Crosswinds and the D675.

Brooksie · #1 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

I have been riding every chance I get this spring. Weather, like today, is quite spotty with the wind being a particular concern. Since my mishap with the HEAVY wind last fall on the 955i, I am a bit sensitive to getting pushed around by the wind on the open road but love the 675 completely. Is there something I can do that will make the bike more sure fotted in cross winds? I already have had two instances where I have changed lanes without trying with wind gust of around 25/30 mph.
This is where my suspension is set:
anodised tube flush with clamp (fork cap above clamp)
Pre-load, 5 lines showing
Rebound, 7 out from full stiff
Compression, 9 out from full stiff
Sag, 33mm (acceptable range 32-38mm)
Rear:
Pre-load, 7.5mm thread showing (1.5 full rotations backed off)
Rebound, 7 out from full stiff
Compression, 12 out from full stiff
Sag, 32mm (acceptable range 28-32mm)

This setting seems great in good weather conditions and just eats up everything the roads give.
Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!

Alekker · #2 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

I would guess that reducing your cross sectional area would do more for you than adjusting your suspension. A tighter fitting jacket, smaller helmet, no tank bag or panniers or backpack will help.

Budo · #3 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

I think facing crosswinds have a lot to do with body positioning and not tensing up. I toured last summer on the 675, my bike loaded with saddlebags, a duffle bag back on the tail, and a tank bag. Inside Wyoming I hit crosswinds up to 30mph and at first it was really freakish. Eventually i figured that "floating" over the bike does more than fighting it through. By floating I mean sitting very lightly on the seat and being ready to shift your weight to either side whenever necessary.

Thats my .02 cents...

Brooksie · #4 (**permalink**) 3 Weeks Ago

Thanks for the tips guys! Alekker, I don't have saddlebags and haven't ridden using the tank bag yet, so I have the mass down as far as it can go. Also ride with leathers and ARAI or Shoei race helmets. Great point though. Budo, when the wind hit, I did use that method by using the legs more than the arms. I did not suffer the same fate as my 955i, but it'll take some getting used to not trying to wrestle the bike when it's going sideways. Keeping the arms low and loose does help. Had the Bonneville out in it today and the same type of gust did not even phase it. Of course the Bonnie is like a chopper compared to the D675 in wheelbase, weight and rake. Tire size helps too. I just love the 675 sooo much and would really like to rack up the miles on it. Thanks again guys!

tooblekain · #5 (**permalink**) 1 Week Ago

Try this....when encountering high winds....

stick your knee out. If the wind is blowing you to the right, stick your left knee out.

Someone told me this and I tell ya...it works!!!

Brooksie · #6 (**permalink**) 1 Week Ago

Good one. Will try it later this week, as forecast includes winds for the next week. Anytihing over 20 mph and passing trucks REALLY moves this wee bike around.

monkinwitz · #7 (**permalink**) 2 Days Ago

fitting jacket and everything stripped down to basic to cheat the wind and the leg out does do the job as well,we have fierce winds over here and the sprint is no better in cross winds it is a real handfull and it weighs around the 220 k mark.Maybe one of those weird bike helmets like a devo style would work

Brooksie · #8 (**permalink**) 2 Days Ago

The leg out DOES help stabilize and break surface tension. I still don't think I'm going touring on the bike quite yet. But that isn't what I got it for anyway. Just have to build confidence and get some mid-distance (400 mile) rides in.