Why does your stock windshield cause a bobblehead effect?
Whether your stock shield is tall or short, it is likely doing you a disservice. Standard windshields are typically flat planes that push air in a way that creates a bubbling and boiling effect between the rider and the fairing. This turbulence is what beats you up throughout a long day in the saddle. It makes your glasses jump around, it takes your stereo sound and throws it out into the wind, and it gives you that full on bobblehead sensation that makes a 300 mile day feel like a thousand.
In our Mitchell, SD shop, we do not just care about how sexy the bike looks, though the Flare® certainly adds that aggressive edge. We care about the function behind the form. We have spent thousands of miles testing these designs to ensure that when you hit the highway, you are not fighting the air. You are using it. To find the perfect height for your specific fairing, you can Shop all Flare® Windshield Collection and use our fitment guides to eliminate the guesswork.
What is the difference between air management and just blocking wind?
Most riders think a windshield is just a barrier. The Flare® is different because it manages the air. The 'flip' at the top of the shield is not just there to kick air over your head. It is designed to transform turbulent air into clean air.
Creating the Dead Pocket
By flipping the air up, the Flare® creates a dead pocket of air right where the rider sits. This is the easy part of the design to understand. It is why you and your passenger can suddenly hear your speakers clearly and why your helmet stops lifting. But there is a real trick to the Flare® that no one else in the industry will tell you, and that is functional downforce.
The Downforce Secret
When we took our designs to the A2 Wind Tunnel, the data was staggering. A stock bike can experience up to 30 pounds of lift at speed. Think about your hand outside a car window. Tilt it up, and the wind carries it away. That lift makes your front end feel light and wandering. The Flare® acts like a spoiler. It provides 15 pounds of controllable downforce, pushing the front end of the motorcycle down into the pavement. This makes the bike track straighter and feel significantly more planted, especially when you are passing a semi truck and feeling that dirty air trying to push you around.
Why are the hips of the Flare® so critical for passengers?
If you look at the side of a Flare® Windshield, you will notice distinct flared sections we call "hips". These are not just for a custom look. They function like a V-plow for the wind.
As the air hits the front of the bike, the hips funnel that air outward. This ensures the air does not come back in toward the rider until it is well behind you and your passenger. This is the key to long distance touring comfort. By moving that air out and around the cockpit, we have made the long day in the saddle easy and more enjoyable for everyone on the bike.
How do find the right Flare® for me?
The Flare® Windshield is purpose-built to fit a wide range of motorcycle models, including bikes from Harley-Davidson®, Indian®, BMW, Honda® and more! And to ensure you find the right fit for not just your bike but you, each Flare® model comes in various sizes. We recommend using our height guide to ensure you choose the best windshield for your height and riding position.
Want to ensure you have the right fit before you buy? Our Try It Before You Buy It program lets you take the Flare® for a test ride before you commit. To find a dealer near you that offers the program, visit our Dealer Locator.
How durable is the Flare®? What materials is it made of?
Our founder, Brian Klock, who is the King of the Baggers and a Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame inductee, won the 2006 Biker Build-Off with a bike that set the stage for everything we do. That racing heritage means we use materials that can handle the stress of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
We manufacture the Flare® Windshield using a combination of high-quality, impact-resistant materials designed for long-lasting performance. Here’s a breakdown of the materials we use:
- Polycarbonate (Tinted Versions):
- Known for its exceptional strength and lightweight design.
- Impact-resistant and used in demanding applications like motorcycle windshields and even bulletproof glass.
- Additional protective hard coating to the tint opions that resists scratches and shields against everyday wear and tear
- Acrylic (Kolor and Ice Series):
- Offers excellent optical clarity and a striking, vibrant appearance.
- Consistent kolor finish able to withstand a wide range of temperatures and providing long-lasting style.
Uncompromising Standards
Whether it is the polycarbonate we used on limited edition builds for Jack Daniels and Indian Motorcycle or the vibrant acrylic used in our latest Kolor series, every Flare® is built to last. We have tested these materials in the harshest environments on earth to ensure they hold up to the heat, the wind, and the road debris you face every day. When you install a Flare®, you are installing a piece of equipment born from land speed racing and refined for the modern rider.
For either material options, be sure to follow our recommended Flare® care instructions so windshield will maintain its clarity and performance for years to come.
Can I install the Flare® Windshield myself?
Yes! One of our goals when designing the Flare® was to make installation as simple as possible, perfect for hands-on riders who love to tinker with their bikes or those who don’t have hours to spend in the garage.
It’s designed to perfectly fit stock mounting points, and we provide detailed instructions to make the process smooth, enjoyable, and hassle-free. Of course, if you’d rather leave it to a professional, your local Klock Werks supplier can take care of it for you.
Are there customization options?
We know that for many riders, style matters as much as functionality, which is why we offer the Flare® Windshield in a variety of tints and colors. Whether you prefer the classic dark smoke look or want an eye-catching design from the Ice or Kolor Flare® collection, we’ve got options to match your aesthetic. These tints not only give your bike a customized look but also allow you to choose the level of visibility that works best for your riding position.
How do I maintain my Flare® windshield?
For the best results, we suggest using Shine Werks cleaning and detailing products. These are specially formulated to remove smudges and protect against grime, debris, and fogging on your windshield (or just about any surface).
To clean your Flare®:
- Apply Shine Werks cleaner using a soft microfiber cloth.
- Gently wipe the windshield to remove any dirt, smudges, or residue.
- Finish by buffing it with a dry section of the cloth for a streak-free shine.
Follow these steps to keep your Flare® looking and performing its best for the long haul.
What cleaning products should not be used on my Flare® Windshield?
Do not use petroleum based or ammonia-based cleaners including rain-sheeting products on Klock Werks windshields. Anything labeled as a glass cleaner or found in an aerosol container is not recommended to be used on our polycarbonate windshields.
Does the Flare® come with a warranty?
Yes, most Klock Werks Flare® Windshields come with a limited warranty against manufacturing defects.
Be sure to check the specific terms of the warranty when purchasing to understand what’s covered.
People Also Ask: FAQ
1. Why is the Flare® more expensive than a standard flip shield?
The Flare® is a patented aerodynamic tool and not just a piece of plastic. You are paying for a race-tested, the wind tunnel-verified downforce, and the engineered part that delivers improved performance, precise fitment, and style all in one. It is like putting a performance spoiler on your motorcycle to make it safer and more stable.
2. Does the flip at the top of the Flare® distort my vision?
The Flare® is designed to be looked over and not through. When measured correctly, the flip sits below your line of sight. This gives you a clear view of the road while the air is directed over your helmet.
3. Will the 15 lbs of downforce affect my fuel mileage?
The downforce is a result of improved air efficiency. By managing the air rather than just fighting it, most riders find that the bike feels more streamlined. While the primary benefit is stability and safety, the improved aerodynamics can lead to a smoother and more efficient ride.
4. Is the Flare® Windshield compatible with my fairing pouches?
Most of our Flare® designs for Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Electra Glide models are compatible with standard three pocket fairing pouches. We ensure the base of the shield follows the factory contour to maintain compatibility with your favorite accessories.
5. How do the hips actually help with handling?
The hips act as a V-plow to move air out and away from the bike center of gravity. By directing this air outward and creating downward pressure, the Flare® stabilizes the front suspension. This reduces the turbulance riders often feel at high speeds or when passing large vehicles, making the bike feel much more planted.
Have a question we didn’t cover?
As riders ourselves, we know you want to know everything about your gear before you purchase. If you have any other questions don’t hesitate to contact our friendly Krew. Whether it’s about fit, performance, or customization, we're here to help.
