[dsn_klr650] wind question

[Marat Valegh]

Hey all, Got a newbie question regarding wind. Last week I went out riding on my 09 klr in 30mph winds here in Houston. I survived one exit on the highway as the wind nearly blew me off the road. Even doing 35-40 mph on town roads I could barely keep it together. Now I am a young strong guy and yet could not hold the bike in one lane with 30 mph winds! What am I doing wrong here? It felt like the front wheel was airborne most of the time. I tried everything from riding positions to having the rpms high, which kind of seemed to help, but it was not enough. I have been planning taking a trip to Big Bend (10hours from Houston), but now I am really scared to get on a hwy period. What are some tips and tricks for riding in the wind? Going anywhere on long trips and one would be exposed to all kinds of wind, what do you guys do beside riding into the wind (which did not work for me btw)? Thanks to all in advance, Marat 09 Blue KLR [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jim Douglas]

Up here in Dallas we have the same thing. About a year ago I slow down and am about ready to stop at a light and put my feet down and a large gust hit me and I was on my ass before I knew it. Thank god all traffic had stopped. The guy in the car next to me jumped out and told me he had felt the gust also and that is moved his car/ BTW, 30MPH winds are pretty high and if a gust hit's ya your could be pretty messed up. Alot of guy's ride these bikes at 80MPH daily and I am thinking I am a p$ssy! When it's really windy out, and we all when that is, I drive a car!

On 5/7/2011 5:45 PM, Marat Valegh wrote: > > Hey all, > > Got a newbie question regarding wind. Last week I went out riding on > my 09 klr > in 30mph winds here in Houston. I survived one exit on the highway as > the wind > nearly blew me off the road. Even doing 35-40 mph on town roads I > could barely > keep it together. Now I am a young strong guy and yet could not hold > the bike in > one lane with 30 mph winds! What am I doing wrong here? It felt like > the front > wheel was airborne most of the time. I tried everything from riding > positions to > having the rpms high, which kind of seemed to help, but it was not > enough. I > have been planning taking a trip to Big Bend (10hours from Houston), > but now I > am really scared to get on a hwy period. > > What are some tips and tricks for riding in the wind? Going anywhere > on long > trips and one would be exposed to all kinds of wind, what do you guys > do beside > riding into the wind (which did not work for me btw)? > Thanks to all in advance, > > Marat > 09 Blue KLR > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jud]

This question has been discussed at some length at least a couple of times on this forum. To sum it up loosely, ride loose on the bike, with a relaxed grip on the bars. Realize that the bike is going to move around underneath you some, but will self-correct if you don't try to muscle the bars or grab them too tight. Another suggestion that seems to work is to stick out your windward knee into the wind. It will tend to rudder the bike upwind, counteracting its tendency to blow downwind. Also be sure you have a stiff enough rear spring, with sufficient preload. A head wind or quartering wind is going to work on the rider, the windscreen and the load to lighten the front wheel and destabilize the bike. More spring at the rear will counteract this tendency and help keep the front wheel planted. An overloaded bike can be truly frightening in a stiff wind. The destabilizing effect of wind is one more reason to keep your load compact, close to the center of mass, with some weight toward the front and no heavy or bulky loads up high and aft of the rear axle. Buy tank panniers and saddlebags before you even think about a top box.

--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, Marat Valegh wrote: > > Hey all, > > Got a newbie question regarding wind. Last week I went out riding on my 09 klr > in 30mph winds here in Houston. I survived one exit on the highway as the wind > nearly blew me off the road. Even doing 35-40 mph on town roads I could barely > keep it together. Now I am a young strong guy and yet could not hold the bike in > one lane with 30 mph winds! What am I doing wrong here? It felt like the front > wheel was airborne most of the time. I tried everything from riding positions to > having the rpms high, which kind of seemed to help, but it was not enough. I > have been planning taking a trip to Big Bend (10hours from Houston), but now I > am really scared to get on a hwy period. > > What are some tips and tricks for riding in the wind? Going anywhere on long > trips and one would be exposed to all kinds of wind, what do you guys do beside > riding into the wind (which did not work for me btw)? > Thanks to all in advance, > > Marat > 09 Blue KLR > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >

[Tim Pruitt]

I'm not sure what the correct answer is, but we've had some strong winds of late (look at weather in the south lately it's been a scary spring). I ride the KLR now a lot, and my other ride is a Concours. Believe it or not it is susceptible to cross winds too, I always assumed it was all that plastic on the sides, but it's a heavy machine so a bit more controllable in the wind. I tend to lean into the wind if possible and actually crab a bit, that is especially true on the KLR. But honestly, I try to avoid the bigger winds if possible. Getting blown off the road is no fun and when it has happened to me or nearly happened, it scared the crap out of me. I also use back roads when possible on windy days, but that because around here we have more hills, trees and barns to block some of that wind, where as the I-roads are pretty wide open when it comes to wind. I have even been known to use a tractor-trailer to block wind a few minutes and relax a little before hitting it again. I'd much rather ride in the rain as 30+ mph winds I think. Not much help I know, just my rambling 2-cents worth From: Jim Douglas To: DSN _KLR650 DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Saturday, May 7, 2011 6:53 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Wind Question Up here in Dallas we have the same thing. About a year ago I slow down and am about ready to stop at a light and put my feet down and a large gust hit me and I was on my ass before I knew it. Thank god all traffic had stopped. The guy in the car next to me jumped out and told me he had felt the gust also and that is moved his car/ BTW, 30MPH winds are pretty high and if a gust hit's ya your could be pretty messed up. Alot of guy's ride these bikes at 80MPH daily and I am thinking I am a p$ssy! When it's really windy out, and we all when that is, I drive a car!

On 5/7/2011 5:45 PM, Marat Valegh wrote: > > Hey all, > > Got a newbie question regarding wind. Last week I went out riding on > my 09 klr > in 30mph winds here in Houston. I survived one exit on the highway as > the wind > nearly blew me off the road. Even doing 35-40 mph on town roads I > could barely > keep it together. Now I am a young strong guy and yet could not hold > the bike in > one lane with 30 mph winds! What am I doing wrong here? It felt like > the front > wheel was airborne most of the time. I tried everything from riding > positions to > having the rpms high, which kind of seemed to help, but it was not > enough. I > have been planning taking a trip to Big Bend (10hours from Houston), > but now I > am really scared to get on a hwy period. > > What are some tips and tricks for riding in the wind? Going anywhere > on long > trips and one would be exposed to all kinds of wind, what do you guys > do beside > riding into the wind (which did not work for me btw)? > Thanks to all in advance, > > Marat > 09 Blue KLR > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Bill Ahrens]

I had the same issue, wind blows across I - 10 in Tucson in the spring at 30 - 40, truly scary on KLR. I had to get off and stop several times. On the recommendation of others, I got a UFO front fender, (low) and installed it. Not easy to do but well within the realm of possibility. Pretty much cured problem. Riding any MC in strong crosswinds is not good, but the new fender reduced the problem to "manageable" Fred carries them. Bill Ahrens Race Chairman Emeritus Tucson Sailing Club _____ From: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Marat Valegh Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2011 3:45 PM To: KLR 650 Subject: [DSN_KLR650] Wind Question Hey all, Got a newbie question regarding wind. Last week I went out riding on my 09 klr in 30mph winds here in Houston. I survived one exit on the highway as the wind nearly blew me off the road. Even doing 35-40 mph on town roads I could barely keep it together. Now I am a young strong guy and yet could not hold the bike in one lane with 30 mph winds! What am I doing wrong here? It felt like the front wheel was airborne most of the time. I tried everything from riding positions to having the rpms high, which kind of seemed to help, but it was not enough. I have been planning taking a trip to Big Bend (10hours from Houston), but now I am really scared to get on a hwy period. What are some tips and tricks for riding in the wind? Going anywhere on long trips and one would be exposed to all kinds of wind, what do you guys do beside riding into the wind (which did not work for me btw)? Thanks to all in advance, Marat 09 Blue KLR [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] _____ size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#9d9da1" align=center> No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1325 / Virus Database: 1500/3623 - Release Date: 05/07/11 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Patrick Zegers]

If it's too windy I do take the back roads. I've stopped next to a stack of hay after being beaten for twenty minutes. I normally can get by by just hiding behind the windshield. Dogwoodz ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: Tim Pruitt To: Jim Douglas ; DSN _KLR650 DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sat, May 7, 2011 5:14:17 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Wind Question I'm not sure what the correct answer is, but we've had some strong winds of late (look at weather in the south lately it's been a scary spring). I ride the KLR now a lot, and my other ride is a Concours. Believe it or not it is susceptible to cross winds too, I always assumed it was all that plastic on the sides, but it's a heavy machine so a bit more controllable in the wind. I tend to lean into the wind if possible and actually crab a bit, that is especially true on the KLR. But honestly, I try to avoid the bigger winds if possible. Getting blown off the road is no fun and when it has happened to me or nearly happened, it scared the crap out of me. I also use back roads when possible on windy days, but that because around here we have more hills, trees and barns to block some of that wind, where as the I-roads are pretty wide open when it comes to wind. I have even been known to use a tractor-trailer to block wind a few minutes and relax a little before hitting it again. I'd much rather ride in the rain as 30+ mph winds I think. Not much help I know, just my rambling 2-cents worth From: Jim Douglas To: DSN _KLR650 DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Saturday, May 7, 2011 6:53 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Wind Question Up here in Dallas we have the same thing. About a year ago I slow down and am about ready to stop at a light and put my feet down and a large gust hit me and I was on my ass before I knew it. Thank god all traffic had stopped. The guy in the car next to me jumped out and told me he had felt the gust also and that is moved his car/ BTW, 30MPH winds are pretty high and if a gust hit's ya your could be pretty messed up. Alot of guy's ride these bikes at 80MPH daily and I am thinking I am a p$ssy! When it's really windy out, and we all when that is, I drive a car!

On 5/7/2011 5:45 PM, Marat Valegh wrote: > > Hey all, > > Got a newbie question regarding wind. Last week I went out riding on > my 09 klr > in 30mph winds here in Houston. I survived one exit on the highway as > the wind > nearly blew me off the road. Even doing 35-40 mph on town roads I > could barely > keep it together. Now I am a young strong guy and yet could not hold > the bike in > one lane with 30 mph winds! What am I doing wrong here? It felt like > the front > wheel was airborne most of the time. I tried everything from riding > positions to > having the rpms high, which kind of seemed to help, but it was not > enough. I > have been planning taking a trip to Big Bend (10hours from Houston), > but now I > am really scared to get on a hwy period. > > What are some tips and tricks for riding in the wind? Going anywhere > on long > trips and one would be exposed to all kinds of wind, what do you guys > do beside > riding into the wind (which did not work for me btw)? > Thanks to all in advance, > > Marat > 09 Blue KLR > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Bill Ahrens]

My second ride is also a Concours (2006) It was nearly as scary as the KLR, until I jacked up the rear shock with more pressure, (had been zero), and finally replaced stock tires with ME 880's. Now it is as stable as anything. By the way, selling KLR and Concours and getting, got, an R 1200 GS. Bill Ahrens Race Chairman Emeritus Tucson Sailing Club _____ From: DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com [mailto:DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Tim Pruitt Sent: Saturday, May 07, 2011 5:14 PM To: Jim Douglas; DSN _KLR650 Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Wind Question I'm not sure what the correct answer is, but we've had some strong winds of late (look at weather in the south lately it's been a scary spring). I ride the KLR now a lot, and my other ride is a Concours. Believe it or not it is susceptible to cross winds too, I always assumed it was all that plastic on the sides, but it's a heavy machine so a bit more controllable in the wind. I tend to lean into the wind if possible and actually crab a bit, that is especially true on the KLR. But honestly, I try to avoid the bigger winds if possible. Getting blown off the road is no fun and when it has happened to me or nearly happened, it scared the crap out of me. I also use back roads when possible on windy days, but that because around here we have more hills, trees and barns to block some of that wind, where as the I-roads are pretty wide open when it comes to wind. I have even been known to use a tractor-trailer to block wind a few minutes and relax a little before hitting it again. I'd much rather ride in the rain as 30+ mph winds I think. Not much help I know, just my rambling 2-cents worth From: Jim Douglas > To: DSN _KLR650 DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com > Sent: Saturday, May 7, 2011 6:53 PM Subject: Re: [DSN_KLR650] Wind Question Up here in Dallas we have the same thing. About a year ago I slow down and am about ready to stop at a light and put my feet down and a large gust hit me and I was on my ass before I knew it. Thank god all traffic had stopped. The guy in the car next to me jumped out and told me he had felt the gust also and that is moved his car/ BTW, 30MPH winds are pretty high and if a gust hit's ya your could be pretty messed up. Alot of guy's ride these bikes at 80MPH daily and I am thinking I am a p$ssy! When it's really windy out, and we all when that is, I drive a car!

On 5/7/2011 5:45 PM, Marat Valegh wrote: > > Hey all, > > Got a newbie question regarding wind. Last week I went out riding on > my 09 klr > in 30mph winds here in Houston. I survived one exit on the highway as > the wind > nearly blew me off the road. Even doing 35-40 mph on town roads I > could barely > keep it together. Now I am a young strong guy and yet could not hold > the bike in > one lane with 30 mph winds! What am I doing wrong here? It felt like > the front > wheel was airborne most of the time. I tried everything from riding > positions to > having the rpms high, which kind of seemed to help, but it was not > enough. I > have been planning taking a trip to Big Bend (10hours from Houston), > but now I > am really scared to get on a hwy period. > > What are some tips and tricks for riding in the wind? Going anywhere > on long > trips and one would be exposed to all kinds of wind, what do you guys > do beside > riding into the wind (which did not work for me btw)? > Thanks to all in advance, > > Marat > 09 Blue KLR > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] _____ size=1 width="100%" noshade color="#9d9da1" align=center> No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1325 / Virus Database: 1500/3623 - Release Date: 05/07/11 [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Jeffrey]

I changed my big stock 04 front motorcross front fender for the Acerbis KTM fender--you have to mount it as far forward as you can to not melt the back of it. I also changed out the front and rear springs. But, the biggest help is the fact that the KLR is a pig. Near when I first got the bike, I rode it up to Buelton to adjust the valves in radical Pacific Coast Hwy gusts and I was thankful for all that weight. However, it obviously is a liability if you drop it! J