Can I put a 250 on the highway?

[BlackCowboy]

I bought a Qlink v-5 it's an automatic motorcycle and weighs about 365 is it heavy enough for highway travel. It seems that the wind is shaking my bike.

[Shorts]

It seems that the wind is shaking my bike.

It is.

A sub 350lbs bike will get moved around a little bit on the road, especially on windy days. Don't worry though, just stay loose in your arms when riding it. Don't tense up your arms and focus on using your legs to hang on to the bike rather than using a death grip on the bars. The bike will sway and in some real good gusts you might feel like the bike slide over on the road, just keep on going if it does. Even giggle in your helmet cause its a crazy effect. You might even have to lean into the wind a little bit to stay going in a straight line. Riding behind someone leaning into the wind and going in a straight line is a very cool thing to see from the front/back perspective.

[flw]

I have a smaller bike in general but I find it helpful in developing my handling skills generally as well for unpredicable and constantly changing focres pushing my bike around.

It takes skill to ride a small bike in windy conditions. Just start with winds you can handle first and slowly work your way up in wind speed as you get more skill running with the wind.

[havegunjoe]

I ride a 250 and have only been riding since last Memorial Day. I started out with a 150 scooter and upgraded to a 250 bike about 2 months ago. It weighs in at around 360 dry weight. While the wind does bother me I installed a windshield and that definitely helped.

[RocketGirl]

. . .I find it helpful in developing my handling skills generally as well for unpredictable and constantly changing forces pushing my bike around.

It takes skill to ride a small bike in windy conditions. Just start with winds you can handle first and slowly work your way up in wind speed as you get more skill running with the wind.

+1

Adding a windshield was the first accessory I put on my Virago 250 when I did a short ride on a 50mph road in 15mph winds. Now, I actually enjoy a little bit of wind; it makes my rides more interesting and keeps me alert. Although I don't feel ready for Interstate traffic speeds, I can handle the local primary roads and two bridges, where you're more susceptible to crosswinds. Enjoy!

[mrchristian]

You probably won't be able to take your Qlink on the freeway. I have a friend who rides his 250 Rebel on the freeway, but says that it does use more oil if he rides for extended periods of time. Other than that he's got no problems although it might be a little spooky.

From what i've heard about the Chinese 250 engines, you'll probably be better off never taking it to highway speeds as they have a little trouble staying cool, even if everything is working perfectly. Another friend of mine works at a dealer (TNG and Lance) and says the quickest way to destroy a Chinese 250 is to make high-speed runs with it. Not to mention the dangerous situtation you might place yourself in if you have the engine lock up. No experience, just relaying what I've heard.

[caspermontana]

as long as your bike can top the posted limit by 10 MPH you should have no problem on the freeway, My 600cc Honda Shadow VLX is 468 lbs wet. And It even gets blown around by a strong crosswind. On those windy days I try to avoid the Interstate if I can help it, and slow down a little if I cant. There are always lots of people at least around here in Montana that drive between 60-65 MPH, and on a windy day, I just follow them back about 125 feet for some protection from the 85 mph drivers and enjoy the ride. REMEMBER....the sign says SPEED LIMIT, not SPEED MINIMUM.

[vladmech]

I have a Ninja 250 and definitely know what you're talking about. The first time I got my bike up to 70 on the freeway I was a little freaked out due to the wind throwing it around a bit. It's something you just have to get used to; stay relaxed, stay alert and you'll be fine.

[RhadamYgg]

I think the wind is mostly an experience problem - even with a 250. I've ridden my Ninja 250 in heavy wind conditions on the highway here in NJ with little or no problem.

But in the beginning, it was almost immediate - I installed a larger windscreen on my Ninja 250. I still have it on there.

I've put a little over 5000 miles on it - with one-way commute distances between 34 and 42 miles.

Haven't ridden in the past few weeks, though.... Stupid snow.

RhadamYgg

[XB08]

Yes you can, I started with 250's and 350's by in the 70's and the bikes now are much better then they were then. If you are riding solo easy, if you are riding two up give yourself time to come up on speed.