Holy crap - aerodynamics

Went the first time for a ride on the highway and noticed that I have aerodynamics as good as an Ikea wardrobe. At 120kmh / 75 mph it felt like someone is constantly trying to push me off the seat. Oncoming Semis make it worse, they gave me a punch in the belly. Windshields look stupid but would probably improve the situation. Glad it wasn't windy today, happens we have wind gusts here up to 120kmh.
I am 6'3" that prolly makes it even worse, too.

I definitely enjoy trail riding more and try to avoid the HW.

Playing road tag with semis/logging trucks is a hoot. I see one coming and I shove my elbows out, head down, and let er rip. I don't get bounced around too bad. Crosswinds are funny; my bike has a lean to it while I am still upright.

This thing rides like a Mercedes on the high-way compared to my old KLR. That sucker got pushed around on the slab wayyyy more. I'm nice and stable on the WR, even in strong winds.

Seriously? Before purchasing the WR I was almost going to buy a KLR. Thought it was suited more for Highway driving.

If you're sitting bolt upright on the seat, with a mx style helmet - yeah you're going to get blown around a bit.

Makes perfect sense. Stick your hand out the window of your car when going 65mph and turn your palm into the wind.

Use the tuck a little if you need to.


I've been 84mph with MX helmet on and I have to crouch forward and tuck in as best I can.


Your body is a sail working against you.

Make it as small as possible, or suffer the consequences.

kjharn wrote:

This thing rides like a Mercedes on the high-way compared to my old KLR. That sucker got pushed around on the slab wayyyy more. I'm nice and stable on the WR, even in strong winds.

WRXR wrote:

Seriously? Before purchasing the WR I was almost going to buy a KLR. Thought it was suited more for Highway driving.

I'd say it depends on a lot of factors. Any dual sport will have you blown around more than - say - a full on touring bike. However, I have both a WR and a KLR and I'd choose the KLR on the highway any day (I have a lot the KLR has over 60,000km on it & I bought it new!)

If I'm doing a highway stint I tuck right down. I usually pull my left arm in and rest my hand on the crossbar, and my helmet on my hand. I've topped the bike out doing this and the speedometer read 96! I also wear a full face helmet to combat the bugs...

pbnut wrote:

If I'm doing a highway stint I tuck right down. I usually pull my left arm in and rest my hand on the crossbar, and my helmet on my hand. I've topped the bike out doing this and the speedometer read 96!

If you can bounce the bike off the rev limiter in 6th without a steep hill in front of you, you're a better man than me.

And with an indicated 96 mph, I suspect you're a candidate for purchasing a 12 o'clock labs speedo healer.

Actually my bike is stock, performance wise. My only mods are the flapper thing removal, AIS removal, and SS brake lines. Aside from that I've removed stock parts here and there that I don't need (rear caliper cover, helmet lock, tool kit, etc.).

I wasn't bouncing off the limiter, but it would not go any faster (have to assume it's the aerodynamics). I was on a VERY long and flat road too. We've got too many of those up here...

I have a windscreen for my WR. With the screen mounted I went 85 MPH indicated with plenty of throttle left, although the handling at that speed was getting to be "interesting". Without the screen, the bike struggles at 70- 75 MPH. It may go a little faster but the horsepower is fighting the wind resistance to a draw at about those speeds. Obviously, the wind resistance of the pilot is the big drawback here. The WR is out of its element on the highway unless you can travel at 65 MPH or so and/or accept mounting a windscreen. This has been covered ad nauseum by many others.

Any pics of the windscreen?

"Any pics of the windscreen?"


https://wr250rforum.forumotion.com/t4231-what-wind-screen-to-get