 Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
|
OP
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14 |
Yesterday I had kind of a scary experience for a beginner. It was a really gusty, windy day (i think winds about 20 knots, gusting to 25-30?) I found out afterwards. I got on the turnpike and going along about 60-mph on an overpass --- boy I felt like the wind was going to blow me off the road. My hands are still sore from holding the handgrips so tight.
Finally I was able to kind of relax and go with the flow but my bike just did not feel all that stable. It was a crosswind and I literally had to lean the bike slightly into the wind rather than ride straight up on a straight highway. I rode the back roads coming home and it was MUCH more pleasant and enjoyable, though still a bit windy. I really love my bike and she rides super smooth most of the time. I have a windshield and everything. She weighs I think 450 lbs, 790 cc , 2005 America goldwood green. I've been riding for less than a month.
Well, I am probably making this sound worse than it really was...but I just wanted to know if this is normal???? Or am I just a chicken ha ha.
Andrea in Miami BA '05
|
|
|
 Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172
Saddle Sore
|
|
Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,172 |
Andrea,
I'm afraid it is normal. Strong winds and crosswinds will move the bike around. Some times it is best to find a place to pull off until the wind subsides.
The good news is that as you gain experience and get more comfortable with the bike, it won't be as big a deal.
More flags
More fun!
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 734
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 734 |
Quote:
Yesterday I had kind of a scary experience for a beginner. It was a really gusty, windy day (i think winds about 20 knots, gusting to 25-30?) I found out afterwards. I got on the turnpike and going along about 60-mph on an overpass --- boy I felt like the wind was going to blow me off the road. My hands are still sore from holding the handgrips so tight.
Finally I was able to kind of relax and go with the flow but my bike just did not feel all that stable. It was a crosswind and I literally had to lean the bike slightly into the wind rather than ride straight up on a straight highway. I rode the back roads coming home and it was MUCH more pleasant and enjoyable, though still a bit windy. I really love my bike and she rides super smooth most of the time. I have a windshield and everything. She weighs I think 450 lbs, 790 cc , 2005 America goldwood green. I've been riding for less than a month.
Well, I am probably making this sound worse than it really was...but I just wanted to know if this is normal???? Or am I just a chicken ha ha.
talked to a guy complaining about the same thing the other day....about his Goldwing. So, it is not unique to lighter weight bikes like the Triumph.
I always felt best in letting the bike move with the wind, within reason, lighter grip but definitely pay attention.
---------------------
- 2007 Triumph Tiger
- 1982 Yamaha xj650 Magnum
- Previous 2004 Triumph America
- Previous 1973 Triumph Bonneville T140V 750cc
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 382
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 382 |
Windshields can actually make it worse in real strong winds, but even without one 25-30 mph winds will blow any bike around.
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
|
|
OP
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14 |
Thanks everyone! I feel better now.. I thought at first (during the ride)_ what the heck is wrong with my bike??? until I figured it out. Thanks for your replies.
Andrea in Miami BA '05
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
A well ballanced bike that is in good condition will compensate for crosswinds pretty much on its own. This is just physics and geometry. Except as needed to stay in your lane, it's best to just relaxe and let the bike deal with wind gusts because it will react quicker and more precisely than you can.
It does help if you are extra careful about making sure the tire pressure is correct when it's windy, and don't load a lot of stuff on the bike. That's why, when traveling, I carry what tools I think I might need, maybe 4 days worth of clothes, and little else.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,200 Likes: 1
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,200 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Well, I am probably making this sound worse than it really was...but I just wanted to know if this is normal???? Or am I just a chicken ha ha.
As others have said, this is normal. One thing I have found to help in this situation is to lightly grip the tank with your knees so you don't have to grip the bars quite so tightly.
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 455
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 455 |
Andrea,
I'm an avid cyclist and I've experienced the same thing on my 17 lb frame. Just be careful and relax a bit.
Brad
Neon Blue '05 SM
Where are the pedals on this thing?
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Watch out passing big trucks. The wind will pull you toward it as you approach, and blast you the other way when you pass the front. Give them plenty of room.
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 105
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 105 |
Normal. A couple times this past summer the Santa Ana winds from SOCAL reach into the Mojave Desert here and gave us a really hard time on the road to Fort Irwin from Barstow....33 miles of 30-45 mph gusts on a road that is 2-way with traffic moving at ~65-75 mph both directions. Wasnt a lot of fun....leaning into the wind that was coming from the direction as opposing traffic...3 feet of shoulder then desert sand. But it was a great learning experience. 
'04 Black Speedy/BUB exhaust/AI removed/UNI Filter
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Being up on the slab in in town traffic (inner city as opposed ot open road) with gusting winds is no fun. the few times I have experienced this in Tucson ..led me to the nearest exit for another route.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Yep, it's normal. Like the others here have said, as you gain expeience, you'll be more comfortable in the wind. That said, when it's really gusty or too strong to be comfortable, it might be best to hide for a while. Besides the bike blowing around, there's all the other stuff that gets blown around e.g., sheet metal, plywood, trash cans, etc.
Sport bike riders have it even worse, the sides of their bikes are like big sails in crosswinds.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 362
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 362 |
That's normal. Growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico where it gets windy just about every afternoon, I had to deal with winds right off. It will feel strange as you lean and the bike is going straight but that's the way it is.
I had a big fairing on my first bike, a Honda 500, but removed it when I decided I liked the wind in my face better than the buffeting on the shield.
As lonzo mentioned watch out for the trucks. Going under overpasses has the same effect. Your in the wind, then your not, then you are.
Last edited by rwright; 06/22/2006 8:08 AM.
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 83
Member
|
|
Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 83 |
My new TB America weighs 497 pounds as delivered. My 2003 Harley Ultra Classic nears 1,000 pounds. Both bikes get the wandering twichies in bad winds.
Sometimes I ride it out, sometimes I pull over. Its a judgement thing where I take in the road and its general condition, any rain, any shelter, how I'm feeling, etc., etc.
Andrea, what you experienced is normal... but having the wisdom to ask and inquire - priceless! Keep on learning, keep on being careful, keep on enjoying!!
Stan Db
• Be firm if you must, be kind always.
2006 Triumph America, 2003 Harley Ultra Classic
|
|
|
 Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
Wind seems to effect bikes with Indian-type valenced front fenders, or solid front wheels like a HD Fatboy. Handlebar
mounted windshields can also catch a crosswind pretty well.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
 Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
|
|
OP
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14 |
Thanks! I am getting more used to it, and leaning bike into crosswind if needed.
Andrea in Miami BA '05
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14
Complete Newb
|
|
OP
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14 |
Yes!.. I see you're in Ft. Lauderdale. I am from Miami. Did you get your bike at Pure Triumph on Federal Highway?
Andrea in Miami BA '05
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,626 |
No, I bought an '03 Speedmaster with 1800 miles.
Garage queens make the best bargains. On top of that, I like
the black/yellow paint sceme better than the '06 choices.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
|
|
|
Re: Windy Day Experience--is this normal?
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,839 Likes: 3 |
also try this little trick. it will help, it wont stop it, but will ease it some, stick your knee out into the direction the wind is comming from. wind comming from your left side??? left knee points outward, right side, right knee. just try it. and ease up on the grips!! the bike will take care of herself, all you need do is point her, she'll do the rest hahahahahaha. i used to have a snortster and was on the slab with it and a gust of wind blew me over onto the shoulder, now that was freaky!!!!! but i just throttled up and pointed her where i wanted to be. i also tend to hunker down a bit, for less sail effect. kinda strealine myself to the bike with my knee pointed out, seems to work for me. BUT the best way to avoid that situation is.....STAY OFF THE SLAB!!!!!! hahahahahahahahahaha i know there are times when it cant be helped, but whenever it can????? 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
