CB700SC and speeds over 60MPH

[CraigF]

Maybe it's me--I could be a wuss, or maybe it's the design of the bikini fairing, or maybe my helmet (HJC CL-15) is designed with the aerodynamics of a parachute...

Right around 60 mph the wind gets fierce.  My head takes a pretty good beating.  I really couldn't see taking a road trip at highway speeds on my Nighthawk S.   I was on the highway for about 20 miles yesterday and was very happy when I reached my exit.   I found that as soon as I got into the 50s the ride was pleasant again.

Anyone else notice this? 

I guess my height may factor into this--I'm 6'3" 195lbs.

[86cb700sc]

I routinely run 70+ and don't have a problem with buffeting until 95+. But I'm 6' and I have a CL-SP.

[fishmeister]

also 6' tall and prefer to be at 60 or better as often as possible. full face helmet makes all the difference.

[skramer360]

    I don't get a lot of buffetting at highway speeds, but I get lots of wind noise due to my cheap (but all I can afford for now) helmet.

[nh700]

i like to tuck low behind my lil fairing to help with the buffeting...and im 6'7 so i kno its possible for u shorter riders... it gets alil tiring after goin 90mph on a 100 mile ride tho..but it helps tho more tucked down u get, plus its less wind on ur chest so its better aerodynamics = better mpg and speed2

[Maxx]

skramer360, I use ear plugs when making long trips. It helps a lot. Years ago after a 750 mile trip my ears were ringing for almost a day and a half. Thats when I started using ear plugs.

[gammer]

Your helmet makes a big difference, especially if your head is getting tossed around from the wind. My helmet even has a little switch to lock the face shield down so it wont blow up when driving at high speeds.

[happycommuter]

If I get buffeting, I don't notice it and it doesn't bother me.  My complaints at higher speeds (at least 80mph) are:

• helmet lift - helmet actually pulls up on head a smidge, chinstrap digs in.
• wind jets in though helmet chinbar vent, feels like compressed air nozzle in front of mouth
• wind gusts hit arms leading to involuntary steering twitches

But then, the 700 is the most faired bike I've ever ridden on a regular basis, and I'm more Japanese-sized.

[skramer360]

Years ago after a 750 mile trip my ears were ringing for almost a day and a half. Thats when I started using ear plugs.

I went on a short ride (50ish miles) and it was hard on my ears. I'll remember the ear plugs next time. I use them all the time when mowing etc. just didn't think about it on the bike, thanks.

[MrF]

+1 on the earplugs.  I made the 160 mile drive from Kingsville to San Antonio with earplugs in at 70mph and it didn't feel nearly as bad as the 5 mile stretch of 65mph highway on my commute home sans earplugs.

I bought my '97 Nighthawk 750 with an aftermarket fairing already installed on it.  After a year of having similar problems (lots of buffeting at highway speeds, having to hunch behind the fairing, etc) I took it off. 

Now the wind in my face is stronger, but it's also a lot smoother.  It feels more like a constant pressure rather than a buffeting.  Even though I liked the look of the fairing, I like riding the bike better with it off.  Not sure about the brand, but it looked similar to what DesignFlaw has on his bike.  My helmet is also a CL-15.

[onarian]

No buffing at all on mine after the install of the after market fairing.. No top end loss either.

[CraigF]

I figured out the problem.  I have an Olympia Patton jacket and with the collar fastened closed the wind is deflected up toward my chin.   I opened the collar up and it was much better.

I think I'll buy one of these to help keep the wind out of the helmet. 

[nh700]

I figured out the problem.  I have an Olympia Patton jacket and with the collar fastened closed the wind is deflected up toward my chin.   I opened the collar up and it was much better.

I think I'll buy one of these to help keep the wind out of the helmet. 

yea i bought sumthin just like that at cycle gear last week and it helps out with wind comin thru the bottom of the helmet and helmet lift and wind noise...worth the lil amount a money it cost, i only have tryd it in town so far but my first outa town ride im sure ill find itll be a big change for my ears since i ride w/o plugs

[detdrbuzzard]

try tilting  the front of your helmet down slightly that will change the way the wind is lifting the bottom of your helmet. i have a black cl15 and wear it when riding any of my bikes but tilting the helmet is something i learned long ago

[CraigF]

I bought a NOJ Quiet Rider Deluxe today from Cycle Gear--I got 20% off and paid $36 for it. 

I put it on at home and went back out for a ride.  70MPH was so much better than 60MPH was before I put the Quiet Rider Deluxe on.

It's going to take a little getting used to putting the helmet on now, but it's well worth the little bit of hassle.

[nh700]

yea itll make your head feel alil incapsilated also...feels kinda weird at first but works pretty good

[CraigF]

That NOJ Quiet Rider was great this morning.  About 37F today and my head stayed fairly warm inside the helmet.   My shield fogged up a bit at stops, though. 

I'm happy with the purchase. 

[Maxx]

That's cool!!!
I've had helmets where at a stop I got fogged up.
The only problem is that dealers won't let you test drive to see which ones you like in cold weather or warm as far as that goes. Then it becomes a used helmet...lol

Considering we have different head sizes that adds up.

[Zugzug]

Hey buzz, I do the same thing. Chin tucked and elbows high and close to the tank. Its a old habit from racing moto in my youth. I still ride like this on a standard bike, but I sit back and do the cruiser thing on the cruiser. I tried a half helmet for the first time when I bought the cruiser, but after riding down to Atlantic City and back one saturday and not being able to hear the rest of the weekend it went back on the shelf and I brought out the fullface again. I do like the 1/2 or 3/4 during a charity ride. It makes it easier to talk to others during the ride. (ex: hey! you missed the turn back there!)

[CO-Zman]

My '92 750 came with a Rifle Sport fairing and the 15" shield.  Buffeting is fierce above 50mph, but I'm 6'3.  Really have to tuck down to get out of the turbulence.

I'm considering purchasing the 18" 'glass which will give me ~2" vertical and sweep closer.  My other option is like MrF and removing the thing and putting turn signal stalks back on.  When I stand up the airflow is sooo much smoother and quieter.  Maybe after the Denver winter is over    This is all with the Shoei X-11.

Z

[Sideways]

glad that gear  worked for u I just tuck down a little bit at around 60 and higher, I've found that with a perfect fitting helmet I'm fine at any speed I ride at no matter how I'm sitting, the nighthawk s really shines above 60mph IMHO so your neck should be comfy at those speeds so you can enjoy it!

[detdrbuzzard]

hjc and other brands have a chin curtian that fits between the chinbar and your neck thats a bit smaller and cooler for summer riding

[LateNiteNate]

Hey CraigF,

I also have the 700S and use the CL-15 from HJC.  I rode from upstate NY to Florida in under 30 hours last year and man, that is one loud helmet.  I experienced the buffeting at first too but I honestly think my neck muscles got stronger because now it doesn't happen as much.  It's still loud as hell though and I think the helmet is a size too big for me which adds a lot to the wind noise.  I'm going out and buying the Scorpion EXO-400 pretty soon so I'll give an update on how that does.

Good luck and happy trails,
Nate

[CraigF]

Hey CraigF,

I also have the 700S and use the CL-15 from HJC.  I rode from upstate NY to Florida in under 30 hours last year and man, that is one loud helmet.  I experienced the buffeting at first too but I honestly think my neck muscles got stronger because now it doesn't happen as much.  It's still loud as hell though and I think the helmet is a size too big for me which adds a lot to the wind noise.  I'm going out and buying the Scorpion EXO-400 pretty soon so I'll give an update on how that does.

Good luck and happy trails,
Nate

I've been gone from here for a while and just saw this.  Did you get an EXO-400?  I'm really tempted to get one.   You can find closeouts on the 400 pretty easily.

But like you, I think my neck is getting stronger, too, as its not as bothersome as before.

[gammer]

CraigF!!!
Where have you been?
How is the bike running?