Highway Riding

[Edumakated]

Just curious how many of you ride regularly on major highways? Where I am here in Chicago, getting on the highway is almost a must if I want to go anywhere. I can take back roads, but it adds a considerable amount of time and there is nothing scenic about them unless you call looking at strip malls and stop lights scenic.

I've ridden a few times on the highway here, but I don't find it to be very pleasant at all. The speeds don't really bother me, it is that I don't trust cagers. The highways near me have fairly tight lanes and the drivers are very aggressive. It isn't like open road riding where you can really get some decent room between you and cars. It seems like you are always in some car's blind spot or having to watch for cars weaving in and out of lanes aggressively (no turn signals of course) or speeding.

I'm trying to relax a little as I feel like I am being paranoid when I get on the highway. I typically want to ride in the fast lane as I feel it is the safest lane, but it takes quite a bit of work to get over to that lane across fairly heavy traffic. Then I also get a few tail gaters. I can ride fast, but I'm not trying to ride like I'm on a super bike. I don't like the far right lane since the cars merging tend not to see bikes as well imho. I definitely hate the middle lanes as I feel like you have watch both right and left sides for cagers.

 

[JaimeC]

I regularly ride the infamous Long Island Expressway back and forth to work (about 20 miles each way). I also super-slabbed it from Long Island to Indianapolis last summer for the Red Bull MotoGP races. The C650GT has NO problem on the highways. The only thing I missed from my K1200LT was the electronic cruise control. The Throttlemeister helps a little, but doesn't maintain a steady speed like a true cruise control.

By the way, Federal Law allows you to ride in the HOV lane on any roadway that is supported by Federal funds when you're on two wheels. When I can, that's where I ride on the highway. Several states have tried prohibiting motorcycles from the HOV lane, but have lost in court (NYC was the most recent). The States have to PROVE beyond a shadow of a doubt that allowing motorcycles in HOV lanes poses a safety hazard. None have been able to do this.

The penalty is to lose the funding for those roadways that prohibit two-wheelers from the HOV lanes.

 

[Edumakated]

I regularly ride the infamous Long Island Expressway back and forth to work (about 20 miles each way). I also super-slabbed it from Long Island to Indianapolis last summer for the Red Bull MotoGP races. The C650GT has NO problem on the highways. The only thing I missed from my K1200LT was the electronic cruise control. The Throttlemeister helps a little, but doesn't maintain a steady speed like a true cruise control.

By the way, Federal Law allows you to ride in the HOV lane on any roadway that is supported by Federal funds when you're on two wheels. When I can, that's where I ride on the highway. Several states have tried prohibiting motorcycles from the HOV lane, but have lost in court (NYC was the most recent). The States have to PROVE beyond a shadow of a doubt that allowing motorcycles in HOV lanes poses a safety hazard. None have been able to do this.

The penalty is to lose the funding for those roadways that prohibit two-wheelers from the HOV lanes.

Unfortunately, no HOV lanes here. I'm sure that makes a huge difference. I notice a ton of bikes in the HOV lanes when I visit Atlanta. They have nice big open highways down there. Super smooth, wide lanes. The scoot has more than enough power to keep up. I've cruised at 75+ with no issues. I guess it is just how congested it gets on the highway near my home that really concerns me. I hardly ever see too many bikes in that area of town. Usually don't see them until they are away from the congestion. I don't know if that is they also think it is crazy to ride in this area or what.

 

[Xian Forbes]

I ride the highways all the time. That was the main selling point for buying a bike this big. I find here in SF Bay area the c600 has more that enough power to be safe on the open roads. I agree that the left lane feels safer. As far as tailgaters go, I don't let that bother me too much, as I can slide over let them by, and then return to my lane. Here in California, we lane split-lane share, so I suppose being in close quarters is more of the norm. My secret to safety is simple...I believe that every car is out to get me, so I try to drive in a manner that keeps me within the sightlines of drivers and always with an escape plan. If traffic gets too congested, I'll switch to lane splitting which I feel is safer than being a victim to a car switching lanes without properly looking. I'm going to put a set of Advmonster F11 fog lights set to run all the time which will make the bike more noticeable to cars which should help with safety. Nothing is really 100% guaranteed safe, so wear your helmet, gloves, and quality armored jacket to give the rider and your passenger a fighting chance.

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[Skutorr]

My secret to safety is simple...I believe that every car is out to get me, so I try to drive in a manner that keeps me within the sightlines of drivers and always with an escape plan.
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THEY ARE! They lie in WAIT for you, then ATTACK with that SUV. They only APPEAR to be distracted Soccer Moms talking on their hand-held phones as they yell at their brats...

 

[bill steele]

If you don't ride on the highways here in Vt. you are most likely be riding on a dirt road or a very poor town road, and with the winter that we still have ( I have a foot of ice in my driveway and 3 ft of snow in the yard) Mud season will be about a month long or longer and the frost heaves are like ski jumps and the roads really took a beating this year. So the only good roads will be the main highways 91,rt5 rt.4 89 etc.

 

[JaimeC]

Before I got into PTWs, I rode a bicycle everywhere. If you think you're invisible on a motorcycle or scooter, you ought to try riding in traffic on a bicycle some time. Even if they see you, they seem to assume you're a stationary object, even though you might be rolling along at 30 mph or better.

Bicycle brakes are also nowhere NEAR as effective as motorcycle brakes, so you quickly get used to taking evasive maneuvers rather than hauling down on the brakes. It also trains you to CONSTANTLY be aware of where your "escape routes" are.

Anyway, I guess that's why I really don't get fazed much by the IDIOTIC things I see drivers do around me. I got used to them a long time ago.

 

[exavid]

I've only ridden on the freeways in the Chicago area once on a Goldwing and I'll say it was some of the worst roads and drivers I've experienced in the country. The road was rough as a cob and the semis seemed determined to see how much they could squeeze a bike on each side. On those kind of roads I much prefer to ride in the far left or right lane so I have an escape if the bike has a problem, probably a blown tire on that rough pavement. It certainly isn't pleasant, I'd rather ride through Los Angeles on I5 anytime. I don't mind traffic on the freeways in most places but I really hate it on a badly maintained highway. The scooter bounces around a lot more than my Goldwing did. We have a stretch of I5 passing over the center of town here on a viaduct that can really bounce my scooter around at speed. Much more than the GW did. That's to be expected due to the BMW's lighter weight and smaller wheels.

 

[hardright]

I ride in Manila's traffic going to work on my scoot at least 2-3 times a week now. My travel time is about 1/3 of that in a car or 50% on a really bad traffic jam. We have drivers who drive on imaginary lines. Bus and cab drivers who are probably on "ice" to stay awake. Jeeps that just stop anywhere. Tricycles that stop and suddenly make u-turns without signaling. Well, they don't have signal lights most times. Cage drivers on their cellphones or surfing using their tablets. Oh, did I mention main roads that are considered rough roads in most developed nations? Smoke emission that can probably kill all the bugs in this city.

It's when we get to the toll ways where we can really let it rip. Speeding is not allowed but most times you can get away with it. Law enforcement here is kinda inconsistent.

 

[Doraemon]

I ride in Manila's traffic going to work on my scoot at least 2-3 times a week now. My travel time is about 1/3 of that in a car or 50% on a really bad traffic jam. We have drivers who drive on imaginary lines. Bus and cab drivers who are probably on "ice" to stay awake. Jeeps that just stop anywhere. Tricycles that stop and suddenly make u-turns without signaling. Well, they don't have signal lights most times. Cage drivers on their cellphones or surfing using their tablets. Oh, did I mention main roads that are considered rough roads in most developed nations? Smoke emission that can probably kill all the bugs in this city.
It's when we get to the toll ways where we can really let it rip. Speeding is not allowed but most times you can get away with it. Law enforcement here is kinda inconsistent.

+1, I've seen your traffic first hand, spending a week working in Santa Cruz, and staying near Hyatt Casino. I think worse than Thailand.
In Thailand I had 12km from the house to work; by car it was 1 hour to go/and up to 3 hours to return, by using motorcycle I cut that down to 45minutes. the roads were considerable better in BKK, however motorcycles were not allowed on toll roads or major highways in town. once outside or headed north is was ok, but I had to drive towards pattaya to the southeast.
Currently today, Seattle/Bellevue I can travel 90% of my highway travel on HOV, however you find that most slow people travel in the lane.....

 

[Edumakated]

I've only ridden on the freeways in the Chicago area once on a Goldwing and I'll say it was some of the worst roads and drivers I've experienced in the country. The road was rough as a cob and the semis seemed determined to see how much they could squeeze a bike on each side. On those kind of roads I much prefer to ride in the far left or right lane so I have an escape if the bike has a problem, probably a blown tire on that rough pavement. It certainly isn't pleasant, I'd rather ride through Los Angeles on I5 anytime. I don't mind traffic on the freeways in most places but I really hate it on a badly maintained highway. The scooter bounces around a lot more than my Goldwing did. We have a stretch of I5 passing over the center of town here on a viaduct that can really bounce my scooter around at speed. Much more than the GW did. That's to be expected due to the BMW's lighter weight and smaller wheels.

Yes, I don't think people realize how bad the driving is here. Roads are horribly maintained and very aggressive drivers. Neither make for very relaxed PTW riding. I've driven in most major cities in the US and none seem as bad as Chicago imho, even NYC. Knowing how bad it can be for me driving an SUV is why I'm a little nervous about highway adventures. Outside of the city, it doesn't seem that bad. The highways are more open, less traffic, and better maintained surfaces. However, closer into the city is where my concern is more than anything. I'll probably just take it slow till I build up some additional confidence. Right now, I really won't venture on the highway unless traffic is very light. Like I said, it isn't the speed that bothers me. I am very comfortable on the scoot at 75-80mph. It is the other drivers that freak me out more than anything.

 

[Xian Forbes]

+1, I've seen your traffic first hand, spending a week working in Santa Cruz, and staying near Hyatt Casino. I think worse than Thailand.
.....

Living just over the hill from Santa Cruz I think your correct about the terrible traffic situation there. It's funny to hear it being compared to Thailand. Here in San Jose if you want to make the 30 min drive on HWY 17 over the hill to go to the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, it becomes a 3 hour adventure in overheating vehicles, weekend beach goers and S.C. locals who are frustrated by the whole scene. I have learned to either avoid at all costs, Lane Split the entire mountain pass (mostly because traffic is stopped anyway) or ride the single lane fire roads through the Santa Cruz mountains where the only traffic is usually a few guys on adventure bikes.


Next time you're in the area send along a message.

-Christian

 

[JaimeC]

I was there back in 1986 (just before the infamous election, and the Marcos' sneaking away in the middle of the night). When my cousin picked me up at the airport, he gave me one piece of advice: "Let someone who lives here drive you around." He was right about that. I spent the whole drive from the airport to my uncles apartment white-knuckling the rear seat with my eyes SHUT. I couldn't believe the cars weren't even more banged up than they were! And it wasn't just the calesas, jeepneys, tricycles, etc. It was the oxcarts and other beasts of burden also in the traffic mix!

I did learn some of the basic rules:
1) Don't worry about the driver behind you. He's not your problem, you're HIS problem.
2) Painted lines on the asphalt meant nothing.
3) Red lights meant "slow down before proceeding right through"

And if you did get pulled over by a cop, they were easily bribed by the equivalent of fifty cents US currency. It was a MADHOUSE!

 

[Skutorr]

Living just over the hill from Santa Cruz I think your correct about the terrible traffic situation there. It's funny to hear it being compared to Thailand. Here in San Jose if you want to make the 30 min drive on HWY 17 over the hill to go to the Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, it becomes a 3 hour adventure in overheating vehicles, weekend beach goers and S.C. locals who are frustrated by the whole scene. I have learned to either avoid at all costs, Lane Split the entire mountain pass (mostly because traffic is stopped anyway) or ride the single lane fire roads through the Santa Cruz mountains where the only traffic is usually a few guys on adventure bikes.


Next time you're in the area send along a message.

-Christian

My sister lives near you in San Jose. We did our Maxiscoot ride up the coast a couple of years ago on two Burgman 650s and my Majesty 400. Went to Steamer Lane, then over the hills on 17 to San Jose. What a JUNGLE! And, there was construction and new sections of pavement...and crazy drivers...

 

[Edumakated]

Went on my first extended high speed highway ride for about 20 miles this weekend. It wasn't too bad. Up until this point, most of my highway riding was fairly limited between a few on/exit ramps or relatively slow speeds/stop & go traffic. Jumped in the left lane and cruised at about 75mph-80mph the whole way. It was out in the suburbs, so the traffic wasn't too bad and driving not as aggressive as it is when you are in Chicago proper. The only thing that was disconcerting is the helmet buffeting. I don' t know if it is the stock wind screen or the helmet. I have a Nolan N44. Helmet seemed to vibrate a lot from the wind coming off the wind screen. I've been thinking of buying a Schuberth C3 Pro.

 

[Xian Forbes]

I have the Schuberth and if your screen is in the full up position it still buffets terribly. It's bad enough for me and for pillion that I never ride with it all the way up. I get a much smoother laminar airflow with the screen on the Sport in the middle position. I've talked with a Vespa Club member who has a Laminar Lip on his 650GT and loves it. I'm considering the Wunderlicht or Touratech options to get the airflow from the crown of the helmet to over the helmet. Most at 6' or more I'd think would experience the same helmet shaking, noisy buffeting.

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[Edumakated]

I have the Schuberth and if your screen is in the full up position it still buffets terribly. It's bad enough for me and for pillion that I never ride with it all the way up. I get a much smoother laminar airflow with the screen on the Sport in the middle position. I've talked with a Vespa Club member who has a Laminar Lip on his 650GT and loves it. I'm considering the Wunderlicht or Touratech options to get the airflow from the crown of the helmet to over the helmet. Most at 6' or more I'd think would experience the same helmet shaking, noisy buffeting.

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Yeah, I was going to try it with the screen in the mid position to see how that works. Right now, any speeds over about 55mph for me cause some serious head buffeting for me with the screen in the highest position. I do have a taller after market screen too, but I think I prefer the stock screen height better from a visibility standpoint. Glad to know the Schuberth may not correct the problem. Expensive mistake if I buy it.

 

[Xian Forbes]

I will say it's the best most comfy helmet I've ever had, but the only way I could justify the cost was it was on sale (only 500 vs 700) and I financed it along with my bike. I would buy it again but only when wrapped into the total vehicle cost. Shelling out that kind of dough in one go is a hard one to swallow. Revzilla refers to the Schuberth as "A juggernaught of quiet" made even more amazing considering it's a modular. I would agree.

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[JaimeC]

I used to LOVE Schuberth helmets... from my first BMW System II helmet up to my most recent C2... but when the C3 came out, their marketing people were on DRUGS with the prices. For the same price as a bare C3, I was able to get a Nolan N103 WITH Bluetooth NCOM system and still have change left over. Feature for feature, the Nolan was identical to the Schuberth; Schuberth even did away with their old "seat-belt style" neck strap fastener and copied Nolan's ratchet-style fastener, too.

 

[Skutorr]

I tried 'em all; my SHOEI Qwest full-face was the ZONE of SILENCE! ...and, 60% OFF on SALE!