Motorcycle Safety in High Winds

Riding your motorcycle means being exposed to the elements, and it’s best to avoid riding in stormy weather whenever possible. That said, forecasts are seldom a sure bet, and bad conditions can always catch you off-guard. Fortunately, there are special riding techniques that can reduce your risk of an accident when windy weather threatens to spoil your ride. Learn how to handle high winds on your motorcycle with this guide from Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson.

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General Tips

Wind is a fundamental part of the biking experience. Even in calm weather, you’re going to get a faceful of wind when traveling at high speeds on open roads. But when windy weather comes into play, you need to take some extra precautions to stay safe. The following tips are useful in any weather, but they’re especially important to keep in mind when riding in windy conditions.

Preparing to Ride

Before you hit the road on a windy day, double check that everything on your motorcycle is tightly secured. You should also wear tight-fitting clothes without any loose fabric, and pack light, leaving behind your backpack and saddlebags if possible. Anything that catches the wind will generate drag, which can cause your bike to sway more.

A full-face helmet is the safest choice for riding in windy conditions, ideally a fitted helmet with a sleek shape that won’t catch the wind. If you don’t have a full-face helmet, be sure to wear some form of eye protection. Cover up from head to toe in warm clothes to combat windchill.

Riding Techniques

In the next section, we will describe more specific techniques for dealing with different wind types, but there are some general guidelines to follow no matter which way the wind is blowing.

First and foremost, take plenty of breaks! Fighting against the wind is much more exhausting than riding in normal conditions, putting significant stress on your body and mind. Pull over to recuperate and refuel whenever you feel yourself getting sore, tired, hungry, or thirsty. Regular breaks also give you an opportunity to check the latest weather forecast and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

Keep a close eye on your mirrors while riding in the wind, and reposition them if needed. A heavy gust could shift the position of your mirrors, and it pays to be extra vigilant of your surroundings in windy weather.

Large vehicles like trucks and trailers, as well as buildings and other objects in the environment, can offer temporary shelter from the wind. That may provide momentary relief, but you need to be prepared for riding back into the wind, so make sure to maintain focus and don’t get too comfortable.

Types of Wind

Different wind types call for different strategies. Gauge the speed and direction of the wind before you set out, and employ the appropriate techniques to stay safe. Of course, the winds can always change direction, and so can you! Remember to adjust your approach as necessary over the course of your ride.

Tailwind

Tailwind is undoubtedly the best kind of wind for biking. The breeze blowing at your back can boost your speed, and even improve your gas mileage. However, a tailwind can still impede safety if you’re not careful. Give yourself more stopping distance than usual to compensate for the extra push, and control your speed by tucking in your body and keeping pace with traffic.

Crosswind

Crosswinds are probably the most dangerous winds you’ll encounter. A strong enough crosswind can threaten to push you off the road. Your best strategy here is to angle your leg in the direction the wind is blowing, creating a counterbalance effect. Be sure to use the leg on the side that’s facing the wind, such as your left leg if the crosswind is coming from your left. You can further counteract a crosswind by shifting your weight and leaning into the wind. Be very careful using this technique, as it can throw you off balance.

Headwind

Headwind may seem like old hat when you’re used to riding a motorcycle at high speeds. Riding into a heavy wind can seriously drag you down, so do your best to maintain your speed without overcompensating. Ride low and keep a low profile, drawing your arms and legs close to your body. If you can’t keep up with traffic because of a strong headwind, pull over and wait until conditions improve.

Wind Severity

Needless to say, the only surefire way to stay safe during a windstorm is to stay at home. But how much wind is too much to tackle on your motorcycle? That all depends on your experience level, your comfort level, and the weight and size of your bike. Always keep tabs on the weather forecast when you’re planning to ride, and postpone your trip when the National Weather Service issues a high wind warning.

Whatever the weather, keeping your bike in top shape is essential for safety. If your motorcycle needs a tune-up, you can count on the expert technicians at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson to take good care of it. We take pride in offering great products and services to our community in Eugene, OR, along with our neighbors in Corvallis, Albany, and beyond.