Crosswinds
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Crosswinds
ORIGINAL: investorsc
And it's not to bad during autorotation too!
BRUCE
And it's not to bad during autorotation too!
BRUCE
Mac
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
RE: Crosswinds
If you want the ultimate in crosswind training, you need to cross Kansas, about mid state on any of their two lane roads. Im thinking their constant wind is somewhere around 30mph, which will cause you to have to lean against it, and it feels like your riding at a 45degree angle. Now, just about the time you are dealing with it, a cattle truck will pass you head on, and it will break the wind off of you just for a split second, enough to have your bike straightened up, and as the truck passes, youll be slammed with the crosswind again. Throw in some wheat, being cut, so you can get wheat blasted, and proceed for 8-10 hrs till you get across that damn state, and you should be highly qualified and comfortable riding in crosswinds.
RE: Crosswinds
ORIGINAL: pilot1996
Nope, but with three engines...not anything we spend a lot of time thinking about, though when I fly the dual engine model, I think about it quite a bit!
Mac
ORIGINAL: investorsc
And it's not to bad during autorotation too!
BRUCE
And it's not to bad during autorotation too!
BRUCE
Mac
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,949
Likes: 6
From: My house
RE: Crosswinds
Sincecrazy you're going to have the MSF going to Kansas for cross wind training.
One other thing I keep in mind during those cross winds is my lane position. If it's blowing from my left I don't want to be riding near the shoulder, or vice versa near the center line. Strong cross winds can blow you off the road or across center line into oncoming traffic.
If group riding we usually just increase our distance between the bikes and don't stagger in heavy wind, that way the rider can position his or her bike where needed to allow for wind drift.
One other thing I keep in mind during those cross winds is my lane position. If it's blowing from my left I don't want to be riding near the shoulder, or vice versa near the center line. Strong cross winds can blow you off the road or across center line into oncoming traffic.
If group riding we usually just increase our distance between the bikes and don't stagger in heavy wind, that way the rider can position his or her bike where needed to allow for wind drift.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Crosswinds
Mike,
That is the big objection I have always had about the Fatboy. Those wheels definately catch a lot more wind than open wheels do.
I have been in some 50 MPH winds between Newcastle, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, and it is hard. Just slow down and really pay attention. If a car passes you, or you pass a car, it will change wind currents. If you go through a cut bank, or by a little hill, it will change things. You really have to be more aware of what can rock you, and try to be ready for it.
Regards,
Bill
That is the big objection I have always had about the Fatboy. Those wheels definately catch a lot more wind than open wheels do.
I have been in some 50 MPH winds between Newcastle, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, and it is hard. Just slow down and really pay attention. If a car passes you, or you pass a car, it will change wind currents. If you go through a cut bank, or by a little hill, it will change things. You really have to be more aware of what can rock you, and try to be ready for it.
Regards,
Bill
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From:
RE: Crosswinds
Great advice from everyone. It seems like the general consensus is to slow down during heavy crosswinds and if it becomes too windy you may need to just park it.
Sincecrazy, not sure if I'd want to take you up on that Kansas trip. It's bad enough that you have the crosswinds to contend with, but then you have Cattle Trucks passing you as they Break Wind!!! Count me out....
Sincecrazy, not sure if I'd want to take you up on that Kansas trip. It's bad enough that you have the crosswinds to contend with, but then you have Cattle Trucks passing you as they Break Wind!!! Count me out....
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, NY
RE: Crosswinds
Great advice all, I'd also like to add this: Yes, you have to hang on, but don't have a "death grip" on the bars, and also keep your elbows/arms loose (i.e. don't 'lock' your elbows). If you stiffen your arms, you'll transmit more unwanted bar inputs to the bike, which will make the bike seem more unstable.
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