Anyone who has ever gone motorcycling in the wind can relate to just how jostling an experience it can be. (If you haven’t experienced riding in high wind yet, documentation from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration establishes just how challenging they can be for motorcyclists.) It is crucial to check the weather forecast before riding, particularly focusing on wind conditions that can significantly affect stability and control.
Do not let anyone kid you. Riding in high wind is tough, even if you have logged hundreds, thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of miles on your motorcycle. Pay attention to high wind warnings issued by the National Weather Service and consider postponing your trip if such a warning is in effect.
The unpredictability of the wind often makes controlling and balancing a motorcycle, especially in high wind conditions where the risk of motorcycle accidents increases, an especially challenging task. Fortunately, with the appropriate advice, motorcyclists can ride safely in high winds. This means getting to your destination without falling off your bike, getting into a collision, or worse. Motorcyclists who want to make the most of riding on Long Island or in other parts of the New York City area should consider the following advice.
Understanding Windy Conditions
Riding a motorcycle in windy conditions can be a challenging experience, even for seasoned riders. Windy conditions can make maintaining control and balance difficult due to their unpredictability. It’s essential to understand the different types of wind and how they can affect your motorcycle.
Wind can be classified into three main types: crosswind, headwind, and tailwind. Crosswind blows from the side, headwind blows from the front, and tailwind blows from the back. Each type of wind requires different riding techniques to maintain control and safety. For instance, a crosswind can push your motorcycle sideways, making it crucial to lean into the wind to stay balanced. On the other hand, a headwind can slow you down, requiring you to adopt a more aerodynamic posture to reduce resistance. Understanding these nuances can help you better prepare for and navigate windy conditions.
Wind Speeds and Severity
Wind speeds can vary greatly, and it’s crucial to understand the severity of the wind conditions you’re riding in. The National Weather Service issues wind warnings and watches to alert riders of potentially hazardous conditions.
Wind speeds can be classified into several categories:
- Light winds: 0-10 mph
- Moderate winds: 11-20 mph
- Strong winds: 21-30 mph
- High winds: 31-40 mph
- Extremely high winds: 41 mph and above
Riding in high winds can be hazardous, and it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. For example, strong winds can push your motorcycle off course, while extremely high winds can make it difficult to maintain control altogether. By staying informed about wind speeds and heeding warnings from the National Weather Service, you can make more informed decisions about when and where to ride.
The Impact of Riding in High Wind Speeds
Wind direction can not only push your motorcycle to the side but also make it more challenging to maintain a straight line, affecting handling and control. Make sure to hold a tight grasp on your handlebars. You can even use your body to counteract the wind to stay balanced, but this takes practice. Leaning into the wind can help you maintain both balance and control. Additionally, consider purchasing a windscreen for your motorcycle, as it can deflect a substantial amount of wind.
Not only should you be prepared for the wind and any rain, sleet, or snow you might face, but you should also be prepared for your ride by wearing the right gear. A high-quality, tight-fitting helmet protects you from the wind as well as any debris it might carry. Wearing tight-fitting clothes lowers wind drag.
Appreciate How the High Wind Impacts Riders
When it is windy, motorcyclists have to contend with much more than just air currents. Riders should also be prepared to face a range of objects that are blown around in the wind.
Wind can kick up things like dirt, dust, and other types of debris that can obscure visibility. If you plan on riding in windy conditions, be prepared to give extra attention and caution to your surroundings.
Additionally, the unpredictability and strength of wind gusts in specific environments such as open areas, bridges, and highways can significantly impact motorcycle stability. Sometimes, unexpected gusts of wind can even push your motorcycle toward the edge of the road or into oncoming traffic. Lastly, understand that driving in the wind can easily exhaust bikers and quickly lead to fatigue.
Keep an Eye on the Weather Forecast
Motorcyclists should make it a practice to stay up to date with the forecasted weather, including checking wind speed and direction, before heading out on the road to minimize the risk of motorcycle crashes. Both the speed and direction of the wind can influence your bike’s handling and your ability to control it. By staying informed about wind conditions, you can ensure that your riding choices are as informed as possible.
Gain Sufficient Experience Riding in Windy Conditions
Comfort and skill vary greatly among motorcyclists. For newer riders, as well as those who feel less secure riding, gaining substantial experience in practice settings before heading out on the road is critical. Many motorcyclists find it beneficial to begin by riding in light winds and gradually work up to heavier gusts as they gain increased confidence in their riding abilities and improve their skills at handling their bikes.
Be Prepared to Adjust Your Speed
Strong gusts of wind can easily disrupt your bike. Because wind has a greater impact on bikes traveling at high speeds, taking some time to slow down can provide riders with additional time to respond not only to bursts of wind but also to various other hazards, including objects that might be blown around.
Riding Techniques for Windy Conditions
Riding a motorcycle in windy conditions requires specific techniques to maintain control and safety. Here are some tips to help you ride safely in windy conditions:
- Relax your upper body and loosen your grip on the handlebars. Tension can make it harder to react to sudden gusts.
- Squeeze your knees against the bike and keep your elbows close to your body to improve stability.
- Lean the motorcycle in the direction of the crosswind to counteract its effects and maintain your line.
- Ride low behind the windscreen and front fairing to minimize wind resistance and reduce the impact of headwinds.
- Monitor your speedometer and adjust your speed accordingly. Slowing down can give you more time to react to sudden changes in wind conditions.
By practicing these techniques, you can improve your ability to handle windy conditions and stay safe on the road.
Handling Different Types of Wind
Each type of wind requires different riding techniques to maintain control and safety. Here are some tips for handling different types of wind:
- Crosswind: Relax your upper body, squeeze your knees against the bike, and lean the motorcycle in the direction of the crosswind. This helps counteract the sideways push and keeps you on course.
- Headwind: Ride low behind the windscreen and front fairing, tuck your arms and legs in close to the motorcycle, and strive for a streamlined posture. This reduces wind resistance and helps you maintain speed.
- Tailwind: Adopt a similar riding posture to that used in a headwind, monitor your speedometer, and adjust your speed accordingly. A tailwind can push you faster than intended, so it’s important to stay in control.
By understanding and applying these techniques, you can better manage the challenges posed by different types of wind.
Motorcycle and Rider Factors
Several motorcycle and rider factors can affect how your motorcycle handles in windy conditions. Here are some factors to consider:
- Motorcycle weight and size: Heavier motorcycles tend to handle better in windy conditions because they are less likely to be pushed around by strong winds.
- Rider experience and skill: More experienced riders tend to handle windy conditions better because they have developed the necessary skills and techniques over time.
- Motorcycle design: Some motorcycles are designed to handle windy conditions better than others. For example, bikes with fairings and windscreens can reduce wind resistance and improve stability.
- Rider gear: Wearing proper gear, such as a helmet and windproof jacket, can help reduce wind noise and improve visibility. A high-quality helmet can also protect you from debris carried by the wind.
By understanding these factors and using the right riding techniques, you can improve your safety and control when riding a motorcycle in windy conditions.
Stay Alert
Remember, various open areas including bridges, highways, and gaps between buildings are often spots where the strongest winds blow. It is crucial to prepare and ensure safety before riding on a windy day by securing your motorcycle and choosing appropriate clothing and gear. As a result, utilize your highest degree of caution when traveling in these areas. Besides the wind itself, remain alert to large vehicles on the road, including trucks and buses, because these vehicles can create unexpected wind patterns.
Communicate with Other Riders
It is always a good idea to communicate with friends or others you might be riding with, but this becomes even more important in adverse weather conditions such as high wind. Appropriate motorcycle gear is crucial for a windy ride, as it can significantly enhance both safety and comfort. Using either hand signals or spoken words to communicate with others can help you navigate obstacles and avoid upcoming dangers while traveling in windy weather conditions.
Plan Your Route in Advance for High Wind Warning
Planning your riding route allows you to avoid areas where the wind is strongest. This way, you can stay safe if the wind becomes too intense or if you grow too tired to continue riding in such harsh conditions. Driving in high wind can be difficult, especially for less experienced riders, but various driving strategies and adequate preparation can make even the most challenging conditions less threatening. Remember, while riding experience can be helpful, the more you prepare in advance for your ride, the better off you will be.
Consult With an Experienced Accident Attorney
If you’re a motorcyclist in Long Island or the NYC area and want more information on staying safe in high winds or need legal advice after a motorcycle accident, contact the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP at (866) 580-1960 or through our contact form. We offer free, no-cost/no-obligation consultations and are available 24/7. To gain even more insights and safety tips, check out the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP YouTube Channel for videos that can help keep you safe on the road. Don’t let unpredictable conditions compromise your ride; take action to stay informed and protected.
