How Windy Is Too Windy To Ride A Motorcycle?

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After the mid-19th-century motorcycle was a convenient option for travel as it was an economic and a low exerting way to the daily commute.

Over the years, many companies have made their motorcycles with better features and engines. Although Motorcycles were a better option, safety was always a concern.

One of the main concerns while riding a motorcycle was the wind. To overcome these concerns, safety gear and manuals were also provided.

If one were to ask, how windy is too windy to ride Motorcycle? The simple answer for that would be any wind that exceeds 50mph. However, many types of winds should be watched out for.

The weather in many areas can be unpredictable. Having windy days could be a limiting factor for motorcycles.

According to Bennetts, it is all the work of physics. While the wind may be a factor of distress but understanding your terrain and your motorcycle is also a major factor in riding a motorcycle in such circumstances.

The Proper Motorcycle Positioning

Is it dangerous to ride a motorcycle when it's too windy? Let's find out

When it comes to the design of any vehicle, it is the science of aerodynamics that makes it speed tearing through the wind.

Similarly, the aerodynamic position is important for handling a motorcycle during mild winds and can be a lifesaver in heavy winds.

The aerodynamic position makes interactions of the motorcyclist’s body with the flow of air so that the motorcycle is not thrown off the track.

The position requires the hands to be on the hood with the forearms parallel to the ground. The elbow must be bent 90 degrees for maintaining a balanced air blow through the bike and you as one unit.

Understanding Winds For Your Motorcycle Ride

Motorcycles are two-wheeled or even three-wheeled motor vehicles used for different purposes, such as long-distance travel, daily commute, cruising, racing, and even off-road riding.

The drive is very therapeutic when you understand the different winds that you might come to combat.

Riding A Motorcycle With 15mph Wind

If you are a beginner with a lighter-weight motorcycle, which is less than 600cc, then a wind of 15mph may be problematic.

Though a regular motorcyclist’s wind of 15mph is not problematic or troublesome, it can be inconvenient.

A gust is more troubling than a wind of similar mph as it can push you to the center of the road, which is common in cities with small hills and mountains.

It is better to keep yourself in a stream, under the windshield, and in a better aerodynamics position for such wind.

Riding A Motorcycle With 20mph Wind

A wind that is about 15-20mph is not troublesome. It feels like slowing you down, which it does.

It is better to let your weight fall on the sides and not resist the wind. A motorcycle that has a lightweight and is taller is much more likely to be affected.

A gust of wind reaching 25mph or wind that sustains itself between 20mph-30mph is a breeze. It might feel like it can throw your motorcycle over but do not panic.

It won’t. Keep your head down, not over speed. Just let the wind move you a little. Maintain a straight stream and maintain an aerodynamic position.

When the wind reaches a mph of 25, that is where turbulence will be felt, and it is time to take precautions. 25mph wind is dangerous for lighter-weight motorcycles, and it should be avoided on highways.

Riding A Motorcycle With 30mph Wind

30mph is a dangerous wind to ride in, especially for lightweight motorcycles with a higher center of gravity. It can be felt if the bike is thrown off the track, which can happen.

More dangerous is the tailwind and a gust of wind of 30mph. It is better to stop your motorcycle and wait for the wind to calm down. A motorcycle weighing below 400 pounds will not survive a wind of 30mph.

While heavy bikes more than 600 lb can deal with a 30mph better but can be difficult. Most 30mph winds have dust and are usually termed dust storms.

Riding A Motorcycle With 40mph Wind

A wind of 40mph is termed a heavy wind which is dangerous and should be avoided.

Especially motorcycles with lighter weights and a higher center of gravity should be avoided at all times as a wind crossing 40 – 45mph can blow the motorcycle over.

Motorcycles with a 400lb or lower weight should never take the risk, while motorcycles weighing 700 lbs can tolerate the wind. The trick for heavy motorcycles is to lean in and use more gas to travel through the wind.

According to the Harley Davidson forum, their motorcycles can ride through the winds with the help of the gyro and appropriate aerodynamic positioning while leaning into the windshield.

Riding A Motorcycle With 50mph Wind

Riding on a motorcycle during a wind of 50mph or more should never be even tried. Your motorcycle will be tossed over, and you will have almost no control over your bike.

A strong wind has visible effects on the ground structure and damages motorcycles of heavyweights.

It should be avoided, especially on highways. No amount of technology is safe. It is better to park the bike and wait until the wind settles down.

Any wind that ranges between 25mph – 50mph should be avoided. For a longer commute, it is better to keep the weather update. A wind crossing 60 can be seen affecting parked cars as well.

Riding A Motorcycle With 60mph Wind

A wind of 50mph can blow any motorcycle off the road and if you are on a highway during such a forecast. When it comes to actual heavy winds, those are after 50mph.

A wind of 50 -55 mph is strong enough to make ground effects such as picking small stones and sand to a level where the ground surface can be seen cracking, which is not a suitable ground for motorbikes.

A 50- 60mph wind from a cross-side can push the rider off their trajectory. When it comes to a 60mph wind, it can even toss parked cars and other heavy vehicles.

While driving, cars can change their trajectory as well. This can be concluded that 60mph wind is way too strong for any motorcycle, even heavier ones.

Windy Conditions To Avoid

There are specific winds to look out for when you plan to take your motorcycle out for a ride.

Since it is the rider controlling the bike and maintaining the balance, the rider should understand how different winds can affect the motorcycle, the ride, and the rider itself.

Though there are five main categories of winds for motorcyclists, there are four major winds that they should be on a watch for.

1. Sustained Or Breezy Winds

The sustained wind is any range of mph that has been maintained for a longer time. It can be between 15 – 20mph or 20-30 mph. They are known as the breeze.

However, the 15 – 20mph is a light breeze and is easy to ride in without any turbulence, while on the other hand; a breeze of sustained mph of 20-30 can be harsh on the rider and the motorcycle as it limits the speed and can make riding a little troubling.

2. Gust Of Wind

Another variation is the Gust, which is much more dangerous than the sustained wind. It is usually faced in mid-city streets of highways crossing cities that have small hills and mountains on the side.

The gust can push the rider to the middle of the road. It can put you dangerously close to other vehicles in just seconds.

It is better to maintain a steady speed and ride behind a windshield, do not resist the gust, or you may lose control of the motorcycle.

3. Tailwinds

Usually, faced winds are headwinds. It feels like climbing a mountain while holding on to your life, but the headwinds are not so much better.

Any tailwind can be easily synchronized with speed, but it should not be underestimated.

Over speeding when the wind is hitting you from behind can cause you to lose control. It is advised to maintain a speed that the wind can add up to, don’t try to run away from the wind.

4. Crosswinds

Winds from the side can be very dangerous no matter how low the mph. It can change and force the trajectory of the motorcycle.

The crosswinds on a highway or a busy road can push you close to other vehicles making them panic and may cause some serious trouble. Before heading on a cruise, get an update on the weather.

Tips To Ride Safely In A Windy Condition

Sometimes windy conditions can be unpredictable. You may never know when you might have to ride in such conditions.

The first rule is not to ride in a windy condition if already known. But when you are already on the road, here is a few tips to safely get you through the rough patch.

  • Don’t panic when you suddenly come across a windy patch or the weather changes. Maintain a slow speed and try to ride on a road corner away from other vehicles. If it is more than you can handle, it is always better to stop and wait until the wind calms down.
  • Make adjustments to your seating positions. Strong winds can change the positioning of your warriors, but do not adjust them right away. Just sink in your seat and lean a little, and if the mirrors need to be adjusted, you can accordingly.
  • Always wear protective gear if windy or not. Make sure you have your pads, helmets, and eyewear when going on a ride. Windy conditions can pull up dust and sand particles that can impair your visuals, so always be properly geared.
  • If you have baggage, keep it behind you. It will give you more surface area, and the wind can easily push you safely.
  • If you have any lost items on you, secure them, or they may affect your trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Windy Should I Not Ride A Motorcycle?

A wind that ranges from 40 mph to 60mph is known as a strong wind which is not for riding a motorcycle. In simple words, any wind more than 50mph is ground affecting, which should be avoided.

Q2. Can I Ride A Motorcycle When Windy?

Yes, you can consider riding depending on the pressure and the type of wind.

A wind that ranges from 15mph to 20mph is fine for lightweight motorcycles, but any stronger than that can be troublesome. For motorcycles heavier than 600lb, a wind of 25mph to 35mp is also tolerable.

Q3. Is 25mph Strong For A Motorcycle?

No, a 25mph wind is inconvenient, but it is not as dangerous. With a little aerodynamic positioning and slowing down, you can easily ride in a wind that is 25mph.

In areas where you feel gusts of wind, try to slow down and maintain a row for your riding, or you may be pushed to the center of the road.

Q4. Should I Ride A Motorcycle In High Wind?

No, a wind ranging from 45mph to more than 50mph should not be seen as a chance to ride. It can blow the bike away. No matter how heavy your bike is, it should not be riding in a heavy wind.

Conclusion

Motorcycles are an excellent option for commuting through traffic areas and long-distance commutes.

It is highly economical and practical, but safety should always be the priority of any motor vehicle. They have specialized gear that needs to be worn before riding a motorcycle.

When riding the motorcycle, checking the weather updates should always be made a habit for any inconveniences. Winds can be hazardous if not taken seriously.

If asked how windy is too windy to ride motorcycle? The answer is that depending on your motorcycle’s weight, 30 – 50 mph should be avoided at all times.

Any wind beyond 60mph should be taken as a clear sign of caution.

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