Don’t Let The Wind Push You Around.
Riding a motorcycle in the wind is old hat for the more experienced riders out there, but what about you newbies? Texas is notorious for its gusts. Check out our tips for managing wobble and ducking side winds.
The Gear
Sometimes the right gear can make a world of difference.
- Invest in a full-face motorcycle helmet — Wind throws up plenty of dust and stones, which can irritate your face, and even sting like mini-hail stones
- Adding a windshield to your bike can help block wind
- Want to know a cheap fix for blocking the chill that comes with wind? Add a layer of newspaper between your shirt and riding jacket – that extra little bit of protection can pay off with big results
Work with the wobble
Motorcycles are a lot different than cars when it comes to wind. In a car, you are protected -separate even, from the wind. On a bike however there is no protection from outside forces.
Turbulence is normal, but in the wind, it can become a problem. Stability is key to managing wobble. The important thing to remember is to relax and let your body counter-balance the movement of the bike. This typically involves continually readjusting your center.
Surviving side winds
Experts suggest that when a side wind hits, you simply lean into it. Problems however tend to arise when a steady breeze turns into an all out gust. Here are a few tactics to try:
- Wind riding is a physics game. And what do we do when we want to stabilize something? We lower our body to the tank and reduce our profile. This should decrease the wind’s tipping leverage.
- Slow down. This should help to further stabilize the bike.
- Keep a solid grip on the bike. That doesn’t just mean hands either – grip with your feet and knees also.
- Stay calm. Overreacting to a wind gust can have devastating results. Always remember to stay calm and go with the flow.
Protect yourself with the Texan Insurance Motorcycle Insurance! We put you first!
Source – Wind
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