Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

I learned a valuable lesson yesterday. It was raining and overcast but I wanted to go to Cycle Gear to pick up and pick up some stuff. I thought, no big deal right? WRONG!!!
I hit the road, all suited up of course, eager to get to the store. All was well until about a 1/4 mile from my house. I felt like I was on ice. I was sliding to the left and wondering "What tha F***!?" Turns out it was the wind. The wind was blowing between 16 and 20+ mph and was pushing me to the side. As I was sliding towards the curb, I started leaning to the right to try and stay on the road, as I kept getting closer to the curb, I started leaning like I was in a pretty decent curve to stay where I wanted. I bet I looked like this on the road /. I recognized my limits and said "Screw this." Slowed down to about 30 mph and made the first U-Turn I could and slowly road home. I got there safely, thank goodness and took my car instead. So when I see trees leaning from wind in the rain, you can forget it until I get more experience. I checked my I-Phone and saw the wind strength, so I will check that before I ride in the rain, hehehe.

Just thought I would share.
Take care and ride safe all,

John

You will get used to the wind ,and our bike is great in the wind compared to alot of other bikes.

Next time ,just grip with your knees ,keep your arms bent and try to relax ,if your to stiff you chest and upper body become like a sail ,the wind hits you ,you pull on the bars with out realising it ,the wind its self isn't moving the bike ....your pulling the bars.

Glad to hear you stayed safe.

The trick is to ride faster than what the wind is going. Then it just becomes a gentle breeze. ...joke. Never do that!!!!!

My first bad experience was in the rain with winds at around 80km/h. I was leaning hard on the bike just to go straight. When a big gust came I needed
to lean harder but once it passed I would shoot off hard into the lane. The worst part was that I was fighting to keep from getting pushed into oncoming traffic.
Not long after (about 5-10min) on the particular road I was on, a big tree came down and killed the driver of a car.
I ended up heading home and getting a train.

Sleddog is right though. You do get used the winds and the 650F is built to handle them better than you think.
His tips are right on the mark too. Grip with your knees and keep your upper body relaxed. I also slide back in the seat, position myself over the tank a bit to tuck in and "become one with the bike".

It's all just experience. With a bit of time, the winds you were in yesterday will be no problem. You get used to it.

Cheers. BB

Those must have been some strong winds! I rarely get blown about on the 650F. Sometimes it helps to point your knee into the wind. This has the effect creating drag on that side from the head wind, and steering you into the cross wind, and offsetting the effect of the cross wind. But, just try to avoid riding in storms if you can help it. Windy storms usually pass by quickly. Be safe!

I appreciate the responses and advice. I will take it to heart and keep practicing every chance I get. As my friends say at work.. "Baby steps. Don't get in a hurry too much too fast and practice." It did not make me scared, just cautious until I get more experience under my belt. I will continue to ride in the rain unless it's a thunderstorm like was suggested by kris.

GSX "POWA!!!!"

John

You have the right attitude! Don't be afraid ride in all kinds of weather, on all types of roads and with all kinds of traffic. That is how you build experiance, skill and confidence. Now you know about crosswinds! Well done!

Being smart enough to know when to not risk it anymore is a good way to be.

I'll never forget the time I was on my GS500F and it got windy out. I was scared to death. That thing gets blown around like a feather, or at least it felt like it. Still, I have to admit it was pretty exhilarating to fight through it and get home safely.

Of course, compared to what you described, it was probably a breeze, but I was (am) a rookie!

I rode to work today and the winds were worse than before!! It was dry but man it was windy! I took all the advice and it worked like a charm. Got to work with no worries or issues Thanks all

John

See John. It's not that bad. You get used to it fairly quick.
When you get a few good pointers on dealing with it, it gets so much easier.

Learn to Ride & Ride to Learn.

Amen brother, Amen