Interstate Annoying Whistle

[ValkISDan]

Its starting to get to me. The air rushing through the fairing vent on my Interstate is creating a whistle that is annoying. Has anyone had this issue and what did you so to stop it?  

[Jess from VA]

Cut a piece of soft foam rubber about the shape of a toothpaste box and shove it up the outside of the vent.  Invisible on my black bikes.

No more whistle (if that's what it is, the fairing can make all kinds of noises).

No more jet propelled bugs (in whole or in parts) down my throat or on face either.

In freeway (speed) rain riding, the water comes through the vent and runs up the inside of the shield.  So it's fouled on both sides to look through. (even for guys who never want to block the vent, having this little piece of foam on board for required rain rides would be a good idea) (good for cold riding too)

Pull it out and shake the dead bugs and dirt off (like an air filter) once in awhile.

I leave mine in year round, and have to remember to take it out in the hottest weather.

I ran through a cloud of yellow jackets (spring migration) on the way to Inzane last year, and was happy to have the foam in there.

I suppose you could experiment with some rolled up soft screen mesh stuff that might stop the noise and bugs, but still let some air through.

[davit]

I took the lazy route and shoved a couple folded up dryer sheets in there.  Smells so fresh. 

I think the whistle is caused by bug gut goulash stuck in the vent.

[0leman]

Originally did as Jess did totally blocked the whole vent.  Then tried to only block a part of it.  Worked.  No whistle. 

[ValkISDan]

Thanks guys!

[Firefighter]

Pretty sure you have to be  breaking the sound barrier to cause that whistle, might try slowing down as it is against the law to break the sound barrier on most roads.

Interesting, my IS as never had the whistle.

[0leman]

Pretty sure you have to be  breaking the sound barrier to cause that whistle, might try slowing down as it is against the law to break the sound barrier on most roads.

Interesting, my IS as never had the whistle.

Whistle started about 30 mph and continues up to 100 mph, not sure if it continues as one goes faster than the 100 mph.   I chicken out at that speed.   

[gordonv]

Does the IS get the same whistling bolt noise?

[0leman]

Does the IS get the same whistling bolt noise?

Are you referring to the "Buzz bolt", if so yes.

[Gavin_Sons]

I also have a piece of foam shoved in that vent hole. Got tired of bugs finding their way through it.

[cookiedough]

yep, black 1/2 inch foam strips that have a sticky side on one side to put up in there from the back.  You can see the strips shoved up in there but works well since that whistling noise was very annoying as well.  I left the sides open 1 inch or so on each side of the 3 grooves to allow some airflow since part of the reason the airflow is there is to prevent fogging up of the inside part of shield when cold out or foggy.  It also prevents 90% of bugs from going in and splatting you all over but still get some going thru on the sides.

[Jess from VA]

I've never heard the buzz bolt described as a whistle.  More of a really irritating buzzy rattle.

I suppose you could teach it to whistle.