Riding in strong gusty crosswinds...

[Banjaxed]

Finbarr

Had exactly the same feeling as you a few times - just like the wind was blowing the wheels of the bike sideways. Worst was in a gale in the Ieper area of Belgium. In the end I had to stop under a motorway bridge, regain composure (and check sphincter position!) and carry on. I tried everything - slower, faster, leaning, hold tight, hold loose... I'd guess that the advice on tight knees, loose hands would be best.

Keeps the cheeks of yer arse together better...

 

[Paul Drummond]

I'm with Mike on this one. Just relax! But never forget the clean undies for that sudden gust!!!

 

[Finbarr]

I have to say - I really think this thread has been brilliant!

I've had the opportunity of trying all of the tips posted here over the last week and my riding in strong winds has definitely improved.

Last night it was howling from 90 degrees to the left and gusting hard - but grip the tank with the knees, loose hands on the controls and ride actively (feed lots of small inputs in with weigth shift and bar movements - don't just be a passenger!) and the whole thing really ceased to be a drama.

Thanks very much to all of you who posted tips and comments - it's been very valuable indeed.

If you ever in need of an accurate and up-to-date wind map of the UK - try this one: XC Weather. Its a weather site dedicated to paragliding/Hang Gliding weather conditions and it pulls it's data from up-to-the-minute CAA data from airports/Air bases around the country.

Once again - thanks a lot!

Kind regards,
Finbarr.

 

[Invicta Moto]

Re: Trouble with wind....

I've come to the conclusion that the bike was the wrong colour. I tested a mandarin GS and ended up buying a blue/white. This had completely cured the problem.

I almost agree...

I had the same experience last year when I bought mine... high winds and snow on the verges... took out a Scousers shell suit colour GS and it was quite a hard test ride, but rewarding as they say. I bought a Mandarin one, and hey presto, no problems....

As for riding at different angles we automatically do this anyway. Quite a few times when I've been out and someone I know has been behind the coment on the non-perpendicular angle the bike is often at on the road in higher wind conditions.

 

[Wreford Miles]

Finbarr

If it's windy on your run down the M1 why not:

Leave St Albans via Cotten Mill lane, pass Sopwell, chuck a right and take the road out through Shenley and Boremwood.

It's sheltered and has bends.

I've ridden in some pretty strong winds the bottom part of the M1 has seen some of the worst...

If the road is clear, speed does work.

If it's not relax and stay cool and if in doubt stick your hazzards on

 

[KAS]

slowing down will work for confidence but will not actually assist in making the bike more stable. as its speed reduces the gyroscopic forces created by the wheels will reduce removing a major part of the stabilizing moment for the bike. This dynamic is also be effected by engine forces, hence why more stability can be achieved at a slow speed by being in a lower gear and using higher engine revs. getting the correct weight distribution will also help both the bike and confidence. That feeling of the wheels being blown out from under the bike is a particular effect of large radius spoke configuration wheels. in simple terms, once in rotation the spokes pull air around with them, this travelling mass of air acts in a similar way to you putting a solid wheel in.


Keeping forward on the seat will put more weight on the front giving a more planted feel. weighting the windward foot peg will also help and give the feeling of stability.

also relaxing the body through the shoulders and arms will reduce wind effect on the steering input caused by tight arms and hands.

hope this helps.