Do you tuck behind your windshield to avoid "the blast"? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

DS06C50T · 12-25-2005, 07:45 PM

I finally took my first ride on the freeway/Interstate. At first I was more nervous, so the first minute or so was a bit "anxious". Then I relaxed and me and the bike were cruising comfortably at 70mph (the speed limit).

I did try out ducking down lower than my windshield (stock Suzuki Blvd. windshield) when the big semi's passed in the opposite direction. It seemed to lessen "the blast". That, plus getting closer to them (ie, toward the center line) vs. being in the middle or the right 1/3rd of the lane seemed to also lessen "the blast".

Anyone else experience same?

Hope everyone had a woderful Xmas!

Best,
Daryl

C50dreamin · 12-26-2005, 02:21 AM

I'm still trying to find the sweetspot behind mine and I have a 21" Memphis Fats !!! I think my helmet is the culprit for the buffeting that I receive above 60mph. I may try a quick ride w/o it to determine the cause of the buffeting. Some say that lowers help...Zed

Lexcruiser · 12-26-2005, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C50dreamin

I'm still trying to find the sweetspot behind mine and I have a 21" Memphis Fats !!! I think my helmet is the culprit for the buffeting that I receive above 60mph. I may try a quick ride w/o it to determine the cause of the buffeting. Some say that lowers help...Zed

What kind of helmet do you have?

C50dreamin · 12-26-2005, 10:29 AM

Cheap M2R that I picked up before I had the bike to go run at the 1/4 mile track...

Funny thing is, I can open the visor (sp.) and the buffeting gets much better but if I close it back down again then it gets back worse...Go figure...

Lexcruiser · 12-26-2005, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C50dreamin

Funny thing is, I can open the visor (sp.) and the buffeting gets much better but if I close it back down again then it gets back worse...Go figure...

Are there other vents on the helmet that you can close/open? The buffeting is a little better when the visor is partially open probably because the air thats coming up into your helmet (Im thinking from the chin area) has a means to vent back out... If theres a rear vent to open up, that might help...

But maybe time for a new helmet!

I picked up a brand new Shoei RF-1000 Diabolic for $300... retails for around $500! Shop around and you'll find some good deals...

IntruderCruiser · 12-26-2005, 04:20 PM

I do not tuck behind the windshield. I do not get too close to the center line, but ride the normal position if I am the lead rider -- if by myself I am more in the center of the lane --- main thing, is you have to be relaxed --

C50dreamin · 12-27-2005, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexcruiser

Are there other vents on the helmet that you can close/open? The buffeting is a little better when the visor is partially open probably because the air thats coming up into your helmet (Im thinking from the chin area) has a means to vent back out... If theres a rear vent to open up, that might help...

But maybe time for a new helmet!

I picked up a brand new Shoei RF-1000 Diabolic for $300... retails for around $500! Shop around and you'll find some good deals...

No rear vent but it has the normal chin and forehead vents...Yikes !!! 300 for a helmet...my wife has borrowed a Fulmer from a friend of hers and I think they run around 150 and I might be able to tackle that...

IntruderCruiser · 12-27-2005, 11:54 PM

look for a Nolan --- good value for a low price

Smashinz2002 · 12-28-2005, 12:43 AM

It's probably not a good idea to ride the center stripe for any reason. Number one rule in biking, ride as if you are invisible to all other vehicles. Never assume the oncoming vehicle, semi truck or otherwise, is going to continue in a straight line. Assume it will swerve into you at the last second. Leave yourself plenty of room to escape the situation. A hard wind blast is a lot less lethal than a head-on with a tractor-trailor. Since no bike is really designed for high gust crosswind, such as a truck passing, it doesnt really matter what bike you're on, cruiser or sportbike. Both are like a sail in a crosswind.
Be safe!

'05 B12
'05 DR650SE
'04 KX500

slocraiger · 12-30-2005, 12:56 PM

centerline normally is where oil/debris, etc. piles up in the highway; i normally ride on sides of lanes where car tires keep things dry/clean.

12-25-2005, 07:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
DS06C50T Kickstand Operator Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: 2006 Suzuki Blvd. C50T (dark grey) Location: Ventura County, CA. Posts: 286	Do you tuck behind your windshield to avoid "the blast"? I finally took my first ride on the freeway/Interstate. At first I was more nervous, so the first minute or so was a bit "anxious". Then I relaxed and me and the bike were cruising comfortably at 70mph (the speed limit). I did try out ducking down lower than my windshield (stock Suzuki Blvd. windshield) when the big semi's passed in the opposite direction. It seemed to lessen "the blast". That, plus getting closer to them (ie, toward the center line) vs. being in the middle or the right 1/3rd of the lane seemed to also lessen "the blast". Anyone else experience same? Hope everyone had a woderful Xmas! Best, Daryl __________________ Daryl '06 C50T... full-time hard-bagger and true dual exhaust http://www.volusiariders.com/album_p...r=DESC&start=0

12-26-2005, 10:29 AM	#4 (permalink)
C50dreamin Found second gear by accident Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: '06 C50 Location: City by the Sea,Tx Posts: 345	Cheap M2R that I picked up before I had the bike to go run at the 1/4 mile track... Funny thing is, I can open the visor (sp.) and the buffeting gets much better but if I close it back down again then it gets back worse...Go figure... Last edited by Clint; 12-26-2005 at 11:00 AM.

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12-26-2005, 02:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
C50dreamin Found second gear by accident Joined: Nov 2005 Bike: '06 C50 Location: City by the Sea,Tx Posts: 345	I'm still trying to find the sweetspot behind mine and I have a 21" Memphis Fats !!! I think my helmet is the culprit for the buffeting that I receive above 60mph. I may try a quick ride w/o it to determine the cause of the buffeting. Some say that lowers help...Zed

12-26-2005, 04:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
IntruderCruiser TurtleWax Taster Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2003 Intruder 1500 Posts: 585	I do not tuck behind the windshield. I do not get too close to the center line, but ride the normal position if I am the lead rider -- if by myself I am more in the center of the lane --- main thing, is you have to be relaxed --

12-27-2005, 11:54 PM	#8 (permalink)
IntruderCruiser TurtleWax Taster Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2003 Intruder 1500 Posts: 585	look for a Nolan --- good value for a low price

12-28-2005, 12:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
Smashinz2002 Where Am I ? Joined: Aug 2005 Bike: '05 Bandit1200S Location: Waxahachie, Texas Posts: 47	It's probably not a good idea to ride the center stripe for any reason. Number one rule in biking, ride as if you are invisible to all other vehicles. Never assume the oncoming vehicle, semi truck or otherwise, is going to continue in a straight line. Assume it will swerve into you at the last second. Leave yourself plenty of room to escape the situation. A hard wind blast is a lot less lethal than a head-on with a tractor-trailor. Since no bike is really designed for high gust crosswind, such as a truck passing, it doesnt really matter what bike you're on, cruiser or sportbike. Both are like a sail in a crosswind. Be safe! '05 B12 '05 DR650SE '04 KX500

12-30-2005, 12:56 PM	#10 (permalink)
slocraiger Newbie Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 2005 C50 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA Posts: 10	centerline normally is where oil/debris, etc. piles up in the highway; i normally ride on sides of lanes where car tires keep things dry/clean.

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