Memphis Shades Wind Deflector

Memphis Shades has been in the motorcycle wind-protection business since 1974, when Allen Mueller began the company out of his family barn. Because the company is best known for windshields and fairings, its wind deflectors are designed as part of a complete wind management system rather than as stand-alone add-ons. They are meant to work alongside the windshield or fairing to manage the air that still reaches the rider.

What Wind Deflectors Do

Even a well-matched windshield leaves gaps. Air curls around the edges of a fairing or rushes up from below, hitting the rider's torso, arms and legs. Deflectors close those gaps. They redirect turbulent air around the rider, which can reduce buffeting, fatigue and noise on long rides. Memphis Shades approaches this with several complementary designs, each aimed at a different part of the airflow problem.

Batwing Fairing Wind Deflectors

A standout in this lineup is the Batwing Wind Deflector set. These optional deflectors for the lower portion of the Memphis Shades Batwing Fairing extend the lower fairing surface for smooth downward air flow. They are available in seven solid translucent colors and fit the Memphis Shades Batwing Fairing only, so they are a purpose-built companion to the fairing and not a universal part. The black version is a two-piece left and right set that, according to its listing, installs with self-adhesive backing.

Riders often cite ease of installation and a more refined look. Some reviewers note that results vary by bike and setup. As with any aerodynamic accessory, fitment and rider height affect how much improvement you feel.

Related Wind Management Designs

Beyond the Batwing set, Memphis Shades builds other deflector styles worth knowing about when comparing options:

• Lowers: Fork-mounted deflectors that extend the protection of your windshield downward, helping shield the rider from wind, rain, and road noise coming up from the road. Quick Change hardware allows installation or removal in seconds.
• Fork deflectors: Mounted to the front forks, they redirect wind around the legs and add protection to the lower torso, without changing the bike's look much.
• Touring side deflectors: Black side deflectors made for 1996-2013 Harley-Davidson Touring models.

Materials and Manufacturing

Memphis Shades states that it is the manufacturer and makes its own fairings, windshields and hardware in house. Its lowers are built from the same materials used in Memphis Fats windshields and offered in matching colors, so deflectors can be color-matched to a windshield. The brand's windshields use premium Lucite acrylic, known for clarity and impact resistance, and the company's design process includes 3-D modeling and CFD analysis.

Shopping Considerations

• Match the fairing or model: Batwing deflectors fit only the Memphis Shades Batwing, while lowers and fork deflectors use model-specific mounting hardware.
• Choose a tint: Clear keeps the stock look, while smoked or solid colors add style and cut glare.
• Plan the install: Some lowers require turn signal relocation depending on the motorcycle.

To see the full range of the company's offerings, visit the Memphis Shades brand page. To compare other manufacturers' options, browse the full Wind Deflector category.