Windy conditions motorcycling

[Tenforeplay]

I was cruising a little over 70 mph in a crosswind today, probably 15-20 kts with some pretty good gusts, especially when the wind came up over the highway from lower ground, the bike was moving around pretty good, though not scary good.

Had a chap on a goldwing go by probably 5-10 mph faster, just cruising along, from what I could tell his bike wasn't moving around like mine.

Is the goldwing really that much more stable? How about other bikes in comparison, like the k1600 or gs1250? I was really impressed with the tracking of that goldwing.

 

[Chav]

I was cruising a little over 70 mph in a crosswind today, probably 15-20 kts with some pretty good gusts, especially when the wind came up over the highway from lower ground, the bike was moving around pretty good, though not scary good.

Had a chap on a goldwing go by probably 5-10 mph faster, just cruising along, from what I could tell his bike wasn't moving around like mine.

Is the goldwing really that much more stable? How about other bikes in comparison, like the k1600 or gs1250? I was really impressed with the tracking of that goldwing.

I’ve ridden all sorts of bikes new and old big and small and aside from flat out touring bikes which the Gold wing is the king of you are going to notice strong winds. The ST is taller so you might notice more but it’s much more planted than my last bike which was a retro sport (z900rs) least stable bike I’ve ever owned was a Harley sportster.

 

[Cycledude]

My opinion the Goldwing definitely handles the wind better than the Super Tenere.

 

[Sierra1]

The Gold Wing is that all time champ of long-distance riding. It's also close to 300lbs heavier than a Tenere. Most of which is quite low on the bike. The last few years has had us a tad windier than normal. (confirmed by the weatherman) The wind speeds you were experiencing are becoming the norm. And I'm so done with them. My "current" mileage will vary from high 20s to high 60s, depending on wind direction. I actually saw 76mpg the other day. Cruise was set to 73mph. Side winds are the worst.

But the Tenere isn't any worse, and might be better, than the ST13 or RT. The 'Wing is just in a class of its own.

 

[Tenforeplay]

What I was wondering. That goldwing was moving right along.

 

[OldRider]

I came from a Wing to the Tenere and yes the Wing is more stable in crosswinds. It will also suck a tank of gas dry going into a headwind. I was out West on I10 heading into a 50mph headwind once and got barely over 20mpg.

 

[Donk]

Even in the Adventure category some bikes are more stable in wind than others. Also depends on the type of luggage you have on the bike. Another big factor is air density. Cold air spring winds pack more punch than warm summer winds and will move the bike more at the same given wind speed. Add to that terrain and fetch - how far the wind goes uninterrupted by objects will all have a big impact on how you feel the wind. All that aside some bikes are definitely better in wind than others.

 

[Chav]

Even in the Adventure category some bikes are more stable in wind than others. Also depends on the type of luggage you have on the bike. Another big factor is air density. Cold air spring winds pack more punch than warm summer winds and will move the bike more at the same given wind speed. Add to that terrain and fetch - how far the wind goes uninterrupted by objects will all have a big impact on how you feel the wind. All that aside some bikes are definitely better in wind than others.

Being from the Midwest tundra I can attest to the open spaces lol.