them back and the top rests on the bolt head. It's the same position as if the deflector snapped tight onto the bolt. Once the wind start pushing on them, they are seated and can't move.

BigLew · « **Reply #15 on:** September 15, 2010, 11:08:12 AM »

Quote from: Dracula on September 15, 2010, 11:01:55 AM

When they snap onto the engine guard, you push them back and the top rests on the bolt head. It's the same position as if the deflector snapped tight onto the bolt. Once the wind start pushing on them, they are seated and can't move.

What did you do with the top snap cut it off? If I let the snap rest on the bolt it will push the deflector out of position??

Dracula · « **Reply #16 on:** September 15, 2010, 11:54:10 AM »

Quote from: BigLew on September 15, 2010, 11:08:12 AM

What did you do with the top snap cut it off? If I let the snap rest on the bolt it will push the deflector out of position??

Slid it onto the bolt head as if it fit the head correctly. I'll try to get a pic tonight.

BigLew · « **Reply #17 on:** September 15, 2010, 12:17:18 PM »

Quote from: Dracula on September 15, 2010, 11:54:10 AM

Slid it onto the bolt head as if it fit the head correctly. I'll try to get a pic tonight.

Thanks mine has this stupid plastic cover over the bolt and the area. not sure if you ment there or not?

Mike

n7543g · « **Reply #18 on:** September 15, 2010, 02:19:10 PM »

Hi All,

I put them on my 09 and like them very well. I snapped the top next to the bolt on the inside. There is a spot there. I think this is right, but not sure. Take a look at the pic I will attach.

Mark

BigLew · « **Reply #19 on:** September 15, 2010, 02:37:50 PM »

Quote from: n7543g on September 15, 2010, 02:19:10 PM

Hi All,

I put them on my 09 and like them very well. I snapped the top next to the bolt on the inside. There is a spot there. I think this is right, but not sure. Take a look at the pic I will attach.

Mark

Mark that is correct but the problem is with the bike that have had the gas tank recall it will no longer snap at the gas tank. The MoCo is a fubar in my opinion.You would think that someone up there would have figured this out.

Mike

n7543g · « **Reply #20 on:** September 15, 2010, 05:25:01 PM »

Hi Mike and all,

I bought my bike 1 year old with 2000 miles on it and I did not know about the tank recall and my dealer hasn't said any thing about it. What is that recall about and I assume my bike has not been done. Do I need to get with my dealer?

Thanks a bunch,

Mark

BigLew · « **Reply #21 on:** September 15, 2010, 05:31:08 PM »

Mark I'm sure some of the more tech guys can explain, but as I understood it there was a possible chance of a crack at the spot where the tank meets the frame in a crash and gas could leak out. hope that makes sense. Knowing what I know now, if I had a choice I'm not sure it matters.

Mike

n7543g · « **Reply #22 on:** September 15, 2010, 05:38:09 PM »

Thanks Mike. I have a real good dealer and I will stop down and talk to them in the morning. If they don't fit with the mod I don't think I will keep them.

Mark

Fired00d · « **Reply #23 on:** September 15, 2010, 05:48:43 PM »

Quote from: n7543g on September 15, 2010, 05:25:01 PM

Hi Mike and all,

I bought my bike 1 year old with 2000 miles on it and I did not know about the tank recall and my dealer hasn't said any thing about it. What is that recall about and I assume my bike has not been done. Do I need to get with my dealer?

Thanks a bunch,

Mark

See here - Harley Recall.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Dracula · « **Reply #24 on:** September 15, 2010, 06:35:07 PM »

Here are the pics. I have had the tank recall done.

jimp · « **Reply #25 on:** September 15, 2010, 08:22:22 PM »

I drilled a small hole threw the deflector and used a wire tie around the crash bar, just in case.

Dracula · « **Reply #26 on:** September 15, 2010, 09:23:56 PM »

I rode a little last night...they didn't seem to move. Not sure they could go anywhere anyway.

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #27 on:** September 15, 2010, 10:36:03 PM »

Nice job guys, thanks for sharing.

LC110 · « **Reply #28 on:** September 15, 2010, 11:02:11 PM »

Quote from: Dracula on September 15, 2010, 06:35:07 PM

Here are the pics. I have had the tank recall done.

Exactly how I installed mine.(tank recall) They have not moved since I installed them several hundred miles ago.

Dan_Lockwood · « **Reply #29 on:** September 16, 2010, 03:23:03 PM »

Quote from: OldLefty on September 15, 2010, 11:02:11 PM

Exactly how I installed mine.(tank recall) They have not moved since I installed them several hundred miles ago.

Ditto...

BigLew · « **Reply #30 on:** September 16, 2010, 04:44:40 PM »

Sounds like a plan, thanks for the help!

Mike

Dracula · « **Reply #31 on:** September 17, 2010, 07:52:45 AM »

Ride report;

Hit the highway last night. Cruising at 75 mph. BSR said ride was much better. Her feet were a lot cooler, which hot feet is one of the things that always bothered her on this bike. We were also able to talk to each other much easier (still trying to decide if that is good or bad

). One thing I really noticed is the wind I felt didn't really change between 75 mph and 100 mph??? Didn't even realize I was going that fast til I looked at the speedo.

Gettinold · « **Reply #32 on:** September 17, 2010, 09:10:45 PM »

Quote from: doubledown on September 11, 2010, 09:18:35 PM

I did'nt want to believe it, and now don't want to admit it, but those $30 pieces of plastic really do work. After reading the posts here, I took a ride to the Harley dealer today, and bought a set ( they had them in stock!) Put about 200 miles on the bike today, and they definately cut down on the wind blast. My wife even made a comment about the wind not being so bad today (she didnt know I put them on)

Just wanted to post this for the skeptics out there ( i'm one of them) they work!

There you have it, if the wifey likes them and didn't even know they were on the bike, then they must work.

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #33 on:** September 18, 2010, 09:47:54 PM »

BSR may not be a wifey. They are talking?

Dracula · « **Reply #34 on:** September 20, 2010, 01:57:24 PM »

BSR always wifey. I have become too good of friends with Big Jim and the twins to allow a non-wifey BSR.

Dragon42 · « **Reply #35 on:** September 23, 2010, 02:40:38 PM »

It works. I purposely didn't do the tank recall in anticipation of this (not really). Without the recall, it fits perfectly. Noticible change in buffeting. Perhaps it works even better in concert with the new shield? IMHO it was worth $30

JWKHD1 · « **Reply #36 on:** September 28, 2010, 09:22:58 AM »

Any chance they will work on a 2005 Roadglide?

BigLew · « **Reply #37 on:** September 28, 2010, 05:21:22 PM »

I can tell no difference after install!

Mike

Big-T · « **Reply #38 on:** October 04, 2010, 06:58:48 AM »

I just rode 400 miles. Don't know if I can tell the difference.

BigLew · « **Reply #39 on:** October 04, 2010, 08:32:12 AM »

I want my money back!!

Mike

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #40 on:** October 04, 2010, 09:07:12 AM »

Has anybody been able to get them to work if you have Lowers? Seems to me the lowers are in the way. I cant figure out how to get them to work with lowers.

Big C. · « **Reply #41 on:** October 04, 2010, 10:04:56 PM »

Quick question the guys that feel a difference with the new deflectors installed. What size winshields are you running?

Dracula · « **Reply #42 on:** October 05, 2010, 10:27:38 AM »

11" Custom Clearview Shields

LC110 · « **Reply #43 on:** October 05, 2010, 12:13:24 PM »

13" Cee Bailey's.

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #44 on:** October 05, 2010, 10:52:33 PM »

Quote from: FLSTFI Dave on October 04, 2010, 09:07:12 AM

Has anybody been able to get them to work if you have Lowers? Seems to me the lowers are in the way. I cant figure out how to get them to work with lowers.

To work? Nope. Lowers are definitely in the way. Bottom mount won't sit/snap flush on the crash bar at the outer edge of the mount due to a conflict with the top of the lowers.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #45 on:** October 06, 2010, 08:15:15 AM »

Quote from: NVWLDTHG on October 05, 2010, 10:52:33 PM

To work? Nope. Lowers are definitely in the way. Bottom mount won't sit/snap flush on the crash bar at the outer edge of the mount due to a conflict with the top of the lowers.

OK. I am not the only one who found that problem.

motor1 · « **Reply #46 on:** October 06, 2010, 09:56:47 PM »

For those owners that have the old style lowers, you have to cut a square out of the bottom outer corner of both deflectors. Once cut, and filed smooth, they snap right on.

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #47 on:** October 07, 2010, 07:57:01 AM »

Quote from: motor1 on October 06, 2010, 09:56:47 PM

For those owners that have the old style lowers, you have to cut a square out of the bottom outer corner of both deflectors. Once cut, and filed smooth, they snap right on.

I will look into that when I get in from being off shore for three weeks. Thanks

Beemer · « **Reply #48 on:** October 07, 2010, 09:19:36 AM »

i'VE GOT THE OLD STYLE LOWERS AND FOUND THE ONE ON THE LEFT SNAPS ON OKAY BUT THE RIGHT ONE HITS THE LOWER WHERE STATED ABOVE. i JUST USED A ZIP-TIE THROUGH THE OUTER SLOT ON THE DEFLECTORS TO HOLD THEM TO THE ENGINE GUARD...WORKS GOOD.

i TRIED BOTH WITH AND WITHOUT THE FORK-DISH WIND DEFLECTOR AND HAVN'T MADE UP MY MIND WHEATHER THE DIVERTERS WORK BETTER WITH-OR-WITHOUT. tHE AIR THAT IS NOW DEVERTED STRAIGHT UP IN FRONT OF THE TANK TO BREAK-UP THE BURBBLE FROM THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD SEEMS LESS FOCUSED WITH THE FORK-DISH OFF. tHE PLASTIC DIVERTERS DEFINATELY WORK AS INTENDED THOUGH.

P.S. i'M RUNNING A kURYAKYN 21" AIRMASTER WINDSHIELD.

p.s.s. jUST REALIZED i HAVE THE cAPS-lOCK ON...Oh well, not going to retype....

motor1 · « **Reply #49 on:** October 07, 2010, 10:28:03 PM »

For anyone has bought deflectors, and is not sure how well they work, try the following; install one ( either side ) get up to highway speeds ( hopefully on highway), and set your cruise control. Now extend a hand forward ( towards front/top of fuel tank. Check one side then the other. My not so scientific test leads me to believe they work. Short of having a windtunnel, this is about as good a test as you can do.

BigLew · « **Reply #50 on:** October 08, 2010, 05:24:11 PM »

Quote from: motor1 on October 07, 2010, 10:28:03 PM

For anyone has bought deflectors, and is not sure how well they work, try the following; install one ( either side ) get up to highway speeds ( hopefully on highway), and set your cruise control. Now extend a hand forward ( towards front/top of fuel tank. Check one side then the other. My not so scientific test leads me to believe they work. Short of having a windtunnel, this is about as good a test as you can do.

I did and they don't work on my 09 SERG!

Mike

UFO_HOG · « **Reply #51 on:** October 09, 2010, 04:16:16 PM »

Finally got mine installed today. I removed the recall items, it's easy, just unbolt tank and lift it up, they almost fall out. As for do they work? Put on a real baggy t-shirt, so I would be able to see the effects, if any. I have a 3 mile section of freeway by my house. A trip up and down with them on, I noticed a lot less of the suction turbulance around my chest and my sleeves blew back instead of up. Did 3 trips, 2 on, and 1 off, just to verify my tests and waited for no traffic all 3 times so I wouldn't have to deal with car turbulance. Yes they work, really want to see if they stop the rain from coming up and over the front of the tank...........

IMO......worth the money!

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #52 on:** October 10, 2010, 02:30:55 AM »

Well, they seem to do something. Not certain if it's a gain.

Cut the corner out of the right deflector and got it installed on WLDTHG. Went for a 200 mile ride through Northern Nevada. The stock left side with lowers and no deflector had wind turblence coming up and over the tank basically following the tank lines. The right side with the lowers and the new deflector no longer had the wind turblence over the tank, but redirected it virtually straight up through the handlebars in an area where it appeared to disappear at the top of the windshield. I suspect that is an improvement.

But, seriously, I couldn't hear the radio as well.

knothead · « **Reply #53 on:** October 10, 2010, 09:55:00 AM »

.... After cutting them up with tin snips ( they do not fit with lowers ) I couldn't tell any difference during the ride....the $30 looked better in my pocket.

ROADROD · « **Reply #54 on:** October 10, 2010, 05:48:07 PM »

the only difference i could tell was more engine noise when stopped.....

admccrea · « **Reply #55 on:** October 10, 2010, 08:03:33 PM »

thats got to be worth $29.

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #56 on:** October 11, 2010, 01:57:43 PM »

OK, they're cut, dremeled, sanded and both are mounted. Being Columbus Day, in the honor of all Explorers, I'll go put another 200 miles on her and see where my $30 dollars was better off.

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #57 on:** October 11, 2010, 01:59:32 PM »

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #58 on:** October 11, 2010, 02:00:31 PM »

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #59 on:** October 11, 2010, 02:01:26 PM »

NVWLDTHG · « **Reply #60 on:** October 12, 2010, 02:55:07 AM »

Well, it was really windy, so I only went seventy miles. Not a good day to make any deterimination. However, I could hear the radio again.

UFO_HOG · « **Reply #61 on:** October 23, 2010, 12:17:23 AM »

Well, I just got home from a 6 day, 2,000 mile road trip and I can say without a doubt these things work. Got caught in a couple of down pours and had no water run up and over the tank from the front. Wore a full face for a lot of the ride and had no buffeting around my head, which before, made it difficult to see because the helmet was bounching around so much.....................

I'm SOLD!!!!!

Spook · « **Reply #62 on:** November 21, 2010, 02:17:57 PM »

I was wondering if anyone has given these a try yet? If so your impression.

www.sanchoswings.com/Home_Page.html

sorry, you'll have to cut and paste.

Spook

BigLew55 · « **Reply #63 on:** November 21, 2010, 06:06:34 PM »

OK, I'll put on my Captain Obvious cape here. I bought a set and modified them to fit my Street Glide. I then took it out for a test spin. They didn't do anything. I stopped about halfway through my loop and took them off. No difference. All the way up to 80 MPH. If there's anyone in the area or willing to come to the dealer in Davenport, IA, they are welcome to have these for a test. I have removed the tabs that clip to the fuel tank mounts and added a small hole to use a zip-tie to secure it to the crash bar. Hey, I had fun for an afternoon for $30. Better than I probably would have done at the craps table!

jettjocky · « **Reply #64 on:** November 22, 2010, 11:22:45 AM »

well I tried them and really could tell no difference...... until I forgot about them,..... looked down doing 80 & did not realize it, so yes they work.

Indenial · « **Reply #65 on:** December 09, 2010, 02:56:45 PM »

Big Lew or others: anyone want to sell their set that doesn't work?

mpmitchpeterson · « **Reply #66 on:** December 15, 2010, 10:31:16 AM »

Going to try a bolt cap on mine.

jettjocky · « **Reply #67 on:** December 15, 2010, 11:15:32 AM »

"I bought a set and modified them to fit my Street Glide."

They were not designed or intended for use on a "Street Glide"

DOOFUS · « **Reply #68 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:12:11 AM »

It's official. I'm a DOOFUS. I was looking at these 2 "flaps" in my goodies bag that came with the FLTRUSE. I was sitting there thinking, "Now where in the hell do I put these 2 mudflaps?" Like I said, it's official. So tonight I will install and then wait until the snow melts in April to test them. DOOFUS

BigLew55 · « **Reply #69 on:** January 11, 2011, 08:46:20 AM »

Quote from: jettjocky on December 15, 2010, 11:15:32 AM

"I bought a set and modified them to fit my Street Glide."

They were not designed or intended for use on a "Street Glide"

Nope, they were re-designed to do so...sort of!

RedDevil · « **Reply #70 on:** January 11, 2011, 09:16:37 AM »

Quote from: DOOFUS on January 11, 2011, 08:12:11 AM

It's official. I'm a DOOFUS. I was looking at these 2 "flaps" in my goodies bag that came with the FLTRUSE. I was sitting there thinking, "Now where in the hell do I put these 2 mudflaps?" Like I said, it's official. So tonight I will install and then wait until the snow melts in April to test them. DOOFUS

LOL, don't feel bad Jim. If my dealer hadn't of already had them installed, I wouldn't of had a clue what they were for either. You will see a difference when you put them on.

DOOFUS · « **Reply #71 on:** January 15, 2011, 04:10:29 PM »

YES ! They work. Before install I had lots of wind at middle of my chest & up. No more. DOOFUS

faceracer · « **Reply #72 on:** October 02, 2011, 10:50:41 AM »

I have had mine on for over 5k miles now.
I think they work.
I have the tank recall mod.
I just snapped them on and pushed them against the bolt head.
In over 5k Miles they have never tried to leave the bike.
No wire ties
No mods.
Easy to take off when I wash the beast!

I think I am going to try a set of the Sancho wings? Looks like a good product.
The name doesn't thrill me!

Sounds like what your fairy Sancho wear while hes banging you old lady and your in jail!!!!!

Indenial · « **Reply #73 on:** October 18, 2011, 01:44:36 PM »

Anyone want to buy a set? Name your price.

Author Topic: Do the new wind deflector kits work? (Read 30540 times)

admccrea

DOOFUS

DOOFUS