Does high wind hinder engine performance?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
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From: Palm Desert,CA
Does high wind hinder engine performance?
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?
Started to wonder if perhaps the turbulance could actually limit the air flow through the air cleaner in some way.
Any thoughts?
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 10,734
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From: SWFL
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?
Started to wonder if perhaps the turbulance could actually limit the air flow through the air cleaner in some way.
Any thoughts?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,364
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From: Mesa, Az.
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.
Last edited by joe.1955; Mar 29, 2016 at 11:56 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Idaho Panhandle
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.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 125
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From: Germany
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.
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.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 309
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From: Southlake Texas
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!
Coming home, I did 85mph with a 35mph tailwind. That's only 50mph wind, and the bike felt MUCH better!