On Sunday afternoon, I found myself crossing the steel grating of the James River Bridge in the midst of an enthusiastic Virginia downpour (first time I was able to cool off all day). As the Wing did it's little steel grating dance, it gradually started drifting toward the edge of my lane. In that situation, I had a strong instinct that anything I did to change speed or direction would surely drop the bike. Fortunately, the steel grating on the James River Bridge did not last long enough to warrant a change of underwear, but I know there are other bridges out there where the grating spans a much longer distance. When crossing steel grating, should you ignore instinct and steer the bike as usual, or is there some technique that works better?
Seattleboatguy,
You bring up a very good question and, I am going to try and answer it.
First off
you said:"did not last long enough to warrant a change of underwear"
I have to ask, was your speed excessive?
When approaching a steel grating bridge you want to have your arms relaxed. You certainly
DO NOT want to tense up at all.
Your Gold Wing will react to your inputs you want to steer in the direction you want to go. Common sense (I am not saying you don't have any) dictates on any slippery surface, use caution when changing direction. Speed has a great impact on this as well.
You said: "I had a strong instinct that anything I did to change speed or direction would surely drop the bike."
Why did you feel this way? Trust your tires, unless poorly maintained, you should have no issue providing your not going the speed of light.
Seattleboatguy how long have you been riding the Gold Wing you are talking about?
I will admit, I had a crash on my Gold Wing last October 7. I decide to make a right hand turn, gave it too much input, rolled on too much throttle and high sided. Just minor parts to replace, did not get hurt except my ego. Had on protective gear. This was a dry sunny day.
