What's the best way to handle wind?

**nzspokes** · 7th July 2011, 15:33

Not from to many beans but when riding. Went out today and got blown about a bit. Felt a bit unstable in gusts. Any tips?

**Latte** · 7th July 2011, 15:35

Fast and Loose (just like the other wind problem).

**Maha** · 7th July 2011, 15:36

Just relax and let it go (just like the other wind problem)

**bogan** · 7th July 2011, 15:37

Originally Posted by nzspokes

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Not from to many beans but when riding. Went out today and got blown about a bit. Felt a bit unstable in gusts. Any tips?

Don't tense up on the bars, loosening up allows you to change your lean angle as each gust hits. With small to medium gusts it basically shifts the bike around under you rather than moving you about in the lanes.

**Bald Eagle** · 7th July 2011, 15:38

Stay away from Wellington

**slofox** · 7th July 2011, 15:41

Originally Posted by nzspokes

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Not from to many beans but when riding. Went out today and got blown about a bit. Felt a bit unstable in gusts. Any tips?

Oh...I was just gonna warn you about the beans...

I love riding in stormy conditions - dunno why - just that fighting the elements thing I guess.

I tuck down tight and apart from that, just let the bike do what it wants - stay loose on the bars, relax the arms - don't fight it. Keeping a reasonable speed seems to help too. Go too slow and it seems worse. Not sure about going too fast...

**Latte** · 7th July 2011, 15:41

Originally Posted by Bald Eagle

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Stay away from Wellington

(Just like the other wind problem)

**James Deuce** · 7th July 2011, 15:43

Hold it in until no one can hear you. Best effect is just before you get out of the lift.

**nzspokes** · 7th July 2011, 15:47

I do hold on to hard. My right arm is sore when I get back from a ride. Ive ordered some wide bars as i feel a little cramped to. So losen up then.

It was my first going to get something ride, what to the chemist. They get a bit jumpy when you walk in with a helmet on.

**James Deuce** · 7th July 2011, 15:50

Originally Posted by nzspokes

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I do hold on to(sic) hard.

You'll get piles.

**bogan** · 7th July 2011, 15:50

Originally Posted by nzspokes

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I do hold on to hard. My right arm is sore when I get back from a ride. Ive ordered some wide bars as i feel a little cramped to. So losen up then.

It was my first going to get something ride, what to the chemist. They get a bit jumpy when you walk in with a helmet on.

Another tip to help with that is only use the inside arm for control, leave the other one loose, gives greater precision and less effort cos you arms are fighting each other.

Yeh I can't blame them!

**Latte** · 7th July 2011, 15:56

Originally Posted by bogan

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Another tip to help with that is only use the inside arm for control, leave the other one loose, gives greater precision and less effort cos you arms are fighting each other.

Yeh I can't blame them!

Inside arm..... is that like in Aliens with the bursting out of the chest etc ?

**slofox** · 7th July 2011, 15:57

Originally Posted by nzspokes

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I do hold on to hard. My right arm is sore when I get back from a ride. Ive ordered some wide bars as i feel a little cramped to. So losen up then.

It was my first going to get something ride, what to the chemist. They get a bit jumpy when you walk in with a helmet on.

Wider bars, huh..? I have clipons - feel OK to me...

**awa355** · 7th July 2011, 16:11

Years ago, five of us were in single file on the Desert rd with a howling cross wind. Four of us were leant way over into the wind, high, full fairing bikes. The odd one out was on a Honda 450 Rebel. She had a lower seat and did not seem troubled by the wind at all.

I ride a low heavy cruiser and strong cross winds dont upset the bike.

Keeping a straight line in gale force winds can be hairy. If the wind is coming from my right, I try to stay closer to the centreline. A good strong wind will push you sideways more than you may realise.

Sooner deal with heavy rain than strong winds.