wind riding nklr - non pc success

[Eric L. Green]

On Tue, 7 Dec 2004, Conall wrote:

> I noticed that having a big bulky hard case on the rear rack of the > KLR really catches the wind and will adversely affect your steering > and basically scare the crap out of you.

I haven't noticed this, but then I have a somewhat streamlined Givi hard case on the back of my KLR, and usually have a Clearview shield on the bike when I have my hard luggage on the bike (the Clearview tends to stabilize the bike in crosswinds).

> Hanging a set of tank > panniers on the front of the bike will help plant the front end and > stabilize the bike in heavy winds.

I haven't noticed any difference, other than that tank panniers drop my top speed by about 5mph. But then, I have that huge IMS tank already up there (I got the panniers after I got the IMS tank).

> Places I've been almost blown off the rd include the stretch between > the Marina and Monterey on HWY 1, in CA, some of the bridges crossing

Never had any problem there, no matter how strong the crosswinds (including some times when the sand was blowing off the dunes like a blizzard), including before I had the Clearview (which stabilizes the bike nicely in crosswinds) or IMS tank. Yes, sometimes I end up waggling back and forth as the winds blow, but never have been "blown out of my lane" or anything.

> is the rd betwwen Fairfield area and Benicia, I think it's an > extension of 680.

??? I've been up 680 to its northern end, and am puzzled. Yes, there were gusts off the bay. But nothing to match the Marina/Monterey area on Highway 1, or the gusts on the bay bridges. Perhaps you're thinking of 780 between Benecia and Valejo?

> What I do is loosen my grip on the handlebars, countersteer and hang > my knee out at a 90 degree angle into the the direction of where the

No need to hang your knee out. Anybody with dirt bike experience will be weighting the pegs anyhow, not hanging out body parts, 'cause only street squids do something that slow and awkward . Countersteering is definitely "the" thing, but should be pretty much automatic by now. You *do* practice the countersteering exercises that you learned in your MSF safety course, right? -E

[Conall]

> ??? I've been up 680 to its northern end, and am puzzled. Yes,

there were

> gusts off the bay. But nothing to match the Marina/Monterey area on > Highway 1, or the gusts on the bay bridges. Perhaps you're thinking

of 780

> between Benecia and Valejo?

Yeah, that most have been it I-780. I lived in Alameda County for 20 yrs., have since left, so it's been awhile since I rode that stretch. Anyone who has ridden that stretch a half dozen times or so would know what I was talkin' about.

> > > What I do is loosen my grip on the handlebars, countersteer and

hang

> > my knee out at a 90 degree angle into the the direction of where

the

> > No need to hang your knee out. Anybody with dirt bike experience

will be

> weighting the pegs anyhow, not hanging out body parts, 'cause only

street

> squids do something that slow and awkward . Countersteering is > definitely "the" thing, but should be pretty much automatic by now.

You

> *do* practice the countersteering exercises that you learned in

your MSF

> safety course, right? > > -E

As far as countersteering, I've been *doing* it since I learned how to ride a bicycle. That would have been when I was about 5. Did you have to take a MSF course before you learned how to countersteer? :^) As far as dirt riding experience, I've been riding since I was 13, although we would take the occassional foray on the street, my 1st 4 years of riding were on dirt trails. Cheers, Conall

[Rodney Copeland]

It sure helps me to have my feet up front on the tool tube! The weight transfer makes my bike much more stable in the terrible twisters created by 70 towards a semi comin at me at 70, on the marrow 2 lane, with a 40 crosswind. Rod,,,feet up front, slumped over, with the look of concentration on his face, prolly lookin like he's pinchin a steamer!

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Conall" wrote: > > > > ??? I've been up 680 to its northern end, and am puzzled. Yes, > there were > > gusts off the bay. But nothing to match the Marina/Monterey area on > > Highway 1, or the gusts on the bay bridges. Perhaps you're thinking > of 780 > > between Benecia and Valejo? > > Yeah, that most have been it I-780. I lived in Alameda County for 20 > yrs., have since left, so it's been awhile since I rode that stretch. > Anyone who has ridden that stretch a half dozen times or so would > know what I was talkin' about. > > > > > > > What I do is loosen my grip on the handlebars, countersteer and > hang > > > my knee out at a 90 degree angle into the the direction of where > the > > > > No need to hang your knee out. Anybody with dirt bike experience > will be > > weighting the pegs anyhow, not hanging out body parts, 'cause only > street > > squids do something that slow and awkward . Countersteering is > > definitely "the" thing, but should be pretty much automatic by now. > You > > *do* practice the countersteering exercises that you learned in > your MSF > > safety course, right? > > > > -E > > As far as countersteering, I've been *doing* it since I learned how > to ride a bicycle. That would have been when I was about 5. > Did you have to take a MSF course before you learned how to > countersteer? :^) > > As far as dirt riding experience, I've been riding since I was 13, > although we would take the occassional foray on the street, my 1st 4 > years of riding were on dirt trails. > > Cheers, > > Conall

[kdxkawboy@aol.com]

In a message dated 2004-12-07 11:08:06 AM Pacific Standard Time, ericnospam@... writes:

> > I haven't noticed this, but then I have a somewhat streamlined Givi hard > case on the back of my KLR, and usually have a Clearview shield on the > bike when I have my hard luggage on the bike (the Clearview tends to > stabilize the bike in crosswinds). > > > Hanging a set of tank > >panniers on the front of the bike will help plant the front end and > >stabilize the bike in heavy winds. > > I haven't noticed any difference, other than that tank panniers drop my > top speed by about 5mph. But then, I have that huge IMS tank already up > there (I got the panniers after I got the IMS tank). > >

I've found the big full dress touring rigs to be the worse in winds. All the plastic, especially the big front fairings, makes for buku sail area. The worse of those are the ones with HD style bat wing fairings mounted to the forks - then you do have to fight the wind to keep it from wrestling control from you. The foot forward cruiser can be an experience as the seating position turns your upper body into one big sail. Two of the better bikes that I have ridden in wind are the old Honda V45/V65 Saber and the Suzuki GS1150ES. Both bikes were longish and low to the ground and had a comfortable sport riding position that helped keep weight on the front wheel. In a heavy cross wind I love my Suzuki, just point her and she'll spilt a long crack in that wind. As for what helps and what doesn't, anything that carries the load without increasing the sail area is going to help - 1st law of physics, you increase your forward momentum without increasing the ability of the wind to create more force against the bike is going to help reduce the wind's effect. For the bikes I've ridden the KLR is better than most in a wind. The first few times, being most your sail area is you, you tend to feel the effect for more than it is. Pat G'ville, Nv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Eric L. Green]

On Tue, 7 Dec 2004 kdxkawboy@... wrote:

> In a message dated 2004-12-07 11:08:06 AM Pacific Standard Time, > ericnospam@... writes: > > > > I haven't noticed this, but then I have a somewhat streamlined Givi hard > > case on the back of my KLR, and usually have a Clearview shield on the > > bike when I have my hard luggage on the bike (the Clearview tends to > > stabilize the bike in crosswinds). > > > > > Hanging a set of tank > > >panniers on the front of the bike will help plant the front end and > > >stabilize the bike in heavy winds. > > > > I haven't noticed any difference, other than that tank panniers drop my > > top speed by about 5mph. But then, I have that huge IMS tank already up > > there (I got the panniers after I got the IMS tank). > > > > I've found the big full dress touring rigs to be the worse in winds. All the

The Clearview hardly qualifies as "big full dress" :-}. It keeps the worst of the wind and rain off of your chest, and that's about it. But it does seem to build a bit of a bubble behind it at high speed that somehow seems to stabilize the bike. I'm not sure how it does that, all I know is that after my 5 day trip on the KLR (some of which was in quite bad weather), when I took the Clearview off then took my KLR on the road into a crosswind, my first reaction was "Man, that wind is blowing me all over the place!".

> As for what helps and what doesn't, anything that carries the load > without increasing the sail area is going to help - 1st law of physics, > you increase your forward momentum without increasing the ability of the > wind to create more force against the bike is going to help reduce the > wind's effect.

I think it also helps if the "sail" does not happen to be attached to the controls. With the Clearview taking the brunt of the force rather than me, I'm not being tossed around on the bike hanging on trying to keep from being blown off, and can relax and enjoy the ride.

> For the bikes I've ridden the KLR is better than most in a wind. The first > few times, being most your sail area is you, you tend to feel the effect for > more than it is.

With the stock windshield, that's why, in gusty weather, I tend to lean into the fairing. But the KLR really isn't set up for a "sport bike" riding position. -E

[kdxkawboy@aol.com]

In a message dated 2004-12-07 7:51:31 PM Pacific Standard Time, ericnospam@... writes:

> > With the stock windshield, that's why, in gusty weather, I tend to lean > into the fairing. But the KLR really isn't set up for a "sport bike" > riding position. > >

I make do by using the passenger footpegs. Pat G'ville, Nv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Conall]

Hey Rodney, I've been thinking about the dynamics of putting your feet on the tool tube and haven't quite figured out how this would affect the handling of the bike in cross winds. Perhaps it changes the center of wind resistance? Having said that I only use the highway pegs when traffic is extremely light and I'm pretty sure I won't have to use the brake. When the wind is real gusty , causing you to have to compensate both when the wind starts and when the wind stops, I say park it. If the wind is steady then it is easier to pucker up and keep going. Ride safe , Conall http://www.angelfire.com/co/klr650/index.html --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Rodney Copeland" wrote:

> > It sure helps me to have my feet up front on the tool tube! > The weight transfer makes my bike much more stable in the terrible > twisters created by 70 towards a semi comin at me at 70, on the > marrow 2 lane, with a 40 crosswind. > Rod,,,feet up front, slumped over, with the look of concentration on > his face, prolly lookin like he's pinchin a steamer! > --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "Conall"

wrote:

> > > > What I do is loosen my grip on the handlebars, countersteer

and

> > hang > > > > my knee out at a 90 degree angle into the the direction of > where > > the wind is coming from. >

[Mike Torst]

Thanks, but I could give a shi# Conall. ( grin ) Your timing was perfect for your posted satire - I just told a new client at 3pm today, after an hour of being a PC puss#, to get off his as# and make a decision on an IT issue - he didn't even blink his eyes (we were face to face)- he simply said 'do it' and the meetings high-point of tension passed. We then went on to have a great conversation that had nothing to do with business. I like how the leaders can be regular people, but many others must be PC'ed to the point of vomiting. Mike Torst A16 aka lasvegasrider -----Original Message----- From: Conall [mailto:klr650dotcc@...] Sent: Wednesday, December 08, 2004 6:13 PM To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com Subject: [DSN_klr650] Re: Wind riding NKLR

--- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, "identek" wrote: > Who gives a shit. After owning my A6 now for 12 years, it seems as though I > was born with it attached to my ass. I thwow it around; it throws me > around; hell, lanes are about 9' foot wide, aren't they? > Your language reminds me of a joke I heard, pay attention, you might get along better with some of the more sensitive list members out there. Thanks, Conall- fired once for allegedly telling his boss to eat $hit Memorandum TO: All employees FROM: The boss DATE: January 28, 2000 RE: Foul Language It has been brought to management's attention that some individuals throughout the company have been using foul language during the course of normal conversation with their coworkers. Due to complaints received from some employees who are easily offended, this type of language will be no longer tolerated. We do, however, realize the critical importance of being able to accurately express your feelings when communicating with coworkers. Therefore, a list of new phrases has been provided so that proper exchange of ideas and information can continue in an effective manner without risk of offending our more sensitive employees. TRY SAYING: I don't think this will be a problem. INSTEAD OF: I really don't give a shit. TRY SAYING: Perhaps I can work late. INSTEAD OF: When the fock do you expect me to do this? TRY SAYING: I'm certain that is not feasible. INSTEAD OF: No focking way! TRY SAYING: Really? INSTEAD OF: You've got to be shitting me. TRY SAYING: Perhaps you should check with . . . INSTEAD OF: Tell someone who gives a shit. TRY SAYING: Of course I'm concerned. INSTEAD OF: Ask me if I give a shit. TRY SAYING: I wasn't involved in the project. INSTEAD OF: It's not my focking problem. TRY SAYING: That's interesting. INSTEAD OF: What the fock? TRY SAYING: I'm not sure I can implement this. INSTEAD OF: Fock it, it won't work. TRY SAYING: I'll try to schedule that. INSTEAD OF: Why the hell didn't you tell me sooner? TRY SAYING: Are you sure this is a problem? INSTEAD OF: Who the fock cares? TRY SAYING: He's not familiar with the problem. INSTEAD OF: He's got his head up his ass. TRY SAYING: So you weren't happy with it? INSTEAD OF: Kiss my ass. TRY SAYING: I'm a bit overloaded at this moment. INSTEAD OF: Fock it, I'm on salary. TRY SAYING: I don't think you understand. INSTEAD OF: Shove it up your A$$. TRY SAYING: I love a challenge. INSTEAD OF: This job sucks. TRY SAYING: You want me to take care of that? INSTEAD OF: Who the hell died and made you boss? TRY SAYING: I see. INSTEAD OF: Bite me. TRY SAYING: Yes, we really should discuss it. INSTEAD OF: Another focking meeting? TRY SAYING: He's somewhat insensitive. INSTEAD OF: He's a focking prick. TRY SAYING: She's an aggressive go-getter. INSTEAD OF: She's a ball- busting bitch. TRY SAYING: I think you could use more training. INSTEAD OF: What the fock are you doing? > > > --- In DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com, brucwms@a... wrote: > > Coming back to Ohio from Montana, we rode Route 2, all the way to > the UP of > > Michigan. The wind was so bad, that we had visible tire wear on > one side from > > leaning into the wind. > > Wow..that sounds like a downer as you'd have to return the same way to > balance wear on the tires ! I hope you had a steady wind and not gusts > ? I'm no fan of the KLR in wind...it seems to sail. Steve > > > > > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com List FAQ > courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Yahoo! Groups Links