Rifle - Classic Lowers (Wind Deflectors)

[DarkSideR]

Gentlemen,

I just installed Rifle's Classic Lowers in preparation for a 2,800 mile ride. I purchased the lower wind deflectors because they were one of the few products I could find that were made specifically for the mighty Valks. So here is the review..

Quality - Excellent  the fork tube clamps were made to fit the Valks big fork tubes. The chrome finish is good. The plastic is thick and durable, and the mounting brackets are rigid. On a test ride they didn't move or vibrate.

Installation - Very easy. One clamp on each side with some hardware. Instructions were simple, and even directed you at what height is best to mount them. I have the Cobra Light Bars, which has made the deflectors angle back a bit more than I would like. I am going to play with the light bars position to see if I can correct this.

Ride Effect - I only took a quick run up the road at 55 mph, but I could tell a noticeable difference in less wind turbulence around my legs and less wind hitting my chin. I didn't notice any buffeting, but the upcoming ride will tell the tale of their worth.

Summary - I am pleased with the product. I called Rifle directly to order. They rushed me out a set that day. I am pleased with their customer service. The look and quality is top notch. I would suggest these to others. Below is the link.

http://rifle.com/Classic-Lowers-for-Honda-VTX1800-Valkyrie-P1952C61.aspx

[ricoman]

they look great
one of the better things you can add to a Valk
nice to learn of an alternative to Memphis Shades

[Mallett]

Joshcornkid, just ordered a set...hope you are right...

[Farther]

I would be looking for your long term report.

[Tailgate Tommy]

I'd like to know how they work on your trip as well. Good to meet you last Saturday too.

[The Anvil]

My windshield is a Rifle. Not the easiest mounting system but it is very beefy and high quality.

[Fiat Lux]

This is a very helpful report, I too am thinking about buying some lowers. Can you share a photo to show how the mounting fits with the Cobra light bar? What factors made you choose the Classic Lowers instead of the Classic "L" Lowers?
Thanks,
Fiat Lux

[DarkSideR]

FiatFlux, I choose the Rifle Classic Lowers because they were one of the few specifically made for the Valkyrie. I am 800 miles into my trip and an very pleased with them. The air management is now superb in the cockpit. I no longer have engine heat boiling up around my crotch, and wind no longer hits me up under the chin, even with my feet up on the highway pegs. I can now ride longer without getting exhausted from the wind beating me up.

I am sorry to report that I came down with a nasty cold, but the trip has been made much more pleasant because of the new lowers. And so after the long haul across Wyoming I can safely say that I highly suggest the lowers. So far the Rifles have been rock solid.

Lastly, I will email you a picture whereas I am not on photo bucket. I mounted the lowers so that they are 1/8" below the Cobra light bar. Hope this helps.

[hubcapsc]

I am sorry to report that I came down with a nasty cold

Take care... I woke up in the middle of the night last Wednesday/Thursday with a real
sore throat. I called up my Dr's office Thursday morning, he had just had an operation himself, the office
suggested I go to "Minute Clinic" at CVS.

Anywho... it was cheap and quick and they swabbed my throat: strep. I got antibiotics and
am well on my way to being good to go again.

The moral is that I never would have gone to a clinic at a drug store on my own, but it turned out
great. They don't have a "Minute Clinic" at every CVS, but I bet they have similar clinics at lots
of these chain drug stores all over the place.

-Mike "getting sick in the summer time, or on a ride, or ...  "

[t-man403]

Joshcornkid, just ordered a set...hope you are right...

He is right!

I finally figured out a way to install the MS lowers I've had sitting around without having to buy they're lightbar. 
I can tell you that the lack of buffeting now, has allowed me to use a lower windshield! 
Now I get some air in the face that is enjoyable.

[pancho]

Hey Josh, I am wondering if you have your turn signals mounted on the Cobra lightbars, and if that is the reason you had to angle the deflectors back some. I know you are on a trip, and feeling a bit under the weather,, certainly no fun,, but I also would like to see a picture of the installation if you get a minute. Your report has gotten me interested in this product,, you may want to hit them up for a refund for the referral business they are getting   ..... HA ....   I will put in a plug if I buy.

[DarkSideR]

Pancho, I do have the turn signals mounted on the light bar. And these are the reason why I wasn't able to angle the deflectors out as much as I'd like. I did however drill new holes and mount the turn signals on the outside of the bar. Now I can angle them out much more.

Had a windy day crossing the high desert of eastern Oregon, and am still very pleased with the lowers.

I will email you a picture.

[pancho]

Hey Josh, do you think the deflectors are more effective being angled out, or is just for aesthetic reasons that you relocated the signals so they could be angled out?? 

 Hope you are feeling better and the trip is going good.

[DarkSideR]

I cannot say if it made a big difference or not.

[DarkSideR]

Long Term Report and Summary of Post

Recommended - Yes
After riding 1,400 miles across 5 states I can safely say that I am very pleased with the quality and performance of the Rifle Classic Lowers. 

Summary
Before I only had a Memphis shades windshield. I had bad buffeting problems, and had heat boiling up around my crotch making for uncomfortable rides. Since adding the lower deflectors I no longer have wind buffeting, and no longer have any heat what-so-ever boiling up through the seat.

Modifications Made
I originally mounted the deflectors under the Cobra light bar but had to angle the deflectors back to miss the turn signals. I thought the deflectors would perform better if angled out more, so I moved the turn signals to the outside of the Cobra light bar. This allowed me to angle the deflectors out more (giving the deflectors a wider girth).

Heading Home
I leave this Friday the 21st to head back to Colorado. I will be heading back through northern California, into Reno, through Bonneville Salt Flats, and back into Colorado. Hoping to be completely over this head cold for the ride back. Wish me luck..

[Mallett]

Long Term Report and Summary of Post

Recommended - Yes
After riding 1,400 miles across 5 states I can safely say that I am very pleased with the quality and performance of the Rifle Classic Lowers.  

Summary
Before I only had a Memphis shades windshield. I had bad buffeting problems, and had heat boiling up around my crotch making for uncomfortable rides. Since adding the lower deflectors I no longer have wind buffeting, and no longer have any heat what-so-ever boiling up through the seat.

Modifications Made



I originally mounted the deflectors under the Cobra light bar but had to angle the deflectors back to miss the turn signals. I thought the deflectors would perform better if angled out more, so I moved the turn signals to the outside of the Cobra light bar. This allowed me to angle the deflectors out more (giving the deflectors a wider girth).

Heading Home
I leave this Friday the 21st to head back to Colorado. I will be heading back through northern California, into Reno, through Bonneville Salt Flats, and back into Colorado. Hoping to be completely over this head cold for the ride back. Wish me luck..

Thanks for the update...mine should be here by the end of the week...

[Farther]

I will be heading back through northern California. Wish me luck..

If you are heading through Yreka, CA, I can offer you modest accommodations (sleeping on floor) with full bathroom, kitchen and laundry privileges.

[pancho]

Hey Josh, when you get home, can you post a picture so I can see how that looks with with the signal relocation on your Cobra bars.........  Also, what do you think about the billet clamp, quality, apperance,,??

             "Hoping to be completely over this head cold for the ride back. Wish me luck.."
 Do you one better than that,,,, I pray that the Lord will be with you on the trip home.

[Mallett]

Pics 0f the Rifle wind deflectors....BTW I love them...

[BF]

Pics 0f the Rifle wind deflectors....BTW I love them...

I can't really tell from the pics, but do you have them swept/angled back some (a little - a lot?), or are they pretty much flat/parallel to the forks?

[Brian]

I have the Nation Cycle Windshield and light bar with drop down turn signals.  Would these work with my current set up?

[Mallett]

BF, they are at the same angle as the windshield...about an 1/8 inch off...

[DarkSideR]

Gentlemen,

I started my trip back to Colorado. Tomorrow night Reno! I am happy to say that I am at the tail end of my cold, but while going around Crater Lake today I had to ride about 40 miles in 38 degree rain/sleet/snow. Buurrrrrrrr! Hope I don't get sick again. I can't remember who suggested Crater Lake, but thank you it was awesome.

I still need to take a couple of promised pictures of the lowers with the cobra light bar and remounting of the turn signals. Hopefully tomorrow will be a easy day of riding and will have time to get those out.

I angled my lowers so that the metal bracket is at the angle as the windshield bracket. Reason.. OCD

[The emperor has no clothes]

Gentlemen,

I started my trip back to Colorado. Tomorrow night Reno! I am happy to say that I am at the tail end of my cold, but while going around Crater Lake today I had to ride about 40 miles in 38 degree rain/sleet/snow. Buurrrrrrrr! Hope I don't get sick again. I can't remember who suggested Crater Lake, but thank you it was awesome.

I still need to take a couple of promised pictures of the lowers with the cobra light bar and remounting of the turn signals. Hopefully tomorrow will be a easy day of riding and will have time to get those out.

I angled my lowers so that the metal bracket is at the angle as the windshield bracket. Reason.. OCD

that OCD can be a bitch!

[Mallett]

Update...absolutely the best add-on I've ever made on my Valk...I rode for the first time in the rain yesterday since installing...did not have any water run up under my face shield..

[G-Man]

Pics 0f the Rifle wind deflectors....BTW I love them...

I ride a fast black standard and I had the OEM windshield painted with a mid clear coat tint so I had to go with the dark tinted Rifle Lowers.  I agree that the quality is aces.  I mounted mine about an inch lower because I didn't want to obstruct the turn signal with the dark tint. 

Unfortunately, too much rain in recent days since I installed them and haven't ridden yet.  I'm looking forward to it and will report when I do.

[Airedale]

I have a light bar so I solved the problem by just re-drilling the holes in the lowers so they can be moved down in the bracket to clear the light bar. I have an extra hole showing but it is no big deal, the main thing is the lowers great.

Al

[Flrider]

Does anyone have this lowers mounted on an I/S.

Would like to know if they are ok without hitting the radiator pods?

[loud pipes]

Do they work with interstate or is their more options.  The air pulling your shirt up is stupid.
Thanks

[DarkSideR]

Do they work with interstate or is their more options.  The air pulling your shirt up is stupid.
Thanks

They will work with your Interstate. However having an Interstate give you more options.
 - Hondaline has a deflector that mounts to your radiator pods.
  + http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/hondaline-radiator-side-wind-deflector-honda-1500-valkyrie-interstate/part/HL-08R82-MBY-100F
 - Clearview Windshields may still make the nice little deflectors that mount under the fairing.
  + http://valkyrie-owners.com/SMFORUM/index.php?topic=9628.0
 - Then of course there is your best bet going with the Baker Air Wings.
  + http://www.bakerbuilt.com/bbairwings/h15awupaa.html

Hope this helps. And yes.. riding with your tummy showing is silly. 

[RONNIEB]

I HAVE THE BAKER AIR WING SONMYSTANDARD AND TOURER.WITH THE BAKERS ARE THESE NEEDED OR WOULDIT BE A WASTE OF TIME. I LIKE THE ADJUSTABILITY OF THE BAKERS AND EXPERIENCE NO BUFFETING. THANKS FOR THE INFO.

[Mtn Valk]

I remember another thread where Hoser added fork deflectors (lowers) to his. He stated that the Baker's do most of the work to deflect the wind, but added that the lowers enhanced the Baker's and virtually stopped the buffeting. I will probably be ordering the Rifle brand lowers for my R&W Tourer.

[DarkSideR]

Gentlemen,

I made a modification to my Rifle Lowers to work better with Cobra Light Bars. Using a reciprocating saw I notched the Lowers around the Cobra Light Bar so that I could move the Lowers up higher. The reciprocating saw worked perfectly whereas I didn't have much plastic melting. I then cross filed the newly cut edges to clean them up. Sorry for the bug splattered picture but I haven't had a chance to clean the fat lady. The picture does clearly show the work.

I can't say that this mod made the wind management any better or any worse, but this does get the positioning of the lowers closer to where Rifle suggested that they mount.