Gust of wind on curve

dandidori · 09-12-2012, 07:08 PM

Had a little rush today, as I was leaning going around a curve, (to me it was a good lean) a gust of wind moved the bike, kinda like a little fishtail. Kinda exciting, but quick and scary at the same time. Haven't ridden in 4 days, kinda like starting over on remembering how the bike handles. Can't imagine what it will be like after a winter off.

maximoto · 09-12-2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandidori

Had a little rush today, as I was leaning going around a curve, (to me it was a good lean) a gust of wind moved the bike, kinda like a little fishtail. Kinda exciting, but quick and scary at the same time. Haven't ridden in 4 days, kinda like starting over on remembering how the bike handles. Can't imagine what it will be like after a winter off.

I'm sure you'll do fine. As the veterans will tell you start each season with around of the basics.

ridingAK · 09-12-2012, 07:29 PM

If I am off the bike for any length of time more than just a few days I make it a point to go to the parking lot and do some practice quick stops, swerves, and such. It helps.

VStar · 09-12-2012, 07:31 PM

dandi, winters are hard for me, I'm only in my 3rd year on a bike and each spring I get all anxious and worried that I've forgotten how to ride. Then each spring, after a few miles around my quiet neigborhood, it comes back. I promise that it will for you too.

Mayday · 09-12-2012, 10:03 PM

We make it a point to go practice swerves, figure 8's & quick stops once a week for sure, it helps a lot. Even though I complain a lot about the heat, fortunately we don't have much of a winter here. We ride almost year round. There maybe 6 weeks out of a year that we can't ride...that includes heavy rain during the spring-fall months. Haven't had to worry about that at all this year! But I still don't get to ride every day...and that helps me settle down into the groove a little.

I know what you mean about those gusts in the curves though. It feels like you are wiggling all over the place, but my DH assures me I'm not moving as much as I think I am. I'm thinking it is one of those things that never goes away, but you get used to it with seat time.

!

wingryder92 · 09-12-2012, 10:15 PM

I do remember having those butterflies every time I got on the bike when I was learning and having the same concerns as all new riders: could I make the turns, could I stop, could I get out of the way, would I drop it, etc.

The longest I've been off the bike was between 5-6 months due to 2 foot surgeries. I had butterflies and sea legs that lasted for about 20 miles and then began relaxing into my old riding style. Two other times I was off 6-8 weeks due to broken bones...one from m/c accident (broken bone in foot) and one just a weird break from stepping wrong on my foot. Don't remember being concerned about getting back on bike but was concerned about the foot each time and if I would have pain when I put it down.

thelakeshore · 09-12-2012, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandidori

Had a little rush today, as I was leaning going around a curve, (to me it was a good lean) a gust of wind moved the bike, kinda like a little fishtail. Kinda exciting, but quick and scary at the same time. Haven't ridden in 4 days, kinda like starting over on remembering how the bike handles. Can't imagine what it will be like after a winter off.

Dandidori, my friend! Here is a vote in real time for one of the real values of riding a heavy bike. Sport bikes are designed to go like crazy in a straight line and then take a curve. Standards are designed to 'get you there' with relative efficient fuel economy. Dirt bikes are designed for fun off-road. Dual sports are bad at doing anything with the best precision...you sacrifice this to get that and then again, that to get this. Then there is the touring motorcycle. Built to take you on the long haul with comfort and SAFETY. The sail anchors you to the road and wind? What wind? You make your own wind!!! The weight of the motorcycle makes a huge difference.

The curve then behaves itself and becomes totally submissive to the skill of the motorcyclist.

There are as many types of motorcycles as there are styles (and enviros) of riding. I would that we could have, each of us, the perfect match.

Now I drag my soapbox off to the side and shut up already.

dandidori · 09-13-2012, 08:40 AM

Jeanne, love your description of the different bikes. I was riding my 750 shadow down a 2 track yesterday, trying a different route out of my home, and loved it. Thinking live to get back into dirt biking. Then I hit the hardtop, and loved the feel. Do I need a dirt bike for the beautiful trails in northern Mi? The 750 seems to do really well on gravel and hard dirt, but just not smart. Jeanne, I'll send you a pm soon about up north trip. Would I look funny wearing a snowmobile suit riding my bike this winter?

thelakeshore · 09-13-2012, 12:03 PM

Everybody needs a dirt bike for the beautiful trails in northern Michigan! (Or a horse

)

But if you are just talking maintained gravel roads, nah. I don't think smart plays a part in this decision at all. If I car can go down the road without swishing around in loose sand a street bike should be able to, also. I'm not talking the two-track to deer camp. I'm talking maintained roads. I ride a belt driven bike and I have heard of little rocks getting pitched up into the belt by the front tire and then stressing the belt to even a breaking point. That has not happened to me but I keep every little story in the back of my mind. Loose sand would be my deal breaker.

Snowmobile suit on a bike? GO FOR IT. For myself I have electric clothing that I just plug into my battery. It is super lightweight and adjustable from off to holy smoke I'm burning up. I love it.

When my father was alive he would tell us how he made a mission of riding his own 46 panhead once around the block every day for a year. In Michigan, that is quite the claim, as you can imagine.