Motorway experience?

[AndyBrad]

Ok folks, I took the bike for a spin yesterday up past ripponden and onto the M62. Now I’ve never been up there before and would just like some advice. Now firstly on going onto the slip road. Theres a bloody cattle grid!!!!! I mean what fecking numpty put a cattle grid mid corner onto the motorway? Managed to get past that and accelerated up to m way speeds. Upon joining the motorway this is where I started to experience issues. Namely the fact that my face started to feel like it was being turned inside out. The force of the helmet on my cheeks had me biting down on my teeth so hard the last time I experienced stuff like this I was on the oblivion at Alton towers! I gritted more as I wound the throttle on to overtake a car and really wished I hadn’t. As I turned my head it felt as though it was going to be ripped off! I mean it was windy but my god I was starting to get worried. Luckily I have a fat **** and managed to use this to good effect as it clung onto the seat for dear life, as images of me being thrown off the back went through my head. I hugged the tank and stuck with it while what seemed to be hours later I arrived at the next available exit. Now trembling I got of at hudds and had a nice ride back to brig on normal roads.

Now the problem is ive had a mate come up from Cambridge twice on his bike now. A naked xj600. Im wanting to go down there but am struggling to cope with 1 junction down the m way never mind the 3 hour trip each way. So could you please offer your advice as to riding on the motorway in comfort. I love riding about sorta 70 ish but on a m way its completely different. Im getting a lot more buffeted. And the sustained speed feels like its going to kill me.

Your thoughts please.

[yorkie_chris]

Miss YC lives in aberystwyth, that's about 70 miles of Mway, then 90 miles of A road. Have done the Mway bit flat out the whole way before.

You get used to the wind, seat will start to annoy you more soon.

[Scoobs]

Does your helmet fit correctly? If it is too loose it will feel like it is being peeled backwards off of your head.

[Woz]

Get a fly screen. Nothing will solve the problem of windblast completely but even a small screen will make a noticable difference.

[davepreston]

a screen on your naked is the only thing i can think of mate there not much and you can pick one up fron a place in the link section hope that helps also the buffeting from left to right you get used to just keep your shoulders relaxed and counter steer slightly it will all come with time

[Drew Carey]

Can I just ask, were you wearing a baggy waterproof or such over the top? I find that this makes things more wobbly at speed. Also, as already mentioned, sould like your helmet may be too loose.

As YC says, you do get used to it and it becomes much easier as your neck muscles build up. I am currently using a Hornet and can happily now ride along the mway at "Reasonable Motorcycle Speeds" with no issues at all.

[hovis]

swap the bike for a faired one preferbly in yellow, this will not only help the wind problem, but also vastly improve your street cred;)

[Brettus]

I noticed this first when I got on an ER5 for my DAS, hadn't had such speed or windblast before, same thing when I tried a naked SV, you do get used to counter acting the speed, fairings/screens do help significantly (well a surprising amount for me anyway but I'm slightly naive :))
the cattle grid sounds nasty though! bad enough on country lanes but to put one on somewhere like that sounds madness.

[AndyBrad]

I was wearing leathers at the time so no waterproofs.

I would get a yellow faired bike but ive got an mg at the moment and am sick of people thinking im a hairdresser/gay so buying a faired yellow bike just wouldn’t cut it im afraid :p (although tbh on the m way the other day I did think why the feck didn’t I get a fairing :p )

Ive considered a fly screen but just wondered if there was some riding position or something that helps? And how you deal with the helmet thingy. Its not moving and is a very snug fit but it does feel as though its lifting sometimes at high speed. Im wondering if I can get a spoiler or something from Halfords :p

[madness]

Allow more time, avoid motorways and enjoy the ride

[yorkie_chris]

I've got a fabbri touring screen if you wnat to purchase one :-D

[Sean_C]

You get used to the windblast quickly, didn't bother me at all after a few miles, and I didn't think it was significantly windier than when I had all the fairings on. :confused:

[AndyBrad]

I've got a fabbri touring screen if you wnat to purchase one :-D


is this made from a bit of trunking warmed with a heat gun and bent to shape ? :)

[yorkie_chris]

Nope. It's actually a proper one. I wouldn't bother bodging something on that's not actually needed.

[AndyBrad]

:)

ill have a think. although at the moment il seeing the advantages of the train :)

[AndyL]

I too had my first experience of riding on the motorway on saturday (only done 115 miles on my SV!). Cant say that I found the wind to be that much of a problem, but I was only doing about 65 behind a lorry (only had to travel for 1 short junction), so I imagine that helped.

[Steve_God]

Give it some more practice... your neck/shoulder muscles will soon build and adapt to it :)

[Ceri JC]

Wear earplugs and keep doing it regularly. You will get stronger neck muscles (+1/2" collar size on shirts!) and it will become more bearable.

Consider getting a flyscreen, they usually make more difference than they look like they will. If you're going to be doing lots of motorway mileage regulary, I'd consider swapping/part exing your bike for a semi-faired one.

[Warthog]

Hello mate.

I have a naked sv and have done tens of thousands of miles on it over 3 years, here is my advice:

Earplugs. Ceri is quite right in bringing this up, a quiet ride makes things seem SO much more smooth and manageable.
Tighter helmet, yours sounds a bit loose. It should only feel like it is coming off if you tilt your head back to the wind catches underneath it.
I have a fly screen but my jury is out on it if you know what I mean. It takes a lot of windblast off your chest, but it creates more turbulence around you head. If you are small it might be a good move, if you are tall I rfound it made things noisier. In the end I have taken it off again after 300 miles.
Ride at 130mph for 1 minute, then 80-90 feels fine :-P
Tank bags actually help a bit too. Slide your bum right back in the seat and lean forward a bit. Some days I just sit bolt upright and blast throught it though.Maybe you had a particularly windy day.

Anyway, I just did 3500 miles round Eastern Europe in 2 weeks so it is possible!

[Blue_SV650S]

Get a fly screen. Nothing will solve the problem of windblast completely but even a small screen will make a noticable difference.


I just so happen to have one for sale 8)

Let me fish it out and get/give some details ... EDIT: here you go ... pics too (http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=91469) :)

But deffo nekkid gets hard work over 60 ...

[captainsmelly]

i had the same difficulties andybrad, on a faired bike so probably not quite as bad as you found. found it really hard just keeping my head pointing the right way, but your muscles grow quickly. try and tuck in, and position yourself so the force of the wind pushes your head down onto your shoulders rather then snapping it back. worked for me.

[Paul the 6th]

I was going to say db screen but then I woke up and looked at your avatar.

Sounds like you could be in need of a tighter helmet as others have said - I spent 6 months riding with an XL sized caberg, went to the bike show where the arai team measured me up and said "nope, you're actually a large". The helmet was a bit more snug but higher speeds became much more manageable.

Also, earplugs earplugs earplugs earplugs earplugs earplug.

I did the exact same stretch of m62 going in the same direction about a month after I passed my test last year. I was in agony with the wind noise. I went to earnshaws in huddersfield (although most halfords do them too) and bought a bag of illuminous green earplugs. They take a little bit of getting used to but once you have a method for getting them in, they really do make a world of difference. Higher speeds feel so much more under control and relaxed, and you're also protecting your ears. I can't ride without them now - the noise is far too much

[dizzyblonde]

Yarp earplugs keeps the wind tunnel effect down. I love motorways, but then I'm a weirdo, but one of my SVs loves them too. My first experience of the motorway was off chainbar. I'd only had the bike about 2 weeks. My mates met me at one of their houses, and said we were going to Squires...yayay i thought, then noticed that neither of them had their bikes
''er wheres your bikes''
''oh in wakefield, we're just going to do a small detour down the 62, just follow us in the car''

well they said they wish that they'd had a camera, cause my face in the rearview mirror was a look of horror...lol. Talk about deep end. All water off a ducks back these days, i'm more at ease on a motrway than anywhere else. Just choose a less chaotic day like a Sunday morning..early and try again

[punyXpress]

Lean into it! That way it's a steady blast against you. Worse than that is the buffeting from other vehicles' slipstream which really knocks your head about.

[BBadger]

i have the same issue as you here, but you soon get use to it, and 80 /90 is quite cumfortable as you lean against the wind so dont hold urself up.
Just try less speed and if still an issue get a nice big fly screan off a honda cub;)

[yorkie_chris]

Less speed?

No... more speed ... cane the b0llocks off it on that road going up towards j22 ... you can get 110 ish up there easy, the thought of the bumps causing you to be tankslappered to death will take your mind off the windblast no problem.

[STRAMASHER]

It can just be the wind direction and strength sometimes.

Couple of times I have not been comfortable going past 70mph on a streetbike on the motorway (where you are a lot more exposed to the elements compared to most A and B roads). Weird crosswinds. All you can do is slow down or find another route.



Your body will get used to it in no time. Fat neck and a Popeye sized throttle forearm. *CRUSH*;):D

Fun tho' eh!?:cool:

[alan pasfield]

this also happened to me the other day and im a big lad the wind caught me and i was just about off but got the knees buried in the tank head down problem solved untill i lifted my head to do a lifesaver and it felt like i got hit by a tank then i cut my speed down to around 80 and the problem went away as madness says avoid the m ways and just enjoy

[shonadoll]

Do those tiny screens actually make a difference? They look so small.

[shonadoll]

Have to say, I'm finding it much easier going now I'm used to it, and have a helmet that actually fits - my old one felt like my head was being pulled, at high speed, but my Arai fits like a glove and has made a huge difference. Is your helmet a bit loose, perhaps?

[Ceri JC]

Ride at 130mph for 1 minute, then 80-90 feels fine :-P
Tank bags actually help a bit too.

PMSL! So true.

[bris]

I had the same problem on my DAS when I did a lifesaver on the city bypass at 70, when I had a minute I asked my instructor about it and he told me never to do a lifesaver at those speeds as its to dangerous as by the time you do one the ground you have covered in the time could take you into the car in front if they have to stop for any reason. Good mirror obs and forward planning is required for motorway speeds.

[AndyBrad]

ok chaps tried from ainley top to brighouse tonight on the m way. accelled all the way up to approx 90 on the sliproad then dropped down onto themway. felt a lot better actually. not as much wind so im thinking thats the factor? i think i just need some practice really. Ill have another go at the weeknd i think. Im sending the trousers back to ft and i feel a lot safer in leathers as opposed to textiles so ill wait till i get them ack before i practice some more.


Thanks for all the advice. its helped a lot. :)

[AndyBrad]

I had the same problem on my DAS when I did a lifesaver on the city bypass at 70, when I had a minute I asked my instructor about it and he told me never to do a lifesaver at those speeds as its to dangerous as by the time you do one the ground you have covered in the time could take you into the car in front if they have to stop for any reason. Good mirror obs and forward planning is required for motorway speeds.


AHHHH i was going to ask about this. now ive got myself one of those back protectors from somone on here and i now find it a little harder to move my head when kitted up (neck warmer i think, yes i know im a wuss) any tips on making it easier?

[ranathari]

One thing you can't change is the wind direction: if there's a headwind then it's always going to be a struggle once you get your speed up unless you tuck in along the tank. Only other option when there's a strong headwind is to slow down a bit.

Is your back protector fitted properly? Shouldn't stop your helmet from going backwards as you tilt your head - it's protecting your spine from the shoulders down, not the neck.

[Warthog]

But deffo nekkid gets hard work over 60 ...

Pfffffffff! Wuss!

[BBadger]

Pfffffffff! Wuss!
LMAO !
in all serious though unless your 6ft wide 90 is quite comfortable

[Warthog]

Oh and I would disagree about lifesavers! I do them on the motorway. Good advance mirror obs is obviously vital and saves a lot of hassle, but if you don't know what is in your blind spot, a lifesaver will be better than not! Its not hard at speed when you get used to it.

[sinbad]

+1 on the earplugs and properly fitting helmet being vital, even on a bike with a fairing in my opinion. Earplugs just make everything seem calmer.

You just get used to it too, of course. I remember when I first took my hand off the bar at about 80mph and thought "feckin hell" as my hand got blown back like a crisp packet. Just being prepared for something makes it that much easier to deal with it, you probably don't need to build up your neck muscles, you just need to turn your head knowing that if you do it limply you won't stay in control.

Sit towards the back of the seat too. Remember that air behind is as important as the air hitting you, sitting bolt upright with a large "void" of low pressure behind you doesn't help once you pick up speed.

@Bris, I'm amazed your instructor said this. Mirror obs is not so easy on a bike, maintaining that constant mental image of what's behind is (in my experience) quite difficult. Mirrors leave large blindspots, and on a busy m-way relying on mirrors alone would be crazy imo. I think I would find it physically impossible to change lanes without glancing over to check it's definitely clear. I think your DAS guy should have said you should always keep an eye on what's ahead, whether doing a lifesaver, checking your mirrors or even just reading your speedometer.

[Stu]

Oh and I would disagree about lifesavers! I do them on the motorway. Good advance mirror obs is obviously vital and saves a lot of hassle, but if you don't know what is in your blind spot, a lifesaver will be better than not! Its not hard at speed when you get used to it.
you should be doing a shoulder check for your blind spot. A lifesaver is for looking behind you, which you should achieve from your mirrors.

[sinbad]

you should be doing a shoulder check for your blind spot. A lifesaver is for looking behind you, which you should achieve from your mirrors.

I don't think it is. A lifesaver is a check of that deadly blind spot no?

[Ed]

I still hate riding on motorways, the wind is one thing but the morons who come too close is another. I simply don't find it an enjoyable experience. I will do it if I have to but as those who rode with me on AR08 across the Severn Bridge and along the M4 to the M32 will know, it isn't my thing.

[Warthog]

I don't think it is. A lifesaver is a check of that deadly blind spot no?

Exactly. Why would a lifesaver be checking behind you?! In case there was a jeep with a mounted machinegun chasing you? :lol: Shoulder check and livesaver are one and the same thing, a swiveling of the head to check the blind spot. you can use mirrors to look behind you.

[AndyBrad]

One thing you can't change is the wind direction: if there's a headwind then it's always going to be a struggle once you get your speed up unless you tuck in along the tank. Only other option when there's a strong headwind is to slow down a bit.

Is your back protector fitted properly? Shouldn't stop your helmet from going backwards as you tilt your head - it's protecting your spine from the shoulders down, not the neck.


as far as i know its fitted ok. The problem is when i get on the bike it rides up as i swing my leg over. its not stopping me turning my head just making it uncomfortable as ive got the meck warmer and it get bunched up behind.

Any tips on fitting it properly?

[yorkie_chris]

As it was explained to me "your mirrors can only say "no""

Pull neck warmer down over collar of jacket perhaps?

[ranathari]

If it's riding up, it's not fitted properly. Site it lower down your back when you put it on so that it rides up into the right position when you get on the back - use the transverse strap to secure it. Alternatively, don't swing your leg up so high (as you rotate your hip, you push the protector up) or mount the bike using the pegs.

As for not doing a lifesaver on the motorway, that's sheer ********. If you're close enough to the car in front that them braking will cause you to go up the back of them if you're doing a lifesaver, then you're too close. Lots of people don't hold the right distance from the vehicle in front on the motorway - remember the 2 second rule!

[ArtyLady]

You get used to it...and either neck muscles of steel or dodgy neck like mine ;)

[ArtyLady]

Get a fly screen. Nothing will solve the problem of windblast completely but even a small screen will make a noticable difference.

Ah yes that too - mine makes a big difference :D

[punyXpress]

Strong crosswinds:
Be aware when going through cuttings that the wind will blat you from the other direction! Similarly other traffic, particularly high side vehicles will have the same effect.
Best thing to do is relax ( you've seem it coming? ) & let the bike do the work.

[Ceri JC]

I still hate riding on motorways, the wind is one thing but the morons who come too close is another.

Yes, you basically have two choices:

1. Ride so close to the car in front that if the driver stands on the brakes, you'll crash into the back of it.
2. Ride with adequate stopping distance and have every other car in the middle lane cutting in front of you without indicating (or indicating once they already half way into the lane).

[Nobbylad]

Have done most of my 5k+ miles on the same stretches of M-way (M58/M6/M62/M602) and had a few issues getting used to the wind. Yes you have to be 'ready' for things like sidewinds (as you pass breaks in the scenery either side of the M-way), looking in your blindspot, taking a hand off the bars, headwinds, turbulence from cars, bow waves from trucks etc etc but as most have said, if you anticipate it, you prepare for it. It's all about awareness.

I borrowed a mates Z750 and hated the ride home 'cos I thought I was going to get blown off! Took a while to get used to but my double bubble screen on the SV certainly makes a difference.

Earplugs/ipod helps reduce the wind noise too, so you concentrate on what you're doing.

[Crash_Artist]

I've put 3k on my sv in the 3months since i bought it (use it at work for going site to site, much easier than my knackered mondeo!) mainly up and down the M6 between birmingham and manchester.

If your not doing lifesavers at speed mate your asking for trouble. Unless your really hammering along (unlikely if your nervous, or its just a day to day ride) most of the vehicles on the motorway are easily capable of hitting the same speeds your doing, so every lane change you do you have to assume theres likely to be something lurking in the blind spot and check it, never done it but i cant imagine turning across the bonnet of a vectra at 80-ish would be all that good for you.

As for the wind, ear plugs make everything seem to slow down, its so much calmer and easier to think, if your lid will take a chin cover thing, that really made a difference for me, your muscles will soon adapt to cope with being blown around.

Dont quit, its fine once you get used to it!

[Ed]

I've put 3k on my sv ... mainly up and down the M6 between birmingham and manchester.



I can't think of anything worse:(

TBH I'd get the train

[Crash_Artist]

most of our sites are way out in the sticks around brum, stafford, cheshire and up towards manchester, so unfortunately the trains are generally inconvenient, have considered it though!

[Tim in Belgium]

Get a faired bike, fit a double bubble and sit at vMax in comfort; you naked riders don't half whinge ;)

"It's got no fairing and gets windy when I go quick!"

- Not a big suprise :)

[yorkie_chris]

Who's whinging? Yer faired bike riding poof

[rob13]

I had a naked, hated the windblast at speed - felt like my concentration was elsewhere. Bought a fairing for it and it was solved.
Then bought the S, which was great on the Mway with no issues.

Now thinking of going naked again, although hoping more than anything else, that the tiny little bikini fairings above the light units will make a difference. Its just something about a naked, much better looking than the majority of half faired bikes.

[Tim in Belgium]

You naked people ;)

[ralph]

think you picked a bad stretch of motorway to start on especially going over scammonden dam the sidewinds are dreadful also bad time of year, what worries me is other people swapping lanes and not seeing me

[yorkie_chris]

Read roadcraft there's a whole chapter on it to make you even more paranoid :-P