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WIND!!!

by Tracie
(Petersburg, IL )

WIND!!!!! What are your thoughts on getting used to the feeling of wind at 45+ mph??? I live in central Illinois.. and the last week it’s been windy. When I had my scooter, I didn’t realize just how much it shielded me… on my bike (250 Suzuki cruiser) if its windy and I hit 45+ mph, I can’t shake the sensation that I will be lifted off my bike and carried away like Mary Poppins!!! (Im not a slight girl either, I’m 5’8” tall, average build) Rationally, I know this isn’t possible.. but that’s how it FEELS!!!! My boyfriend assures me it’s just a matter of getting used to it, in fact, I made him take my bike up to 60mph on this windy day and he said, my bike was fine. Has anyone else experienced this and did you “get used to it” ???

Comments for WIND!!!

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Oct 23, 2011

This happened to me today
by: Kelly

I don't like that feeling either, but I did notice a difference by having a windshield put on my bike. Also, If I have a bigger face shield on the wind doesn't bother me as badly. But the shimmy does get to me sometimes...

Sep 09, 2011

missrider
by: Tracie

MissRider... took a quick glimpse of your site .. LOVE IT!!! Very cool!! I will look again when I have some time!!

Sep 09, 2011

....
by: Tracie

Thanks.. Im glad to know I'm not alone!! LOL I do have a windshield, so it sounds like I need to relax and just get through it...Sounds like the weather is going to be good on Sunday so I will get back out there and try again!!!

Sep 08, 2011

wind
by: missrider

Relax and don't get tense. A windshield helps a little but the wind will always be something that will be a challenge. I ride a Triumph Bonneville with a windshield and sometimes when I ride at 90+ mpg next to those tractor trailers, the wind gusts can be a challenge. I relax, feel my bike and just give it gas at the speed that I feel comfortable. I rode my Bonnie coast to coast this summer and let me tell you, there were some nasty winds on my ride. I just relaxed and make cut the wind with ease. Check out my site, http://missrider.com/

Sep 08, 2011

Wind
by: Sandra

I'm in IL, too, and last weekend's ride was definitely windy...and COLD! LOL I've never ridden without a windshield, so my experience is limited to using a shield. I cannot imagine riding any distance without one. As for winds, grooved roads, or any other driving condition that makes me fearful, I find that I frequently need to sit up straight, RELAX my grip and keep a steady speed.

For me, trying to fight every gust, or keep a straight track on grooved pavement, or slow down too much creates more problems. The bike can drift a bit (inches not feet) but if I tighten my arms and grip and try to muscle that machine to hold steady it doesn't work. If I relax my grip, keep arms flexible and muscles not tense then I'm not fighting a normal amount of movement and "ride those wind waves" rather than "plow through them".

But I do get tired much more quickly. I think it's another skill, like quick stops, that you have to gain a certain sense of confidence in managing.

Keep chewing that gum on those days; keeping that jaw working so it can't lock helps keep all those muscles from becoming overly tense and/or locked.

Sep 08, 2011

wind
by: Yvonne - NC

I can handle it, no problem, unless it is wind gusts. The gusts come out of nowhere, tricky when you're going 60-65 mph. Makes it a challenging ride, love it.

Sep 08, 2011

wind
by: nie

this past monday memorial day...was super duper windy and even though i had my windshield going 50mph or 60pmh was a trouble feeling too..i was swerving on some roads..i feel like i have a bigger bike the wind will not be so bad..i ride a sporster and its tiny compare to others..!..i made it through the ride and though maybe next i should put some heavy things on my saddle bags so it doesn't swerve as much.....lol..

Sep 08, 2011

Wind
by: Cheryl

I had the same feeling with the wind hitting my chest. Felt like I was going to be blown off the back of the bike. I put a windshield on and it helped a little. Then i got a bigger windshile and it helped alot more. I live in Ill also and riding last week was rough. :) Good luck!!

Sep 08, 2011

Wind is Scary
by: Wanda in Georgia

I agree that it is a scary sensation when you get a crosswind. Although the wind in Georgia cannot compare to what you must get in Illinois, I was told to just plow through it. I do and I actually feel more secure than when I slow down for it. Of course, you have to judge if your speed is right for the wind conditions, just as you do in your cage. However, we do get some mean crosswinds in Georgia as well as the timber trucks passing us on two lane mountain roads, so the advice I got has worked for me. Just relax and feel your bike, as long as you know you?re not drifting sideways, you're okay. I ride a Sporty and I am only 5?2? and 61 years old. ;-)

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