I crossed a bridge yesterday that was steel grid and the wind was blowing across me at 25 mph. MY BIKE WAS EVERYWHERE!!! does anyone have any suggestions on how to ride across them? Im riding a 06 streetglide and definatly didnt like the feeling of the bike going wherever it wants on the steel deck of the bridge!

 

I just keep the wheel straight and keep looking forward. Also I don't grip the bars to tight. We have plenty of those to go over here in the Hampton Roads region of VA. I hate them too. Don't know of any people who enjoy going over those things!

 

I have two phobia's.

1. Heights
2. Narrow or grated bridges.

I don't like going over narrow bridges in my truck, so I would like to know how to handle bridges like that on my bike too. I asked one guy who rides a lot and he said "as fast as you can"!

 

You are doing everything right. It's the bike. Your bike has three rubber mounts and that causes the bike to wobble. You may want to install a true trak system. It will help in curves and in the wind. If the wind was blowing at 25 mph it was the winf causing you the problems. The true trak will cure it

 

There is no magic for steel grid surfaces, just wait until you encounter one when it is wet and you need to brake hard. I know on one near home where the traffic directions does not run parallel to the pattern so it get really squirmy riding along the bias. Avoid when you can and ride really carefully when you have to.

FBL

 

I dont come across them very often, luckily. I have visions of sliding along it like some sort of huge cheese grater..[:@]

 

You kind of ride it like your on gravel. Let the front tire track along with the grating. Don't over correct. Go at a moderate speed but above all, don't panic.
As for a high crosswind, yeah that can make things alot more intersting. Big time pucker factor.

 

Install Metzler tires.

 

Sit up straight, grip loose but secure, keep your head up and eyes on your target (end of bridge as you start, shifting forward as you get closer) . Bike will wobble, but will go where you aim it. Same concept used while executing sweeping corners.

 

True and correct. Also, no hard steering, lean a little forward. NO HARD BRAKING or HARD DOWN SHIFTS. If you use hard front brake , your bike will automatically go down. Light front brake and Cover the rear brake, point your toes upwards. This will help you control the pressure after weight transfer. if your wheel locks and you fish tail- wiggle your toes. this will eliviate the pressure and maintain control without the risk of high siding or going down. If you go into a wobble, plant feet firmly on foot rests and lean as far as you can over the tank. this is to transfer as much weight as you can to the front to control the wobble. move off the road. evaluate condition of bike.