Why is Air Management More Important Than Just Wind Blocking?
In the world of custom motorcycles, many riders make the mistake of thinking a taller windshield automatically equals a better ride. In our Mitchell, SD shop, we know that isn't the case. If you simply block the wind with a flat "barn door" style shield, you actually create a vacuum of low-pressure air behind the shield. This "dirty air" is what causes your helmet to shake and your glasses to vibrate—what the Klock Krew calls the "bobblehead effect."
True air management is about controlling the flow, not just stopping it. We learned this the hard way. After winning the 2006 Biker Build-Off, our founder, Brian Klock (an inductee in the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame), took our "World’s Fastest Bagger" to the Bonneville Salt Flats. At high speeds, the bike experienced a dangerous wobble. By studying how air moves over the fairing, Brian invented the Flare®® Windshield, adding "hips" for downforce and a "flip" at the top to redirect air.
Before you spend another mile fighting the wind, you should Shop our full Flare® Windshield Collection to see the heights available for your specific model, whether you're on a Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Street Glide, or an Indian Challenger.
How Did Scott Russ Find His Perfect Match?
Every rider is built differently. A 6'2" rider on a 2016 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide Special will have a completely different air experience than a 5'9" rider on the same bike. Take the story of Scott Russ. Scott felt his stock windshield was essentially useless, leading to neck strain and audio interference that made his long rides a chore.
Scott was already a fan of the brand, having run a Flare® on his previous 2012 Street Glide. When he moved to the Road Glide, he initially opted for the 9” Sport Flare®. While it looked aggressive and "Kustom," he was still getting wind in his ears.
At 5’9” with a 32” inseam, Scott sat in a position that required just a bit more lift. He was hesitant about the 14” Sport Flare®, fearing it might ruin the "lines" of his bike. But because he found a local dealer with our "Try It Before You Buy It" program, he was able to bolt it on and hit the highway at 80 mph. Within a half-mile, the results were clear: a 90% reduction in wind noise and a stereo he could finally hear "dang near clear."
Why Does the "Try It Before You Buy It" Program Exist?
Brian Klock started the "Try It Before You Buy It" program in 2008 for a very simple reason: "2000 people don't want pepperoni pizza." Just because one rider loves a 6" Flare®® doesn't mean it’s right for you. Your seat, your bars, and even your helmet choice change the way air hits your body.
When you visit a Klock Werks dealer or see the Krew at a rally like Sturgis or Daytona, we encourage you to swap shields and go for a ride. We want you to feel the downforce. We want you to experience the stability. Most importantly, we want you to be 100% confident in your investment before you spend a dime.
Technical Information Gain: The Physics of the Flare®®
What makes a Klock Werks Flare® Windshield "Race-Tested"? It’s the design, testing, and engineering we bring from our "garage builder" roots to high-tech manufacturing.
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Patented Technology: The "hips" on the side of the Flare® act like a spoiler on a race car, creating downward pressure on the front end. This increases torsional rigidity and keeps the front tire planted.
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Hard-Coated Polycarbonate: We use premium polycarbonate material that is significantly more impact-resistant than cheap acrylic shields. It’s the same material used in high-performance aerospace applications.
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Precision Fit: Every shield is precision-cut to ensure the mounting holes align perfectly with your factory fairing. No drilling, no "massaging" the part—just Fit, Function, and Style.
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A2 Wind Tunnel Tested: We didn't just guess at the shapes. We took our designs to the A2 Wind Tunnel in Mooresville, NC, to prove that our "flip" actually moves the air up and over the rider, creating a calm "bubble" of air.
The Impact on Audio and Rider Fatigue
One of the most immediate benefits riders like Scott Russ report is the improvement in their audio system. When you eliminate the turbulence around your head, you no longer have to crank your volume to the max just to hear your favorite track. This doesn't just make the ride more fun; it reduces ear fatigue and long-term hearing damage.
Furthermore, fighting the wind for 500 miles is exhausting. Your neck and core muscles are constantly working to stabilize your head against the buffeting. By choosing the right Flare®® height, you’re allowing the bike's aerodynamics to do the heavy lifting, leaving you fresh when you finally roll into the hotel or the campsite.
Collaborations and Hall of Fame Quality
We don't just make parts for the aftermarket; we are trusted by the industry's biggest names. We’ve designed and built limited edition custom motorcycles for Jack Daniels and Indian Motorcycle. Our standards are high because our partners' standards are high. When you see the "Spade" logo on a Flare® Windshield, you know you’re getting a part that has been vetted by the "King of the Baggers" and his team in Mitchell.
Experience on the Lift: What the Krew Recommends
When a bike is on the lift in our shop, we always tell the rider: "Look over, not through." You want the top of the Flare® to be roughly level with your nose or mustache area. This allows you to have a clear view of the road ahead while the "flip" of the shield kicks the air over your helmet.
If you're between sizes, use the "Try It Before You Buy It" program. Scott Russ thought the 14" might be too tall, but once he saw the "laid back" look that accentuates the fairing lines, he was sold. It looked great, and it functioned even better. Scott ended up taking that 14" Flare® on a 7,000-mile cross-country trip through the National Parks of California, Utah, and Arizona. That’s the kind of confidence we want every member of the Klock Krew to have.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
1. How do I find a dealer that offers the "Try It Before You Buy It" program?
You can find your local dealer by using the "Dealer Locator" page on getklocked.com. Many of our premium dealers carry a number of Demo Kits containing various Flare® heights and tints specifically for riders to test on their own bikes before purchasing.
2. Does the Flare® Windshield work for passengers too?
Absolutely. Because the "flip" at the top of the shield redirects the air higher than a standard flat windshield, it often clears the passenger's helmet as well, significantly reducing the "buffeting" that passengers often complain about on touring models.
3. Will a Flare® Windshield fit my stock Harley-Davidson® or Indian® mounting hardware?
Yes. All Flare® Windshields are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory shield. They utilize the original mounting holes and hardware, making installation a simple 5-to-10-minute job.
4. What is the difference between the "Sport" Flare® and the "Touring" Flare®?
The Sport Flare® is typically narrower and more aggressive, designed for a sleek look and high-speed stability. The Touring Flare®® is wider, offering more lateral wind protection for the rider's chest and shoulders, which is ideal for long-distance cruising.
5. Is the Flare® Windshield made of glass or plastic?
Our Flare® Windshields are made from high-quality, hard-coated polycarbonate. This material is much stronger than glass and far more impact-resistant than standard acrylic, ensuring it can handle road debris and high wind speeds without cracking or shattering.
