DOC HARLEY: DEALING WITH BOBBLE HEAD DUE TO WIND TURBULENCE

DOC HARLEY: DEALING WITH BOBBLE HEAD DUE TO WIND TURBULENCE - BUFFETING

Рет қаралды 82,252

4 жыл бұрын

Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he talks about buffeting, the cause, and how he chose his windshield height to help reduce it.
SUBSCRIBE: / lowcountryharleydavidson Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on KZfaq and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
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Пікірлер: 109

@mose717 3 жыл бұрын

2010 Road King, stock windshield, 6'1". The buffeting was rattling my teeth Installed a set of fork mounted deflectors and an air dam between the fork legs. Smoothed everything right out

@larryfromwisconsin9970 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks. A taller windshield can cause more buffeting because it creates a larger low pressure area so the turbulence is air getting sucked up around the tank. So paradoxically a shorter windshield causes less turbulence and buffeting. I too prefer to ride looking over the windshield and I got less buffeting when I cut down my windshield. Yes, cut down. I have never in 40 years bought a shorter windshield. I cut my FLHTC windshield near the bottom then drilled new holes for the bolts. Cutting off the bottom means no polishing, the rough edge is concealed. I have previously cut off a couple of inches from the top and that works ok too. That just requires sanding the top edge smooth again.

@Otis884 4 жыл бұрын

Found a litter shorter windshield, below eye level, with a recurve works well for me. Always great stuff, thanks Doc.

@vanislandsteve 4 жыл бұрын

Got a Road King with stock windshield. Fixed the buffeting by installing the HD windshield lowers. Stops the low pressure area behind the windshield.

@eb1941 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Last summer I rented an Indian Chieftain with the adjustable windshield. At first I did not think I would use the feature of adjustable windshield. After a few miles I started to use the feature and what a difference. I used it all day. This has become a must for my next bike. Thanks for posting.

@BusterKitten 4 жыл бұрын

whenever Doc puts out a new video it's always a good day

@mas3292 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as always Doc!

@saddle8bag 4 жыл бұрын

Bobble head is the best term. Most people I see in vids have no idea. They just use the term "buffeting" or worse "buffering" to mean oncoming wind. "Bobble head" clarifies the issue perfectly.

@robertsmall6076 4 жыл бұрын

Took off my windshield on my softail like feeling the wind 🤙🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

@vf12497439 Жыл бұрын

That’s fine if I stay in the county. But most of my real rides are 400-600 mile days and the wind and wind noise wears you down. Far less fatigue….

@Johnr37us 4 жыл бұрын

I have a CVO Limited and it’s set up like the Doc Harley method. I’m also a big fan of looking over the windshield

@Rocksworld58 Ай бұрын

I have the same bike. The wind comes up from behind the gas tank and straight up into my helmet. Ordered the deflectors today.

@jonnycando 4 жыл бұрын

Oh the ton of money we spend getting it all but thanks you we can proceed logically and get the right things the first time!

@scrumthebum2451 4 жыл бұрын

I got my road king wind shield custom cut at Schaefer’s HD in PA. I take it off usually at the end of may.

@martincvitkovich724 4 жыл бұрын

A lot of young uns are going to look for this 35 years from now!

@DavidSmith-de6it 4 жыл бұрын

Freedom shields is the best.. I just got one a month ago for my Street glide and love it..

@Giuseppe_De_Bellis 4 жыл бұрын

Great video as usual Doc! I solved the problem on my Road King Classic installing the fork mounted wind deflectors. But anyway I felt a great difference between my full face helmet and my jet helmet (virtually no buffeting at all..). Keep up the good work!! Stay safe! Greetings from Italy!

@tonyj8947 3 жыл бұрын

Ciao Giuseppe - Are there lots of Harley's in Italy? I'm 1st generation American from NY. Io mezze Siciliano e mezze Calabrese

@davechurchill416 4 жыл бұрын

Very informative as always please keep up the great video 😉and hope you stay safe and healthy till this is virus is over

@neildewitt2869 3 жыл бұрын

First time I heard a windshield guy say how to actually choose one. The tip on the service manual was good too. Now I can read and be knowledgeable before coming in to talk to someone about a windshield.

@nickheinz3737 4 жыл бұрын

Good Information, thanks

@dannywhitney8415 2 жыл бұрын

Learning alot for your vids! Keep it up!

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!..Doc

@justanotherviewer52 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Doc.

@allentrevena6841 4 жыл бұрын

I live in Australia and always look out for Doc Harley Videos. Who knows I might get to travel over one day....

@scottgorman7166 2 жыл бұрын

Just have to remember we drive on the opposite side of the road. When I was in Queensland for 20 days I got used to driving on the streets and freeways but when we were on the coast in the twisty sections (in a car) I was nervous as hell being on blind curves. I don't think I would enjoy riding a bike until I was there for at least 6 months. I've been riding motorcycles for 45 years. Your welcome here just beware aholes on the road here.

@waygone6657 3 жыл бұрын

Doc, I have a 2011 Cross Bones, I've tried the taller and the shorter with the HD mount with stock seat and nothing works above 40 MPH. I've tried thee different helmets half, three quarter both open and closed and full face and they all react the same. HD needs to make an adjustable mount for the springer to angle the windshield forward. I have a couple of friends who have Softail customs and they too have not h=found a windshield that is safe above 40 MPH.

@Dave-sw2dm 4 жыл бұрын

Electric adjustable windscreen is the way to go. Get with the program Harley. I run the stock shield on my Road Glide Special, paired with a modular helmet which keeps my head in the clean air above the fairing.

@yoshit9819 2 жыл бұрын

As always, good info

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Travelin Bo...Doc

@evanelkins 4 жыл бұрын

Hey Doc, what is the advantage of the High performance clutch plates over the stock clutch plates?

@charleswilliams9233 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Doc👌👍

@mikejackson5257 4 жыл бұрын

hi question I have a 1998 fatboy and had to drop the because of someone turning in front of me. well any once I got the bike home I found that one head stem bolt was broken I have been told a few way to get the front end straight again from hitting on a pole it in the opposite way that the front end has twisted can you help me with the way that is maybe the eases way just the way a back yarder can do at home with a shop near by cheers from jacko

@playgoodstuff3254 4 жыл бұрын

To a real gentleman_ Thank you Sir!

@gremlyn1439 Жыл бұрын

Very interesting

@alfonsothegreat4481 4 жыл бұрын

I replaced my OEM shield on my glide with an F4 customs shield. No more buffer head

@FabryRock 4 жыл бұрын

Great video

@MrGordon121 4 жыл бұрын

love the helmet how do you like it

@FabryRock 4 жыл бұрын

I’m from Italy ! Nice helmet of the Doctor 46 !!! Valentino Rossi 😁

@kurtisgothreaux3057 4 жыл бұрын

A lot of dirty air comes from underneath as well. Maybe even more than over the top depending on your bike. Then the solution gets much more complicated to solve than windshield selection.

@scottf.5472 4 жыл бұрын

Windshield plus lower fork shields makes a real difference.

@peterbergeris6510 Жыл бұрын

DK Custom has a YT video on engine cooling. They said by using engine guard covers, the wind cannot blow over the cylinders to cool the engine.

@cookietrey 3 жыл бұрын

What’s the name of that windshield & measurements?

@backnine Жыл бұрын

I had this problem. Have a Sportster. I did not want to put the wind deflectors on the fork which would eliminate the problem. Bought a new police style helmet and solved the problem.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience…Doc

@jasonmills1091 3 жыл бұрын

Today I was going to shave my windshield but after your video I’m not thanks. I’m getting a new seat first then windshield next. Thanks for tip doc

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 3 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help...Doc

@Digger456437 Жыл бұрын

Curious why you don't mention Fork Deflectors (Fangs). Wind buffeting on my 2021 Heritage 114 was terrible. Even worse, Harley Fork Deflectors aren't available for my model. Luckily I stumbled on JES Custom Fork Mounted Wind Deflectors. I was initially very leery, however they worked amazingly well. Helmet wind buffeting easily reduced at least 85%!

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing….Doc

@beneatsmeat 3 жыл бұрын

I wish we could post pictures in comments on yt

@roncoburn7771 4 жыл бұрын

Use a 8” Klock Werks luv it

@garylerose8377 Жыл бұрын

When is Harley going to make wind deflectors for the 2022 heritage classic 114? Sure could use a pair.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Жыл бұрын

Great suggestion.....Doc

@mikeking8541 Жыл бұрын

02 HD road king ultra classic. How do you check computer codes

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Жыл бұрын

Easy way is take it to your dealer. In the diagnostic manual there is a procedure with a jumper wire and counting flashes. But then you would have to have a diagnostic manual to look up the code and procedure to repair. BTW how did this question come up with this video?🤷‍♂️…..Doc

@ajsmith2142 4 жыл бұрын

Doc! Great video as always, I wish you weren’t 700 miles away... probably a stretch to use your dealer for service! Question for you... my 2012 48 and 2006 Electra glide both make a strange noise when down shifting into first when you’re going a little to fast for the gear.. generally it’s accidental I’ll have lost track of what gear I’m in and down shift one too many times before making a tight turn etc... when attempting to put it in first it makes a rotating type clanking noise and you can feel it kick the shifter back a little... what’s happening here? Am I damaging the bike or is it designed to do that to prevent and over rev etc.... thanks for your time !

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 4 жыл бұрын

This is not normal. You could be damaging your transmission. See your dealer. I would ask if you have after market hand levers? These can sometimes prevent the clutch cable to pull al the way to disengage the clutch. Also what is the condition of shift linkage? You could just need an adjustment of clutch, shifter pawl, or you have transmission issues. ~ Doc

@ajsmith2142 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Doc, I do have have aftermarket Joker Machine levers but I think it actually came down to the fluid .. I was running Lucas primary fluid and even though it’s technically the right viscosity I think it was just too “sticky” causing the clutch to drag a little ... Switched back to oem fluid, flushed it a few times and now everything is back to normal ... hopefully I didn’t do too much permanent damage... she seemed happy this summer. Thanks again! The Lucas says “formulated for Harley Davidson ” right on the bottle... 🤦🏻‍♂️ I should have known better!

@glennpennington5789 2 жыл бұрын

Will this buffeting cause severe neck and shoulder fatigue/pain? I've tried different things and it has helped some but still develope burning fatigue/pain on the back of my shoulders atound the base of the neck. Last thing I haven't changed is the windscreen. It is just above eye level on my RK.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 2 жыл бұрын

Yes buffeting will stress the body. Handlebar choice also....Doc

@jackjohnson65 3 жыл бұрын

Put a Freedom Shield on my Road King, solved my buffeting.

@JohnnyRebKy 3 жыл бұрын

What is better ....fork deflectors or soft lowers ?? I need to stop the gust of wind that comes up from underneath the bike .

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 3 жыл бұрын

I have not ridden with fork deflectors to be able to give an opinion. My slim has engine guard leather covers that push the air to my knees. Maybe someone on the net can steer you in the right direction. Thanks ~ Doc

@armadilllo 3 жыл бұрын

fork deflectors

@michaelsmith-rh4yt Жыл бұрын

Fork deflectors definitely .

@jerryhubbard4461 2 жыл бұрын

My new 2021 Trike has the stock seat and windshield at 10 inches. The stock seat is really not that bad but I would like to have a wider one. With the stock seat and windshield, I have NO buffeting. The wind moves over my head with no movement. But, you open the vents on the batwing on each side, and you think you are in a boxing match. I was hoping to be able to use those vents but no way. They stay closed.

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your input. I guess I would use them in stop and go traffic only?....Doc

@jerryhubbard4461 2 жыл бұрын

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson At interstate speed, I tried several openings of the vents from very little to wide open Just not good. How are they on a two wheel bike?

@ericw6043 4 жыл бұрын

Wish the guys at your sister store was as helpful as you Doc

@dcxplant Жыл бұрын

How does one change the angle?

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Жыл бұрын

The four mounting bolts have some adjustment....Doc

@markhenry192 4 жыл бұрын

For reasons I cannot get my head around you were quite rude to me after I made what was a reasonable comment in a previous video you made (how long to warm your bike up). Did not feel I could watch this one, shame cos you have a lot of useful stuff to say. Thanks

@russparker71 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Mark. I just read Doc's reply to you in that other video and I didn't think he was being rude at all. As he said, don't start the bike and go back inside for a cup of coffee and leave the poor thing to start overheating. Some riders warm their bikes up by letting them sit and idle for far too long IMO and I think that's what Doc H was getting at.

@markhenry192 4 жыл бұрын

ok maybe you are right. At the time It seemed an odd reply. I was not trying to be smart just asking the question as Mr Smoak had said idling too long can damage your bike too. Thanks for that, it had been bothering me for a while!

@cdnrider6200 2 жыл бұрын

is that windshield wider than stock?

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 2 жыл бұрын

No, Stock for Heritage....Doc

@EasyRiderGreg 4 жыл бұрын

I found that riding without a helmet, there is no buffeting. A windshield that you can just look over the top keeps the wind from pushing your head back.

@LionSharpAction 3 жыл бұрын

Hi! what's the bike hes on please?

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 3 жыл бұрын

2013 Softtail Slim ❤️ Thanks ~ Doc

@ericroadking7564 2 жыл бұрын

Doc, it is a fact that 90% of buffeting issues are caused by the wind coming up from the gas tank area but no one is talking about it, especially your street glides road kings and electra glides at 75 mph you get shaken to shit!!! Fork lowers help 80% of this again not many options out there to fix the problem!! Very frustrating!!!

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 2 жыл бұрын

Wow Eric. I have to apologize that I ride a Softtail and not a electria-glide so my experience on this subject is small. Please would you send me the facts you have at my Email address...Doc

@ericroadking7564 2 жыл бұрын

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Doc I appreciate your responce, Like I said not many talk about this issue, every street glide, every Electraglide , every ultra, every roadking and herritage has this issue If you ask your customers who ride these bikes if they get heavy wind up from lower gas tank causing head to shake and blurred vision past 65 mph 9 out of 10 will say yes !! These bikes should be limos out of the box and they arent but we all still by them!!! Like I said no one talk about it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@michaelsmith-rh4yt Жыл бұрын

@@ericroadking7564 Yes fork mounted wind deflectors make a huge difference .

@jeffwalker1322 4 жыл бұрын

The wind coming over the windshield is not a problem. The problem is the wind coming up from under the fairing is what makes my eyes water and pushes my beard up into my face. That is the problem that needs addressed. I pulled the windshields off 2 of my bikes and 80 mph down the road is no problem. The batwing on my electra glide can’t be removed and that bike pisses my off. Eyes start watering around 60 and my beard gets to beating about the same speed. I really am about to spend a lot of money for a bar mount speedo and remove that batwing.

@militaryminedid2011 4 жыл бұрын

If it works for your type of bike, try Kuryakyn's Lower Triple Tree Wind Deflector. Helped me on my HD Street Glide. Was about $45 US.

@southpawsgarage 4 жыл бұрын

LOWERS HELP...LOT OF THAT WIND COMES UNDER THE SHEILD AND AROUND FUEL TANK...

@Jimmy_Jim_Jim_1234 4 жыл бұрын

Why do i get buffeting on my R1 at 195mph????

@Grunt49 4 жыл бұрын

The air going into your empty skull?

@3RDOOR 4 жыл бұрын

Dirty air sucks as much as the cabs we are governed with.

@jimfarnell5813 4 жыл бұрын

If you are looking through a windshield and it starts raining, you are now looking through 2 wet surfaces, glasses or helmet shield and the windscreen. This dramatically reduces visibility. Can be very much bad.

@Fred-gh4lq 4 жыл бұрын

buy a shorter shield-lookover. About chin height works great, wind will still deflect over your head.

@tonyj8947 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 2020 softail classic and i'm getting buffeting. The seat and windshield came with the bike. Ill take the shakes this year but for Christmas im treating myself to a new windshield. 2020 been a shit year so i'm not installing anything new until 2021..lol

@RCORBITT1 2 жыл бұрын

what does 46 on the helmet signify?

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 2 жыл бұрын

The One and only G.O.A.T. Racing number! Rossi....Doc

@RCORBITT1 2 жыл бұрын

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thanks

@LonesomeNomad137 3 жыл бұрын

👍🏽👍🏽

@Crimepaysaskapolitician Жыл бұрын

Harley genuine accessories catalog only 100.00

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Жыл бұрын

On line free…..Doc

@mountaindew8042 2 жыл бұрын

👏🎅☝

@steveholman5978 4 жыл бұрын

If the wind buffets you too much, you're probably going too fast. I have no windshield, and I can go 75-80 mph depending on the wind direction. Sometimes I have to slow down a bit, but one thing I never have to do is clean a windshield.

@simonhouel1984 4 жыл бұрын

You'd better chose the shield wisely since it will cost you a kidney ...

@kenstirling5348 Жыл бұрын

Or you could just buy an Indian that has an adjustable windshield and always have what you need

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your hysterical satire….Doc

@profsmrtas Жыл бұрын

Worst commercial ever

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Жыл бұрын

Well thank you Tim…..Doc

@ackack612 7 ай бұрын

By all means, go spend on wildly inflated after market items. Harley thanks you...

@LowCountryHarleyDavidson 7 ай бұрын

Interesting comment….Doc

@ackack612 7 ай бұрын

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson to be clear: you did mention and show the HD parts catalog, you are a HD dealer employee and as such it's incumbent that you "sell" HD parts, (not forgetting the labor charges for install of said parts), important revenue streams for both the dealer and manufacturer...How'm I doing? This is certainly not an indictment nor is it meant as a pejorative. I did much the same in sales, as a sales mgr. and finance mgr. If I offended, my apology...no buffeting intended. Happy Holidays, Mr Harley.

@sakygen 6 ай бұрын

@@ackack612check clockwerks, memphis shades, advantblank and you’ll see they’re even more expensive.