The RT in high winds.

[Rocketman 2012]

I have a question that I would appreciate opinions on: In high winds, is the RT adversely affected and if so, how does it manifest itself?

Having never owned a Spyder but having owned 79 motorcycle/ scooters spanning 53 years of street (And dirt) riding, I have had some bikes affected more than others so I wonder what happens on an RT?

Yesterday, in SW Missouri, the wind was SOOOOO bad that at times it was hard just to stand up, more less to ride!

Thanks!

Sam

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

WIND

Well the larger the object the more it's going to be effected by the wind unless the weight is increased commensurately........I have been in high wind conditions on both Two wheel Mtc's and now an RT.......Because the Spyder is much more stable to begin with I think I notice it less because it 's easier to control.....jmho..Mike :thumbup:

 

[manxman]

Xwind

I have a question that I would appreciate opinions on: In high winds, is the RT adversely affected and if so, how does it manifest itself?

Having never owned a Spyder but having owned 79 motorcycle/ scooters spanning 53 years of street (And dirt) riding, I have had some bikes affected more than others so I wonder what happens on an RT?

Yesterday, in SW Missouri, the wind was SOOOOO bad that at times it was hard just to stand up, more less to ride!

Thanks!

Sam

Yesterday the winds here in No. west Indiana were 35-40 mph and I was riding RT with the winds blowing from the side, the machines handled very good. With the new sway bar.The only other machine I had that was good in xwinds was the Goldwing./...

 

[kngfsh27]

If the wind is steady, I don't really notice it. If it is gusting like it was yesterday, you will get moved around. Even a different sway bar would not have helped. We had gusts up close to 60 mph here in Lee's Summit. The Spyder stayed in the garage. At least it has calmed down some today.

 

[cognaccruiser]

I guess my first question would be, what is your definition of "high winds" ? I've seen comments on here by some people finding the Spyder hard to control but many others saying it was better than 2 wheels. It also will be dictated by your level of experience with a Spyder.
My personal opinion is that the Spyder is easier to handle than a 2 wheeler in strong side winds. Having had some big bikes like an 05 Midnight Venture and a 12 Goldwing, I have endured some pretty tough sidewinds that I would rather be on a Spyder
The Spyder will handle the wind better if you don't fight the wind. Folks that are new to Spyders tend to over grip and fight the push you will feel on a Spyder. Many, myself included, have installed BajaRon sway bars on their Spyders and that improves handling in the wind along with normal riding conditions.
If you are considering a Spyder Rt, don't let the thought of riding in the wind stop you.

Gary

 

[Rocketman 2012]

Thanks for the answers Folks!

My last Goldwing was a new 2012 and it really wasn't affected much at all.

In SW Missouri, 99% of our storms and winds come diagonally from the Southwest blowing Northeast and seems to hit the rider at a 45 degree angle, so it can be disconcerting.

When one lives in "Tornado alley," high winds need no explanation

Sam :yes:

 

[Bob Denman]

I will normally drop the windshield to it's lowest possible position, if I'm encountering strong crosswinds. I think that it reduces the "sail effect"... :thumbup:
But I've never had my RTs moved around all that much on the road anyway!
I'd say that it's good to be aware of what the winds are like; but it's not something to lose any sleep over.

 

[MouthPiece]

Imagine riding your motorcycle with your front house door in front.

Chris

 

[Bob Denman]

Imagine riding your motorcycle with your front house door in front.
Chris

When that happens to me; I call it "crashing"! :yikes:

 

[PaladinLV]

Up to about 45mph winds (and direction plays a major part) for me, high wind on the RT is no worse then when I rode an Electra Glide.
If I know in advance winds/gusts are going to get above 45 I refrain from riding.

AJ

I have a question that I would appreciate opinions on: In high winds, is the RT adversely affected and if so, how does it manifest itself?

Having never owned a Spyder but having owned 79 motorcycle/ scooters spanning 53 years of street (And dirt) riding, I have had some bikes affected more than others so I wonder what happens on an RT?

Yesterday, in SW Missouri, the wind was SOOOOO bad that at times it was hard just to stand up, more less to ride!

Thanks!

Sam

 

[BajaRon]

Thanks for the answers Folks!

My last Goldwing was a new 2012 and it really wasn't affected much at all.

In SW Missouri, 99% of our storms and winds come diagonally from the Southwest blowing Northeast and seems to hit the rider at a 45 degree angle, so it can be disconcerting.

When one lives in "Tornado alley," high winds need no explanation

Sam :yes:

I'd say the Spyder will handle about the same as any other vehicle in a Tornado! :yikes:

 

[ARtraveler]

I'd say the Spyder will handle about the same as any other vehicle in a Tornado! :yikes:

That would have been a scary ride. :yikes:

 

[ARtraveler]

I have found the :spyder2: to be much more stable in wind than compared to two wheels. Heavy side winds result in having to control the :ani29: more than usual. Rear winds are nice--they give improved gas mileage. Head winds make the :spyder2: use a bit more gas.

I would not be heading out on a day where the winds are gusting 50+, but would not be afraid to drive in it if I had to.

 

[pitzerwm]

What I have found is that the Spyder handles fine, its you that gets blown all over the place and makes the ride less enjoyable.

 

[latony007]

i agree it handles better in winds that 2 wheels. Of course my 2 wheels is pretty light at just over 400 lbs. For weather conditions what i really love about the spyder is rain, never worry about dumping a spyder if its raining like 2 wheels.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: That's why tucking your knees in against the tank, will often help a whole lot! :thumbup:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I actually kind of enjoy riding in high winds, I find dodging tumbleweed and handling big gusts of wind exhilarating. Never had it be so windy that I wouldn't ride and we get some real honking winds out here.

 

[Pampurrs]

Handles it better than any of the two wheel motorcycles I've ridden.

Pam

 

[JayBros]

My RT with a BajaRon sway bar tracks like an arrow shot from a crossbow in any wind conditions.

 

[Tazzel]

If you purchase an RT I would see what you think at stock in high winds. If you find you need some support, I would install the swaybar. Then go with better shocks.

When I went to the Spyders owners event with a group of Spyder riders and a couple of Harleys in the mix we encountered high winds. The Harleys had to stop and rest because they were exhausted dealing with it after a couple of hours. The Spyder riders had no issues not that we did not feel it or that it was not having some effect on the Spyder, just that we did not have to expend as much energy.