Ride in a High Cross Wind

Ride in a High Cross Wind

by Tim
(Copperas Cove, Texas)

I would like to know if there is any secrets to ridding in a 20 to 30 mph cross wind.

Comments for
Ride in a High Cross Wind

Apr 26, 2010

Size Matters
by: coffeepoet

Living in Oklahoma, wind is always an issue. Having ridden many different bikes, I agree that size does matter. A larger bike will usually ride better in a crosswind.

Remember high school physics class and that whole Newtonian thing about an object in motion tends to continue in it's plane of movement unless acted upon by an equal or greater oppositional force? (I see all you physics types cringing. sorry, I was a liberal arts major!)

Anyway, most people tend to slow down in a crosswind. Slowing down seems intuitive, and you should never ride too far out of your comfort zone, but in a crosswind, faster really is better.

Also, if you are on a four-lane road, ride in the lane closest to the wind. So if the wind is from the south and you're eastbound, ride in the right lane. If you are westbound, ride in the left lane. this gives you more leeway in case of a large gust.

Feb 18, 2010

Windy, Windy
by: Linda in Oz

You can crouch a little, behind the screen if you have one. But really it's just grin and bear it. I always try and think of it as a riding challenge to overcome, for me, it's my least favorite riding condition. :(

Feb 16, 2010

Size of Bike
by: Angie

I actually experienced the opposite effect when I went from a smaller bike (a Yamaha 1100 Custom) to a bigger bike (a Kawasaki Vulcan 1700)..... the bigger bulk of the Kaw catches more of the wind so it actually feels like I'm affected even more. This surprised and confused me until someone explained it, but now that I know, it makes sense and I just focus on keeping my cool when it's really windy.

Feb 14, 2010

Lean and Angle
by: Rene L.

Hi,

...and if running out and buying a bigger bike is not an immediate option, I was told to lean the bike slightly into the wind. Has kept me upright so far.

Ren'e

Feb 14, 2010

A Big Bike
by: kristina

A bigger bike helps. My HD Road Glide really handles those cross winds like they aren't even there....Weight of the bike is key.

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