Ok, so I bought my bike (07 gs500f) 2 weeks ago and riding is not at all what I expected. Well, I guess it is fun and exciting, but the amount of side wind I am incountering is just plain crazy! I am scared to go onto the interstate because I am being blown all around the road. I will be riding around town at 45-50 mph and feel like I am being pushed off the road or pulled over to the other lane. It is just plain scary.
So, here is the bottom line: if someone can't help me with this, I am just gonna sell my bike below cost and ditch riding all together cause it aint worth it to trash myself and my ride. PLEASE advise!
Ok, chill a bit, and give us more to go on.
1. What is your riding experience, ie. none at all, or what?
2. How windy is it where you are riding, or is it passing traffic causing the problem.
3. Have there been any tornados there recently?
:thumb:David.
Quote from: the mole on July 26, 2008, 07:34:11 PM
Ok, chill a bit, and give us more to go on.
1. What is your riding experience, ie. none at all, or what?
2. How windy is it where you are riding, or is it passing traffic causing the problem.
3. Have there been any tornados there recently?
:thumb:David.
1. 2 weeks
2. Raleigh, NC. I guess windy? But never ridden a bike outside of this area and it aint windy when I am standing still.
3. Negative on the tornados, huricanes, and small micro bursts
I am indeed calm, but my ride today just angered me. I really felt like I was being pushed off the road. Apparently no one else has the problem.
I felt the same way with the wind when I was new to riding. You learn to deal with 95% of it with time.
Just keep on riding!!! It will get better for you :thumb:
There's a certain amount of wind force (mostly from other vehicles - big trucks throw off quite a bow wave and suck in at the tail) one learns to deal with - BUT -
I'd check both axles really carefully for something loose, wildly low tire pressure, something else "just not right". Have a decent mechanic or experienced rider check it out, just in case you actually have a mechanical issue.
Also - find and take an MSF course. That's motorcycle safety foundation - worth its cost a million times over. <edit> if you don't understand countersteering, (which they will give you a solid handle on both in the class and in the parking lot) YOU may be what's pushing/pulling you the wrong way, if you are alternating between doing the right thing without thinking, and then thinking about turning and trying to turn like a car.
In the non-mechanical end of things (after you get it checked out, go find a nice empty country road where you won't have other vehicle wind most of the time) you may need to relax your grip a bit - some folks unconsciously tense up on the bars and this can cause some peculiar steering wobbles.
make sure you helmet fits i rode with a helmet a size to big for a week and it realy semed like i was getting blown around but now i have one that fits and its sooo much beter
The other day I was on a major highway.Trucks and more trucks...Yeah the wind off'em can be a pain.I just slowed a little to let them pass and didn't ride in the wake,about 5 or 6 cars lengths back.When passing I just giddy up and go..cut through the wake and get on down the road.Sometimes throttle is a good thing.
The worst part of the wake is from 5 car lengths up to the back of them and to the sides.Tucking into the tank will cut your drag! If your even half way up in a normal riding position..you are a human parachute! Is your suspension tight? Are your tire pressures to high? Check'em... :thumb: And ditto DOD#i's post!!
+1 DoD#i and Ronin.
If the bike is OK (tyres, pressures, alignment, head bearings, suspension) then you just need more tuition/practice. Check the bike thoroughly or get someone who knows to do it, move on from there. If its as bad as you say it can only get better! :thumb:
Patrick..
I have been ridiing for about 5 weeks.. let me tell you.. the wind thing is just something you will need to get used to. When i rode on the rode for about 40 mph hour.. i felt that rush of wind and i thought i was not doing my posture correctly.. i rode everyday on the small roads going about 40-50 for about 2 weeks. I thought maybe i was not posturing correctly or soething.. Now i can ride up to 80 mph without the wind bothering me.. on the highway.. you get used to it and suddenly its like your body knows how to react to the wind.
My recommendation for what i found to work for me.. is i make sure my legs are tight against the tank. This allows me to feel like i am part of the bike.. and it make me think i have more control. .you can try that.. mabye lean in forward more close to the gas tank.. then slowly relax to a better poster as u get used to the wind blowing around you. Also relax your arms.. that way the wind can push your body around but i does not translate to you moving the handle bar .. But the sense of being pushed around by the wind can be overwhelming but as you ride more often will go away..
Third and last thing.. if you really cant get used to the wind..i think you are making the right decision to walk away.. motorcycle is not for everyone..
youre on a lightweight faired bike. not well suited for teh interstate. BUT is tolerable with ride time. i rode in a 100 mile funeral escort the otehr week on my 97, and i was being passed by a tractor trailer every few miles or so. , cept in the inbound leg of the trip. ( we owned te interstate at that point no one passed us), BUT stick with it. youll get used to it. and check a few things. tire pressure. make sure helmet fits correctly. jacket fitting correctly etc
+1 for the helmet advice. Made my ride a million times more tolerable. I also tend to spend as little time alongside cars as possible. Accelerate away from traffic and cruise in the open areas between groups of cars.
BTW patrick are you anywhere near charlotte nc?, if so might want to get ahold of buddha, maybe he can look the bike over and see if anything is amiss. it wouldnt hurt to try. man dont give up yet< infact,dont give up at all :thumb:
def skip the interstate with big trucks i havn't been on the interstate yet and i plan on avoiding it backroads is how i like to trave hehe
Quote from: yamahonkawazuki on July 27, 2008, 03:01:53 AM
youre on a lightweight faired bike. not well suited for teh interstate.
One option would be to take the fairing off until you get more experience, that extra windage and weight on a light bike doesn't help. You can get hold of a standard headlight shell and brackets and fit that, not a really big job and if you do drop the bike it'll cost a lot less to repair. Fairings are a bit of a mixed blessing unless you're doing a lot of high speed work.
I've ridden 90+ on the interstate before many times and have never found it to be enjoyable. Just going fast is boring IMO. Mdow might be on to something with findinng a better fitting helmet.
+1 to finding some good twisty back roads!! Those are a lot of fun!!
get a gazateer( NC state map with every stinking road on it) and ride the back roads
the highway sucks a$$.... fastest way to wear out a perfectly good rear tire
"Average" lives near you in cary or apex
yeah the big trucks are scarey.....ride places where they ain't.
until you get better and used to the way the bike handles
we all started there, some learn faster than others.....like everything else
or give up, sell it and buy a sport ute
First week I got my bike the wind felt like it was gonna arm-bar me off the road, but after alot more riding experience I barely notice the wind unless its unusually high. I found that the slower I go (i.e. 50-60mph) the more susceptible I am to the wind, but the faster I went (i.e. 65+), the more I cut through the wind like a knife.
I say +1 to what everyone has said, especially the counter-steering. If the wind is pushing you to the right, and you "turn" your handle-bars to the left, then thats what your problem is.
i just started riding a gs recently too and i live in chapel hill, nc. our weather is the same as your's and it really hasn't been windy at all around here. i think you just need to practice and get used to the feeling. i'd practice and ride some more if i were you before i sold the bike.
When i first started riding the wind was a little much. Of course it didnt help that it was really windy, probably about 60mph side winds. You get used to it after a while though. In my opinion, just keep riding for another month or so and see if you get used to it before selling the bike. +1 for the MSF course, best money i ever spent.
I've been riding for about 3 months now. Crosswinds defintely take a little while to get used to and trucks definitely create some turbulence. However, it's all (IMO) just a matter of time and experience. Personally, I haven't yet tried riding on the interstate. It's just not appealing--and for that matter it's illegal in Ohio since I don't yet have my endorsement. Though it is possible, I don't think our bikes were designed with the long haul in mind. I might eventually start using the interstate for my commute, but I'd only be on it for less than 10 minutes.
Also, as it's been said, the more you tuck, the less you'll feel it. :thumb: Give it some time!
Quote from: patrickpruett on July 26, 2008, 07:25:12 PM
Ok, so I bought my bike (07 gs500f) 2 weeks ago and riding is not at all what I expected. Well, I guess it is fun and exciting, but the amount of side wind I am incountering is just plain crazy! I am scared to go onto the interstate because I am being blown all around the road. I will be riding around town at 45-50 mph and feel like I am being pushed off the road or pulled over to the other lane. It is just plain scary.
So, here is the bottom line: if someone can't help me with this, I am just gonna sell my bike below cost and ditch riding all together cause it aint worth it to trash myself and my ride. PLEASE advise!
Same thing happened to me when I first bought my bike.. 01 naked.. I stopped taking the highway.. After riding for a few months, I am going 60's on 50 mph streets and I am not noticing the wind as much. I still stay off the interstates but I am pretty sure I would be fine now riding them. I say just like the other previous posts, You will get used to it after a while. And also keep riding till you feel relaxed. I enjoy my bike much more now that I am not always worried about wind.. ;)
Stick with it. You will learn to love riding and it will become an addiction. Crosswinds you'll just have to get used to. Make sure to check the tire pressure. Mine was a little too high and I have noticed a difference since correcting. As for passing traffic tucking into the tank makes a huge difference.
Quote from: b_long_1 on July 27, 2008, 10:54:56 PM
Stick with it. You will learn to love riding and it will become an addiction. Crosswinds you'll just have to get used to. Make sure to check the tire pressure. Mine was a little too high and I have noticed a difference since correcting. As for passing traffic tucking into the tank makes a huge difference.
+1 :thumb:
Quote from: Bluehaze on July 27, 2008, 01:08:54 AM
Third and last thing.. if you really cant get used to the wind..i think you are making the right decision to walk away.. motorcycle is not for everyone..
+1
I would recommend you try everything all of these riders have suggested, especially the MSF course and additional (backroads) practice. However, if you
really can't get into it, it's okay to walk away. No point being endlessly frustrated and possibly injuring yourself (or others).
That said, I'm glad you asked for help and I hope some of the recs will end your strugglin... :thumb:
So here is an update. I received my jacket the day after I wrote the post and it has made a huge difference so far. My helmet is a good size and so is my jacket. Tire pressure is good. I do beleive it will take time to get it. Loosening my grip has helped as well. Just rolling with the punches seems to be the key. You all have been great. I really appreciate all the help. The MSF course is next up for insurance reduction and knowledge. See you on the road!
Hang in there mate. You're scared because you are new to riding. Let me tell you first time I got on a highway I was scared to death going 55mph (speed limit). I was riging back roads for about 4 month before that, and you are even "greener" in terms of starting riding and getting on the highway right away. I think it is normal. Your GS is not to blame for those feelings. It is motorcycling.
Now two seasons later I am comfortable on my GS500e 1999 at 80-85mph. No sweat. Two things I learned. At highway speed you do not steer with your handlebars. You use your body to shift the weight. It's all it takes to fight those wind gusts from trucks, change lines, et cetera. You become one with the bike. It takes time.
Second, as others mentioned get the proper fit gear (helmet, jacket, boots, pants -- in that order) and maybe use earplugs on the highway to damp all the noises. It will make a world of difference and isolate you from the road so you'll feel more confident, much like as if in a car. That will boost your high speed confidence.
We've all been there. You are just asking too much from biking being that new. It is not GS500 per say to blame. Any bike will give you that "scared off of my shirts" feeling because it is really what morotcycling is all about. Being there, in the midst of it. It is overwhelming at first.
Well, to quit of not to quit that is the question (everybody asks himself at the beginning). It is up to you. I did overcame my fears. And I am a cautious one (with a family and three kids at stake). And I am glad I did take it slow. But the choice is yours. That's the choice you have to make every day, BTW - to ride or not to ride (factoring in weather, mood, feel, "signs", etc).
Welcome to the club!
I remember and even made a similar post about 2 years ago on here about my first riding experience. I remember i wrote about the wind being a problem but eventually you get use to it. Don't freak out! stay calm and dont fight suddenly with the wind. steer into it but dont be too forceful. good luck and i hope you learn and decide to stick with it :).
Same as the others. I think I said not long after I started that I felt like the wind was trying to 'hurl me off the bike'. I still avoid going over 80 for long periods; the buffeting and noise are just irritating.
But these days I ride on the interstate almost every day, and feel fine blipping it up to 90+ too.
I think the main thing is I'm more comfortable shifting my torso down and forward at speed. Not a full tuck, but maybe a 1/3 tuck on the freeway. When I first started I was kind of locked in the arms-bent-but-just-barely position they taught me in the MSF class! That definitely makes the wind a bit crazy.
My advice would be not to make any fast decisions. If you don't like the interstate at the moment, come up with some other fun routes to ride and take it easy. I think comfort with the wind will come eventually.
Best,
Chris O
:)
Welcome to the road (and all the wind that goes with it!).
It does take some getting used to - I was nervous at first, especially when something BIG blows by :o.
You'll learn to really be aware of your surroundings, to keep an eye on what's coming from behind or what you're coming up on. I know that when a semi or big cube truck is going to pass to expect a bow-shock that'll want to nudge you aside and the buffeting in it's wake. When I see that truck coming from behind, I'll shift over to the right half of the lane I'm in to soften the effects. Similarly, when passing something large, I'll move to the left half of my lane, and then move smartly past it to minimize the time I'm in the truck's wake.
Good idea to gear up properly :thumb:. Not too crazy about sitting still at a light in the heat and humidity, but considering the alternative... it's a small price to pay for being prepared... and I'm feeling a lot better once the traffic gets moving.
There is one thing, however, that I'm still having trouble with... coming to a stop going uphill and then getting going again! Still not too smooth easing off the rear brake, finding the right spot in the friction zone, and feeding fuel at the right rates... I'll still stall her out every once in a great while... :oops:. Fortunately, nobody's been a real @$$hole about it.
Good luck! and the MSF course is the single best thing you can do for yourself (except, of course, wanting to ride!!!)
I love being in the wind - I feel so alive in it. Now I know how my black lab feels with a bit of window open on the highway.... WOOOF!
Mike
I had similar issues when I started and that was with a full power GS500F (new, first larger bike). With time, miles and practice, you get used to it...I had it up to 95 last week in some "light" wind. You DO get used to it.
Agree with a whole lot of the above but mostly - use good gear i.e. trousers, jacket and lid - ALL help with wind. Ensure you are leaning and controlling properly and NEVER try to turn those bars at high speed...leaning is the key, if you feel it slipping away from you in a lean, slow down.
Finally, someone mentioned a GS500F (or indeed, a smallish faired bike) isnt ideal for a highway/motorway (depending on the side of the pond you're on) ... I say, GSXR-x ... faired bike, lighter than a GS500....suited very much to open road such as a motorway or whatever. And my understanding on fairings is they are meant to DIVERT wind/rain etc and IMPROVE aerodynamics, not make it worse.....thats been my experience having been on only unfaired bikes until the GS.
I dont think ANY bikes are really suited to a really bad, strong wind. Its the issue of 2 wheels and poorer aero-dynamics.
Anyways, the key to the wind is knowing when it is just TOO strong (if you see cars/trucks and LARGE/HEAVY vehicles being blown about, this is a good indicator)....when its not too strong, its all about rolling with it and just keeping cool, maintain course and lean with the wind...
Finally, as with everything else, practice and experience is the key...
I am glad to hear you are giving it a try. I have been riding every day for the last two months and the wind is the one thing I still have issues with. I am a 125lb. female on a light bike so I am just going to get blown around whether I like it or not :icon_rolleyes:
My riding consists of what I call getting through the urban freeway unconcious drivers zone. I commute about 10 miles that consists of heavy traffic, lots of merges, everyone speeding, talking on their cell phone, eating etc. I consider this the most challenging riding I have to do and while it's not always pleasant I am getting more comfortable with it each day. The wind is just an added challenge thrown in to the mix.
Everyone's advice so far has been spot on. I didn't even attempt the freeway until I took the msf class, then I worked up to higher speeds at 5 mile increments until I was comfortable with all the different variables. The first time I went 50 I felt like I was in a wind tunnel! Now it's my favorite speed to cruise at.
I've actually been blown from one lane to the other one time. That was as bad as it's been so far and while it scared the crap out of me, I learned from it. Countersteering is an essential skill for dealing with wind in my noob opinion. As you get more experience you will learn how best to deal with the different types of turbulence as well. There is actuall windy days, crosswinds from canyons or open areas, turbulence from vehicles etc. They all have thier special little traits.
The most important thing I can say is to listen to your natural knowing and if you are not comfortable, don't push yourself. Take all the time you need to learn how to ride. It is a skill and it does not happen without practice! The first day I rode my bike I was scared to go downhill :oops: In a few short months I've come a long way from there but I have a loooong way to go and I am taking all the time I need to get there ;)
Keep us posted on your progress!
hellos and stuff.
stay away from the interstate assuming you're not commuting on your bike. the i-state is the most mind numbing, boring, annoying, windy, scary (at times) place to ride ever.
stick to some local twisties, go exploring on back roads. before you know it wind (and interstates) will be something you appreciate, as they both mean you're riding, and a twisty road is on it's way ;)
i personally can't stand the interstates, but i'm glad they are available for when a 10 hour drive (not ride) is in order.
give me 5 hours of twisty adventures any day. exploring on the gs is a cheap blast, and finding your way home half the fun.
go ride, ride safe ! :)
Quote from: reminor on July 28, 2008, 06:22:48 PMNow two seasons later I am comfortable on my GS500e 1999 at 80-85mph. No sweat. Two things I learned. At highway speed you do not steer with your handlebars. You use your body to shift the weight. It's all it takes to fight those wind gusts from trucks, change lines, et cetera. You become one with the bike. It takes time.
No offense but don't ever tell anyone to steer with weight. ALL steering comes from the handlebars via countersteering. If you need to quickly swerve out of the way of an obstruction and try to do it using 'weight', you will hit it.
Of course, the amount of pressure required to turn while at highway speeds is very minimal.
Sorry if I sounded like a duck there, just don't want people riding out there the wrong way and putting themselves at unnecessary risk.
Great advice guys and gals, but I think ol' Patrick is a lost cause (unfortunately). I just saw his bike posted in the "for sale" section:( It's a shame but maybe some people aren't cut out for riding. Then again, maybe he just needed someone else to ride with. I have a buddy who has an 08 Ninja 250 that he bought for a (relatively) great price and he never rides it. I think he just doesn't have anyone to ride with and show him it's not as scary as it seems. Ah well...
Quote from: jgreth on July 30, 2008, 03:03:36 PM
Quote from: reminor on July 28, 2008, 06:22:48 PMNow two seasons later I am comfortable on my GS500e 1999 at 80-85mph. No sweat. Two things I learned. At highway speed you do not steer with your handlebars. You use your body to shift the weight. It's all it takes to fight those wind gusts from trucks, change lines, et cetera. You become one with the bike. It takes time.
No offense but don't ever tell anyone to steer with weight.
By shifting weight I meant leaning. My bad. I should have been clearer on that. That's how I do anyways, ducking and leaning when I need to steer at high speed or tame a gust of wind. Maybe doing that I do apply pressure to the handlebars and I indeer countersteer and direct the bike that way, I don't know. I just don't feel that I do. I never
consiously steer with handlebars at high speed.
Infamous target fixation causes the bike to go wherever you look, you don't even realize you steer but you do. Same thing. Very subtile muscle action on the subconcious level I guess.
Patrick, I live near you in Elm City and just started riding a few months ago. I have an unfaired GS. Yesterday I caught the leading edge of a thunderstorm and actually had to lean into the gusts...a first for me. But you know, the bike tracked right through it beautifully. There I was in a driving rain, high winds, and you know what, the bike took it all in stride. If you want to go riding just p.m. me here anytime. I usually ride on the weekends and for about an hour each evening if possible. All back roads, I might get out on 301 hwy for a mile or so at a time just to shortcut. I rode out to O'cools Wed. evening and ate outside, it was great. Your bike is perfect to learn the ropes on, shoot, I have no plans to change models any time soon.
Just be glad you have the GS instead of the Ninja 250. My wife's Ninja 250 gets blown all over the highway no matter how little wind there is!
Quote from: miss kittie on July 30, 2008, 08:52:45 AM
I am glad to hear you are giving it a try. I have been riding every day for the last two months and the wind is the one thing I still have issues with. I am a 125lb. female on a light bike so I am just going to get blown around whether I like it or not :icon_rolleyes:
My riding consists of what I call getting through the urban freeway unconcious drivers zone. I commute about 10 miles that consists of heavy traffic, lots of merges, everyone speeding, talking on their cell phone, eating etc. I consider this the most challenging riding I have to do and while it's not always pleasant I am getting more comfortable with it each day. The wind is just an added challenge thrown in to the mix.
Everyone's advice so far has been spot on. I didn't even attempt the freeway until I took the msf class, then I worked up to higher speeds at 5 mile increments until I was comfortable with all the different variables. The first time I went 50 I felt like I was in a wind tunnel! Now it's my favorite speed to cruise at.
I've actually been blown from one lane to the other one time. That was as bad as it's been so far and while it scared the crap out of me, I learned from it. Countersteering is an essential skill for dealing with wind in my noob opinion. As you get more experience you will learn how best to deal with the different types of turbulence as well. There is actuall windy days, crosswinds from canyons or open areas, turbulence from vehicles etc. They all have thier special little traits.
The most important thing I can say is to listen to your natural knowing and if you are not comfortable, don't push yourself. Take all the time you need to learn how to ride. It is a skill and it does not happen without practice! The first day I rode my bike I was scared to go downhill :oops: In a few short months I've come a long way from there but I have a loooong way to go and I am taking all the time I need to get there ;)
Keep us posted on your progress!
i agree with you guys. i was fortunate that my brother and dad ride, my dad has a vulcan and my bro has an sv650, the best cure for you is to practice and ride with more experenced guys to show you a few hints on riding. i was like you once i was scared shitless the first time i rode my bike on the highway, i got off it and my hands where shaking, but i got back on and every day since i have had no fear of my bike or of the highway, i have to ride on the highway to get anywhere ( i live about 7 miles outside the nearest city city) i usually cruse around 60 or 70mph ive even had the guts to take it to 100mph. ive been riding it for over a month and a half straight (my car was in the shop and out of comission) i have ridden everywhere you can think of and in just about every condition bearable by the human body including hail. believe me if theres one thing i have learned riding my bike its that you cant be afraid of it but dont get over your head and know your limits and ride well within them i always do, that way if something comes up unexpectedly i have a little extra breathing room
im not saying that i know eveerything or have all the answers but i have learned quite a bit while riding( just for perspective ive put 1400 miles on my bike since i bought it a month and a half ago)my 2 cents is stay within your limits and find someone to ride with that has been riding for a while, they will teach you a few things before the day is done regardless of what they ride, weither it be a cruser or sport bike they will have at least a few hints for you that will help
I was going to add that if Patrick has listed his bike for sale that's too bad, but he's doing what he feels is right for him.
I learned to ride on middle weight naked bikes, no fairings, you just leaned over a little to tuck in to cut the wind. Buffeting from trucks or crosswinds wasn't pleasant but riders learn to cope with it. The little fly screen on my GS makes a huge difference over my last bike, but in our local canyons we've had crosswinds that push the bike over a foot or my a$$ partly off the saddle, but we compensate.
The one thing I will NOT get used to it seems is the diamond grooves we have in some sections of out local freeways- there are some stretches that are so deep that the tire squirm is horrible, and I wonder if that is maybe part of what Patrick was feeling and was equating it with being part of the wind factor? I can handle moderate squirm, I just relax and let the bike dance around under me, but the stuff that feels like I'm going through deep sand really freaks me out! It gets so strong that I have had to do 55 or less in the slow lane, it feels like the bike is going to flip me, and it may have something to do with the tires, because the moto is super solid on other pavement, and even in hard dirt. This apparently is on newly grooved sections, and I hate them!
I was also going to say +1 on all the good recs on a proper sport bike jacket (the streamlined and secure fit helps a lot) and correctly fitted (snug) helmet. This is a super thread for anyone having issues like this.
I am sorry to hear about Patrick if in fact he goes through with the entire transaction. But as a newbie to motorcycling everyone's posts have been extremely helpful to me. I am in the same shoes as Patrick but I am very persistent in conquering my fears and have no plans on quiting. Quite the opposite, it actually drives me crazy that I cant accomplish what everyone else is already doing.
My bike has been checked with the local shop and they suggested that the bike does in fact need new springs but that is not the reason for my discomfort with the wind. It is funny because I know I must be going 50 without even looking at the speedo. That is how uncomforting it gets at that speed.
One question, since some of your mentioned the jacket I must ask. It seemed to help when I zipped the vents closed on my jacket at 50mph. Should those vents be definitelly closed if you are about to head to the highway?
I zip my front zipper up tight before I get up to any faster than 55, or if it is really windy out. Also I am down to the mesh part of my jacket because of the heat, and it fits tighter than when all the outer covering is zipped on over it, and it's slimmer (it's essentially the inner part of my Joe Rocket jacket, it has 3 stages). That helps a lot that it is form fitting. If your vents are full length and really wide it might make you feel better; in my experience wind mostly catches an open main front zipper on a jacket, but yeah, if you feel a difference try it. I also snap my visor completely closed, I usually ride with it cracked open so I can smell the ocean or the sage in the canyons, also because it's cooler that way, otherwise I fog my shield when we have a lot of humidity. Both help with wind tug and noise, and tucking your position on the bike in a little helps with heading into the wind. Getting your helmet down a bit lets your profile slip through the wind better, especially if you have those cool spoilers on the back of your helmet. Make sure you have good gloves too, even bugs can sting if they hit you at 55-65mph, and cars can kick up gravel.
I always ride with earplugs, especially when I'm heading on the freeway. It helps with comfort more than any single other thing I've done. I have a spiffy custom silicone pair that have valves in them that close up at sound levels over 80dB. When I'm just idling at a light or whatever, I can hear fine, but as soon as I get up to speed, they kick in and quiet things down a lot. They really help things quite a bit.
Just a quick update since Patrick doesn't seem to be around much anymore. I learned via PM that he's selling for financial/personal reasons, not fear of the highway. I was glad to hear that he is planning to get another bike in the future but it's just not the time right now.
+1 on the earplugs. I can't believe what a difference that makes in my being comfortable with the wind. August in my neck of the woods means convection heating, wind and thunderstorms in the afternoon. It makes for challenging riding conditions but I am happy to say that each day I ride I get a little more comfortable with it.
I am thinking about getting a zero gravity sport touring windscreen next to see if that makes freeway riding less tiring.
After going awhile at 75mph it feels like the wind is really pushing on my chest, but it sounds like it really depends on the individual as to whether a touring windscreen makes a difference.
My bike came with a huge windscreen, but I took it off very soon after I got the bike just to stay cooler. The windscreen did deflect a lot of wind, but I like the wind to cool me down more than I need it deflected for comfort. That's just my opinion though... Perhaps if it gets cold or I go on a really long ride I'll put it back...
That's a good point I had not thought of. Our hot weather should be winding down this month so maybe I'll wait. So far the longest ride I have been on is a half day and that did not involve much freeway riding. But if I want to get from here to somewhere like Jackson Hole or Yellowstone or even Moab or Southern Utah, it will require hours of riding the ole interstate. (If I want to get there in a day).
Ah, such problems :icon_lol:
I love my bike!
Fred what kind of ear plugs do you have. Never heard of the kind you described. I have speakers fitted in my helmet so I usually listen to my Ipod but can't hear it much on I-4 and my doc recommeneded them.
On my Shoei the bottom wind screen that goes in and out helps like a million times better! The top anti-fog one was taken with my tank pack. I hope they are enjoying it :mad: . The pack is useless to them because they didn't bother to take the straps and there was nothing but that piece and my bungee cord in the pack! What a disappointment to them I suppose. Left it in my apartment parking lot for two hours! Jerks!!!!!!!
Mary S.
Quote from: Toogoofy317 on August 10, 2008, 12:48:35 PM
Fred what kind of ear plugs do you have. Never heard of the kind you described. I have speakers fitted in my helmet so I usually listen to my Ipod but can't hear it much on I-4 and my doc recommeneded them.
On my Shoei the bottom wind screen that goes in and out helps like a million times better! The top anti-fog one was taken with my tank pack. I hope they are enjoying it :mad: . The pack is useless to them because they didn't bother to take the straps and there was nothing but that piece and my bungee cord in the pack! What a disappointment to them I suppose. Left it in my apartment parking lot for two hours! Jerks!!!!!!!
Mary S.
I use the insta-mold earplugs with filter from http://www.earinc.com/. This company actually creates local franchises, so the guy who came out and did the molding was from http://earplugs4u.com/, which is their LA area franchise. He was really cool and it didn't take long at all to make them. They are way way more comfortable than foam ear plugs and I've worn them all day. I wear them every day for riding, but I occasionally wear them to concerts and the shooting range and they do a great job there as well. Just make sure you tell the guy you want your ear plugs for motorcycle riding so they can make sure to make them very flush with your ear so your helmet doesn't knock them off...
I've also found that the helmet plays a huge role in noise level. I had a crappy KBC helmet that was super noisy and upgraded to a decent Icon that is way less noisy. I still wear earplugs though because even the quieter helmet gets too loud at freeway speeds...