Wind & windshields

Message

flw · #11 Unread post by **flw** » Thu May 22, 2008 3:12 am

KingRobb wrote:for side to side wind buffeting...tighten your knees a bit to the tank... it wont do it all but you will find better control.

He has a good point, as you can use your weight with the weight of the bike more effectively in corrective moves. A looser (knee/thigh) grip makes for a overall looser connection between the rider and the bike. This = less control for quick corrections.

This is just my opinion as my bike is not big so the wind is always a factor but I've also gotten much better in making corrections faster than I even think to react. In my opinion this is a must for Interstate/Highway riding when the winds may be strong enough to = your skill.

"Never ride faster than your Angels can fly"

#12 Unread post by **MZ33** » Thu May 22, 2008 4:10 am

WOW! That is a great article, ms325! It pulls together a lot of anecdotal info that people have been trying to explain to me. Thanks!

for side to side wind buffeting...tighten your knees a bit to the tank... it wont do it all but you will find better control.

Yes, I noticed the need for knees pretty quickly on that bridge!

I was ready to glue myself to the bike, if I could.

I'm also interested in how the wind buffets my arms and head. My shoulders and neck informed me the next day just how hard they were working.

I have seen an aftermarket windshield that has an adjustable rake. I have to figure out which height is best though. It is tempting to try and hide behind the tallest one, I must admit. But I can see the logic of going for the slipstream effect instead.

ofblong · #13 Unread post by **ofblong** » Thu May 22, 2008 8:40 am

Skier wrote:A heavier bike will more than likely have a larger profile so you'd have to deal with more wind. It'd be a wash: gained weight offset by a larger area for wind to hit.

A windscreen can prevent air from hitting you at higher speeds, but most screens I've ridden behind direct turbulent air directly at your head, causing more aggravation than just leaning forward to deal with it. I've done several 600+ mile days on my naked bike and wind on my body was never an issue. If possible, try before you buy.

then your windshields werent setup right. I have no buffeting on my helmet with my windshield.

But to make my point of WHY I use a windshield.

Try riding on a 20 degree day at 45mph without that windshield. Then try the same thing with a windshield. You will see one huge difference.

#14 Unread post by **Skier** » Thu May 22, 2008 8:42 am

BMW not knowing how to set up a windscreen? That's crazy talk!

Yamaha also doesn't know how to make 'em work right... or Suzuki.

RhadamYgg · Thu May 22, 2008 2:25 pm

Well, I bought a windscreen on the internet - a lot bigger than the one currently on my Ninja 250.

But, my bike is in for service and a check-up - and I won't figure out how to put it on until after that. It looks like I'll need to take the fairing off in order to get the mirrors off to put it on.

Any good relief from the wind would be welcome.

The wind was terrible today - riding out to the dealer. But I got through it, and I even rode a lot faster.

RhadamYgg

#16 Unread post by **MZ33** » Fri May 23, 2008 1:26 am

Any good relief from the wind would be welcome.

Are you sure you're not in Chicago??

RhadamYgg · Fri May 23, 2008 11:40 am

MZ33 wrote:
Any good relief from the wind would be welcome.
Are you sure you're not in Chicago??

I couldn't imagine the wind there...

Wordherder · Fri May 23, 2008 2:31 pm

As a born 'n' bred Chicagoan without a windshield suffering through the coolest spring in a generation, I can truthfully say:

Holy moly, I wish I had a windshield. And a heated vest. And chaps. And heated gloves. And boots, no, mukluks like the Aleuts use. Holy cow it's been cold in the mornings.

Bubbas_brother · Mon May 26, 2008 3:28 am

Nothing but experience will "help or hinder you in that situation".

A shield will actually make it harder, as it tends to act like a sail in that situation, but how often does that 'situation' occur?

I actually prefer to ride with a shield.

You did the right thing by leaning into the wind. Either that or get blown off the bridge.

#20 Unread post by **MZ33** » Fri May 30, 2008 2:59 am

You did the right thing by leaning into the wind. Either that or get blown off the bridge.

Thanks, B-b. It did feel funny, leaning sideways and going straight. I am looking into a windshield that has an adjustable rake. I'm still going to wait on it, though--I've gotten more used to highway wind, and I haven't revisited the bridge yet.