Author Topic: Dealing with crosswinds  (Read 4859 times)

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Offline V8Pinto

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Dealing with crosswinds
« on: May 08, 2007, 04:18:08 PM »
Ok so I've been riding dirt bikes for almost 30 years but nothing prepared me for the combination of the high speed of El Mirage, crosswinds, and sand/dirt for a surface.

What is the preferred technique for dealing with this?  I noticed that I was banked over about 15 degrees and going straight.  As the wind would gust, it would push me to the right which made me want to lean more left to compensate.  I was hesitant to do that and stay on the power for fear of losing traction and wiping out.  Instead I would go neutral on the gas, stand it up a bit and steer, then lay it back over and get back in the power.  Rinse and repeat.

I have to admit that it felt a little "uncomfortable".  Think I just need more seat time on that surface?  Am I just chicken?  ;) 

I'm on the stock tires - is there a better compound that I can use at El Mirage that will inspire more confidence?

Shane
306 N2O Pinto
Shane
V8 Pinto on juice
Hayabusa on the brain
Twin-Turbo F150 4x4

Offline JackD

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #1 on: May 08, 2007, 05:10:01 PM »
Congratulations on the successful completion of your first sailing lesson.
Next you will have to experience the wind stopping all of a sudden and changing direction.
There is nothing to compare directly to riding experience, but now take that experience and try to figure out what effect the wind had.
The best way to illustrate what you are beginning to believe is to exaggerate the dimensions of the part you are looking at and that makes it clearer.
For example the nose of the fairing you have has an effect on the handling.
Now imagine that same fairing extended forward 2 feet.
Do the same with the area of the side panels and the length of the tail.
Get a piece of light weight plywood, perhaps 1/2"X 2' X 8', so it is not too heavy and take it out into the wind.
Hold it in the center and turn all directions.
Stick it straight up in the air and then holding it horizontal , move it forward and back.
If you are still standing , sit down, think about it and let us know what you find.
When you get past all of that , you are ready for a Streamliner Bike to go really fast, but they all crash for much the same reason and the safety requirements provide the degree of survivability.
Most of the fastest riders will share the information , it is the half fast ones that tend to be secretive. :wink:
 
 
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Offline 1212FBGS

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #2 on: May 08, 2007, 07:35:20 PM »
shane
what jack is trying to say is pull up your skirt and grab your sack cuz it don't get any better...
just lean into it and twist that thing in your right hand... oh by the way your busa swing arm will hold 85 lbs of lead shot.  :-D
Kent

Offline JackD

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #3 on: May 08, 2007, 08:06:28 PM »
Shane
You might do a profile on Kent and look at his web site.
Except for his "KID" status, a charm school dropout, and his sensitivity to mention of his skirt, he is becoming quite aware. :wink:
"I would rather lose going fast enough to win than win going slow enough to lose."
"That horrible smell is dirty feet being held to the fire"

Offline 1212FBGS

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #4 on: May 08, 2007, 08:43:23 PM »
hey now jack... i put my skirt on one leg at a time just like the rest of ya...
kent

Offline joea

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #5 on: May 08, 2007, 11:44:02 PM »
pleeaase......be careful adding wt to the back of the bike....!!!!!!!!!

its the TOTAL package thats important........


Joe (whos swingarm is lighter than stock..)   :)

landracing

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2007, 12:26:04 AM »
pleeaase......be careful adding wt to the back of the bike....!!!!!!!!!

its the TOTAL package thats important........


Joe (whos swingarm is lighter than stock..)   :)

Jack,

JoeA proved you wrong with his message above, those semi-Fast guys aren't so secretive....

Jon

Offline JackD

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2007, 01:28:06 AM »
Not at all.
He is plenty fast and understands the CG/CP rule as well as the difference in handling that comes with the ability to manage sprung and unsprung weight.
The lack of information from him is a failing on the part of those that should be asking. :wink:
"I would rather lose going fast enough to win than win going slow enough to lose."
"That horrible smell is dirty feet being held to the fire"

Offline 1212FBGS

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2007, 12:31:01 PM »
your right Jack... a lot of good serious questions posted on this forum and only the seriously helpful answer them.
kent

Offline V8Pinto

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2007, 01:41:51 PM »
Kent I had a hunch it might just be that I was wearing my skirt too tight :) 

What do you folks do to get experience running that speed in those conditions?  It it is as simple as going out and doing it...where do you go?
Shane
V8 Pinto on juice
Hayabusa on the brain
Twin-Turbo F150 4x4

Offline Seldom Seen Slim

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #10 on: May 09, 2007, 01:54:21 PM »
It's simple -- you go back to the end of the line, wait your turn, do it again.  Repeat year after year, and there you have it -- experience!

Jon E. Wennerberg
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 Skandia, Michigan
 (that's way up north)
2 Club member x2
Owner of landracing.com

Offline JackD

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #11 on: May 09, 2007, 02:32:55 PM »
"Street racing is the answer to the questiom that nobody asked."
"I would rather lose going fast enough to win than win going slow enough to lose."
"That horrible smell is dirty feet being held to the fire"

Offline wolbrink471

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #12 on: May 09, 2007, 02:49:33 PM »
maybe no one wanted to admit to 'street' riding...either for legal reasons or just to maintain a respectable position in the community?!?

anyway a gps on the handle bars makes it a lot easier, so does the 'dummy' headlamp!

Mark
more information about the World's Fastest Dirt Bike at...... www.wolbrinkrace.com

Offline Nortonist 592

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Re: Dealing with crosswinds
« Reply #13 on: May 09, 2007, 11:01:58 PM »
I'm curious to know how far you went before you got to the lights?  I figure I went about 1.5 miles.
Get off the stove Grandad.  You're too old to be riding the range.