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   

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... 

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  .

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 .  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... .  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

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 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

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 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?