When you're on your bike, there’s no feeling quite like the wind in your face. But that wind can quickly turn from refreshing to frustrating when it’s throwing you off balance, straining your neck, or creating noise that makes it hard to focus on the road. That’s where Klock Werks comes in. As Air Management Experts, we’re not just about building performance parts—we’re about revolutionizing how the wind interacts with your bike. One of our crowning achievements? The Flare® Windshield, which harnesses the science of air management to make every ride smoother, more stable, and more comfortable.
Let’s break down the science behind air management and explore how the Flare® Windshield delivers superior performance when compared to stock and competitor options.
What Is Air Management?
Air management, in the simplest terms, is the ability to control the flow of air around your motorcycle and, more importantly, around you, the rider. At high speeds, wind resistance, buffeting, and turbulence can take a serious toll on both comfort and stability. Stock windshields and many competitor options typically offer little more than basic wind deflection. But true air management is a science or a study of how air flows over, under, and around your motorcycle to reduce resistance, increase stability, and create a more comfortable ride.
The key is not just blocking wind, but redirecting it efficiently. The goal is to reduce buffeting, or that turbulent, unsettling gust of wind that hits your helmet and shakes your body. Instead, the wind should be directed around the rider, using aerodynamics to minimize discomfort and improve stability.
The Klock Werks Approach to Air Management
At Klock Werks, we didn’t stop at just making a shield for your bike. We redefined the way motorcycles interact with air. Our Flare® Windshield doesn’t simply shield you from the wind; it actively manages airflow to maximize performance, comfort, and stability.
How do we do that? We started by taking the Flare® Windshield through a series of meticulous tests, including wind tunnel testing at the A2 Wind Tunnel in Mooresville, North Carolina. This facility, known for its precision in aerodynamics, allowed us to study how the air flows around a motorcycle in real-world conditions, simulating high speeds and crosswinds.
We focused on two critical aspects: reducing buffeting and creating downforce. These elements make all the difference in how the bike feels at high speeds and under challenging conditions.
The Design of the Flare® Windshield
So, what makes the Flare® Windshield different? It’s all about the engineering of its design. Unlike stock windshields that are often too flat or simply too small to manage airflow effectively, the Flare® Windshield incorporates features that direct wind in specific ways.
1. The Flip
At the top of the Flare® Windshield, you'll find the flip, a critical design feature that plays a huge role in air management. The flip redirects air up and over the rider, rather than letting it hit directly on the helmet. This is the key to reducing the turbulence that creates discomfort. In essence, the flip helps create a more stable environment, by lifting the air and preventing it from pushing directly onto the rider's head.
The result is smoother airflow over the rider, which means less buffeting and a quieter ride. With less wind pushing against your face and helmet, you’ll experience a ride that’s less fatiguing, making it easier to stay focused on the road.
2. The Hips
The hips on the sides of the Flare® Windshield are another innovation that sets it apart. These built-in curves channel airflow around the rider. Instead of allowing wind to hit your shoulders and cause instability, the hips redirect the air smoothly away from you, creating a buffer that maintains a more comfortable ride. The air is sent into a pattern that reduces turbulence, helping to eliminate those jolts and gusts that can cause discomfort.
3. Downforce
The real magic happens when the flip at the top works in tandem with the hips. The design creates a natural downforce, much like the spoilers you see on race cars. This downforce helps to keep the bike stable, particularly at high speeds or when dealing with crosswinds. This added stability keeps the front of the motorcycle planted firmly on the ground, improving handling and making your ride more controlled.
This is especially important when you’re traveling at high speeds or cruising down highways where crosswinds can create instability. The Flare® Windshield ensures the bike stays planted and responsive.
The Difference the Flare® Makes
So, how does the Flare® Windshield actually improve your ride? Let’s break it down.
1. Say Goodbye to Buffeting
Buffeting is the enemy. That constant, annoying wind blast to your helmet can cause neck strain, fatigue, and a whole lot of frustration. Stock windshields usually don’t do much to manage airflow, meaning the wind hits directly at your helmet. Competitor windshields might try to help, but many still fall short of addressing the core problem—turbulence.
The Flare® Windshield takes a different approach. With its hips on the sides and a flip at the top, the Flare® directs airflow smoothly around the rider instead of hitting them head-on. The flip at the top lifts the wind and sends it over your head, so you’re no longer fighting turbulence. The result? Less buffeting, less strain, and a much more comfortable ride.
2. Stability at High Speeds
Riding at high speeds means you need more than just wind protection, you need stability. Stock windshields typically don’t offer much in terms of downforce, leaving your bike feeling a little light or unstable when crosswinds hit. Competitor options might attempt to add some height or adjust the angle, but most don’t provide the full solution.
The Flare® Windshield features a strategic flip that creates downforce, helping to keep your bike more planted on the road. It’s like a spoiler on a race car channeling the wind so your bike stays stable and doesn’t wobble, even in challenging conditions. This gives you more confidence at high speeds and better control in crosswinds.
3. The Power of Aerodynamic Testing
This isn’t some guesswork. Klock Werks takes every product through rigorous testing to ensure it’s optimized for maximum performance. The Flare® Windshield has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing, tweaking every curve and angle for the best results. That means you’re getting cutting-edge design that’s been proven in real-world conditions.
In contrast, stock windshields rarely undergo the same level of testing. Most are designed with basic functionality in mind and nothing about them is engineered to provide the best aerodynamic performance. Competitor windshields might do better, but few invest the time or resources to truly test and refine their products in the same way Klock Werks does.
4. More Comfort for Longer Rides
Anyone who’s been on a long ride knows that wind turbulence can drain your energy. Stock windshields often leave you exposed to gusts and sudden shifts in air pressure, making for a tiring, uncomfortable experience. Competitor windshields may help to a degree, but they don’t always tackle the issue head-on in a way that maximizes comfort.
With the Flare® Windshield, you get a more consistent flow of air. The wind is redirected around you rather than at you, reducing the strain on your neck, shoulders, and back. The result? Less fatigue over long distances and a ride that’s more enjoyable from start to finish.
5. Versatility Across Models
The Flare® Windshield is designed for multiple bike models, whether you’re riding a Harley-Davidson or an Indian Motorcycle. It’s engineered to fit perfectly, not just as a generic piece of equipment but as a tailored solution that adapts to your specific ride.
Stock windshields are often one-size-fits-all, with limited options for different bike types or styles. Competitor windshields might offer a wider range of models, but they don’t always guarantee the same level of customization or performance as the Flare®.
Why Choose the Flare® Windshield?
If you’re serious about improving your ride, the Flare® Windshield is the choice that makes the most sense. Here’s why:
-
Aerodynamic Performance: From the flip at the top to the hips on the sides, every detail of the Flare® is engineered to maximize airflow efficiency.
-
Stability at High Speeds: The downforce created by the Flare® keeps your bike planted and stable, even at top speeds or in gusty conditions.
-
Less Fatigue: By reducing buffeting and smoothing airflow, the Flare® makes long-distance riding easier on your body, leaving you with less neck and shoulder strain.
-
Extensive Testing: Unlike stock or competitor options, the Flare® has undergone rigorous testing in wind tunnels to ensure it delivers the best possible performance.
In the world of air management, Klock Werks is the name you can trust. Our Flare® Windshield is a product of innovation, expertise, and a passion for performance designed to make every ride better.
It’s your ride. You decide how smooth, stable, and comfortable it is. Get Klocked and ride with the best in air management.
