Last night riding home from work in a pretty nasty windstorm it seemed like the bike didn't have as much punch as usual. Sure it could have been from cross winds and resistance but it seemed like an engine issue.

Started to wonder if perhaps the turbulance could actually limit the air flow through the air cleaner in some way.

Any thoughts?

 

No...

 

I don't think any more then when you're blasting down the road at 80mph buddy...

 

A good tail wind is always welcome.

 

Although wind does not directly affect engine performance, it can cause the engine to work harder to maintain speed. I rode Saturday in fairly strong head winds at around 80 mph and my fuel mileage was down from the normal 38 mpg at that speed to 30 mpg.

 

Well it does in Eastern Washington. I average 40+ mpg, but when riding SR 2 home against strong headwinds, I averaged 32 mpg and felt the gusts moving the bike around. Also, while riding North from Bend on SR 97 with a tremendous side wind, so much so the bike was leaned over to ride straight, mileage again went into the toilet. So in my mind, yes, wind can hinder engine performance.

 

Engine performance should not be affected to a noticeable degree. Overall bike performance is for sure affected, depending on the wind.

If you go 50 mph against a 50 mph headwind, you have to overcome the sum of both, aerodynamically. So the engine has to push harder at the same speed, making it feel less powerful.

 

Well there you go, myth number 137654 debunked!

 

it causes engine to doubt itself and its ability to make you happy . mechanical ed follows... disappointment and shame

 

Here in Texas I have ridden 75mph into a 35mph headwind. That was 110mph of wind...and yes...that does make a performance difference! Felt like if I let go of the bars I'd be a bug on the car behind me. I swear the front forks were extended all the way and started to worry about the front wheel breaking ground.


Coming home, I did 85mph with a 35mph tailwind. That's only 50mph wind, and the bike felt MUCH better!