I honestly don't notice the wind near as bad on my Ultra Limited as I did on my 1200C Sportster. I think it had to do with the 21" skinny tire on the front and not as much weight. I almost got blown clear off the road a few times on it.

 

My understanding:
The bottom of the motorcycle is not blown sideways unless your tires are slipping sideways. If that were the case, the bottom of the bike would move more as you leaned into the wind, as the weight on the tires lightened with the lengthening of the moment arm from the center of gravity to the contact patches of the tires, and the bike would tip over. In the lean, the crosswind helps support the weight of the bike, keeping it from tipping, so there's less weight on the tires.

The crosswind acts on the whole bike, but is offset by traction at the tires, resulting in the rest of the bike being blown toward a lean away from the wind. The rider leans the bike into the crosswind to move the center of gravity down and upwind, to balance the force of the crosswind.

I agree on slowing down. And just work your way gradually to stronger winds, if and as your comfort level allows. Then you can enjoy the riding.

 

Hey all, OP here.

Just want to thank all for the positive feedback, great advice and good information that was included in all the reponses. This is a great group!

I would like to take GROUPW's advice (post #7) but unfortunately I can't hold up a bike that size

 

I raked my frame neck with three degree cups for more trail, more stability and more resistance to being blown around.
I do NOT run a big trunk or a huge windshield---I use the least sideways "sail area" possible to minimize the wind.
I keep any optional weight as low as possible.
My handlebars are narrow to minimize how twitchy the front end feels.
I stay away from riding in the lee of big trucks by moving to the far side of my lane.
This cuts down the "shock" of being hit when you come out from behind the shielding effect these monsters provide.
If I have a choice I slow down or simply stay put and enjoy a good walk some place, ha ha.
So my opinion is that you CAN do a lot to help set up your bike for stability.
And you can drive it carefully knowing how it will act in the wind.
But at the end of the day there is nothing more important than staying within your "window" of comfort and safety when out on your bike.
These two wheeled motor bicycles after all are not as safe in bad wind as a low slung wide track sports car.
And there are days when they shut down the Bay Bridge because trucks keep getting blown over the side rail.
Be safe.

 

Always windy any time I ride. Usually around a 70 mph sustained wind with gusts up over 90.