Riding in the WIND - Page 2

cactusjack · 02-18-2012, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loafer

Our wind in the winter usually is white. The photo you posted reminded
me of the sandstorm in the movies Hidalgo and the Mummy.

Nope, Phoenix - July 2011.

tkd2 · 04-16-2012, 01:20 PM

One thing that I didn't see mentioned here was road quality. The OP listed that as a factor. Wind alone can sometimes make things a little tense, but if you have a poor road surface, that can compound. Here in MN, getting a 12-14" "push" can oftern times put you dead on a tar snake, pothole, or other paved nasty. That's what gives me the most pucker factor in the wind around here.

dewey405 · 04-16-2012, 08:43 PM

The big thing to remember is when you DO get used to riding in it (and you will) remember that when you go under overpasses the wind will stop so if you have a good lean in, you may have to adjust. Relaxing is the key though, here in the OK wind I used to get home and my legs just hurt, turned out I was squeezing my tank as hard as I could for some reason. The worst wind I have ever experienced here is when we had gusts up to 60 mph or so and I was in the left lane, left side and had a good 60* or so lean and and before I could blink I was riding on the yellow line on the right lanes shoulder. Thank god there was no one next to me.

bullman · 04-16-2012, 09:56 PM

Well, not to repeat what others have said, but relaxing is the key

I was on my 1200 sportster when a breeze sent me acrossed 2 lanes of traffic. Glad I didn't have a neighbor riding along side of me or I would have been scrapped. Decided that day that I needed to upgrade my bike. I found the nomad and haven't been blown out of my lane yet.

There are times where you must slow down. But being relaxed on the bike is key. Experience will help in all these areas.

**schoeney** · 04-16-2012, 10:12 PM

I ride in the Columbia Gorge once in awhile. It is almost always windy in the afternoon. Wind sucks and I avoid it whenever possible.

Mods can't get rid of the wind but they can help with the buffeting. In addition to larger lowers and closing the small shield I also ride with the engine guard chaps, even in the summer. The combo makes a big difference.
I know it is real hot in Vegas so you will need to weigh the benefits. Takes me about 5 minutes to put my engine guard chaps on or off...just velcro.

I am 6'2" and the stock shield (1500) is just barely tall enough for me. You may need to get a 2-3" taller windshield.

When I cross the bridge over the Columbia River and it is windy I usually find a semi truck to ride next to when I cross....blocks the wind but I have to watch the truck very closely.

**glwilson** · 04-16-2012, 10:27 PM

Honzo... don't buy a purse...

but also don't ride if you are not comfortable with strong winds... at least not long distances until you get used to it. In time your experience will build and you'll relax more.

As with flying airplanes... if you don't like the wind, you can always try again the next day.

Riding (or flying) beyond your ability and experience may cause you to not have a "next day" -- purse or not. JMHO

04-16-2012, 08:43 PM	#18
dewey405 Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Moore, OK Posts: 384	The big thing to remember is when you DO get used to riding in it (and you will) remember that when you go under overpasses the wind will stop so if you have a good lean in, you may have to adjust. Relaxing is the key though, here in the OK wind I used to get home and my legs just hurt, turned out I was squeezing my tank as hard as I could for some reason. The worst wind I have ever experienced here is when we had gusts up to 60 mph or so and I was in the left lane, left side and had a good 60* or so lean and and before I could blink I was riding on the yellow line on the right lanes shoulder. Thank god there was no one next to me. __________________ 2012 Nomad 1700 VBA #02021 VROC #34848
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04-16-2012, 10:12 PM	#20
schoeney Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NW Region Posts: 5,222	I ride in the Columbia Gorge once in awhile. It is almost always windy in the afternoon. Wind sucks and I avoid it whenever possible. Mods can't get rid of the wind but they can help with the buffeting. In addition to larger lowers and closing the small shield I also ride with the engine guard chaps, even in the summer. The combo makes a big difference. I know it is real hot in Vegas so you will need to weigh the benefits. Takes me about 5 minutes to put my engine guard chaps on or off...just velcro. I am 6'2" and the stock shield (1500) is just barely tall enough for me. You may need to get a 2-3" taller windshield. When I cross the bridge over the Columbia River and it is windy I usually find a semi truck to ride next to when I cross....blocks the wind but I have to watch the truck very closely. __________________ VBA #659 2003 Nomad 1500 (Gone but never forgotten) 2005 Honda ST1300 - Sweet and still kickin 2006 Honda Goldwing - Best Boat in the Marina Login or Register to Remove Ads
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04-16-2012, 10:27 PM	#21
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Honzo... don't buy a purse... but also don't ride if you are not comfortable with strong winds... at least not long distances until you get used to it. In time your experience will build and you'll relax more. As with flying airplanes... if you don't like the wind, you can always try again the next day. Riding (or flying) beyond your ability and experience may cause you to not have a "next day" -- purse or not. JMHO __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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04-16-2012, 01:20 PM	#17
tkd2 Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: MN Posts: 19	One thing that I didn't see mentioned here was road quality. The OP listed that as a factor. Wind alone can sometimes make things a little tense, but if you have a poor road surface, that can compound. Here in MN, getting a 12-14" "push" can oftern times put you dead on a tar snake, pothole, or other paved nasty. That's what gives me the most pucker factor in the wind around here.
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04-16-2012, 09:56 PM	#19
bullman Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Painesville, Ohio Posts: 193	Well, not to repeat what others have said, but relaxing is the key I was on my 1200 sportster when a breeze sent me acrossed 2 lanes of traffic. Glad I didn't have a neighbor riding along side of me or I would have been scrapped. Decided that day that I needed to upgrade my bike. I found the nomad and haven't been blown out of my lane yet. There are times where you must slow down. But being relaxed on the bike is key. Experience will help in all these areas.
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