Riding tips in wind

turbomang · 07-04-2009, 12:20 PM

I have ridden bikes from age 18-30, took time off to raise a family, I'm now 56 and bought a new c50, which I love. I took the motorcycle trainging course through the state of IL and it gave me more confidence. Although you never forget how to ride you do forget the dangers. I guess when you are young, fear is not a factor, now at my age, I understand more about what can happen. Yesterday I decided to take a nice cruise to a state park 60 miles from my home. I took the toll way. Now I understand cars are going to zip by, but what I don't understand is how other bikes can go 70-80+mph and not be effected by cross wind. I usually go 60-65 and feel in control of the bike, but at higher speeds I don't, and it scares the hell out of me. I tried to notice the type of bikes that passed me, some Harley's, BMW's, Honda's, others I'm not sure. Do some bikes handle better in dealing with these wind situations? Do these speedsters just push on, and ignore the wind? I would think they feel the same thing as I do, I realize my bike is not huge at 805cc's but I saw some smaller bikes than mine fly by me like I was standing still. I would like to hear from some of you on this, maybe I'm missing something.

Archangel · 07-04-2009, 02:18 PM

You do get used to the wind and better at dealing with it as well.
If the bike has a windshield it helps as well.
The best advice I can offer is to put more weight on the peg the wind is coming from if it is a cross wind and don't try to lock your hands on the stearing It only makes the bike harder to manage try to be more light handed on the stearing this will make the ride more manageable sounds funny but it will help fighting the stearing only makes it a rougher ride.

HKshooter · 07-04-2009, 10:11 PM

It just takes some getting used to. However, don't think you need to go faster just because everyone else is. You ride however you are comfortable and let that be it.
There is no need to be pushing yourself unless it's your personallity.

Dodsfall · 07-05-2009, 10:16 AM

You don't really ignore the wind, you just get used to moving with it. As mentioned above a relaxed grip on handlebars will help. If the wind is tugging on your body, a tight grip and stiff arms will transfer that motion to the steering and magnify the amount the bike is pushed around.

Badlands-4-2 · 07-06-2009, 09:25 AM

In ND the wind is always blowing. You do get used to it, but don't get complacent. A grove of trees at the edge of the road or a passing vehicle etc. can really upset the airflow and can cause all manner of greif. Ride in your comfort zone. If that is slower than other people, so be it. Enjoy the ride.

Dragon wagon · 08-05-2009, 10:34 PM

Different bikes do handle different in the winds . My V star sucks in the wind , my Goldwing not so bad . Though im with you , ill slow down and enjoy the ride on either bike rather then feel uncomfortable about it .

Maybe its just us old farts that do that

xTorvos · 08-09-2009, 08:42 PM

I ride a little GS500F and the first week or so that I rode there was some nasty wind--probably up to 40/50mph. That gets you used to it reeeal quick

Anyway, it gets to the point where the top of your bike doesn't move, just the bottom.

What I'm saying is that when a huge gust of wind hits from the side, the bike and I react so quickly (leaning against the wind), that it looks like the bottom (the wheels) just kicked out to the side, while the rest of the bike just stayed where it was. This stops me from blowing into someone else's lane and getting pulverized.

Eventually you don't even realize it happens, it may get annoying being sideways for 30 seconds at a time even though you are traveling straight, but if that's what it takes to ride my bike to work, so be it!

Insidious45 · 08-09-2009, 08:49 PM

The wind bothers me a little, but I just try to flow with it, I have a windshield but I have not used it yet, is there a significant difference and will the handling be different in any way?

Melio · 08-10-2009, 11:28 AM

I've only been up to about 50 mph in town, but I'm only 115 and the wind whips me pretty good, but it doesn't really bother me. I actually kinda like the way it feels

I might feel differently if I was out on the interstate going 75 though

Archangel · 08-10-2009, 04:07 PM

Just push more weight on the peg on the side the wind is coming from it will help you maintain your lane position.

Dodsfall · 08-11-2009, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Insidious45

The wind bothers me a little, but I just try to flow with it, I have a windshield but I have not used it yet, is there a significant difference and will the handling be different in any way?

The bike shouldn't handle any differently, but you will notice a difference at highway speeds in the amount of wind pressure that is now gone from your body.

ARoy1 · 08-15-2009, 04:34 AM

on my ninja when ever im going 60+ i lean on the bike pretty hard if its windy, it keeps wind from getting blown right into me and throwing me off that much more...when its from the side i more try to keep my tires in a straight line, and "lean" into the wind...the bike kinda does it by itself since its so light haha...i also ride on the left side of my lane if im on the fast lane, and the right side of im on the slow lane, to avoid being blown into other vehicles

...still practicing though-i take my bike on the freeway whenever i can to feel the different winds

of corse, when its not windy at all...i love to sit straight up and enjoy the ride

louturks · 08-15-2009, 05:28 AM

Windshield made it easier riding in the wind at highway speeds. When the wind is gusting I make myself more aware and prepared the the wind will blow the bike some. Keep my hand firm on the grip

Archangel · 08-15-2009, 09:35 PM

not too firm or you will find you have a harder time keeping the bike under control, gust give it a little free rane and the ride will be much less violent.

SuperSherpa197 · 08-15-2009, 10:12 PM

push weight on to pegs? who taught you people how to ride....do i need to quote keith code???

bar inputs ONLY. peg weighting will end up with you wishing you had read my post about bar inputs instead.....

no disrespect arch, but advising anybody to weight the pegs is absolutely wrong in all aspects of riding aside from low speed counterleaning.......

sirgilbert357 · 08-18-2009, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperSherpa197

push weight on to pegs? who taught you people how to ride....do i need to quote keith code???

bar inputs ONLY. peg weighting will end up with you wishing you had read my post about bar inputs instead.....

no disrespect arch, but advising anybody to weight the pegs is absolutely wrong in all aspects of riding aside from low speed counterleaning.......

I agree with this. The only time I "weight the pegs" is if I see a huge bump coming up and I need to rise out of my seat a little to avoid the pain, LOL.

When it comes to wind, I've learned to loosen up on the bars and relax. I guess I probably use a bit of bar input, but not much. The bike pretty much wants to go straight, even when the bottom is being blown out from under you. Just focus on letting the bottom half of the bike sway and keep the top half of you in line with the direction you want to go (does that make sense?)...you'll find you can go straight even while leaning, LOL.

07-04-2009, 12:20 PM	#1
turbomang Verified Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 83	Riding tips in wind I have ridden bikes from age 18-30, took time off to raise a family, I'm now 56 and bought a new c50, which I love. I took the motorcycle trainging course through the state of IL and it gave me more confidence. Although you never forget how to ride you do forget the dangers. I guess when you are young, fear is not a factor, now at my age, I understand more about what can happen. Yesterday I decided to take a nice cruise to a state park 60 miles from my home. I took the toll way. Now I understand cars are going to zip by, but what I don't understand is how other bikes can go 70-80+mph and not be effected by cross wind. I usually go 60-65 and feel in control of the bike, but at higher speeds I don't, and it scares the hell out of me. I tried to notice the type of bikes that passed me, some Harley's, BMW's, Honda's, others I'm not sure. Do some bikes handle better in dealing with these wind situations? Do these speedsters just push on, and ignore the wind? I would think they feel the same thing as I do, I realize my bike is not huge at 805cc's but I saw some smaller bikes than mine fly by me like I was standing still. I would like to hear from some of you on this, maybe I'm missing something.

07-04-2009, 02:18 PM	#2
Archangel Angel's Realm Where Evil Fears To Tread Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jeffersonville IN. Posts: 2,020	You do get used to the wind and better at dealing with it as well. If the bike has a windshield it helps as well. The best advice I can offer is to put more weight on the peg the wind is coming from if it is a cross wind and don't try to lock your hands on the stearing It only makes the bike harder to manage try to be more light handed on the stearing this will make the ride more manageable sounds funny but it will help fighting the stearing only makes it a rougher ride. __________________ A> <A

07-05-2009, 10:16 AM	#4
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,879	You don't really ignore the wind, you just get used to moving with it. As mentioned above a relaxed grip on handlebars will help. If the wind is tugging on your body, a tight grip and stiff arms will transfer that motion to the steering and magnify the amount the bike is pushed around. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-10-2009, 04:07 PM	#10
Archangel Angel's Realm Where Evil Fears To Tread Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jeffersonville IN. Posts: 2,020	Just push more weight on the peg on the side the wind is coming from it will help you maintain your lane position. __________________ A> <A

08-15-2009, 09:35 PM	#14
Archangel Angel's Realm Where Evil Fears To Tread Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Jeffersonville IN. Posts: 2,020	not too firm or you will find you have a harder time keeping the bike under control, gust give it a little free rane and the ride will be much less violent. __________________ A> <A

07-04-2009, 10:11 PM	#3
HKshooter Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Posts: 675	It just takes some getting used to. However, don't think you need to go faster just because everyone else is. You ride however you are comfortable and let that be it. There is no need to be pushing yourself unless it's your personallity.

07-06-2009, 09:25 AM	#5
Badlands-4-2 Super Moderator Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Badlands of North Dakota Posts: 9,653	In ND the wind is always blowing. You do get used to it, but don't get complacent. A grove of trees at the edge of the road or a passing vehicle etc. can really upset the airflow and can cause all manner of greif. Ride in your comfort zone. If that is slower than other people, so be it. Enjoy the ride.

08-05-2009, 10:34 PM	#6
Dragon wagon Master At Arms Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: West branch Mi. Posts: 138	Different bikes do handle different in the winds . My V star sucks in the wind , my Goldwing not so bad . Though im with you , ill slow down and enjoy the ride on either bike rather then feel uncomfortable about it . Maybe its just us old farts that do that

08-09-2009, 08:42 PM	#7
xTorvos Motorcycle Enthusiast In Training Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 123	I ride a little GS500F and the first week or so that I rode there was some nasty wind--probably up to 40/50mph. That gets you used to it reeeal quick Anyway, it gets to the point where the top of your bike doesn't move, just the bottom. What I'm saying is that when a huge gust of wind hits from the side, the bike and I react so quickly (leaning against the wind), that it looks like the bottom (the wheels) just kicked out to the side, while the rest of the bike just stayed where it was. This stops me from blowing into someone else's lane and getting pulverized. Eventually you don't even realize it happens, it may get annoying being sideways for 30 seconds at a time even though you are traveling straight, but if that's what it takes to ride my bike to work, so be it!

08-09-2009, 08:49 PM	#8
Insidious45 Verified Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 84	The wind bothers me a little, but I just try to flow with it, I have a windshield but I have not used it yet, is there a significant difference and will the handling be different in any way?

08-10-2009, 11:28 AM	#9
Melio Master At Arms Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Maryland Posts: 125	I've only been up to about 50 mph in town, but I'm only 115 and the wind whips me pretty good, but it doesn't really bother me. I actually kinda like the way it feels I might feel differently if I was out on the interstate going 75 though

08-15-2009, 04:34 AM	#12
ARoy1 A Not-so "Senior" Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Posts: 498	on my ninja when ever im going 60+ i lean on the bike pretty hard if its windy, it keeps wind from getting blown right into me and throwing me off that much more...when its from the side i more try to keep my tires in a straight line, and "lean" into the wind...the bike kinda does it by itself since its so light haha...i also ride on the left side of my lane if im on the fast lane, and the right side of im on the slow lane, to avoid being blown into other vehicles ...still practicing though-i take my bike on the freeway whenever i can to feel the different winds of corse, when its not windy at all...i love to sit straight up and enjoy the ride

08-15-2009, 05:28 AM	#13
louturks Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: VA Posts: 1,367	Windshield made it easier riding in the wind at highway speeds. When the wind is gusting I make myself more aware and prepared the the wind will blow the bike some. Keep my hand firm on the grip

08-15-2009, 10:12 PM	#15
SuperSherpa197 The Cool Joker Join Date: May 2008 Location: Statesboro, GA Posts: 1,465	push weight on to pegs? who taught you people how to ride....do i need to quote keith code??? bar inputs ONLY. peg weighting will end up with you wishing you had read my post about bar inputs instead..... no disrespect arch, but advising anybody to weight the pegs is absolutely wrong in all aspects of riding aside from low speed counterleaning....... __________________ '03 YZF600R, 61k miles To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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