Regor's Goldwing Scrapbook
  [ Home ]  [ Search ]  [ About Us ]  [ Submit Pics/Docs/Suggestion ]
("Submit"  Turned off due to hacking - Sorry )
                   


Pick from the list below to see an accessory on a Goldwing
 
↓  ↓


Get your tips here

 
↓  ↓
WingIt
Links

Support your Small
Business Owner

 ↓   ↓
Vendors


Please Sign
 ↓   ↓



 
You & Your bike
 ↓   ↓
Misc Pics

Need your own Web space
1000MB 50GB Web Hosting
for only $9.95/month with no
contracts. PHP4, MYSQL, CGI,
SSH all included.
Click here!

 

Buffeting Tips
 Back to Tips
 

 

 

If you have a passenger, you know that passenger buffeting in a severe problem on the GL1800. I have used there items to take care of the buffeting problem, at least for short passengers, mine is 5'-0" and I ride with my suspension between zero and nine.

  1. Tulsa Windshield  
       

  2. Tulsa Wind Wings
       

  3. V&P Mirror Deflectors

There is a significant amount of air turbulence under the mirror, over the handle grips and then to the passengers body. The mirror deflectors combined with the other two items solve the majority of the buffeting, 

I haven't had time and probably won't work backwards. I purchased the Windshield, then the Wind Wings and lastly the Mirror Deflectors. Given what I know now, I would select the windshield you want. The Tulsa Windshield unlike reported on the 1500's does not really help the passenger. I like it as a driver as it makes a nice pocket and I don't get as much water in my face when it rains. I would then add the mirror deflectors. I'm not so sure this won't take care of most of the problem and they are only $30.00. At least it is worth a try. If the mirror deflectors don't do it, I would add the Tulsa Wind Wings which are designed primarily to move air away from the rider.


Another's Perspective

Posted by Roy Ryall on the GL1800.org forum

I have the clear mirror deflectors and the upper and lower fairing deflectors from V&P. I like their design and functioning. I believe most the air that hits the passenger on the arms and shoulders comes from under the mirrors and the sides of the fairing. If you use your hand to follow the air stream when riding a highway speeds, you can feel the air going to that area. I would guess that is the thinking behind the Honda Line deflectors. V&P's design is similar, except they are adjustable. This allows you let the air in when you are riding alone and would like some additional air directed to you.

My experience with them to date is:

Pros

1) they keep a lot of air off the passenger

2) they are adjustable

3) they look good (they do not stick out from the bike as much as the other brand deflectors)

4) mine have beveled and smooth edges, unlike the comment from another poster

5) Val is a nice guy and I believe he will stand behind his products

6) I have not seen anything out there that I believe functions and looks as good.

 

Cons

1) The lower fairing deflectors needed to be altered before they would fit. However, before I knew about the fit, I spoke with Val on the phone regarding using the stock Honda fairing screws instead of the ones supplied with the deflectors. He pointed out to me that the lower ones had a mounting problem and he was fixing it.

 

Qualifying comments: deflectors effectiveness

  • I installed a Honda Tall windshield at the same time and the some the air buffeting reduction, especially to the head area of the passenger, is a result of the tall windshield. But the combination is working well. When I look in the rear view mirror now, my wife's jacket is not flapping like it used to do. She tells me the ride is much more comfortable without the buffeting of her head, arms, and shoulders she was getting.
       

  • Mirror deflectors - At first, they would not stay adjusted. I tightened the bolts and nuts that sets the tension them again before a ride yesterday and they did stay adjusted the entire trip. I spoke with Val prior to yesterday's ride and he said he had heard that they did not stay adjusted at high speeds. He is sending me a fix, which may not be needed now.
      

  • Also, I did not trust the glue on the mounts (personal preference). I drilled four small holes in the mounting plate and used small brass wood screws, in addition to the glue, to mount the mirror deflectors.
      

  • Upper fairing deflectors - I did not like the bracket fit or the screws supplied. I made minor adjustments to the aluminum brackets and drilled the holes larger to accept the stock Honda screws that where on the fairing. However, I am a bit picky about how things fit and work. This change was very, very minor and probably would not even be noticed by most people installing them.

Would I recommend them, yes. Additionally, I just ordered the front deflectors to see if they look and function.