Aero-Dynamics question

[jfoster]

On my 06 RSTD, I've noticed I get alot of air coming up around the fuel tank at 70 mph. If I hold my hands beside the tank directly in front of my knees its gone or deflected away, eliminating air hitting my arms and chest. I'd like to have someone make something that would mount to the side of the tank w/adhesives (like the emblem) bout 2-3" wide and bout 1-2" tall kinda like a wing that would mold from my knees around to the front of the tank. I've thought about looking into having someone machine something out of aluminum but I'm scared of how much it would cost in excess of $500. Bike is stock, with 16" clearview with the wider lowers. Any thoughts on if that idea is possible or alternative ideas ....tks PS I've thought bout sending my tank emblems to someone like OCC and have them machine something with the same diameters but extended it out 2-3".

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[Pecker]

I feel the same thing as you describe, but I welcome the extra breeze especially in the summer. Now in the winter, it would be nice to have that little bit of air blocked off.

I would be concerned with the looks of something sticking outward off the side of the tank. Might consider trying something that had a magnetic base to it, but then, would it stay in place for any length of time? Good luck figuring this out.

[DragonRider]

Are lowers on your forks below you windshield, that will block the air coming up and give you less buffetting.

[jfoster]

They are...I "think" one of the problems is with the lower fairing, air goes under the lowers then hits the fairing and then has to travel up or down it instead flowing around the lower half of the bike. I may experiment with something on that end, I've tried extending the lowers with no difference.

[jfoster]

I feel the same thing as you describe, but I welcome the extra breeze especially in the summer. Now in the winter, it would be nice to have that little bit of air blocked off.

I would be concerned with the looks of something sticking outward off the side of the tank. Might consider trying something that had a magnetic base to it, but then, would it stay in place for any length of time? Good luck figuring this out.

 

Your magnetic advice turned out to be a perfect idea...just for R.A.D. I got a pair of black seat belt pads (the ones that you put on your shoulder belt) from wal-mart and placed magnets inside them and attached them to the side of the tank on the bottom side of the tank emblem. Their about 10" x 3" and at 75 mph they never moved and did a pretty good job of deflecting the air out. I still get plenty of air to stay cool, but I don't have air hitting my chest increasing the buffeting affect. I may scotchguard it and let it ride. The material is soft as a cotton cloth and doesn't seem to have any negative effects on the paint. Total cost $15.

[Bubber]

How about a picture so we can see what you talking about? :banana:

 

Thanks

 

Steve

[jfoster]

I would, but I can't figure out how to do it. If someone can put me on the link, I'll try again.

[Pecker]

It seems great minds DO think alike. Thats what I love about this forum, you get some help here or there, you give some help here or there. We all win! Glad you found a solution. I wish all of lifes little problems were so easily solved! Now you need to figure out how to post pics.

[gibvel]

Check out this post by BuddyRich. Don't know if this is along the same lines but give it a look see.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=36265&highlight=deflectors

[jfoster]

To give a better visual..I mounted the long end parallel with the road just under the tank emblem and butted them up to my knees. I did another test ride today with a calm breeze. At 100 mph no movement and at 85 mph I could ride relatively comfortable, I have never been able to do that. Other factors, 16" clearview windshield, 3/4 helmet with face shield. For me having the short shield versus the a tall shield, its a working solution and makes interstate riding alot more comfortable. Maybe one day someone will put something into production that is more visually appealing. Till then, I'll have the wife sew the magnets in and close up the ends and scotchguard em.

[jfoster]

[ATTACH]35135[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]35136[/ATTACH]

 

[ATTACH]35137[/ATTACH]

 

These are what I came up to reduce the buffeting and surprisingly it works great. Reduces alot of air buffeting and makes riding at interstate speeds alot more comfortable. Currently looking at having something made that looks kinda like chrome strip on the VStar 1300 but bigger.

[Shamue]

In the past I have taped light ribbon to areas that seem to let a lot of air travel. The ribbon will give you an idea as to how much air is traveling through an area by its straightness or stiffness. This may help better identify the areas that you would better use a deflector and it may identify a better place to mount.

I have taped ribbon of different colors from the bottom of an engine guard to the top of my windshield and found this may not be as good as a wind tunnel it does work. I also found you don't need to travel fast 30-40 mph on a calm day will work.