Do Windscreens Cut Noise?

 I have a small fairing on my bike, which comes up to about my eye
level,  but I'm wondering if a taller/bigger one would cut even more
wind, and more importantly, the wind that hits the top of my helmet,
or won't it make much difference? Wind noise seems to be the majority
of the noise that bothers me, and I'm trying to cut that down as much
as possible.

 

Depends on the fairing. Some are definitely noisier than others. And
many reflect a lot of engine sound at the rider, too.


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You're supposed to look *over* the top of the windshield, not
*through* it, as will become obvious if you ever ride in the rain or
at night with a dirty windshield.

There are windshields available which have an extra *boundary layer*
controlling piece of transparent plexiglass (or acrylic, etc.) which
forces the airflow through a narrow slot so the air has to follow the
windscreen closely and the airflow goes up and over your head without
buffeting your helmet.


If you're wearing an open face helmet, you'll hear more wind noise
around the edges of the opening than you would if you wear a full face
helmet with the shield closed.

You can minimize annoying high frequency wind noise with inexpensive
foam ear plugs.

Check your state vehicle code for the legality of ear plugs. I used to
ride with a lawyer who assisted writing legislation for a rider to be
attached to a completely unrelated bill and that rider legalized foam
ear plugs in California.

 

You're supposed to look *over* the top of the windshield, not
*through* it, as will become obvious if you ever ride in the rain or
at night with a dirty windshield.

There are windshields available which have an extra *boundary layer*
controlling piece of transparent plexiglass (or acrylic, etc.) which
forces the airflow through a narrow slot so the air has to follow the
windscreen closely and the airflow goes up and over your head without
buffeting your helmet.


If you're wearing an open face helmet, you'll hear more wind noise
around the edges of the opening than you would if you wear a full face
helmet with the shield closed.

You can minimize annoying high frequency wind noise with inexpensive
foam ear plugs.

Check your state vehicle code for the legality of ear plugs. I used to
ride with a lawyer who assisted writing legislation for a rider to be
attached to a completely unrelated bill and that rider legalized foam
ear plugs in California.


And thank god for that. Still can't use an IPod with earbuds though.

Thumper

 On 17/11/2010 12:38 PM, Joyce wrote:

Exercise caution with those large tall windshields.  Not only are they
difficult to see through in wet weather or when other vehicles are
throwing road crap all over you, they can also obscure your vision if
you are riding into the sun, especially late in the day when the sun is
low in the sky. For me I like the windshield to be slightly lower than
my eye level, when I am sitting in a riding position. I can easily see
over it when I need to.

Large, flat windshields tend to act like a barn door when trying to push
them through the wind. The effect on the handling of some bikes can be
negatively impacted by very large poorly designed windshields.

Buffeting can sometimes be dealt with by installing some kind of
deflectors on the fork or on the fairing. I use fork lowers on my Road
King and I experience very little buffeting.


Part of the enjoyment of riding is the wind in your face.  I doubt you
will be able to eliminate it, nor would I try. If noise is your concern
and it should be, think about using ear plugs and check the fit of your
helmet.