| Author | Message | ||
     Kcbuell |
I have a 2003 Blast with standard configuration - NO windscreen but it does have that little plastic panel which I imagine is supposed to aerodynamically direct the passing air over the rider. That being said, when I go around 50 MPH or higher, I feel the wind pushing against my chest and shoulders. Adjusting my posture for improved aerodynamics has minor impact at best. So, I am "working" to combat the wind and it does restrict my desire to go faster. And it also gets tiring!!! At the same time that I am battling the airstream, I am being passed by other riders going a whole lot faster on bikes which also have no windscreen or other devices and they seem to have no "wind" issues - in fact, some of them, are passing me riding with only one hand on the bars. So the question - what is the difference and is there a way to "combat" the effect that I am experiencing? Also, does the installation of the windshield, such as the one made by Buell, really make a significant difference? Thanks for any insight you can provide! | ||
| Swampy |
KC, I know exactly how you feel. It just takes a while to get used to, the wind buffeting that is. You get it with almost all bikes except the ones with the larger fairings and wind screens. Make sure you are wearing a full face helmet and that your jacket fits snugly, that will help alot. Some tips are to just ride more, relax into the wind, loosen your grip and relax your arms and let the wind move the bike around a little. My Sporty has nothing on the front of it but a tach and speedo, and when that is running up towards the top end you just dig in and let it roll. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
I 'chopped' my flyscreen because I didnt like where it hit me, now I just run without it. Also, you're new to riding (I assume), you'll get used to it. The big Buell windscreen will help and some bikes are more aerodynamic, even without a fairing. (the nicely faired sportbikes will do 140mph+ with less wind 'buffeting' than the Blast at 60!). Feel whats real, live windshield free! | ||
| Ezblast |
That wind keeps you awake as a friend That wind will try to push you around That wind will cool you on the hot summer days That wind will freeze you on the cold winter days That wind carries the smells of the bakery district That wind will try to fool you That wind just loves to play tag That wind is why dogs hang their heads out windows That wind is a part of why we ride To be free as the wind whistling down the road on a clear sunny day That wind EZ | ||
| Kcbuell |
Thanks for the responses! I like that quick response here! Very helpful! Swampy - I do wear a full face helmet and a jacket which is snug (tourmaster riding jacket), but it still fills with air to some degree. With the weather now approaching 80s during the day, it is starting to get hot with the jacket, but that is another story! I am not sure how you can "loosen your grip and relax your arms" when I seem to be squeezing the grips to ensure the wind is not going to separate me from the bike! But perhaps you are right and that will come in time. And Gearheaderiko - you are right, I am new to riding and totally enjoying it! Thanks again for the responses!} | ||
| Fast1075 |
A windshield will help with one problem and create another...one thing that may help would be to get a set of lower handlebars...I found that the bolt upright riding position with stock bars was a bit turbulent...I installed lower bars...this naturally leans you a bit into the wind... Either way the more you ride the less you will notice it...and wind is very nice once the summer kicks in...expecially if you are properly armored up. | ||
| Reuel |
At first you'll get aches in various places. After a while, you'll notice you don't need to hang on so tightly. That's because your gut muscles will get stronger and hold you up. Give it time.  Windshields are only for keeping me from freezing in the winter time. I'm about to pull mine off for the summer. | ||
| J2blue |
KC, I'm in your situation too, a new rider and not very enthusiastic about interstate speeds on the Blast. I recently completed my longest trek on the interstate and can say that I'm too big for the Blast in that situation. You can lean over and rest your chin on the tank to lower the total drag, and watch the speed start increasing, but that puts you in a less stable position for steering. Skilled riders I'm sure aren't bothered as much by it, but not me. Below 55 on country two-lanes the Blast is a dream. I love it. It is very fun around town, too. I'm considering installing a Givi A660 universal windshield to see if that gives me a little more comfort on the fast highways and interstates. I only expect it will remove the buffeting of my upper torso and head, though. The total aero-drag will be the same probably, and the bike will likely feel like it is floating on air whenever a big trucks aero-wake starts pushing on it. The engine holds up pretty good but is likely meant to carry a shorter and lighter person than me. A few extra ponies when traveling 70mph up hill against the wind are needed with me on top. Ducking down provides enough aero-slip to get past a truck while holding the throttle all the way down. Still, if I could afford it I would probably trade up to a larger Buell for that kind of riding. | ||
| Zane |
I've noticed that I seem to naturally hold on very tightly to the handle bars. I thought is was just because I was a wuss. Anything that strengthens my core muscles is a good thing. Tomorrow is the last day of school. I won't have to drop him off any more so I can starting riding the bike instead of driving the truck. Can't wait!! | ||
| Kcbuell |
J2 - please let me know if you do install the windshield and how you like it. Thanks. | ||
| Fast1075 |
I strongly advise that if possible, you ride a bike with a windshield before you buy one...my experience is with a fork mounted windshield, that it makes the front end feel very unsettling...the wind buffeting tends to move the forks around. Some shields may be more or less prone to the problem....some are downright scary if a truck passes you... | ||
| Reuel |
On the Blast, the Buell windshield and the Givi both do quite well at speed passing trucks. | ||
| Sarodude |
It's really not a good idea to "hang on" to the bars - especially to hold yourself up against the wind you're pushing. Among other things, you may interfere with the proper workings of the front end and wind up with an ill handling situation. Engage your core - and get used to gripping the tank with your thighs. I believe that whether people ride upright or sport, they get lazy and rely on their hands for support. Use the core and relax the arms and hands. -Saro | ||
| Ezblast |
Use the Force young Sidth - ;0) - in otherwords - relax and enjoy! EZ | ||
| Zane |
One of the other things I've noticed and didn't expect was the wind on my helmet. If I turn my head to check before changing lanes or check to the side, the wind resistance on my helmet is much more than I expected. Surprised me a lot though it shouldn't have. | ||
| Reuel |
Neck muscles are good, too! | ||
| Bonesdl1 |
I run my Blast up and down I-95 in MD every day. Everything you guys have talked about are perfectly normal for the stock blast at highway speeds. I roll 75-80 mph the whole way and you just get used to the wind. I did put Renthal Ultra low bars on my bike and the position is lower and more comfortable. I am thinking about getting a Givi A750 windshield for it though. It may cut down some of the buffeting a bit more. But then again, this may be my last season on my Blast. I'm thinking about moving up to the Firebolt. The one thing I have learned, at least with my Blast, is that if it starts to feel a little loose with the wind, I just ease of the throttle a bit and it grabs the road quickly and I can power back up again. | ||
| Naustin |
get a set of superbike handlebars ~ $15. They are lower than the stock bars and will cause you to lean forward a little more. THis will put your head lower and help you get behind what little windprotection the blast has, and it will also put your weight forward on your arms. When you ride slow, this will put pressure on your hands and wrists, but at 60mph plus, the wind on your chest will hold you up off your wrists and support you a little bit. You'll get used to it.  | ||
| Reuel |
The Givi will make a huge difference in buffetting and such. | ||
| Berkshire |
I felt the same way when I first started riding 2-1/2 years ago - as has been stated above, "you'll get used to it". There's nothing especially wrong with Blast aerodynamics, those other bikes just have more power. The bike will do 65 in 3rd gear and 80 in 4th, so don't be afraid to drop down a gear if it doesn't seem to have enough oomph! Superbike bars are lower than stock, but not much further forward - not like clip-ons or crossroads bars. Any bar that uses the stock mounts would have to have a reverse bend like the new 1125CR bars (hint! hint!) to be much further forward. Ducking down helps get more speed, but yeah, it's only good for straight open road. Lower/forward bars get you lower, with excellent handling too. With the stock Blast footpeg location, weight on hands & wrists shouldn't be a problem - my bars are pretty far forward (similar in position to x-roads or clip-ons with risers), but most of my weight seems to be on the footpegs and seat - i CAN shift a lot of my weight to the bars, but that's not how I normally ride. Try this: lean forward in your chair with your arms stretched out in front of you, sitting near the edge of the seat with knees & feet shoulder-width apart, until you get to where your shoulders are directly above your knees. That's sort of like the position of stock footpegs & forward bars. On long highway rides and/or when I want better gas mileage or more speed or my legs are tired of the regular position, I put my feet on the passenger pegs. Usually I don't even flip them down, just stretch one leg back and then the other, heels inward slightly, everything just fits into place. Maybe scoot back on the seat a bit too. It's great on my legs, and has a great aerodynamic effect too! (Message edited by berkshire on July 28, 2008) |
