viewdvb
New Member
I have to take issue with this one. I've crossed America coast to coast and back a couple of times on an 1800 Goldwing and that was damn scary in crosswinds on the wide open Interstates and worse on high bridges. Had to cut my speed to no more than 50mph at times and was passed by a Harley with apehanger bars travelling at 80 plus. My ST1300 was better but not by much and my 2005 FJR1300 was acceptable but only just. I believe it is the acres of plastic on full blooded tourers that catch the cross winds. The S10 is NOT scary, neither was my Ducati Multistrada 1200 - neither cluttered by full fairings. All my rides are two up with side cases and a 45L top box (or whatever the Goldwing has). I wouldn't use the top box solo as I have experienced some strange effects in the air flow behind the rider. Of course you get battered around in crosswinds but the bars and riding position of adventure bikes seem to inspire more confidence. I CERTAINLY wouldn't recommend a move to a full tourer if wind worries you.markjenn said:I'm going to go against the "the S10 is the bestest in all conditions" grain here also.
I used to own a FJR and have ridden thousands of miles behind other big sport-tourers (RTs, ST11, ST13, K16GT, Connies) and even logged quite a few Wing miles. There is no doubt in my mind that they all are superior bikes aerodynamically. The S10 is pretty nasty in crosswinds, not any worse than other big adventure bikes, but when you have a tall bike with a relatively narrow windshield so far from the rider, there is only so much you can do.
Having said this, there are other areas where I like the S10 better for touring (e.g., legroom, heat control, etc.), so overall, I think the S10 is about as good as it gets and if I were to take off for the opposite coast tomorrow, I'd just as soon be on the S10 as a FJR. But it is not the equal of these other bikes aero-wise, so if this is your hot button, you can do better.
- Mark