NEWS / EVENTS / SPECIALS / TOM'S TIDBITS

I have a conundrum regarding aerodynamics. How I can be comfortable riding my Triumph Bonneville? I have been telling myself for many years now that because I’m older, comfort while riding is very important. That is why I have put a windshield or fairing on it to block the wind. Here is where the problems start. Because the size and shape of a windshield can create different issues that can actually make your ride less comfortable.

The height of the windshield is very important because if the airflow over it hits you anywhere in the helmet it can cause buffeting and lots of noise. The bottom design of the windshield is important too because the air can flow under it and come up your chest and then underneath your helmet, also causing discomfort. I have recently tried several options on my Bonnie and none of them work to my satisfaction. Either they didn’t give me proper wind protection, or they were so noisy it ruined the concert I was listening to in my helmet with my Sena comms system.

I haven’t actually ridden a naked bike for as long as I can remember so I tried riding my Bonnie with no windshield. I was blown away (not literally!). My Arai helmet works so well that noise and buffeting was virtually non-existent! When I leaned a little forward on it the wind force at freeway speeds was not an issue either. I am not saying that windshields aren’t effective, and they certainly keep the air flow off of you, which really helps for long trips and weather. Reading all of the reviews will help you find one that works on your bike.

I love the windshield on my Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro, and it is the bike I will tour on. My Bonnie will remain naked, at least for now.

The tree goes green and power is unleashed. Clutches bite and engine torque turns 10-inch-wide slicks. The bikes hunker as tire sidewalls are twisted into wrinkles. Roughly 2,000 pounds of force at the tire footprint launches each bike. This is a beautiful moment of balanced forces—front wheels lift and wheelie bars may touch lightly, but so perfectly does this all happen that nothing upsets the force being generated between rubber and pavement. The bikes cover the all-important first 60 feet in barely over one second. You can’t fall 60 feet that fast on this planet.

Later I looked at tires—they are neither shredded nor melted. I saw a velvety uniformity on their surfaces, with only subtle diagonal traces of the graining seen in other motorcycle pavement sports.

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Come join us at The Friends of Steve McQueen Car & Motorcycle Show

June 4th, 2023

8:00 am until 3:00 pm

At the Boys Republic Campus

1907 Boys Republic Dr. Chino Hills, CA 91709

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