Riding Motorcycles in Windy Weather

The wind can be a difficult weather condition for motorcycle riders.

Strong wind lowers the temperature even further than what the thermometer reads.

Not only that, but strong side wind gusts make bike handling and staying in your lane more difficult.

To contend with windy weather, riders need to take steps to protect areas of the body most exposed, and vulnerable, to the wind, and to anticipate the wind in handling the bike.

Here are some specific suggestions for riding in windy weather conditions:

Areas of the Body Most affected by Wind

Hands are one of the hardest hit areas by the wind. They are away from the body, and on many bikes without fairings, one of the leading edges that are more exposed than other areas of the body.

When it comes to wind, it’s the top surface of the hand that’s most vulnerable.  If a glove is designed to be windproof, it typically has special windproof material added to this area in particular.

Which Motorcycle Gloves for Wind?

While most motorcycle gloves offer hands good general protection, not all gloves are windproof.

Here’s what you need to know when choosing windproof motorcycle gloves:

Decide what qualities are most important to you, and then read the detailed product descriptions to get the exact features you need.  We add special inserts to all weatherproof glove styles, that protect against wind, cold AND rain, to varyng degrees.

• Windproof gloves offer great protection from windy conditions.  They have a material like Windstopper (made by the same company that makes Gore-tex) or Windtex laminated within the internal construction of the glove, to either the shell or the lining, which effectively blocks wind.

• For conditions that are windy, wet and cold, “windproof only” gloves will not do the job … you also need gloves that are waterproof and insulated — which means that seams are sealed, and insulation has been added as well.  Gloves with Gore-tex, for instance, are windproof, waterproof and even have some insulating properties.
• For added warmth, we add extra insulation to the back of the hand and tips of fingers of our cold weather styles.  Read the product descriptions for our windproof and other cold weather or waterproof styles, for further details about the inclusion of Thinsulate and other materials.
• For maximum comfort, you might want to carry an extra set of gloves in a jacket pocket in case the day cools down or warms up before your ride is over.  It’s no fun to deal with sweating hands as the day warms up, and be stuck with cold weather gloves when a mesh or fingerless style would be better.

 If you have the right gear for the conditions you ride in, things are much more comfortable.

Other Tips for Keeping Warm and Safe While Riding in Windy Conditions

• Pay close attention to cross winds, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles on the road that may accidentally veer into your lane.

According to a recent Consumer Reports article on rider safety:

” … when riding in strong side winds, be proactive in anticipating the potential push from the side by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from. This will give you some leeway in the lane, should a gust nudge you\”.  That\’s good advice.

• If you live in a high wind area, and are looking to buy custom wheels- steer clear (pun intended) of solid wheels. Solid wheels don’t allow wind to pass through them like spoked wheels do.

Have some of your own advice for riding in the wind?  Leave a comment, let us know!