Wind turbulance

[debron]

I was going to try the mirror tightening proceedures today but ran outa time. The one that says to take the mirror apart--I'm guessing that means separate the front slim piece from the rear thicker one (as you are lookong into the mirror) to tighten the nut. Mine do not seem to want to come apart--maybe someone did this before and glued them back together. I did not want to break them. Thanks, mike

I took one of my mirrors apart and tightened the nut. You are right, they don't really want to come apart, but a little coaxing with a pocket knife or small screw driver and they eventually come off. Be careful to not scratch the surrounding plastic with the knife or screwdriver which will want to slip off suddenly and scratch anything in its path (ask me how I know!) Also, the knife or screwdriver will just tend to gouge the surrounding pieces since they are so stubborn to come apart. I suggest taking them apart from the bottom, that way these scratches/gouges won't show when the mirrors are back on the bike.

[SgtSlag]

That is how I did mine: pried them apart with a small screwdriver. To re-assemble them, I used RTV Silicone, applied with a Q-tip, around the edges. Wait until it dries before attempting to remove the excess RTV Silicone, otherwise it will just smear all over the mirrors, and make a royal mess... Once it dries, though, just use a razor knife, and cut the cured stuff loose, and remove it -- neat, and clean. Did this with mine two-plus months ago, and no issues, even after riding on a 7-day tour. Cheers!

[wmh9680]

No noise on mine either.

Thanks for the info on the mirrors--maybe I'll try again tonite. Mike

[Okie34]

I had tried the other method of tightening up those pesky internals. This was the one where you drill a hole? Though it worked and gave reasonable access to the nut, the internal was so rusted and corroded that the assembly just snapped off inside. ended up getting a new one anyway. However, it was a worthwhile try.

Drilling the hole just above the mount on the outside of the mirror (described some where in the forum or tech tips actually would work. I got a couple of black plastic hole covers and they would have fit perfectly. This would have also allowed future access if needed.

Either way works, just depends on what kind of time you want to put in it.

-- JD

[wmh9680]

Well I picked up a pair of mirrors on ebay and put them on the handlebars in the holes by the brake reservoir. They work pretty good, just turn with the bars. The stocks ones are still on and I will see how I like the new ones leaving to old ones on for a while. The stock ones seem to make everything too small for me and I wear bifocals so they can be in that midrange where I don't see too good. The new ones give a more real view of the road. Thanks, Mike

[wmh9680]

Hi King of the Road. Where did your put the vents. I put mine 4" up and 6" in and my wife says it is better but the wind still pushes her hair forward. She has let her hair grow longer but not long enuf to put in a ponytail so it flys around and it is naturally curly so she looks like LOA (little orphan annie). Actually when she leans forward a little her hair beats on me. It gives her a headache and now she wants to ride the Virago instaed of the Voyager which is a complete turnaround for her. Maybe it's the placement of the holes. She wants me to put 2 more up higher. Thanks, Mike

[debron]

Well I picked up a pair of mirrors on ebay and put them on the handlebars in the holes by the brake reservoir. They work pretty good, just turn with the bars. The stocks ones are still on and I will see how I like the new ones leaving to old ones on for a while. The stock ones seem to make everything too small for me and I wear bifocals so they can be in that midrange where I don't see too good. The new ones give a more real view of the road. Thanks, Mike

I put some mirrors that I had left over from my Honda cruiser in the holes on the handlebars but found I had to turn my head too much and they were too close to my face (kind of like the mirrors on the new Vulcan Voyagers.) Also, they blocked the view in the stock mirrors. Maybe yours are on longer stalks so you don't have this (these) problems.

[David (N. Alabama)]

Hi King of the Road. Where did your put the vents. I put mine 4" up and 6" in and my wife says it is better but the wind still pushes her hair forward. She has let her hair grow longer but not long enuf to put in a ponytail so it flys around and it is naturally curly so she looks like LOA (little orphan annie). Actually when she leans forward a little her hair beats on me. It gives her a headache and now she wants to ride the Virago instaed of the Voyager which is a complete turnaround for her. Maybe it's the placement of the holes. She wants me to put 2 more up higher. Thanks, Mike

These are the vents I had on the bike.


Baker air wings will provide the most wind and are great in the summer time.

[SgtSlag]

Thanks for posting the picture! I am planning to buy the pop-out vents, and then drill my windshield. I looked at it, and I had figured I needed to drill on the sides, just as you did. I wondered how my bike would look, when finished -- now I know! Just need to place the order for the vents, now. Cheers!

[wmh9680]

Thanks, I plan on fixing the mirrors but right now I gotta get the windshield fixed for the wife. Thanks, Mike

[wmh9680]

Well, I'm gonna try putting the stock windshield back on and see how she likes it. I got it cause it was taller and wider thinking it would give her more protection from the wind and it does but it just moves the wind to come from the back. I guess you can't ever make them happy. When I was putting it back on I came acoess two pieces of rubber that are triangular in shape but taller about 2-3" tall and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide with a clip on the smaller end and it lookes like it would fit over the edge of the windshield. they were in my spare parts box and i thought i took them off when i switched windshield. Any idea what they are and where they go? Thanks, Mike

[debron]

...I came acoess two pieces of rubber that are triangular in shape but taller about 2-3" tall and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide with a clip on the smaller end and it lookes like it would fit over the edge of the windshield. they were in my spare parts box and i thought i took them off when i switched windshield. Any idea what they are and where they go? Thanks, Mike

These go on each side at the bottom edge of the windshield, wider part down, just above the rain seal. I don't know what they do functionally other than look nice (??)

You might try devising some type of screen like those used on modern day roadsters, the screen that pops up behind the driver and passenger when the top goes down. Maybe something attached to the rear of the trunk or just behind the passenger back rest to block the wind.

[2 for the road]

I don't want to sound like someone's Dad, but tell her you love her and put a good helmet on her head! A few weeks ago I helped direct traffic around a fellow rider that didn't see traffic slow down and wound up in a guardrail. The skin flapping off of his elbow made me happy to have a good jacket (even though I was a bit warm on that 95 degree day). The chunk gone from his forehead made me happy that all I had was a sweaty head from my full face helmet. He remained consious and was really hurting, but he was moving around. I hope he was lucky enough to get out of the hospital with just some stitches and a headache.
We all take a chance every time we get on to ride. Wearing the right gear is no assurance we will get back home safely, but it sure increases our chances. There is a time and place to make fashion statements and show off the new hairdo. Riding a motorcycle ain't it. Personally, I'm pretty proud of the "helmet head". (For full disclosure, I can't bring myself to ride without a full face helmet. My face isn't much, but it's all I've got!)
I appreciate the info on the vents. I may give them a shot, too. Is the rectangular vent in the photo also an aftermarket vent? Stay safe and have fun on the road!

[wmh9680]

I thought that they went around the bottom of the windshield but couldn't figure out how. I tried finding a schematic on line to show me with no luck and I didn't see anything in my Kawa book either. we hope to try the stock windshield tonite after work. Thanks, Mike

[David (N. Alabama)]

Is the rectangular vent in the photo also an aftermarket vent? Stay safe and have fun on the road!

It is a gold wing vent that can be bought and installed in the windshield. I got the shield from Grambo a few years ago and the wing vent was already in it.

To tell you the truth though the vents pretty much just eliminate back pressure. The best bang for your buck is the air wings for directing more air at you in the summer and providing more protection in cold weather.

[wmh9680]

Well, I put the stock windshield on and she loved it. No more back pressure. Anyone interested in an aftermarket windshield with vetter vents that is consideralby (sp) higher that is like new. Tne air wings you mentioned--are they bakers air wing--and I'm gueesing the can direct the air to or away from you--and how much are they. Thanks, Mike

[Bill O]

I have the center (GW) vent in my Clearview ++ windshields, and I love 'em. But, by far the best thing I ever did was get the Baker Air Wings for my Voyagers. I currently have the Wings with the Upper and Lower sections. Yes! They do work as advertised! The Upper is primarily to control airflow for the rider, and the Lower for the passenger. (Note: If riding alone, Upper and Lower are for "ME"!) At one time I actually had the Uppers, Middles, and Lowers! (Three way) But, the Lower lowers got in the way of my knees and blocked the use of my highway pegs.



Bill O

P.S. In cooler weather, nothing better for keeping warmer. Turning the Wings out creates a nice warm pocket for you and passenger..

[wmh9680]

Where do you get the wings and what do they cost? Thanks, Mike

[Bill O]

Where do you get the wings and what do they cost? Thanks, Mike

You can find them here: http://www.bakerbuilt.com/bbairwings/87voy.html

The web documentation is a bit misleading, showing for 86 & 87's only, but are for 87's up. Read the complete text. Looks like the prices are around $140.00, give or take!

Bill O