Sidewind effect on our Drifters?

[KsDrifter]

After yesterdays ride, my answer is yes We did about 300 miles in 20-25mph sustained winds with gusts in excess of 40mph, at about 75-80mph on the interstate. It was a workout to say the least, got home sore and exhausted, but feeling good after the 1st full day of riding for the year. After having lived all over the US and in a couple countries, Kansas is the windiest place I've ever lived. Wind is something we have to learn to deal with because if we don't ride on windy days, we'll rarely get to ride.

[Gerhardberger]

Ok. Understood !!!!!

[49Reo]

A friend of mine had a Fatboy Harley with the solid aluminum wheels; after a windy holiday to Sturgis, he traded the wheels for laced wheels; said it made a BIG difference. So yes, I would have to say that the Drifter would be somewhat more susceptible to crosswinds; you might want to check your tire pressures as well; that will amplify the effects of the wind if they are under-inflated.

Regards and such,
49Reo

[chief]

I would think the answer would be YES. On the Great Plains in the USA, crosswinds of 30 mph or more isn't unusual. On the Goldwing, the rear tire is enclosed much like the Drifter, but the front tire is realatively open. Our last trip out west, we got into 30+ crosswinds. Heavy crosswinds are no fun on any bike.  ANY crosswind will impact any bike, but the enclosed front wheel is likely to make it more pronounced.

[Gerhardberger]

Hi to everybody !

I was planning last weekend to meke a trip with my wife to the city of Cuenca. It's a very nice city, just 100miles from Madrid by highway.

Friday afternoon, nice weather, shining sun and my bike´s bags loaded w/ all necessary for the weekend....But after first 25miles I was forced to return by the strong sidewind I suffered on the highway. 
My wife was very nervous and exhaused and I preffered to do a quick transportation method change, than to "pay the price" for the rest of the Weekend ,)

My question is: Are our Drifters much more sensitive to sidewind than any other bike, due to the large wheelcovers?

Thanks in advance.....