New ish Biker - Helmet Buffeting

[V8RX7]

I've been googling but as always googling for a problem makes it seem like everyone has it.

Duke 690 only been riding it for 2 months when we get decent days and many have been a bit windy but my helmet being buffeted about is really ruining the ride

The bike came with a large "chinese" screen, I swapped it for the small KTM one and it seemed better, I recently tried without any screen and it seems no different.

I have a dual sport helmet (LS2 Pioneer) which I don't think is helping although all the reviews were really positive, I have tried removing the peak - no change

It's not there all the time and only above 50mph

Is it a case of waiting for summer, changing helmets, trying different screens...

[bogie]

Defo try a different helmet. I only ride naked bikes these days. Some are definitely better than others with regard to aerodynamics. Some screens on bikes can make it worse depending on your height.

Most manufacturers do a few helmets specifically for naked bikes and/or tourers, I would try one of those.

I wear a Shark Evo-One mostly, its more of a touring helmet, pretty good well into 3 figures although not as quiet/buffeting free as my full face Shark Race-R Pro.

[tvrolet]

V8RX7 said:

...changing helmets, trying different screens...

bit of column A; bit of column B..but start with column B. Taller screen, shorter screen, screen with lip/recurve, deeper screen etc. And option C junking the screen all together. [airplane]JUNKING THE SCREEN[/airplane]. If you're saying it's not always there above 50 then probably made worse in a side-wind, at least when I've had buffeting it's often been fine in a calm day or direct head/tail wind, but worse in a sidewind. I solved the buffeting on my [very different] bike with a different screen and lower wind deflectors, but I'm surprised in this day and age with computers and wind tunnels the manufacturers themselves can't hack the issue on new bikes, potentially offering non-buffeting screen choices for normal riders, shortasses and lanky folks.

[bimsb6]

It could be a combination of helmet and screen and the angle you have your head at , try angling your head differently , though i suspect the helmet is a major part of the problem .

[Max5476]

tvrolet said:

, but I'm surprised in this day and age with computers and wind tunnels the manufacturers themselves can't hack the issue on new bikes, potentially offering non-buffeting screen choices for normal riders, shortasses and lanky folks.

Unfortunately, I don't think the bike manufacturers have the budget to do that kind of CFD. When I was involved, a small amount of CFD was done on engine cooling (because the flow was consistent, no rider ergos to consider) but screens were styled, and then test ridden by a variety of riders. Often the stylist would win out over the rider feedback (think original Tiger 800, I have never heard a good comment about that screen)

[Bob_Defly]

I ride mainly naked bikes, and found my Bell helmet to be pretty good for buffeting. Then switched to an AGV which is just bloody amazing!

Not sure if it's the little wing on the back (Corsa/Pista) plus also the low weight, but I find it really good on a bike with no screen. Especially when looking behind you, no drag whatsoever.

[leighz]

think the buffeting is exacerbated by air moving up under the chin piece - recommend trying a bunched up buff or similar around your neck or one of those wind skirt thingies you attach to the bottom of the helmet. Worth a try before you spend on a new lid

[TheInternet]

leighz said:

think the buffeting is exacerbated by air moving up under the chin piece - recommend trying a bunched up buff or similar around your neck or one of those wind skirt thingies you attach to the bottom of the helmet. Worth a try before you spend on a new lid

This makes an enormous difference to me. I stuff something in to fill the void completely if on a significant journey.

[trickywoo]

Its an expensive helmet but I was astounded by the stability of a Shoei X Spirit 3.

It was night and day vs the other lids I have had. The first few rides with it I ended up going a lot faster than usual just because I wasn't getting the airflow speed ques I had got used to with other lids.

Seems to be equally good on naked or faired machines.

[UnluckyTimmeh]

Try taking the mirrors off (only for testing).
When I worked for a BMW dealership we got a few queries about buffeting on one of the model.

Played around for a while and it ended up being the mirrors. Swapped them for another models and job jobbed. Well worth a try

[catso]

When I first got my 916, I got terrible buffeting at speed that would give me a stiff neck unless really tucked down on the tank and then I couldn't see ahead properly.

I bought a higher (but not by much) screen and it made a world of difference, I guess the original screen probably works OK for your typical 'racing snake' 9st rider...

[AlunJ]

I've got two HJC helmets from when I first started biking which are bloody awful for buffeting on my naked bike. I bought a Shoei NXR and that is much better.

[shoestring7]

Try experimenting with strips of plastic and tank tape before spending money; finding a screen that works for you appears to vary hugely from rider to rider. Off-road/adventure helmets are designed to flow lots of air at lowish speeds - generally not the ride thing for road riding.

SS7

[Birky_41]

Try a different helmet

I have 3 sharks for road use. Amazing for a naked bike

I also bought an ls2 carbon thing at the bike show. Its OK, spec wise is great but I'm not massively impressed and above 120 it buffets the crap out of my head

[Triaguar]

Is that you have been riding for 2 months ( newish biker) or had the bike for two months?

If it is the former could it be your perception of what you think it should be like balanced against what it is really like driving a metal block against a wall of air. I have a certain jacket that I know is poorly tailored and the loose material flapping above a certain three figure lepton speed makes my eyes bleed
That's buffering!. If it is the later change something

[V8RX7]

Thanks for all the replies I have only been using my dirt bike prior to this and we rarely go above 55 on nobblies and I've never had a problem.

I've asked similar on a KTM 690 forum and it doesn't seem widespread so I guess the helmet is the likely suspect.

Obviously I can't test them before buying... Or can I ?

Will pop to Bikers World at the weekend.

[Salted_Peanut]

trickywoo said:

Its an expensive helmet but I was astounded by the stability of a Shoei X Spirit 3.

How quiet is the X Spirit?

If I can ever afford one!

[trickywoo]

Salted_Peanut said:

How quiet is the X Spirit?

If I can ever afford one!

I find it really quiet.

In fact the first time I wore it I thought the engine had cut out when I rolled off from, let’s say, higher speed coming into a 30 limit.

Keep an eye on the sales, there are deals to be had.

[MrGman]

My x-spirit 2 is extremely stable and light on your head but the 2 is ridiculously noisy. Mate says his 3 is very quiet.

[bimsb6]

MrGman said:

My x-spirit 2 is extremely stable and light on your head but the 2 is ridiculously noisy. Mate says his 3 is very quiet.

Maybe you have a funny shaped head .