Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Rain OK - Cold OK - But WIND

How do you ride in strong wind, I know everybody says to lean into it or put your knee out - but Gusts are so unpredictable they always catch me out. I have a Triumph summer screen on the bike, is this causing a sail effect? As it pulls on the bars. I have tried to relax and go with it - to a point - but find it is not enjoyable to ride in such weather - am I a wimp Don’t answer that.
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

Living on the promenade at Fleetwood in the Most windy place in the UK, I just seem to ride and lean as the wind blows, I have a large screen on which does act as a sail, but saves on gas But Monday night it was gusting at around 60/70mph and blew me straight across the road even though I was leant right over on a bend. Decided to take the back way home from the meet going through Blackpool rather than on the coast. All I can say really is ride in it and get used to riding in it, every time you go out expect the unexpected

The only thing I would say is be prepared to alter your route and opt for built up areas which can shield you from some of the higher winds.

Otherwise leave loads of room as other vehicles will probably be blown around as well.

And be prepared to face sidewinds at junctions, gaps in hedges and fences and bridges.

Windy days aren't much fun. A heavier bike like the T-Bird will solve much of that.
You could practice riding around the coast of Antrim, there's bound to be some good winds up there on any given day.
Ride safe.

Makes the ride interesting that's for sure! Personally nothing clenches the cheeks more than ice!

well i have fond memeorys of riding over the fourth road bridge at a 45 degree angle, with 90 mile an hour winds in the borders of scotland one year,it made for a very interesting ride out
steve

I find it's not so much the wind...well, OK, it is...but the idiots in cars around you who see you're struggling and yet don't give you any more space than usual.
The biggest sail on the bike is the rider and so, I find lying on the tank helps. To do this and stay comfortable, I often turn my backpack round (so it's on my chest) and use it as a cushion. Slow down-but not too slow-when you're being buffeted and when the wind eases, open it up til it hits again.

Wind AND rain? Now that's evil.

if'n it's windy, ride faster