Understanding Your Motorcycle’s Aerodynamics

Air friction has a huge effect on how your motorcycle moves and handles. The more aerodynamic you can make your motorcycle, the better your ride will be. If you’d like to know a bit more about motorcycle aerodynamics, this guide from Cool Springs Powersports has the details. 

The Basics

The basics of aerodynamics are easier to understand than you might think. In essence, your bike should ideally have a narrow leading edge and taper outwards as it goes back so that it can better cut through the air. Anything that increases your surface area, and thus your wind resistance, makes you less aerodynamic overall. 

What Impacts Aerodynamics?

Motorcycles are built to be aerodynamic. Any passengers, cargo, and accessories added onto the bike can only serve to increase its wind resistance. Luckily, there are things you can do to minimize your surface area. For example, leaning forward as you ride and not wearing baggy, bulky clothes can help make you more aerodynamic. It’s also helpful if you pack your cargo into many smaller symmetrical containers instead of one big container that sticks out a lot. If you want to install a windshield on your motorcycle, use a slanted model for better airflow. 

What Does It Impact?

Why go to all this trouble? The more you can minimize drag, the less fuel your motorcycle will use to travel the same distance. A more aerodynamic motorcycle is also that much easier to handle. Essentially, better aerodynamics means better performance!

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