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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: benswing on September 23, 2015, 07:39:02 PM

Title: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: benswing on September 23, 2015, 07:39:02 PM
Has anyone tried fork wind deflectors to reduce aerodynamic drag? 

I recently heard about these and was told they redirect the air just enough to produce laminar flow of air around the bike.  Not sure what kind of efficiencies could be achieved, but they seem to be inexpensive and every little bit helps.
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: firepower on September 23, 2015, 08:51:51 PM
do you have link ?
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: Richard230 on September 23, 2015, 09:02:06 PM
That sounds like an interesting idea.  :) If a little windshield helps as much aerodynamically as it does, I imagine that a fork wind deflectors might do the same.   :)  All we need now is for someone to make and market them.   ;)
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: MostlyBonkers on September 25, 2015, 03:56:44 AM
Aerodynamics do seem to make a big difference. My bum is getting wet when the road is wet when riding my NC. I blame the lack of a rear hugger. Somehow the turbulence is bringing the spray up from the back wheel, over the top of the seat (including the pillion part) and dumping it around my tail bone. The rest of me remains dry if it isn't raining.

I'm also getting cold around my chest due to a lack of a decent screen.

The average motorbike seems to have the same aerodynamic qualities as a brick, so these fork wind deflectors sound good. They might help keep legs warm in winter too!
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: Justin Andrews on September 25, 2015, 04:05:27 PM
I'm remain convinced the average biker does'nt want a bike with actual decent aerodynamics, if it makes the bike look "different"
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: benswing on September 25, 2015, 07:47:55 PM
There aren't any I had in mind specifically, but someone told me about them and I thought it was an idea worth looking into.

Here are some sold by J&P Cycles.

http://www.jpcycles.com/motorcycle-wind-deflectors (http://www.jpcycles.com/motorcycle-wind-deflectors)
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: Richard230 on September 25, 2015, 08:24:48 PM
I like the idea, but it would take a lot of trial and error to find just the right one to fit the Zero's forks.  That could get kind of expensive trying to pick off of the internet.   ???

Another thought:  I wonder what those deflectors would do to the handling of a light bike like the Zero in windy conditions.   ???
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: trikester on September 25, 2015, 09:18:01 PM
Well one of those I know for sure we can ignore are the smoke deflectors. ;D

Trikester
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: Erasmo on September 26, 2015, 01:24:41 AM
There aren't any I had in mind specifically, but someone told me about them and I thought it was an idea worth looking into.

Here are some sold by J&P Cycles.

http://www.jpcycles.com/motorcycle-wind-deflectors (http://www.jpcycles.com/motorcycle-wind-deflectors)
A quick glance at those and it could make a difference, they are sure more aerodynamic than your legs.
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: NoiseBoy on September 26, 2015, 03:02:22 AM
I've said a few times that up to 5% could be found just through marginal gains. Things like blocking holes, refining panels and a pillion bump etc.

Does anyone have a friend at Southampton University? Or NASA?
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: evdjerome on September 26, 2015, 04:28:37 AM
I also wonder if these would help with winter riding comfort.
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: firepower on September 26, 2015, 10:29:00 AM
the other use may be to deflect more air into the motor heatsink
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: Erasmo on December 15, 2015, 10:38:43 PM
A bit off-topic but not worth opening a seperate one, does somebody have a wh/km comparison with and without the handlebar deflectors?
Title: Re: Fork wind deflectors
Post by: GdB on October 08, 2016, 04:35:20 AM
I doubt they reduce aero drag.  They are for keeping the wind off your legs to stay warmer.

Just to qualify my comments, I graduated BS Aeronautical Engineering 1995.