[rteichman]

Am I doing something wrong? Whenever I ride my bike on the highway I constanly feel like I am being blown all around. Is this normal, even when its not a very windy day? If yes how do people do long rides on the highway? After just a few miles I feel exausted from dealing with the wind.

I primarily like to ride back roads, but I also want the freedom to ride somewhere on the highway to get to the backroads. As it stands know, if I ride on the highway for any length of time, I'm too stressed to enjoy the back roads.

By the way I have a Katana 750, if that makes any difference.

 

[Louis]

Are you talking about side wind (cross winds)?

 

[87gsxrnut]

It's normal. Learn to deal with it. Someone might make a taller Katana windshield that might help some, but basically, you are in the elements.

- Nut

 

[rteichman]

Are you talking about side wind (cross winds)?

Yes, crosswinds. The head on wind is not a problem (other than getting caught in my gear unless its adjusted "just so")

 

[98G]

Are you talking about side wind (cross winds)?

Yes, crosswinds. The head on wind is not a problem (other than getting caught in my gear unless its adjusted "just so")

//You'll get used to it.

98G

 

[TireSMKN]

after a few good trips on the highway you learn to like it and not even think about it...

 

[rteichman]

after a few good trips on the highway you learn to like it and not even think about it...

I don't know about that. I have done short rides on the highway numerous times now and each time it scares the %^*&% out of me. I am totally stressed when I get of the highway.

 

[98G]

after a few good trips on the highway you learn to like it and not even think about it...

I don't know about that. I have done short rides on the highway numerous times now and each time it scares the %^*&% out of me. I am totally stressed when I get of the highway.

//I've experienced that. Give it a few thousand miles and you'll get over it.

98G

 

[cerastes]

A good way to reduce the effects of wind when riding is to stay away from beer, curry and beans. Works for me.

 

[DoomX]

I also have a Katana 750. the best way that i got to reduce the crosswinds effect on the highway, is to sit back a little bit on the seat, and lower my upper body on the gas tank. kind of like a racing position. This way your body dont act like a sail.

 

[Clint]

Maybe you're being too stiff with the bike. Keep your arms relaxed, grip the tank with your legs slightly, and let it ride out the gusts.

I don't like the wind, either. In fact, I sometimes skip a ride if it's gusty. I just can't enjoy myself while getting smacked in the head every five seconds.

 

[prekarious1]

like the others are saying, just ensure that you have a loose, relaxed grip on the bars and lean forward almost into a tuck. It don't really matter if you think you look like a squid at that time, your body will no longer be getting moved around by the wind upsetting the balance you have on the bike. That and some time and experience.

 

[rteichman]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll crouch down low and forced myself to ride more on the highways trying to get used to it. Till now I have been doing everything I can to avoid the highways.

 

[jaydog19833]

I think half the wind is from other cars cutting into the air, making unpredictable wind conditions. Crouch in racing position on bridges or when multiple cars are around you. Otherwise; more miles and a little longer trip than usual will make you more comfortable. (remember how fast and scary 30 mph was when you first started riding)?

 

[el barto]

Riding in the wind isn't too bad if it's a constant breeze. The big wind gusts that happen right before a storm can be pretty annoying, especially when coming out of canyons, entering mountains and the like. You'll have to learn to deal with them, and not be scared of them. It's just something that comes with experience. You'll never really enjoy it, but tolerate it better. Just try to keep relaxed with your grip on the bars and stay low.

 

[Drake]

If you want to make the leaning over part nice and comfy for a long ride... get a simple tank bag. Get a magnetic tank bag and put some padding in there like a nice sweatshirt etc. It gives you a nice pillow to lean forward on so you're not holding yourself up entirely with your arms and your back. Makes the long haul easier.

 

[Crazy1ear]

Rowdy and DoomX nailed it as far as I'm concerned. I too own a 750 Kat and know quite well the crosswind effect (living in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada - right on the Atlantic Ocean). I have to settle in on the tank, relax my arms and then gently lean to correct any movement from crosswinds. The first time I went on the highway I noticed it a lot. After an hour into the ride I had learned to deal with it. Get your Kat out for a long ride on the highway (at least an hour's run each way) and keep this stuff in mind. Also, someone on here once mentioned wearing earplugs while riding - wow - that makes a huge difference to wind noise, which is also a huge distraction when riding on the highway. Riding is about confidence. The more you ride (without incident!) the more confident you become. After posting this I think I'll go for a highway ride today!

 

[rteichman]

OK, I have been going on longer highway rides (1 hour or so) and have been following the advice given. I am getting more used to it, but I do have a question about "lying on the tank". How literal is that? I have tried it, literally, but it feels funny, and my head comes almost in front of the windscreen . So do you lay on it such that your entire chest is on the tank? If yes, aren't your arms and legs scrunched up?

 

[stevie c]

You say about earplugs,I reckon about 60-70% of UK sports bike riders use them anyway,not just windy days.

Dying to crack a joke about wind and following through but its too easy! :lol:

 

[Crazy1ear]

Laying on tank

Depending on the type of road I'm riding on I may use different positions when laying on the tank. If it's a twisty road I'm usually up well on it - chin on the ignition like - but on the highway I'm usually a bit further back. I guess depending on your height your knees and arms would be scrunched up, but I'm 5' 8"... not a big problem. Pick up a good sport bike magazine or go to Uponone.com and watch some of the video of the track guys riding - you will notice how far up on the tank they get with their head right out next to the windshield on turns (the still photos are really good for getting the... picture). :wink: