wind problem

[eddielo]

Hi everyone. Just came on board. Hope to lurk for a while to learn as much as I can about this sweet bike. But I do have one question. I did a search first, as is customary, but I could not find anything related to my question.
The first day I took my Eleven out I went on the freeway. I was doing about 60 to 65 with a slight southerly wind. I was driving EB. I noticed the bike was suddenly becoming hard to steer. I had to decrease speed a little but didn't seem to make a difference. The bike was just being blown all over the place. I had to hold on really tight.
Is this common when one encounters wind? I know it's not a very heavy bike but I found it odd that the wind was giving me such a hard time. I also drive a BMW LT. At 850lbs, wind doesn't seem to effect it too much.
Thanks all, hope to learn a lot here.
Eddie

[bikerphil]

Lot of things can contribute, poor condition tires, sticky steering head bearings, weak springs, low fork oil, worn wheel bearings, etc. Sure the wind might blow you around a bit if everything is working ok, but problems like this can make it seem even worse.

[jetmechmarty]

A luggage rack with a load on it will mess you up too!

[natemoen]

I would agree with these guys, its most likely something mechanical, not the wind.

[jayel]

do you have a windshield or fairing on the bike? what is your tire air pressures?

[jetmechmarty]

do you have a windshield or fairing on the bike? what is your tire air pressures?

I have a barn door windshield on mine and the wind doesn't bother it.

[jayel]

I have a barn door windshield on mine and the wind doesn't bother it.

if he just put one on and/or if it's set up wrong it could effect his perceived handling, but more likely tires, air pressures, loose swing arm or fork bearing issues, just trying to cover all the bases

[jetmechmarty]

if he just put one on and/or if it's set up wrong it could effect his perceived handling, but more likely tires, air pressures, loose swing arm or fork bearing issues, just trying to cover all the bases

Right, you are. I think anything that unloads the front tire might cause an issue, no?

[TomB]

Wind problem

Me too, the wife plays hell

[skids]

My bets are on the steering head bearing. Maybe old hard grease in there.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Skids,

That was my thoughts also. What I like is that this guy is the first one to say our bike is LIGHTWEIGHT...but compared to his 850 lb BMW, it IS!

I've experienced side/cross winds, remember some fond 40mph ones coming off of Lake Ontario at 9pm at ~40 degree temps during my ride up to XS East 2002....caused me to ride at a ~60 degree left lean angle, but was otherwise able to maintain a straight line of direction.

Eddie, support the front wheel off the ground with a jack under the front frame/engine and on the centerstand, and then move the handlebars left and right and see/feel if it feels notchy and such. If it's not glass smooth, or does not fall to either side with just a slight nudge, then the steering head bearings are gummed up. You may NOT need to replace the actual bearings, but just disassemble, clean and regrease....just inspect the races for notches while it's apart. Welcome to the madness, and YES these are SWEET bikes!

T.C.

[eddielo]

Hey Skids,

That was my thoughts also. What I like is that this guy is the first one to say our bike is LIGHTWEIGHT...but compared to his 850 lb BMW, it IS!

I've experienced side/cross winds, remember some fond 40mph ones coming off of Lake Ontario at 9pm at ~40 degree temps during my ride up to XS East 2002....caused me to ride at a ~60 degree left lean angle, but was otherwise able to maintain a straight line of direction.

Eddie, support the front wheel off the ground with a jack under the front frame/engine and on the centerstand, and then move the handlebars left and right and see/feel if it feels notchy and such. If it's not glass smooth, or does not fall to either side with just a slight nudge, then the steering head bearings are gummed up. You may NOT need to replace the actual bearings, but just disassemble, clean and regrease....just inspect the races for notches while it's apart. Welcome to the madness, and YES these are SWEET bikes!

T.C.

Thanks TC, great replies. I'll start checking 'em out.