Optimal windshield angle?

[kbutler6]

I use an aftermarket windshield from American Cycle, the Street Shield EX.  In terms of minimizing air buffeting noise, what's the best windshield angle, more vertical or more in line with the forks so it is angled toward the rider?  I am 6 feet tall and the top of my helmet and line of sight is above the windshield.
Thanks,
Kevin

[Larry Fine]

I don't know if there is one correct answer, but Vetters are supposed to match the fork angle.

See: https://www.craigvetter.com/pages/Vetter_Fairings/Home-made-mounts.html

That's what I went for on my '96:

[Bob H]

the Street Shield EX.

I use the same one (10 years so far). Their web site says to use same angle as forks (as Larry said).

The only way to REALLY get control of buffeting is to use one of these https://www.laminarlip.com/cruisers.php
I have the 14" universal one, which they recommended when I called for that specific street shield EX.

You are taller, I am only 5' 8". but basically you aren't going to mount the Street Shield EX much taller than it wants to go, maybe an inch gap to the head light if you need the height. But you get extra height with the laminar lip, and want to put it so your vision begins about 40 feet in front of the front axel per my conversation with them, and that works well for me. When you put your hand out you feel a noticeable difference (even with gloves) of the buffeting before and after.


Also wear ear plugs. And as a test, shrug your shoulders and see if the noise reduces from having your jacket cut off the air coming under your helmet. If a drastic reduction, you can look into better fitting helmet or a neck roll thing.

[Bob H]

In terms of minimizing air buffeting noise
... line of sight is above the windshield.

When I was struggling with this, that was one of the key decisions. Some dedicated touring bikes have you look through a windshield, and at my height I would be looking through Larry's windshield.
In my journey I got a used Plexfairing 3, which is much larger than the Streetshield EX. I ended up cutting it down because I didn't like looking through it.
Like many things in life, there are compromises and we have to just enjoy the journey of experimenting and see what works for us.
If buffeting can't be tamed otherwise, there is a lot to be said for the taller windscreen.

[clearviewx]

This a good topic.  I have the Street Shield EX on my CB1100 Deluxe and I have the Honda OEM accessory windshield on my Nighthawk. 

[Pete in PA]

I don't know if there is one correct answer, but Vetters are supposed to match the fork angle.

See: https://www.craigvetter.com/pages/Vetter_Fairings/Home-made-mounts.html

That's what I went for on my '96:

A side question:  What did you do for the front suspension to handle the weight of that Windjammer?

[Bob H]

This is the 14" universal one, which they recommended when I called for that specific street shield EX.
https://www.laminarlip.com/cruisers.php


I am only 5' 8" and the blast of air rises up above my visor, around the top of helmet with very little buffeting.
If you are 6' tall the air may hit around eye level, but it will be more calm than the turbulent garbage flying over most windshields.

[Larry Fine]

A side question:  What did you do for the front suspension to handle the weight of that Windjammer?

When I rebuilt the fork, I made sure the springs were longer than minimum, and added 1/4" more fork oil than specified.

The bike still handles the twisties quite well.