Getting knocked sideways by the wind

[TCFA]

So the thing I find most unpleasant / uncomfortable / unsettling on long jaunts on motorways especially is getting scuttled around by strong winds. Otherwise its just sore arse, achy wrists, usual stuff

I'm always thinking about another bike (currently on CBR600F) and wondered if any one thing is better than another. I mean, is it better to have a bigger more "planted" type bike (to use the vernacular in the reviews), e.g. adventure style, or realistically is the best way to reduce this sticking with a small lithe think and getting in a crouch?

I've tried a Z1000SX (loved it) but it still might not be comfy enough, so also thinking of a tracer (not tested yet but very keen). But I'm in two minds re replacing the CBR, it seems to do what I need, I travel alone, I can get enough on the back, it's fully paid for, I like putting miles on it etc etc -so if I'm not going to see any improvement ....
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[arry]

The problem could well be the squishy bit rather than the metal.

Are you hanging on too tight? Relax, don't fight (said the butt rapist). Loose grip.

[TCFA]

i'm conscious that i'm a bit tense, which would explain some of the aches

but would that have anything to do with the wind knocking me about?
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[monkeybiker]

[supZ]

[Silver_Fox]

Leftfield idea but you could try lowering the front end a touch. I have a CBR600F and putting mine back up to stock height (prev owner lowered it to quicken up the steering) makes the bike far less settled in windy conditions. It seemed far more planted lowered and I suffered less wind noise too. When I put it back I can get you the measurements
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CBR600 F3 FV
CG125

[Enduro Numpty]

More grunt undoubtedly helps stability. I've seen me riding in a lower gear than I would normally in extremely windy conditions. A bit more gyroscopic effect from the crank and quicker engine response never goes wrong and that's on a FJR1300 which wouldn't be described as lacking in instant oomph.

If you're doing motorway stuff you'll be well aware of the turbulence from lorries, coaches etc.., again a lower gear and a squirt of power to get past.

That's about as much as I can offer I'm afraid

[TCFA]

[Fizzer Thou]

A few years ago several of us decided to go to the froggy MotoGP at Le Mans,via the scenic route and no peage.

Part of the route meant crossing the Seine near Le Havre and the easiest way was over the very tall road bridge meant only for bikes and cars,for which bikes cross for free.

https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/Snaps/pontdenormandie11.jpg

But,on the day that we were due to use the bridge there was a very gusty cross wind,which blew us across all over the place.Even the cars were affected.At the next stop after the bridge,we all agreed that it was one of the most terrifying experiences that we had ever had
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Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[monkeybiker]

[gorillaonabik...]

[TCFA]

Cool. I do try to relax when i find myself tensing, and it's not as horrible as it used to be (i remember taking a veeeeeery long time back from Wales to avoid the windy rainy M4 once) so maybe that's it.

i'm doing another big trip on the CBR in May (10 days, Le Mans, Pyrenees, Alps) and I suspect as much as I'm fond of it I might look to replace it after that (or get something comfier and keep the CBR for round town / track days)

I just get very very exhausted after long days in the CBR

In the frame are Tracer, Z100SX, Multistrada 1200S, Blackbird, Sprint ST
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[Evergreen]

For me personally, adventure bikes feel best in the wind.or on long days.or motorways.or offroad:) ok, clearly im biased, but like someone already said-heavier bike might not make much difference, but it will make a small difference, and that matters on long rides.

I was caught in 50-60mph gusts in Patagonia on the Route 3 along the Atlantic for a week straight, and I was riding a 150cc then-felt like a leaf in the wind! Weirdest week ever. Saw some BMW GS1200 riders along the way, they seemed to fare much better, but even they just wanted to get the hell out of there asap:)