High Winds

[Bene]

Hi,

I'm riding around on a 125, Yamaha SR 125 to be exact, and really enjoying it, new to biking etc. However strong winds seem to really trouble the bike and it is a little uncomfortable riding it in such conditions. My question is how is it riding a bigger bike in winds? I assume it is not as much an issue as with riding a lighter bike but how much less exactly? Or is high/moderate winds still an issue for even bigger bikes?

Thanks.

[Nexus Icon]

You're right in that it's not as much of an issue but it's still an issue. The extra weight and extra power definitely helps but the best defence is forward planning. See a gap in the motorway foliage and prepare for the crosswinds. To be honest, high winds can make for a more miserable and exhausting journey than rain and cold put together.
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[cimbian]

It depends on the bike, the speed and the wind direction.

My TA has a fairly upright riding position and quite a bit of fairing. A gust from the side can take me between half and a whole lane with some of the southerlys we get along this coast, generally it is nowhere near as bad as it feels and the key is to remain relaxed.

If I suspect crosswinds on the M27 I just slow down.

There is one point on the A27 approaching Sompting where southerly gusts come from seemingly nowhere and I have been caught-out as have others. Now I anticipate it.

It is a 650 going a couple of hundred kg with another 110kg sat like a sack of spuds on top
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22PlusY
Current: Moto Guzzi 1100 Breva. Previous: Honda XL650V TransAlp
Bearded, Balding, Born again Buddhist Biker

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Bigger bikes feel more stable but they still get blown about.

The best approach to riding in strong wind is to grip the tank with your knees, helps lock you onto the bike.
Tricky bit is keeping a relatively neutral grip on the bars when you get a strong gust. Natural instinct is to hold tighter, but this can transfer into unwanted steering input.

Read the road...Look for areas where the gusts may effect you, between buildings...etc
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[Ribenapigeon]

When I took an SV650 for a test ride last week, the wind was so bad that coming up some dual carriageway on a long right hander I had to lean the bike to the left. Was at 70mph and felt freaky.

[esullivan]

I've been told to grip the tank with my knees and, when hit with a gust, press down on the up-wind footpeg. I think both do fuck-all, but by doing them, I'm less inclined to hold the bars with a death grip (because I can only think of two things at once) and relaxing my hands is probably the only thing that helps.
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Current: '14 VFR800X Test passed 31/10/12.
Previous: '12 NC700S, '11 CBF 125, '04 SH 125.

[Bene]

Thanks for the replies and tips.

[Ribenapigeon]

Sticking your knee out on the windward side helps as well for some bizarre reason.

[doggone]

Sometimes it's just not safe on almost any bike.
Bikes with fairings are worse affected than naked.
As you've found lighter bikes become potentially dangerous at lower speeds.
It's the changes in pressure as you pass vehicles and other wind blocking objects that can make you veer unexpectedly, but sometimes it's very gusty all on its own and can take you sideways.

[Rogerborg]

[Lord Percy]

When I ride I consider the density of the air, wind direction and humidity, because all of these will affect aerodynamics.

TALLY HO, CHOCKS AWAY!

[Shinigami]

aye i still get blown about on the hornet, in fact I got blown into a curb in Jan when the weather was horrendous (shouldn't really have even tried to ride in it) ended up sat on the curb with a bike on my leg lol.

Riding up the dual carriageway on my daily commute I tend to get down on the tank when there's large gaps in the foliage at the side of the road as this is obviously where the strongest gusts hit
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Current: Honda City Fly CLR125 2003 Honda CB600F Hornet 2008 Yamaha FZ6 S2 + 1991 Kawasaki GPZ500
"Once you realize what a joke everything is, being the Comedian is the only thing that makes sense.

[bridgedino]

Crossing the Forth Road Bridge ever day means i regularly have to deal with cross winds. My CBF600 was the best behaved bike remaining reasonably stable although some 45 degree leaning was needed. My Varadero 125 was the worst, it blew about like a kite.

You will learn over time how your bike behaves. Just mind and hold on tight

[Bene]

Thanks, it all seems part of the pitfalls/experiences of riding then. I was blowing all over the road the other day and the winds were only moderate. So really high winds would be worry. Funny I was on my mountain bike the other week up a long hill and faced really high winds, so much so I had to get off and push! Damn country.

[FireStorm-X]

Hum, must be due to being Fat, but I don't get blown around that much lol.
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Lexmoto Street 125 (sold) - Kawasaki ZR7S