600cc sport bike & high wind

[Gilfy650a]

this may sound like a stupid question, but does your bike have a fairing? i've heard it said somwhere that a bike with a fairing is sorta like a sailboat, or somthing to that effect, the fairing acts as a sail that is.. just curious.

[bigswifty]

In aviation, the rule is to speed up thru crosswinds, because the greater your forward speed, the less lateral distance you will travel from being pushed by wind. I know its different when you have the whole ground friction thing,but I think that might apply to riding, somewhat.
Speed vs. crosswind speed is a balanced equation. Screwing on some speed increases the ratio of Y axis (forward distance traveled) vs. lateral acceleration from wind (X axis)
I usually hold some countersteer into a constant speed breeze. Probly eats up front tires doing that for miles, but itworks.
now when it's buffeting, (windshear) i'm lost...

[oldnslo]

I couldn't, and didn't, say it better myself. It has worked for me for years. Speed, sometimes increased, is neccessary for stability in windy situations. Slowing down to a crawl only lets the wind have more control.
It works in all wind conditions, too. The more you do it, and in more different types of winds, the more proficient you become.

[blair]

Here's my hypothesis: It kinda feels like you're on a slippery surface, but you're not. You start to act like you're going to fall, but if the bike does lose traction, it will get it back almost immediately, whereas if it was icy you'd just low-side right there. But, of course, if you momentarily lose traction at high speed and get it right back, you might high-side, which, of course, is even worse.

I've never been in that situation, though, nor on that kind of bike, so the reality could be totally different. Just giving an idea that someone with that experience could check against their data.

[Telesque]

In aviation, the rule is to speed up thru crosswinds, because the greater your forward speed, the less lateral distance you will travel from being pushed by wind. I know its different when you have the whole ground friction thing,but I think that might apply to riding, somewhat.
Speed vs. crosswind speed is a balanced equation. Screwing on some speed increases the ratio of Y axis (forward distance traveled) vs. lateral acceleration from wind (X axis)
I usually hold some countersteer into a constant speed breeze. Probly eats up front tires doing that for miles, but itworks.
now when it's buffeting, (windshear) i'm lost...

Not only does that math work in your favor, but you should also remember that faster spinning wheels = greater gyroscopic force = bike wants to stay straight up even if the wind is blowing. It'll also make it a little harder to steer, but you knew that anyways. Besides, steering is something you have conrol over. The wind is not.

[Mac]

Hey Bud,

I jam an R6 also, been on it for 3 years, and life in Alaska (read: when we get wind it is comparable to Lake Shore Drive in Chicago (my home town) coming off Lake Miciagan. And they don’t call it the Windy City for nothing.
Anyway, lay on the tank!
Things you can do to help you = good helmet with a good "spoiler". Arai RX-7 is what I use, but have worn the Nolan Street fighter also, and that is a good helmet too. Reason for this is head vibration when laying on the tank in a good wind. You'll see what I mean.
Get an aftermarket double bubble for your windshield for the same reason.

Get a set of good tires - I personally use the Michelin Pilot Powers.
I used to live and ride in Janesville WI. I rode Beloit WI/IL and Rockford IL (Cheap Trick rules) all the time. These three things helped me.


R/

[Telesque]

Hey Bud,

I jam an R6 also, been on it for 3 years, and life in Alaska (read: when we get wind it is comparable to Lake Shore Drive in Chicago (my home town) coming off Lake Miciagan. And they don’t call it the Windy City for nothing.
Anyway, lay on the tank!
Things you can do to help you = good helmet with a good "spoiler". Arai RX-7 is what I use, but have worn the Nolan Street fighter also, and that is a good helmet too. Reason for this is head vibration when laying on the tank in a good wind. You'll see what I mean.
Get an aftermarket double bubble for your windshield for the same reason.

Get a set of good tires - I personally use the Michelin Pilot Powers.
I used to live and ride in Janesville WI. I rode Beloit WI/IL and Rockford IL (Cheap Trick rules) all the time. These three things helped me.


R/

Oh man.. you guys get winds all the way from Lake Michigan!

Only kidding.

[iwannadie]

id be more worried about the moose than the wind up there lol

Hey Bud,

I jam an R6 also, been on it for 3 years, and life in Alaska (read: when we get wind it is comparable to Lake Shore Drive in Chicago (my home town) coming off Lake Miciagan. And they don’t call it the Windy City for nothing.
Anyway, lay on the tank!
Things you can do to help you = good helmet with a good "spoiler". Arai RX-7 is what I use, but have worn the Nolan Street fighter also, and that is a good helmet too. Reason for this is head vibration when laying on the tank in a good wind. You'll see what I mean.
Get an aftermarket double bubble for your windshield for the same reason.

Get a set of good tires - I personally use the Michelin Pilot Powers.
I used to live and ride in Janesville WI. I rode Beloit WI/IL and Rockford IL (Cheap Trick rules) all the time. These three things helped me.


R/

Oh man.. you guys get winds all the way from Lake Michigan!

Only kidding.

[Mac]

Yeah moose are no joke, nor are the bears!

Moose almost made me drop before.

R/