[V-driver]

This has probably been discussed ad nauseaum, but I installed my new Firecreek Windbender ST and took the bike for a week-long ride around Arkansas. What a difference the gapped wind deflector concept makes. I am now an absolute believer in Tom's product and will tell it to anyone who comments about the windshield on my bike.

With the Tulsa tall shield I had previously, set as to view through the top 2"-3" of the shield, wind force at highway speeds hit just above my helmet sunvisor, but I got good air forced into the helmet vent . I have had to cover the sunvisor gap on my AC3 helmet with black tape to reduce the wind noise created there .

With the Windbender, set to view about 1" over the top of the shield, the wind force at equal speeds is about a handspan above the top of my helmet. No more wind noise; no more neck strain from the wind forcing my head about; no more buffeting 8). I just love it.

 

[Indianabob]

Paul --

If you got on the interstate at all, did you find any objectionable noise at higher speeds ... 75mph+? If not, do you make any adjustments for higher speeds?

I have both the ST and HP and for the life of me, can't seem to make either work at higher speeds. Too noisy for me. The Tulsa is quiet but I don't really like looking through the shield.

Thanks.

 

[RedStreak]

OK. Stop it. Just spent $300.00 yesterday on bike stuff. Now your going to make me spend more.

 

[Joseph]

Indiana Bob,,,, Im looking at getting the exact set up you have and almost always cruise at around 80. How tall are you and what type of helmet do you wear?

 

[V-driver]

Paul --

If you got on the interstate at all, did you find any objectionable noise at higher speeds ... 75mph+? If not, do you make any adjustments for higher speeds?

I have both the ST and HP and for the life of me, can't seem to make either work at higher speeds. Too noisy for me. The Tulsa is quiet but I don't really like looking through the shield.

I found just the opposite - the Windbender is somewhat less noisy - not "quiet", exactly. Mayhaps you're hearing road noise up through the fork tunnel. I have the fillers in and it really reduces the noise.

As to adjustments, I raised it to the upper position due to a fierce rainstorm and found that I liked it there at 70mph so well, I left it at that height except when riding the 45mph country roads.

Love it! Love it! Love it!

 

[Indianabob]

Joseph

I'm 6' with a 32" inseam; using the stock seat. I now wear an Arai Profile; previously the Shoei RF800. Both helmets had about the same "noise level."

 

[Joseph]

Thanks Bob.... do you have any other isues with the shield other than noise at high speeds?

 

[Bobby Tillman]

V-Driver, where did you get the fork fillers????

 

[Frank C.]

Here:

http://www.vpaccessories.com/1800.htm

scroll down to "Tunnel Fillers".

 

[Smitty]

Bob - Yes, I had wind noise issues at 80 mph or so, especially if headed into the wind and wearing a half-helmet. Sounded like I was standing at the North Pole in a gale. When I complained, they "never heard of such a thing". Have since change to HJC Symax helmet which pretty much blocks out the noise. Also installed short lengths of black rubber hose between the inner and outer shields to stop the front shield from "fluttering" at high speeds - that also helped with the noise.

 

[Indianabob]

Joseph

No other issues than objectional noise at +70mph. It's a well made product and as long as noise isn't a problem for you, I have no other reservations in recommending it.

 

[V-driver]

V-Driver, where did you get the fork fillers????

Like Frank C. said...

You could probably find the pattern out there on the 'net somewhere and cut them yourself, but it's a lot easier to buy them and stuff'em in. Besides, as has been beat about several times on this board, give the designer his due; $10 or $15 won't set many of us back too far...

If you're near Memphis and want to try the Windbender, I'll happily let you ride it for yourself (assuming you're not blind in your good eye and have two left hands). PM me.

 

[techrider]

Paul --I have both the ST and HP and for the life of me, can't seem to make either work at higher speeds. Too noisy for me. The Tulsa is quiet but I don't really like looking through the shield.

Bob, I found a big difference in buffeting between my Suomi 3/4 and Arai 3/4 helmets. Same style of helmet, big difference in buffeting.

Rick