Hiya, Being a newbie to bikes in general I wonder if anyone had any advice on riding in the wind? I know from cycling that I'd rather ride in rain than wind but I've never been on a motorbike in wind. Rain, hail and fog yes, but not wind. I am dying to go out tomorrow even if just for a short trip to Epping. My weather app is saying the wind tomorrow afternoon will be between 17-20 mph. Do you think this is strong enough that as a new rider with only a few months experience I should reconsider going out? Thanks in advance! Deb
Shouldnt be too bad.The best thing in most things is experience.Just get out there but take it easy.No wheelies or knee down just yet!
Remember the gusts. You can be riding quite comfortably and securely, even in the wind, and a much stronger gust can come without warning. Probably just at the moment when you are overtaking a large lorry, or as you are trying to do a U-turn. Gusts affect other vehicles as well as you, and can push them off course. Leave some extra margins, stay alert, and don't be afraid to put your feet down or stop if necessary.
Thanks. That all sounds like sensible advice. :thumbsup: If nothing else I'll find out if I can pick my bike up or not.
Was out in the storm on the bike. Not fun at all. Trees across roads a lot stopping traffic etc etc. In my local bike park on top of market toilets some poor sods 125 with top box got blown over. PCSO, after nudge from me left a note saying it had been on its side for a bit. Not damaged due to attempted theft. Even on a fat 1200 twin I got by blown about. Could have switched the engine off and saved fuel, windsurfing home
also look out when riding out of a built up or wooded area and into a clearing or gap between buildings. Pretty obvious but you may have been sheltered from the wind then wham! rode from london to Brighton about 12 years back as a lil hurricane was brewing. Sunny in south London but as soon as I hit the open road the rain and wind started. Must have been 50 or 60 mph gusts! tbh it was one of the best rides I've ever had adrenaline wise, think I spilt the bulk of the first 2 or 3 pints before I stopped shaking.
Worst wind ride I did was along Chesil beach to Portland on an old GSXR750. Gale force winds right across road. Spent more time on wrong side of road due to force of the gale. Oncoming traffic thought I must have been foreign. Scariest journey on a bike I've ever done.
You need to leave larger margins for error and don't try to be a hero, the object of the exercise is to enjoy it and get back in one piece. Also, listen to your gut, if you are not comfortable with what you are doing slow down, be prepared to stop and go home.
Good point. I was out in wind the other day and the most difficult bit was when I had to do a U-turn on a slope, but there was a sudden strong gust. Had to stop for a minute, and I was glad I can get both feet flat on the ground.
I my experience ( most extreme was at Tarrifa 2 up on my Harley last year ) best is just to go slow , not dangerously that others may tail end you , and watch ahead for any poss hazards developing , watch anything that may indicate wind strength and direction , like trees , flag poles , other bikes being blown around () etc , go slow !!
Seems to be two opposing views. I guess as with most things I'll find out myself with more experience. As long as no one on here thought 20mph winds was something I'd be stupid to ride in (which no one seems to) I'm good to go out tomorrow.
When you get a gust then pump in the opposite direction to correct (quickly) - I've been out on a yacht in a force 9, didn't work on the yacht :Wideyed: Always remember, the faster you go the less you will deviate from your intended direction :Angelic:
