Wind advice
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 367
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From:
Wind advice
Goin for a ride today. Weather forecast says breezy. Gusts to 35mph. Anyone got any tips to make this ride easier( other than staying home)? Will have the wind at our backs to where we're goin. Not so lucky on the way home.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18,306
Likes: 26,613
From: Northwest of Los Angeles
RE: Wind advice
How the wind will affect you depends on a combination of factors, including which bike you're riding, whether it has a windshield or not, what type of helmet you're wearing, and so on. Any bike with a lot of frame-mounted plastic, for example, like a Street Glide, will be more affected than a bike with a windshield. Or, if you're wearing a half-helmet that the wind can get up under and pull at, you'll feel it more than with other types of helmets.
Generally speaking, it's important to know that even a 35 mph wind is not going to move you across the highway. The worst thing you can do is get a dead man's grip on the bars. Hold them loosely but firmly, and let the wind move you around in your lane. You'll find yourself naturally leaning into the wind anyway.
Oh yes, and be sure to anticipate when an 18-wheeler or an RV is going to block the wind momentarily, or the sudden stillness and subsequent blast might surprise you.
Overall, like riding in the rain, riding in windy conditions is just another skill that you should learn, if only not to be spooked should you encounter it on the road.
Generally speaking, it's important to know that even a 35 mph wind is not going to move you across the highway. The worst thing you can do is get a dead man's grip on the bars. Hold them loosely but firmly, and let the wind move you around in your lane. You'll find yourself naturally leaning into the wind anyway.
Oh yes, and be sure to anticipate when an 18-wheeler or an RV is going to block the wind momentarily, or the sudden stillness and subsequent blast might surprise you.
Overall, like riding in the rain, riding in windy conditions is just another skill that you should learn, if only not to be spooked should you encounter it on the road.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 0
From: Adel Iowa
RE: Wind advice
Its the cross wind that is the most troublesome. What works for me when riding in windy conditions is, I will move a little closer to the tank and keep my knees close to the tank. Seems to help with the center of gravity being nearer the middle of the bike. Most important for me is to trust the bike, loosen up on the grips. If that doesn't work I just go faster than the wind.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
RE: Wind advice
OldBoldPilot, did you mean to say, Road Glide, not Street Glide? The Street Glide's fairing is fork mounted.
I believe a fork mounted fairing is more susceptible to wind imput than a frame mounted, as it directly affects the steering. The wind on a frame mounted is independent of the steering. Riders who have gone from Ultra's to Road Glides often make that comment.
To deal with gusty winds, be prepared at all time to consciously counter steer. Ride in the side of the lane from where the wind is coming, so you have a space cushion when the gust hits.
I believe a fork mounted fairing is more susceptible to wind imput than a frame mounted, as it directly affects the steering. The wind on a frame mounted is independent of the steering. Riders who have gone from Ultra's to Road Glides often make that comment.
To deal with gusty winds, be prepared at all time to consciously counter steer. Ride in the side of the lane from where the wind is coming, so you have a space cushion when the gust hits.
RE: Wind advice
Relax, enjoy the ride! With my E-Glide I get a little more movement from the fork mounted fairing. Nothing to worry about-just give yourself more room in the lane to account for wind gusts giving you a push to one side or the other. If you're with a group, ride single file.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 121
From: Northern Illinois
RE: Wind advice
It's all good. Relax and enjoy.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 966
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From: many many places
RE: Wind advice
for me, a bandana around my face is a must when the wind is high.
I hate crosswinds that blow in one nostril & out the other, drying the sinus'.
I hate crosswinds that blow in one nostril & out the other, drying the sinus'.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 714
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RE: Wind advice
The faster you ride the better. The wheels are gyroscopes. They will help to keep the bike upright. More speed equals more effect.
I always run 75 MPH on the freewayand have very little problems with wind. Even whenpassing trucksin high wind areas The sooner you get past themthe better. I never ride behind them either. To much wind buffeting. Ride out front and you`ll have clean air with less disturbance. JMO
I always run 75 MPH on the freewayand have very little problems with wind. Even whenpassing trucksin high wind areas The sooner you get past themthe better. I never ride behind them either. To much wind buffeting. Ride out front and you`ll have clean air with less disturbance. JMO
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 40
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RE: Wind advice
Avoid the death grip and stay relaxed. Move with the wind rather then fight it. Give yourself plenty of room when passing RV's and Semi's. If you feel its getting to be to much, pull over into a sheltered area and wait it out.