Understanding Your Motorcycle’s Aerodynamics

Motorcycles are designed to be swift and powerful. One subtle yet important factor that can affect how your motorcycle moves is air friction. Once you understand your motorcycle’s aerodynamics, you can take steps towards making your ride that much more thrilling. That’s why the experts at Riverside County Indian Motorcycle have created this guide. 

The Basics

Aerodynamics may sound like something too complicated to be understood by non-experts, but in essence it’s just how well an object cuts through the air. In the ideal scenario, an object’s leading edge should be narrow and taper outward as it goes back. Think of how a bullet or sports car is shaped. Once you understand the principles, you can take steps to improve your motorcycle’s aerodynamics. 

What Impacts Aerodynamics?

While motorcycles are designed with aerodynamics in mind, there are a number of extra factors to consider. One thing to consider is how you sit on your motorcycle. The more upright you sit, the greater your surface area and thus wind resistance. Your clothing is another factor to consider. Baggy, bulky clothing like the kind bikers often wear in winter will increase your surface area and create additional drag. Finally, any attachments or cargo that find their way onto your motorcycle also have to be considered. For example, a taller windshield with a slant can often improve your airflow. Large bags and suitcases can seriously increase your surface area, so try distributing what you have between small, symmetrical bags. 

What Does It Impact?

Aerodynamics may not be at the forefront of your mind when it comes to your motorcycle, but it affects all kinds of things, including performance, speed, handling, and fuel efficiency. The greater your drag, the slower you will move. Therefore, it only makes sense that you should do what you can to minimize drag. Otherwise, you’ll need to burn more fuel to go the same speed. 

Shop our inventory of new and pre-owned motorcycles at Riverside County Indian Motorcycle in Corona, California. We also have rentals, financing, and servicing. We’re proud to serve communities like Anaheim and Huntington Beach, California.