Riding the Wind

[bohomus]

After owning my trike for about 2 months ( first motorcycle type vehicle I've ever ridden), and thanks to a lot of advice from Trike Talk vets, I've gotten pretty secure about handling my trike except for one thing - dealing with wind gusts. I went for a ride a couple of days ago in 25 MPH wind. I have no idea how fast the wind was in the gusts but it blew my head and bike damn hard. I felt out of control and the confidence I have developed was gone with the wind. I've gotten such great advice from you on other topics, I was hoping to get some tips on how to deal with this better. I told my friend (a pretty much lifetime bike rider) about how freaked out i was and his response was, "For heaven sakes, it's a motorcycle. Pull up your big boy panties and get over yourself." I was hoping some of you might have a little better advice about handling the big sudden wind gusts.

 

[rhino 2]

Relax, Ease up and don't get white knuckles holding on to the bars too tight.
The wind will push you around a little at times That's normal., Over correcting will just make it seem worst than it is.....

 

[skuuter]

"Unless" You are already traveling at a fairly high rate of speed (just have to make the best of it, not advocating anything dangerous here)....accelerating to the point that You are "pushing a hole" through the wind gusts helps. I had a hard time convincing my Wife of this years ago when She first started riding during "Tennessee Kite Season"....She finally kept trying it until She mastered it. Normal Human Reflex is to roll off throttle and slow down. If You learn to over ride this reflex, You'll finally get to where You make good, smooth accelerations through wind gusts...the trick is to carry more velocity than the gust has. This is a "scary" technique at first, but it does work...ThumbUp...This works well up through about 35 or so MPH gusts...above that and You're pretty much still at the Wind's mercy...as stated in the above post...Relax, Loose Grip on the Bars, Bent Elbows, Eyes/Face Forward.....GOOD LUCK..... ThumbUp

 

[MDGeorge]

"Relax, Loose Grip on the Bars, Bent Elbows, Eyes/Face Forward.....GOOD LUCK.....

"
Ditto to that.
I had the same issue when I started riding a trike.
The best thing that helped me is to anticipate the gusts. Such as across fields, on the interstate, windy weather, trucks... etc.

 

[skuuter]

"Relax, Loose Grip on the Bars, Bent Elbows, Eyes/Face Forward.....GOOD LUCK..... ThumbUp"
Ditto to that.
I had the same issue when I started riding a trike.
The best thing that helped me is to anticipate the gusts. Such as across fields, on the interstate, windy weather, trucks... etc.

Yep, some more of that "Experience is the Best Teacher" stuff.....

 

[Rosy]

I have a question on riding the wind. Do you think type of rear tires ( bias belted/radial), tire pressure (low/high), and/or front tire, help or hinder riding the wind.
You are correct on Relax, that's the best method to ride the wind. Easier said than done for a novice rider.

Rosy

 

[rwhgme]

"Unless" You are already traveling at a fairly high rate of speed (just have to make the best of it, not advocating anything dangerous here)....accelerating to the point that You are "pushing a hole" through the wind gusts helps. I had a hard time convincing my Wife of this years ago when She first started riding during "Tennessee Kite Season"....She finally kept trying it until She mastered it. Normal Human Reflex is to roll off throttle and slow down. If You learn to over ride this reflex, You'll finally get to where You make good, smooth accelerations through wind gusts...the trick is to carry more velocity than the gust has. This is a "scary" technique at first, but it does work...ThumbUp...This works well up through about 35 or so MPH gusts...above that and You're pretty much still at the Wind's mercy...as stated in the above post...Relax, Loose Grip on the Bars, Bent Elbows, Eyes/Face Forward.....GOOD LUCK..... ThumbUp

This is what I do as well. Some crosswind buffeting is to be expected, but trikes plug a big hole in the wind. I am 6'4" and feel the buffeting until I make a bigger hole than the crosswind can affect. I do not speed, I just relax and overcome!

 

[MDGeorge]

"I have a question on riding the wind. Do you think type of rear tires ( bias belted/radial), tire pressure (low/high), and/or front tire, help or hinder riding the wind."

It would have to be a negligible difference to my thinking.
It seems that the wind issue is all about the wind catching the front wheel and the rider turning the wheel in response to the wind.

I think!:xzqxz:

 

[SEABILL]

For me... at least it seems like..... the wind would effect me and then I would effect the bike. After I learned to do like most have suggested and loosen my grip and relax, things got better.

Also I noticed that after I installed the fork brace it seemed a little better.

 

[werewolf]

since the wind never BLOWS in Kansas,
I am having a hard time relating to this post:qpnmt:

Truthfully, on my WilMac trike, 25+ mph wind
in not that much fun to ride in.

If you are riding with a cross wind, get as far over
and as close to the outside white line as possible when
meeting semis. It will help with the buffeting as you
pass.

If you are riding just for pleasure
Make your trip go into the wind when
you leave and that way you have a tail wind
when you come home.

Wear your helmet, it protects your face
and eyes from blowing debris.
Wear protective gear also, a jacket,
riding pants/chaps, and gloves will help protect
your body. Fingers take a beating from flying rocks
sand and dirt out here.

Also watch for windbreaks with a cross wind.
They not only cause you issues, but also
push cars and empty semis around
and possibly into your lane on a two lane road.

ride safe

 

[tom w]

I have a lot less problems with wind on the trike than I did when it was an ultra. we crossed the inter costal water ways going to dolphin island in ala. when hurricane sandy was coming in and going east. wind was 60mph + on the ultra . Bad day! 35mph the whole was and leaning to keep from being blown over. all the cars behind me were upset about it .
with the trike I do what every one else has said "relax" adjust for the wind and keep a firm grip on the bars. use minor adjustments as needed. in time it will get better.

 

[skuuter]

I have a lot less problems with wind on the trike than I did when it was an ultra. we crossed the inter costal water ways going to dolphin island in ala. when hurricane sandy was coming in and going east. wind was 60mph + on the ultra . Bad day! 35mph the whole was and leaning to keep from being blown over. all the cars behind me were upset about it .
with the trike I do what every one else has said "relax" adjust for the wind and keep a firm grip on the bars. use minor adjustments as needed. in time it will get better.

I've been there on 2 wheels during forcasted 20-25 mph gusts.....definitely not fun.....!!!!!.....

 

[jcolson]

I've come across the east plains of Colorado and the wind gusts almost blew me off the trike but never bothered the trike. If on my old Ultra now we'd be in the medium.

 

[skuuter]

Wife and I were on Sport Bikes outside McMinnville, Tn in 2003 when we were blown completely across two lanes to the median before it passed..."scary".....surprised me how well my Wife "rode it out" also....!!!!!.....ThumbUp

...found out later on TV, they had 60 mph gusts....apparently we located at least one of em'.....:laugh:

 

[y2k_harley]

When I was still on my Deluxe, I made a 400 mile round trip in 25+mph cross wind. Got used to riding leaned over at 75mph. Only thing that sucked was passing big rigs that blocked that cross wind. Learned to anticipate when the wind would disappear and straighten up for that little bit so I didn't swerve into them.

 

[Shimpy]

"Unless" You are already traveling at a fairly high rate of speed (just have to make the best of it, not advocating anything dangerous here)....accelerating to the point that You are "pushing a hole" through the wind gusts helps. I had a hard time convincing my Wife of this years ago when She first started riding during "Tennessee Kite Season"....She finally kept trying it until She mastered it. Normal Human Reflex is to roll off throttle and slow down. If You learn to over ride this reflex, You'll finally get to where You make good, smooth accelerations through wind gusts...the trick is to carry more velocity than the gust has. This is a "scary" technique at first, but it does work...ThumbUp...This works well up through about 35 or so MPH gusts...above that and You're pretty much still at the Wind's mercy...as stated in the above post...Relax, Loose Grip on the Bars, Bent Elbows, Eyes/Face Forward.....GOOD LUCK..... ThumbUp

Good advise skuuter. I learned a long time ago while passing 18 wheelers to accelerate thru their blast coming off the front when passing. Trouble is with that you know when the blast of wind will come and when just riding you are caught off guard. Try not to ride to one side too much to prepare for a gust because in the steady wind you could get caught in a let-up and go off in the wrong direction. Helps me to bend way over in a gust to give it less to push on..

 

[bohomus]

Thanks for the responses. I'm going to try some of the tips you've suggested, that is if I can control my reflex to grab the bars tight, let off the throttle, and keep the "oh sh--" reflex under control. I suppose I really don't have as much confidence in my ability to control the trike as I thought.

My buddy and I are planning some trips this summer. If I'm gonna do that with him, I've got to learn how to deal with this.

 

[rhino 2]

Thanks for the responses. I'm going to try some of the tips you've suggested, that is if I can control my reflex to grab the bars tight, let off the throttle, and keep the "oh sh--" reflex under control. I suppose I really don't have as much confidence in my ability to control the trike as I thought.

My buddy and I are planning some trips this summer. If I'm gonna do that with him, I've got to learn how to deal with this.

Give it time everyone's been there, You'll figure it out after a few more miles out in the wind.....ThumbUp

 

[Doug D.]

Don't let a windy day scare you out of the saddle. My trike sits pretty low and has a decent footprint, but wind-friendly it's not. It's light in the front and it's not uncommon for it to get pushed around in the traffic lane by hard gusts and even strong steady winds.

The best way to learn is to get out in it and ride. Relax, stay focused and learn to anticipate the gusts. It won't take many miles for your reflexes to become accustomed to your trikes movements in the wind. It'll be second nature in no time... ThumbUp

 

[bohomus]

Also I noticed that after I installed the fork brace it seemed a little better.

Seabill, are you referring to the super brace? Does that help the stability in wind gusts?

 

[Rosy]

I rarely get wind blown on my Hannigan. I am wondering if:
The front end is braced very well from Hannigan.
I have a very large windshield which causes us to be in a "pocket" of air. My wife does not get any "wind" when she is riding. When it rains we do not get wet because the rain goes over us. It also keep us warmer than other bikes/trikes. When we go with other riders, they seemed to be colder than Janice & I.
I have aqua shields (ruining boards) on my Hannigan, so it keeps everything enclosed.
I have Baker type defectors for my hands and sides.
I have a good set of Michelin radials on the rear and an MPA in the front.
I believe set up on your trike may have a lot to do with how much "wind" effects your riding. Could be wrong, but it works for us.

Rosy

 

[SEABILL]

Seabill, are you referring to the super brace? Does that help the stability in wind gusts?

I have the Traxxion fork brace, but the Super Brace should do the same job.

Notice I used the words "seems like", cuz it is so hard to know for sure. It did feel like the brace helped, and it does make sense that taking some of the flex out of the forks would help.

 

[Big Juice]

I think there is some real knowledge in what Skuuter has said. I have found that when I am out on one of our toll roads and running at high speeds (speed limit is 85) that I don't notice head winds or gust until I slow down for an exit. Of course the excitement of running 90/95 on the trike is exhilarating and maybe I just didn't notice it! Oh, did I say 90/95? I meant 80/85..........you know what I meant........

 

[bohomus]

I rarely get wind blown on my Hannigan. I am wondering if:
The front end is braced very well from Hannigan.
I have a very large windshield which causes us to be in a "pocket" of air. My wife does not get any "wind" when she is riding.

I have been thinking of getting an F4+4 wind shield for my 97 1500. I can't see how that would help the side wind gusts, in fact I was a bit worried that a taller and wider windshield might make the situation worse. That would be extremely cool if it does in fact help. Does anyone know?