Photo Breva 750 from Motor Cyclist Online
Some claim that riding smaller, lighter bikes like the Breva 750 or the new V7C in strong winds can become a problem, especially on the highway. I personally don’t see much of a difference myself or, better said, I haven’t had bad experiences with my Breva in strong winds. Rather than concentrating on bike size I much rather concentrate on riding technique, bike geometry (windage) and local wind conditions on the road (and on my neck of the woods).
Technique in heavy winds for me requires getting my body lower over the tank, hiding my head as much as practicable behind the windscreen. In my case I’ve had the experience of going from the Moto Guzzi bikini fairing for the Breva, which is on the small side and is basically in a more vertical (with slight, slight back lean) position, to the Le Mans I fairing, which though similar in size (if not a bit larger) angles softly over the instrument panel with a much greater lean away from vertical. This improved riding in windy conditions significantly, particularly since it cleaned up all buffeting around my helmet, whether leaning down over the tank or sitting in a more upward position.
Breva 750 Bikini Fairing
(Owners of Brevas and V7s ought to consider this modification. Remember, however, that success with a fairing also depends greatly on body size and height of upper body. Different folks get different results, though I gather the Le Mans fairing has probably been tested more thoroughly on more bikes than the Breva bikini fairing.)
Le Mans I Fairing Mounted on Breva 750
Another important consideration is basic riding technique when being affected by buffeting and gusts. This requires greater concentration over all, but specifically great consideration regarding your grip on the handle bars. Remember that your upper body—your arms – are being hit by the wind and transmitting those hits straight down to the handlebar and thus to the bike’s steering. Most beginners react precisely the wrong way in these conditions: they feel the gusts and apply a death grip on the bars. This is a normal reaction to the sensation that the bike is being thrown about and the rider wants to keep the bike straight and tries to muscle the bike into doing so.
Precisely wrong as you transmit all the wind gusts right down the bike and onto the front wheel. The grip must be sure but light. This will have a much lighter effect on steering. Try it. The result is amazing.
One more effect on the bike is its geometry or shape and how modifications affect it. I’m not so sure heavier cruisers, for example, do better in wind when they carry large saddlebags, rear bags up high and tank bags up front. That goes for any bike, by the way. A larger target to the wind will be affected accordingly. Bike size and weight alone is not the primary issue. (Just look at the Superbike riders or Moto GP riders doing their thing in strong, windy conditions. These are light bikes, yet streamlined and well ridden.)
Racing Moto Guzzis from MG Cycle Com
The north wind here in my neck of the woods always keeps me on my toes. If I did not learn how to ride in these conditions I’d be doing a lot of bike washing and shining and little riding. So learn how your local conditions affect the riding and the road. Be aware where wind tunnels down valleys and across highways. Get down low into those head winds. Watch larger vehicles and how they may be affected during your ride. You’ll be surprised how some of them get tossed on the road.
Know your limits. And know when to stop if need be.
Moto Guzzi Quota at Rest from This Old Tractor
Tiny Goose 