Riding in windy conditions

[SARNA66]

Is it my imagination or does my 2nd gen. not handle the wind as well-I thought something was wrong with my new tires already-feels squirly in stronger winds...

 

Thanks

Chris:12101:

[Brake Pad]

get used to riding at 60 in high winds, if helps if your feet are out on the highway pegs, you don't blow around as much

[Barrycuda]

I only really notice a big difference when tractors are blowing by me on the Highway. perhaps mine being lowered and the wind deflectors are helpful.

 

+1 on brake pad's advice

[djh3]

Your not imaginaing the buffeting. It does move the bike around. But you have to remember how many square feet of sail your riding there. Big boxy things, semi's RV's U-hauls make big holes in air. When the air comes slamming back together its going to move you. Follow a mini van it might not be as ruff. I found that you have to find that right distance to stay back and then pass the big trucks, because they will move you around in the lane.

[IronMike]

I added a venture to my collection because its so streamlined and handles the wind well almost cutting through it compared to my Roadstar with a Reckless fairing and HD trunk. This is as good as it gets for fairing and trunk.

 

Pass the trucks really fast like a slingshot, be easier on both of you. Never hang out by one, a tire can go at any second.

 

Going dark side makes it hold the road better in those conditions though. And gravel and mud and soft ground and graded pavement, grooves, snow ice sleet and rain too. If you want traction, get some dark side action. Jus sayin"

[XV1100SE]

Let me throw this out...something that has been mentioned before.

 

With fork mounted fairing the wind catches the fairing and acts like push steering. The lower deflectors mounted on the forks does help a bit in stabilizing the front.

 

People have mentioned that the 1st Gen's aren't as affected by wind because they have a frame mounted fairing.

 

And yes... the size of the bike from a side profile does catch side winds and will act like a sail.

[LilBeaver]

Where I live the weather people do not even start talking about the wind being anythig than a 'breeze' until it gets over 20 or 30 mph (and I am not exaggerating at all) -- which is nearly every single day. In fact, when I visit places that has anything less than a 10 mph breeze it just feels wrong outside.

 

At any rate, high winds WILL push you around a bit on these bikes -- just like it will on any bike. As long as you keep a firm grip on the bars, ride in the PROPER gear and pay attention -- with enough practice you will be able to handle it well.

 

Extreme gusty conditions where the direction of the wind changes with each blow, are the worst because it is so very unpredictable... But again, it is going to be bad on any bike...

 

Ride safe!

[dacheedah]

I have had a good lean into a side wind, how the bike is loaded, tire inflation and good rubber are critical and if you are on 404's I suggest you try some other shoes.

[Bert2006]

Interesting......was for a 4 hour ride today and wind was average 30 gusting to 60. Only noticed being pushed sideway's once on a long left hander. Used to have a 1st gen and that thing was like a sail. You could feel the front end lift above 65. Find the 2nd gen much better planted.

 

[SARNA66]

Thanks guys,I was worried about nothing,but thats a good thing to find out.

Im just hitting my 1st 1000 miles on my 2nd gen,part of the learning curve

[Mike G in SC]

Maybe http://www.stadiumyamaha.com/pages/Catalog/Product/3664?categoryID=207&subCategoryID=407&catalogFilter1ID=1&catalogFilter2ID=4&catalogFilter3ID=90&catalogFilter4ID=69&catalogFilter5ID=63351

 

http://www.stadiumyamaha.com/pages/PublicMedia/CatalogImage/7445?width=500

 

Got them on both of my Royals. Might help some. Also good in the winter and rain.

The website has them for $164.

[Bert2006]

Maybe http://www.stadiumyamaha.com/pages/Catalog/Product/3664?categoryID=207&subCategoryID=407&catalogFilter1ID=1&catalogFilter2ID=4&catalogFilter3ID=90&catalogFilter4ID=69&catalogFilter5ID=63351

 

http://www.stadiumyamaha.com/pages/PublicMedia/CatalogImage/7445?width=500

 

Got them on both of my Royals. Might help some. Also good in the winter and rain.

The website has them for $164.

 

 

While I agree that these will help on cold day and keep rain off your feet, these will not help in windy situations as they actually increase the size off the air bubble you need to punch through. They are designed to simply provide ventilation\protection to your lower legs. Just saying......

 

[Mike G in SC]

 

While I agree that these will help on cold day and keep rain off your feet, these will not help in windy situations as they actually increase the size off the air bubble you need to punch through. They are designed to simply provide ventilation\protection to your lower legs. Just saying......

 

 

Fine, whatever. Just Saying.

[Bert2006]

Fine, whatever. Just Saying.

 

Hey was not meaning to be offensive. If so, i do apologize. I was just trying to offer clarification.

Edited September 17, 2013 by Bert2006

[Mike G in SC]

Bert

Sorry, but sometimes even the most profound emails and replys don't set well,,, delivery and cute icons included. And I had a bad day.

 

But, I disagree with your logic.

 

If the wind is hitting you from the rear, your logic is good. Speed up.

 

If it is hitting you from the front or side, the vents, assuming they are at the same angle as the lower cowling, better deflect the wind that would otherwise hit your feet or lower legs (maybe even as far back as the bulk of the saddlebag front surface). That wind is drag and with out the vents may also add to the effect of cross winds.

 

The vents "may" further delay crosswinds from hitting the lower half of your bike.

Simple proof is in the fact that your feet and lower legs tend to stay dry in light rain, with the vents.

Consider the light rain same as the white smoke in a wind tunnel test (just harder to see till your jeans are wet).

 

I don't think I will go to the trouble of pulling my lower vents to do an impact study. Let me know if you do.

 

Till then,,,,,, just passing wind.

 

Mike G.

[Evan]

Interesting......was for a 4 hour ride today and wind was average 30 gusting to 60. Only noticed being pushed sideway's once on a long left hander. Used to have a 1st gen and that thing was like a sail. You could feel the front end lift above 65. Find the 2nd gen much better planted.

 

I'm really surprised that you found your Royale to be like a sail over 65mph. One of the things I like about my 88 is that it feels so stable in the wind. The only issue I have is that my wife feels some buffeting when she is a passenger in high wind conditions. I am riding with a stock windshield. I'm interested in whether other 1st gen owners have wind problems?