The OP is coming here for some advice on how to not **** his drawers in high winds......ROFLMAO....
Fatbob cross wind problems
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
... but for cross winds, no - not on the front (including pedal bikes) - this is logic/science/whatever you'd like to term it. Of course each rider can justify whatever they want in order to ride their scoots , but the answer to this one is so obvious it doesn't seem there should be much of a debate.
though having said that, please point out the scientific studies of solid v. spoked wheels in crosswinds because I'd definitely like to see those (always willing to consider the chance I'm wrong since it happens quite often
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: At Home
I think KBFXDLI said it best. Just relax and let the bike do the work. I have the same stock wheels, and do get the crap blown out of me. But after awhile you will just throttle thru and it won't phase you. Fuzz
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
for straight forward movement in still air? absolutely (reason why some pedal cyclists compete with solid rear wheels)
though having said that, please point out the scientific studies of solid v. spoked wheels in crosswinds because I'd definitely like to see those (always willing to consider the chance I'm wrong since it happens quite often
though having said that, please point out the scientific studies of solid v. spoked wheels in crosswinds because I'd definitely like to see those (always willing to consider the chance I'm wrong since it happens quite often
1. Once a spoked wheel is spinning over 18mph it offers about 80% of the same amount of lateral wind resistance as a solid wheel.
2. The area of a solid wheel on a motorcycle accounts for only about 2% of the overall area subjected to cross wind resistance.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
+1 Exactly...If you look at the pic of my bike...you cannot see througfh the rear wheel and the amount of open space on the front wheel outside the rotor & caliper calculated against the the entire silouette of my bike & rider is so small it has to be negligible
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,137
Likes: 17
From:
If solid disc wheels affected the stability of a motorcycle in crosswinds, then no semi with a 53ft long trailer would ever be able to stay on the road in a crosswind. Fans wouldn't work, because the air they try to push would just slip through the fan blades.
When you're in a crosswind on a motorcycle, you have to accept the fact that you'll have to lean into the wind.
When you're in a crosswind on a motorcycle, you have to accept the fact that you'll have to lean into the wind.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
The thing that disturbed me most about the OP' post was his comment that it was " a slight gust" that moved him into the adjoining lane. To me this is not a bike problem but an inability to countersteer properly. I have been in 55 MPH 90 degree cross wind and it did move you all over the road even with heavy countersteering and at 60 mph..... but a slight gust...no way.
The "sail effect" is magnified by all the surface area above the center of gravity. Wheels and such below the centerline have negligable impact. So a high windscreen, tall luggage, tall operator and or passanger etc will dispraprapotionalty impact the line of the motorcycle.
As many have said
- Work on countersteering
- keep power to the rear wheel
- relax and allow for the bike to move somewhat.
- but use your judgment.... if it is too much for you ore you do not feel in adequate control.... then take a break and attach it again another day.
But to each his own.
R. Todd
The "sail effect" is magnified by all the surface area above the center of gravity. Wheels and such below the centerline have negligable impact. So a high windscreen, tall luggage, tall operator and or passanger etc will dispraprapotionalty impact the line of the motorcycle.
As many have said
- Work on countersteering
- keep power to the rear wheel
- relax and allow for the bike to move somewhat.
- but use your judgment.... if it is too much for you ore you do not feel in adequate control.... then take a break and attach it again another day.
But to each his own.
R. Todd