Greetings from Ireland and asking for help

[Jaskin71]

Hello all.
My name is Jiri and I'm sending you greetings from Ireland. Originally from Czech republic but living here over 15years.

Hope you are all well at this mad time!!

I got my Valk last November and can not be more happy. Its fantastic bike to ride. The only problem I have is the stupid helmet buffeting 
For the very same reason I sold my loved Yamaha Road Star. I tried almost everything but couldn't find any remedy for it.
So I have decided to sell it and make my dream true and got the always wanted Valkyrie. But the problem is still there and its killing me.         
 I'm so desperate to get this problem sorted. I tried cut down the standard windshield by inch few times, I bought the Memphis lowers, I bought new Schuberth  helmet, tried all possible angles on the windshield but nothing have helped so far.

To cut the story short few days ago I tried to imitate the Baker lowers and I was really shocked how significantly they help!!
So I started to find anything for sale but its nearly impossible to get them at the moment 
I found one pair in Poland but the seller wants really crazy money for them. ( used pair €300 ) 

I would like to ask you for a big favor. As I'm locked home at the moment because the virus I would like to try to make them my self.

Its anyone willing to send me some easy hand drawing with the measures please?
I'm quite sure there wont be a problem to make something similar.....

I Really appreciate any help...

Please stay strong and safe and have a nice weekend in your Valk saddle!!

Cheers and Take care Jiri










 

[da prez]

  Could it be the helmet. I tried wearing a half shell. It did what you are describing. I have a little issue now as I lowered my windshield to much. A new shield is in the near future.
  Remove the shield and go for a ride. If you still have the issue , it's the helmet.

                                       da prez

[Oss]

Is your bike an interstate or not as I believe the wings are different

I would be happy to take a pic for you if you have an interstate

[old2soon]

       Didn't atticrat offer some for sale that he made up some time back? I ride Mostly my half shell helmet with a home built extended sun shade. I also have an after market W/S on my I/S that is a bit taller than stock. I'm 6' 2" tall on a stock seat on the Valkyrie Interstate. No Baker Air Wings. I do git a bit of helmet buffet over 100 M P H. When I lowered the stock weather beaten W/S every inch or two cut off the stock height increased helmet buffet. I have a decent balance now height versus speed. BUT you have too determine what works best For YOU. RIDE SAFE. And-WELCOME from The Missouri Ozarks.

[LB]

Hello all.
My name is Jiri and I'm sending you greetings from Ireland. Originally from Czech republic but living here over 15years.

Hope you are all well at this mad time!!

I got my Valk last November and can not be more happy. Its fantastic bike to ride. The only problem I have is the stupid helmet buffeting 
For the very same reason I sold my loved Yamaha Road Star. I tried almost everything but couldn't find any remedy for it.
So I have decided to sell it and make my dream true and got the always wanted Valkyrie. But the problem is still there and its killing me.  :'( :'(       
 I'm so desperate to get this problem sorted. I tried cut down the standard windshield by inch few times, I bought the Memphis lowers, I bought new Schuberth  helmet, tried all possible angles on the windshield but nothing have helped so far.

To cut the story short few days ago I tried to imitate the Baker lowers and I was really shocked how significantly they help!!
So I started to find anything for sale but its nearly impossible to get them at the moment 
I found one pair in Poland but the seller wants really crazy money for them. ( used pair €300 ) 

I would like to ask you for a big favor. As I'm locked home at the moment because the virus I would like to try to make them my self.

Its anyone willing to send me some easy hand drawing with the measures please?
I'm quite sure there wont be a problem to make something similar.....

I Really appreciate any help...

Please stay strong and safe and have a nice weekend in your Valk saddle!!

Cheers and Take care Jiri

Here's what you need.


https://www.denniskirk.com/memphis-shades/custom-lowers-mep5819.p230696.prd/230696.sku

https://www.denniskirk.com/memphis-shades/lowers-hardware-kit-mem9887.p230801.prd/230801.sku








 

[Jaskin71]

Hi and thanks for all your inputs!!

I have 1998 Standard Valk. I'm also 6,2 tall but whatever I do the buffeting is still there 

Sure I tried ride without the WS and all my 3 helmets are ok without it. But tbh its very hard to drive 1h on motorway without the shield.
At the moment  I have open face Biltwell Bonanza, Shark Evo3 and Schuberth M1 Pro.

I have to say my head is like in the mixer. If I do more then 50km trip Im on painkillers straight away 
Over 60km/h I'm literally not able to read the road signs..... Few my friends tried to drive my bike and they don't have the buffeting to strong like me.

@LB Thanks for the links mate. I just recently bought the fork lowers and they didn't help at all..

If someone have pair of bakers for sale pls let me know. If they will come within an Europe it will be even better.

[Serk]

I found one pair in Poland but the seller wants really crazy money for them. ( used pair €300 ) 

A new set of Baker Air Wings from the manufacturer for a Valkyrie Standard starts at $269.95. To have them already in EU for 300 Euros isn't TOO far off...

And they'd be worth every penny.

I'm 6'7" and the buffeting before I got the Bakers was so bad I considered selling the bike. I too just aren't too fond of riding without a windshield.


Unrelated - where abouts in Ireland? My wife was over there a few months ago for new hire orientation at her new company, which is based in Dublin...

The combination of the fork lowers and the Baker Air Wings made all the difference for me.

Honestly, I'd just buy the set in Poland and be done with it and ride happy.

[Jaskin71]

I found one pair in Poland but the seller wants really crazy money for them. ( used pair €300 ) 

A new set of Baker Air Wings from the manufacturer for a Valkyrie Standard starts at $269.95. To have them already in EU for 300 Euros isn't TOO far off...

And they'd be worth every penny.

I'm 6'7" and the buffeting before I got the Bakers was so bad I considered selling the bike. I too just aren't too fond of riding without a windshield.


Unrelated - where abouts in Ireland? My wife was over there a few months ago for new hire orientation at her new company, which is based in Dublin...

The combination of the fork lowers and the Baker Air Wings made all the difference for me.

Honestly, I'd just buy the set in Poland and be done with it and ride happy.

Thanks Serk. Im based 45km north of Dublin as the housing rents here are a bit merciful. But I'm working in Dublin so traveling 52km one way every day isn't funny anymore. I'm getting old ffs...

Unfortunately 300e is over my budget at the moment........but I'm sure it won't be that hard to make them.

[Valker]

I have three Valks. I have run Baker Air Wings, but honestly, these do a better job of creating non-buffeting riding for me: https://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-tank-panniers.html

[9Ball]

Have you tried tilting back the shield?  This was an issue many years ago and some made extensions to allow more of a rake to the shield.  It seemed to help.

I have the tall Memphis shades shield with the Memphis lowers and am 6’3” in height.  I typically wear a modular helmet or a 3/4 helmet and the buffeting is not a problem even at extended highway speeds that I won’t publish here.

Give this a try and see if it helps. I’ll try to find some threads and update here if I find applicable ones.

[Jaskin71]

Have you tried tilting back the shield?  This was an issue many years ago and some made extensions to allow more of a rake to the shield.  It seemed to help.

I have the tall Memphis shades shield with the Memphis lowers and am 6’3” in height.  I typically wear a modular helmet or a 3/4 helmet and the buffeting is not a problem even at extended highway speeds that I won’t publish here.

Give this a try and see if it helps. I’ll try to find some threads and update here if I find applicable ones.

Trust me I probably tried everything. We have like 10miles nice road to the next village and i always driving up and down like an idiot and trying any idea im reading on net.
I have the w/s with mounting on handle bars so every few miles I  changing the position but nothing help.
At the moment i found out that the lower/closer position is best for me.
I will find out how to upload pictures here and Im going to show you where Im with the windshield now.

Thanks to all for your time and help. Its really appreciated.
Jiri

[Moonshot_1]

Ok, maybe I might get slammed here but gave some thought to this.

When I first got my Valk I used to smoke. One of the odd things was that when done (i know nasty habit) I'd toss the butt. Oddly when riding, (Valk tourer with windshield) the cigarette butt would go forwards towards the shield. This is going down the road at 60 mph. Actually pretty much at any speed.

The point.

The windshield while going through the air creates a vacuum behind it. The air comes in to fill that vacuum from below and behind.

Someone mentioned tank panniers helped with the buffeting. That would be consistent with the idea here. The panniers would break-up the air flow coming in from below to fill that vacuum. I believe that is where the buffeting issue is. The Baker lowers tend to accomplish the same thing.

Right now you have got the air flow zipping right up to your helmet.  Maybe a vent in the shield would increase pressure in the vacuum and move that air flow behind you.

Anyway, just some thoughts on it.

[Pappy!]

The Memphis Shades Lowers, as has been mentioned twice already, will greatly reduce your buffeting.
I run a quick release windshield and a set of lowers and have for years. Very happy with the set up.

When you are at speed take your free hand and run it around the area behind your handlebars and in front of your tank. When you do this note the reduction in buffeting you will experience. That is the area of turbulence you want to eliminate or reduce.
Lowers are positioned correctly to affect this. Try them.

[Jaskin71]

Thats what i have done so far. Installed some spacers in bottom holders to get lower the top of the windshield, installed the GW shield vent, cutted down few inches and putted some provisional lowers on the same way as the Bakers fits. And got the Memphis fork deflectors.

So far the provisional air wings helped the most.

[Willow]

...
I have the w/s with mounting on handle bars ...
...

I ride without a shield so some of my perspective is different.

The shields I know of that mount to the bars allow a lot of air around.  The job of the shield is to redirect the air over your head.

Get a quality shield if you're going to use one.

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

I dont have a Valk . I ride a 2007 Goldwing. I use a Firecreek Windbender shield. It is a two piece adjustable shield. I do not know if it was ever available for a Valk. I see them listed for GL 1800, GL 1500 and F6B as well as various HD models. You might at least look at there design and perhaps you can replicate it .
I hope your able to solve this problem and enjoy the rides.

[larue]

Willow beat me to it, the handlebar attached windshield is poor quality. Get an OEM if you can find it or Memphis or switchblade shields .

[Rams]

...
I have the w/s with mounting on handle bars ...
...

I ride without a shield so some of my perspective is different.

The shields I know of that mount to the bars allow a lot of air around.  The job of the shield is to redirect the air over your head.

Get a quality shield if you're going to use one.

I believe Willow has identified the problem.   I highly recommend a "Clear View" windshield, there is most likely some mounting hardware available right on the forum from one or more of it's members.

Rams

[Alberta Patriot]

How about something like this:
Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4hgJ9UGYwc

Long term owner video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXtBsNtbNco

Here is a 'Amazon UK' product link that looks similar to the one in the video...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B082X1ZFHJ/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B082X1ZFHJ&pd_rd_w=75DHf&pf_rd_p=1055d8b2-c10c-4d7d-b50d-96300553e15d&pd_rd_wg=V8Vsf&pf_rd_r=8JEVGS2HDEW5K2H4PH9S&pd_rd_r=fec7c3cd-47aa-458c-9e7b-9d7e7e38d0f8&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExNUJaRTdISkQ1Vzk4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQyNDc0MUtQSk9WN0ZaR0g2JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1ODg3NzVLODRBUDBTMjBGUDImd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWwmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

*Note* there seems to be a lot of choices on the Amazon UK site

[semo97]

I have three Valks. I have run Baker Air Wings, but honestly, these do a better job of creating non-buffeting riding for me: https://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-tank-panniers.html

Post a picture on your bike please, or PM it to.
Thanks

[Valker]

I have three Valks. I have run Baker Air Wings, but honestly, these do a better job of creating non-buffeting riding for me: https://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-tank-panniers.html

Post a picture on your bike please, or PM it to.
Thanks

I'd love to but I don't know how to post to this site. I don't have a hosting site. Send me your email or text number and I can send it that way. I'm Valker1@hotmail.com

[steve1433]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-Valkyrie-Interstate-Wind-Deflector-Covers/264399252593?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649

just a suggestion....buy these...make tour own hardware....stainless or alu' all available on e-bay.
I'll see if i can dig up an original baker diagram.

STAY SAFE ALL.

[Robert]

If you notice the air that comes from the front around the fork and neck area over and around the tank is the problem. This air circulates in behind the windshield and deflects off your body. It almost feels like the air is going around the headlight but its a bit lower actually. Baker air wings are good and and help but fork windscreens, deflectors or shields along with the Baker Air wings made the difference for me.  I put the fork deflectors on my bike and it was 80 percent better.

You can use your hand as you ride and stop the air in front of the tank around the neck area and see how you feel. If its better you found your problem.

This video you can see the fork lower deflectors.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcYtQ7W-OZk

He does a review at the end.

[Jaskin71]

@Albert patriot    - thanks man. Even that the shield extension looks bad on cruisers I have one and using it(see pics of my bike )

@Valker - I sent you my email address. Thanks for your pics in advance

@Steve1433 - thank you very much for the email. Its really appreciated.

@Robert - Thanks for suggestion mate. I seen the video few times last year when I tried sorted the buffeting on my Yama. As you can see on my pics I have the same lowers mounted on my Valk.

Regarding to my windshield. I'm under the impression that my W/S is OEM ( as I was told by seller ).
Its really made from thick Lexan and other then mounting is very similar to the original shield mounted on fork. My is mounted on handle bar and on holder under headlight. But I can be wrong. The W/s is not one of those cheap plastics crap from eBay.

If someone can post measures from the Baker mounting kit it will be really appreciated.









Thanks to all. Stay safe. Jiri

[Valker]

I sent two pics. Let me know if more are needed.
Eric