Are L/Rs typically unstable bikes in windy conditions?
The other day me and my buddy (who drives a Super Glide) went for a highway ride. He was doing up to 75 mph, and had no issues whatsoever.
I, on the other hand, riding my Low Rider, was trying to keep the bike from "blowing away" at 60-65 mph! Now, under normal (i.e. not windy days) conditions, I don't have any vibrations or shiftiness, but the wind gets me even around-town driving when it's gusty.
Is this common for this model?
BTW, as far as I can tell, there are no mechanical issues which would explain this (e.g. underinflated tires, bad wheel bearing, etc.).

 

They're the same bike!

 

Maybe it's because I'm coming off a Suzuki VStrom, which weighs around 400lbs, that I think my Lowrider feels fairly "planted" in windy conditions. So it's an improvement in windy conditions to ride the Lowrider. I will admit though that I haven't ridden through any sandstorms yet, like I've been through while on the Suzuki. That's a real challenge just to hold on.

 

Mine sucks in the wind. I have a 2004 FXDX with the older frame. When I'm in a cross wind, 20/30MPH, I feel like the bike is going to slide out from under me. A head wind, the bike moves back and forth. Back wind no problem.

 

The wind wont affect your bike any differently than it affects your buddy's . I think you just need to practice , lol .

 

It's not the bike....

 

...with variances in handling!

 

Nope...definitely not me. LOL
Seriously, though. My '97 Sportster never felt like that in the wind, and my wife's Ninja 500 doesn't either - both are lighter bikes.
As tomt said, my bike also feels like the wind could sweep it from underneath me.
I'm not talkling about breezes, either. I'm talking about strong winds...I live in Newfoundland, and it's no problem to have what the US considers gale force winds here on a daily basis.

 

I have ridden my 04 in some wind before I'm not crazy about it but, I didn't feel like I was losin it either!!! The wind just makes it less enjoyable you will get use to it!!! Just be a little more careful when riding in the wind!!!

Jay

 

The heavier the bike the less you will get blown around it just takes some getting ueds to. The bikes I rode before my Harley were alot lighter so my SG doesnt seem like it gets pushed around at all to me.