The edging length needed depends on the amount of  protection needed. Most riders want the best capsule possible under all wind conditions.  To do this it it best to run the edging down the sides as far as possible. This extra coverage helps keep the capsule comfortable in cross winds and dryer while riding in the rain. Besides this, it also looks more finished. Tip: Never stop at a corner… for grip strength the edging needs at least 4 inches (10 cm) of relatively straight area when ending.  Here is a video to help.

deflectors
Its all about the air.

Do Motorcycle Wind Deflectors Work?  The short answer is Yes. Some deflectors come with the bike while other are built into replacement shields or clip on.  The deflectors most people think of are an adjustable foil or wing located along the top of the shield.  They can boost a lot of air by combining deflection and induction technologies.  The benefits can be significant with the down side of cluttering what was a clean looking shield.  Regardless the plus to minus playoff often favors the deflector. 

performance
Is it good enough?

All is well that ends well but sometimes deflection systems just doesn’t have enough oomph.  There is an other deflector in town and its name is airLift edging and trim.  Even better, you can utilize this type of deflector independently or as a booster for a regular deflector.

One can attach airLift trim to the trailing edge of a deflector, or add it to the sides of a shield or lowers. On the other hand airLift edging slips on the trailing edge of a shield.  The real question is what is the best deflector or combination of deflectors for your needs? The answer to that question depends on how much boost you need. If you need a few more inches or just to smooth the air pocket then airLift edging or trim may be your answer. If you need a lot of boost start with a deflector then, as they say in the flight manual, add trim as needed. 

airLift
A deflector’s deflector.

airLift edging and trim use a completely different technology called micro-swirl generation.  Micro-Swirl generators boost the size and calm the pocket by making a buffer layer that keeps the outer and inner air flows from bumping into against each other. This flow conflict is one of the main sources of buffeting. The question arises which technology is better induction/deflection or micor-swirl buffering and are these two technologies compatible? The answer to the first half depends on the degree of deflection needed  can airLift trim  

Can we enhance the effectiveness of motorcycle wind deflectors? The answer to that, thanks to airLift trim, is yes.  We encourage you to learn more about air management.

The short answer is no.  We don’t and won’t make a clear airLift edging.  The reasons are many.  UV radiation from sunlight cracks and discolors the flexible material used in a clear edging. Worst of all, a clear edging would damage clear windshields. The problem is caused by polymer migration.  If you are so inclined, here is some good information on the subject. 

airLift ™ edging and trim are both made from an aerospace material. Chemically compatible with all shields, its also UV, oil and solvent resistant. Plus it stays flexible for decades and even at 30 below zero.  airLift™ edging never loses its deep, dark, rich look; furthermore, it never cracks or becomes brittle.… close to indestructible.  A clear airlift edging would be just the opposite and would turn an ugly yellow in no time at all.

The process to determine edging length is easy. What is important is not to accidentally scratch the windshield with a metal tape rule. A great alternative is to use a soft cloth or fiberglass tape measuring rule since they will contour to the curves or folds of the shield. 

Don’t worry if you only have a steel rule for there is an easy work around.  This option is not only quick and easy but it is also the most accurate way to determine the edging length. All you need is some tape.

1. Apply the tape to the shield’s edge. 
2. Mark or cut the tape at the desired start and stop points.
3. Remove the tape.
4. Lay the tape in a straight line.
5. Measure, rounding up to the nearest foot or ½ foot.

For the most comfort, especially in cross winds, and best aesthetics go end-to-end. Tip: When determining edging length never stop at a corner… for grip strength the edging needs at least 4 inches (10 cm) of relatively straight area when ending.  Here is a video to help.

airLift slips on and clips on to attach tightly to the windshield’s edge.  Every foot of the soft edging material contains dozens of embedded aluminum compression clips. There are two things that make the airLift attach with such a strong grip.  The first is Its soft body.  And the second is the series of malleable aluminum clips inside the edging. These clips never touch the shield and run the entire length. The spacing between them allows the edging to follow the curve of the shield, even around complex corners. So the edging slip on and clips on to virtually any shield or windshield. 

The edging has been used on thousands of motorcycle shields around the world. Despite the worst conditions, it remarkably boasts an astonishing track record of endurance and exceptional hold.  As fantastic as it is, the airLift edging was engineered for one specific job… Provide a comfortable air pocket.  What is inside the edging is only part of the story.  The other part is why we developed such a product. This might interest you if you would like to know more about the challenges of this part of the story.  In short slips on airLift edging and let’s ride.