Just traded my 2013 FXDB for a 2014 SG sight unseen..... or at least I thought I had. I wasn't sure how I would like being permanently behind a fairing, so today I test rode an Ultra (no demo SG available) to evaluate what these new 2014 fairings were like.

I wasn't as impressed as I thought I would be. I still experienced some helmet buffeting even with the 10" Ultra shield, adjustable lower fairing wings and lowers. The dealer reckons I can eliminate the buffeting completely on the SG with special shields of the correct height and recurve, but am I willing to take the risk that it may not??

I don't know what would annoy me more on a 5 hr ride - constant mild helmet shaking over 70mph or the full (but even) wind blast you have with no screen or fairing. It was also mighty hot behind that fairing and lowers and for the 30 min test ride it's hard to tell if having a fairing is something I will love or hate.

I am thinking I might have made a mistake choosing the SG..... Price aside, has anyone else chosen a Road King over a SG?


***** UPDATE - decided to go with the King.

Test rode both again today and I like the wind too much to be stuck behind a fairing. I don't care for music when riding so it was a no-brainer for me now.

Thanks for all your replies, they were very helpful!


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Where you from? What's your height? I don't have any buffeting on my Ultra with my 10" shield. LRS shields are very popular on here for that reason and on both the bikes your talking about. If you like the looks of the SG better I wouldn't pass on it over something that can be cured for less than a $100

 

I have a 2014 Limited with a 7" wind screen and only get buffeting near 100mph.. Was the vent open?

 

When you ride a motorcycle you will experience wind.
Get in your cage and roll up the windows.

 

Buffeting is not the same as "wind".

OP, you just need to dial it in.
Definitely will need to when you get your bike and ride the first time with that tiny SG windshield. lol

lp

 

Wow... there's always one idiot in every thread.

If you actually bothered to read my post you would see that I have no problem with the wind - I've been riding softails and dynas for 16 years with no shield/fairing - its the helmet buffeting you get with the fairing that bothers me.

 

Yes the vent was open.

It sees that some people get the buffeting and some don't with the same bikes/set ups. All I know was that the Limited I rode had the right height shield (I was just looking over it) and I got the dreaded helmet/glasses shake at anything over 70.

 

Yes, I did not buy my Road King because it was cheaper than a Ultra, or SG, I bought it because that is what I prefer.

 

I just dont know how any motorcycle manufacturer can claim to eliminate head buffeting. Its just kind of impossible. Depending on your height, direction of the wind, speed of the wind, at certain times and certain conditions, buffeting is just gonna be there. I think the new fairing is a great improvement and it does provide a more stable ride.

Remember the the guy who complained that rain was coming thru the fairing opening. Well yeah, its raining out and you're on a motorcycle.

 

I came from an FXDB like you, no intention of ever going back.The buffeting can be dealt with but some have more problems with it than others.I use a recurve windshield and the buffeting is almost completely gone but when temps drop down into the thirties for my morning commute I could care less.The Road Kings are nice bikes but have their own issues with buffeting.If you have the windshield height right and you still have buffeting a recurve windshield will probably fix it.Then there's fork mounted wind deflectors,an air baffle,and lowers.Even different styles of helmets make a difference.Your typical half helmet is shaped like a parachute and is not going to help you.