Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: Wind, wind and motorcycling, bad weather biking

Question
I am a beginner driver . I Drove my first REAL treck yesterday to and from work ( around 75 miles total ) I was ok on my way in .except when i hit THE 4 LANE bridge that crosses a river. and on the way home .. ( a whole other story ...I was in a t-storm. totally drenched , probably a 1/2 cup of water in each boot)i could bareley keep it on the road  But, I didnt drive today the bike had to be inspected.. Its just now  i am scared and shaky with the wind on this 4 lane bridge i feel like i have to put a death grip on the handlebars as to not go over into oncoming traffic. I have a vstar 250 . Not very big , but I guess i was hoping for some secrets. i am thinking i am just getting nervous that is why i feel like i am shakey.. I am sorry i babble,.I bought this bike, me and my sister- n -law work together and we want to save gas so i just dont want my husband to be right when he says this bike was a bad idea .. i really like driving it that wind in scary .. Thanks for any tips or workd of advice encouragement , thanks

Answer
Denise - Wind, sleet, hail, rain - all take experience to get your confidence.  The first time I rode in the rain, I was terrified.  

Bridges, even on what seems to be a very calm day, can have wind issues that you really don't experience on a typical road.  Just keep in mind that even a 250cc motorcycle is a heavy piece of machinery.  The dryweight is 320 lbs - add a full tank of fuel 324 lbs.  Now, put your weight into the equation - you can logically see that you are not going to blow away unless you are riding through a tornado.

If you are facing with a strong, gusty wind, just focus on concentrating your efforts on maintaining your speed, and don't panic if you feel as if you are being blown one way or the other.  If the wind is pushing you to the left, put more of your weight on the right-side.  If the wind is coming at you head-on, the best thing to do is duck as much of your upper body as you can behind your windscreen.  You may be more tense when riding over bridges, in the wind, but each time you accomplish it, you will gain confidence.

Riding in bad weather isn't fun, and sometimes you can't predict what you will need to ride through.  If you feel unsafe, stop and re-group, or don't be afraid to wait for the weather to pass.

This information may help:  http://www.her-motorcycle.com/Weather.html

Ride Safe,
Christine
http://www.her-motorcycle.com