8 inch tires +wind=scary!!!!

[drake0093]

went out riding for a few on the mantis and the wind was probably blowin bout 10mph with 20-25mph gusts. thats when i realized that riding on these dinky 8inch tires can be scary in a wind. probably doesnt help that the scoot weighs maybe 120lbs with a full tank. any suggestions to staying upright on such a small scoot?

[inuyasha]

Hi Drake
I live right on the ocean, in fact my backyard is the Long Island Sound
Its always very gusty around here and the winds can change quite quickly
Just to be very careful as the wind does play a major factor when riding our smaller scoots
I slow down when the wind gets unruly and keep her to slower speeds
With time and practice it will get easier to handle the wind
Best advice is to keep the speed down when the wind is up when riding smaller scoots
Take care and drive safely dear friend
Yours Hank

[drake0093]

thanx Hank i was actually worried i was doning something wrong by keeping to slower speeds.

[Diesel Discordian]

Low speed is good, but if you are being blown around in a bad way, goose the throttle for all it is worth. When leaning over a bit, the speed increase creates a gyroscopic effect in the tire, causing it to want to stand up, even though the effect is greatly reduced in a tiny 8 inch donut tire. If you allow your speed to drop to much in a strong wind, you will fall over or be blown over. Or worse, into another lane and into another motor vehicle.

Also helpful advice for coming out of tight corners, like when you have the bike into 35 or 45 degrees of lean. The gyroscopic effect of the tires will do a better job of lifting the bike than you are capable of.

[drake0093]

when its pretty decent out i can just wide open and lean for all its worth. this was the first time since i got this little 2t that i was able to get ouot and ride it in the wind since it sat on center stand for about a month after i bought it trying to get it street worthy

[Globs]

Consider fitting a topbox, in theory the wind will push the back round back and thereby steer you into the wind.

This is just a theory.

[yoshidawg]

Strong crosswinds are just as scary with 10 inchers too. I just lower my speed till I feel comfortable.

[skuttadawg]

My 50 with 10s got blown around to , even slowing down in a headwind . My Echarm with 16s can even get blown around too but not as much . Go with the widest tires you can to have more of the tire making contact with pavement , like what I call doughnuts .

Sitting up erect you have more drag from wind . Try lowering down you head so wind blows over you instead of into as much .

It was so bad I pondered the idea of putting on a wind sail like on a boat and see if it would blow me around .

When very windy slowing down is best option to prevent a wreck or mishap . I can cruise at 50 easy but if go faster like 70 its like stunt driving on the interstate . I hate it when I see a semi truck , I have to slow down since the draft is so powerful from the moving around of that much air has a big impact on a scooter .

On my GS550 I could hold in the clutch when tailgating a semi and it would pull me down the road , was neato and dangerous . I only wanted to share my experience not influence anyone to be stupid as I was

[Globs]

I've been in some pretty blustery stuff with my Sym which has got 12" on the back and 13" on the front.

It wasn't too bad for pushing the bike, but I had a pillion which may have helped quite a bit - so pick up a passenger if you can

[silverfox96]

High winds are always a safety concern, even in a cage. When the wind is whipping a lincoln towncar all over the road, it is time to leave the scooter garaged.