I got it, I got it...

1324 Views 20 Replies 12 Participants Last post by bbach, Jun 24, 2009

Blackdog

Discussion Starter · Jun 18, 2009

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I just got this windshield and rear arfoil system delivered off an e-bay purchase. I paid about $100-150 less than full retail. Although I think it is last years model and supposedly it is "New and Improved" this year.I took it out of the box and it looks like it is gonna be a neat set-up. I'm crossing my fingers that this non-mechanically inclined rider isintelligent enough to figure out the 33 step directions this weekend :shock:.

The looks are already interesting. It is higher and much wider than stock. I'll need to re-use my airvent - it comes with the hole cut but not the vent. It also has a bit of a forward curve at the top - sorta like my aftermarket Suzuki Bandit windshield. This has the effect of "throwing the wind" up into a higher bubble to create a better non-turbulence pocket in the rider cockpit. It claims to be fully adjustable like stock - we'll see. But I am thinking that with this new set-up I can keep the windshield lower adjusted so I am looking clear over it - AND still have enough of a turbulence free airpocket so that the little vent on top of my Symax 2 WILL STOP RATTLING!!! AND I CAN HEAR MY STEREO WITHOUT HEADSETS!! LOL :cooler: I'll report back how it works out once it's installed.

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Retro Winger

· #2 · Jun 18, 2009

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I can't answer for how well these work on a bike, but I know my cousin has a convertible car with the back shield that can be put up, or down. We were riding with it down and having to yell to speak to each other, the radio was distorted it had to be so loud, and the wind was whipping my hair. When he put it up, even though it was only about 5" tall, we turned the stereo down, could speak in normal tones, and there was not the whipping of the wind. It was pretty amazing. My question would be what effect it has on gas mileage (up or down, I would think up creating more of a slipstream), and how does it affect rain riding?

Look forward to hearing how it works out.

oldtoys1961

· #3 · Jun 19, 2009

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Interesting. I get the same vortex on my 1100. Wish they make some kind of plexiglass or lexan forthe old GL1100.JR

eagle al

· #4 · Jun 19, 2009

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I SURE DO LIKE FHAT WINDSHEIJD, DON'T THINK I WOULD LIKE THE AIR FOIL ,FANTASIC LOOKING BIKE . WHAT BRAND OF BACK REST IS THAT ? WAS IT HARD TO INSTALL. GOOD LUCK

eagle al

· #5 · Jun 19, 2009

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BOY I SHOULD HAVE USED SPELL CHECK ON THAT LAST ONE HA HA HAA

GSMacLean

· #6 · Jun 19, 2009

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Retro Winger wrote:

My question would be what effect it has on gas mileage (up or down, I would think up creating more of a slipstream), and how does it affect rain riding?

Turbulence = drag. Less turbulence = less drag = better fuel mileage. I would expect mileage to increase.

SpiderBob

· #7 · Jun 19, 2009

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Nice looking shield, we need a full report.

Bagzzz

· #8 · Jun 19, 2009

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GSMacLean wrote:

Retro Winger wrote:

My question would be what effect it has on gas mileage (up or down, I would think up creating more of a slipstream), and how does it affect rain riding?

Click to expand...

Turbulence = drag. Less turbulence = less drag = better fuel mileage. I would expect mileage to increase.

Not necessarily... fluid dynamics is more of an art than a science. They put dimples on golf balls to decrease drag by increasing turbulence. Depends on the reynolds number. I would say in this case the number is low enough that more turbulanceshould equal more drag, but by no means does turbulence = drag. The best way to find out is to wait till we get the actual milage results after it is installed.

sorry to jump all over you like a grammar school teacher. My wife often says I should work on my diplomatic skills. Really thought you might be interested in the golf ball thing cause that is the case that blew me away in fluids class. Before that, I thought like you that turbulence=drag.

Blackdog

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jun 19, 2009

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Bagzzz wrote:

GSMacLean wrote:

Retro Winger wrote:

My question would be what effect it has on gas mileage (up or down, I would think up creating more of a slipstream), and how does it affect rain riding?

Click to expand...

Turbulence = drag. Less turbulence = less drag = better fuel mileage. I would expect mileage to increase.

Click to expand...

Not necessarily... fluid dynamics is more of an art than a science. They put dimples on golf balls to decrease drag by increasing turbulence. Depends on the reynolds number. I would say in this case the number is low enough that more turbulanceshould equal more drag, but by no means does turbulence = drag. The best way to find out is to wait till we get the actual milage results after it is installed.

sorry to jump all over you like a grammar school teacher. My wife often says I should work on my diplomatic skills. Really thought you might be interested in the golf ball thing cause that is the case that blew me away in fluids class. Before that, I thought like you that turbulence=drag.

So now I gotta spend the weekend drilling all those litle golfball sized "dimples" into my windshield - THANKS A LOT :cheeky1:

bbach

· #10 · Jun 19, 2009

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Or just leave your bike out in the hail.

Blackdog

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jun 19, 2009

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bbach wrote:

Or just leave your bike out in the hail.

:action::cheeky1::cheeky1:

:cheeky1:

scotthohio

· #12 · Jun 19, 2009

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I would think that it would create an oven effect keeping the engine heat in.

Blackdog

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jun 22, 2009

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Hi all here is my write-up of my review of this product:

http://ndnrdr.com/images/Goldwingfacts/KuryakynAirmasterPerformanceWindshieldandAirfoilReview.pdf

corventure

· #14 · Jun 22, 2009

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Great review BD. I always want to hear "clear" reviews on some of those products out there. The one thing I see as a negative for me on that windshield, is the slight distortion of the road, looking through the shield. I usually ride looking (over) the screen but rely on looking through it for hazzards and critters. Rented a HD Ultra Classic and this same distortion was one of my main complaints with the Ultra. It's a personal thing for me, that I'm sure is not a problem for others. Look forward to hearing how your SO feels about the rear foil.
Good review.
Corventure Dave

GSMacLean

· #15 · Jun 22, 2009

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Bagzzz wrote:

Not necessarily... fluid dynamics is more of an art than a science. They put dimples on golf balls to decrease drag by increasing turbulence. Depends on the reynolds number. I would say in this case the number is low enough that more turbulanceshould equal more drag, but by no means does turbulence = drag. The best way to find out is to wait till we get the actual milage results after it is installed.

sorry to jump all over you like a grammar school teacher. My wife often says I should work on my diplomatic skills. Really thought you might be interested in the golf ball thing cause that is the case that blew me away in fluids class. Before that, I thought like you that turbulence=drag.

OK, that is true - in that case, the dimples on the golf ball set up a very thin boundary layer of turbulent air, which is more "slippery" than the otherwise smooth layer of the golf ball. Similarly, vortex generators on an aircraft wing create small vortices of turbulent air, which prevent the airflow from separating from the wing at low speeds, decreasing stall speed.

However, when you're talking about large amounts of turbulence, involving large volumes of air, where the volume of the directly affected turbulent air is approaching the size of the object creating the turbulence, there is considerable drag produced.

Bagzzz

· #16 · Jun 22, 2009

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GSMacLean wrote:

OK, that is true - in that case, the dimples on the golf ball set up a very thin boundary layer of turbulent air, which is more "slippery" than the otherwise smooth layer of the golf ball. Similarly, vortex generators on an aircraft wing create small vortices of turbulent air, which prevent the airflow from separating from the wing at low speeds, decreasing stall speed.

However, when you're talking about large amounts of turbulence, involving large volumes of air, where the volume of the directly affected turbulent air is approaching the size of the object creating the turbulence, there is considerable drag produced.

I, like you, think that the fuel efficiency will bebetter. The only difference is that I still leave open the possibility that it may not be better. My only point was on your general statement that "turbulence = drag" and that I thought that you might thinkit was interesting that it is not always the case. Especially in the case of golf balls or, as you pointed out, vortex generators because that can be counterintuitive.

I still disagree with you as to why golf balls have dimples and this is an interesting discussion, but we are getting too technical and off topic at that point, so if you would like to continue that discussion, PM me.

bbach

· #17 · Jun 22, 2009

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Blackdog wrote:

Hi all here is my write-up of my review of this product:

http://ndnrdr.com/images/Goldwingfacts/KuryakynAirmasterPerformanceWindshieldandAirfoilReview.pdf

Thank you Blackdog. I really enjoyed that. I have no thoughts of replacing my stock windshield as of yet. However, I've been strongly considering a rear foil. I appreciate the time you took to write the review.

Blackdog

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jun 23, 2009

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I was trying to think how best to describe the feeling of the “less turbulence” rider compartment - sort of an "air pocket" or "Bubble" - I’ve been feeling with this set-up on my commutes the last couple mornings and this looks pretty good………

But this is better

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:cheeky1::cheeky1::cheeky1::cheeky1::action::action::action::action::action:

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Tubawinger

· #19 · Jun 23, 2009

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GS, Bagzz, I love the physics geeky sidebars!

Blackdog, Nice report. Though if I need an airfoil, I can always throw my wife on the back and have her hold a cookie sheet behind her head!

Seriously, I wonder 2 things: How does the front screen perform without the rear airfoil, and can I get one for my 1100?

Big Kahuna

· #20 · Jun 23, 2009

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Good review, I have been thinking aobut that product myself. Mrs Kahuna says she gets beat up on the back all the time. Make sure you give us an update when you get Mrs Blackdog out there for a test ride.

Here in Texas the wind is a big problem, this may be an answer.

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