It took me a while to get used to freeway riding. I took baby steps: first started on the freeways on sunday mornings, a few miles at a time.


The first big trip was 60 miles from my house to a buddy's out in Lancaster. I took the 14 and it's a nice ride through the desert. That trip alone made me buy highway pegs and Kury ISO grips with the throttle boss. Much better now!


I'll throw my 2 cents on forwards. I'm 6'1", and I need forwards. I learned to ride on mids, but I feel like my legs "tangle" when I shift and what not. I don't know how to explain it.


I chose my Wide Glide for the forwards, and now with the Kury highway pegs, I can just stretch my leg out and rest my heel on the rear peg and rest my toe on the forward peg, so they "cradle" my boot. Perfect for me.

 

I'm guessing there are people that say the same thing when new to driving a car. Before they know it they are eating a burrito and talking on the phone while not even thinking about the road Like most things, the more you do it the better at it you'll get.

 

Potato, potato, potato for me..Interstate sucks. Over 55 sucks for me. Beside big trucks is crazy.. If I got to do that, may as well be in a cage.

 

As with most things, everyone's individual answers will be relative to their individual situations and preferences.

I prefer highways and back roads over Interstates, but specific situations can certainly override my preferences.

20 some-odd years ago a bunch of us went on a Toy Run from the Long Beach area of LA up to Santa Barbara. The run was held on Thanksgiving weekend and happened to be the coldest day I'd ever ridden in anywhere in SoCal. The high was around 38° to 40° as we cruised up Hwy 1 (PCH in most places) on the way up. On the way back we decided to take a long-cut over the mountain through Ojai, come down on the 101 and then take that to the 405 towards home. No idea how cold it actually got up around Ojai, but though we laughed about it later, there was more than one among us who regretted taking that route. Anyway, when we were coming down into Ventura and could see the 101 Freeway on this Sunday evening of a 4-day holiday weekend, we realized how severe our mistake was. It was bumper to bumper for as far as the eye could see. With at least 80 miles to go, we stopped for gas at a station near the on-ramp and all agreed that splitting traffic the rest of the way home was the only way we'd make it before the date changed, so that's what we did (it is, or at least was back then, legal in CA). On that night I preferred the Interstate because the warmest place anywhere on any road in SoCal was between all the idling cars and trucks. There were eight bikes, all but one of which were Softails, and the other one was an FXR, so no large bags, fairings or crash bars to interfere with splittin' traffic. My exit was the first one we came to, and all seven of the other bikes made it home without incident after we exited.

The question is very subjective and very situational-dependent. As far as will the OP learn to deal with Interstate traffic or not over time, well, he either will or he won't. Only time will tell and only his own determination and commitment to learning all facets of street riding will influence the outcome of that equation. I've always been a kind of ain't-nothin'-to-it-but-to-do-it kinda guy, but some folks are just not able to power through their discomfort, or fear, or nerves, or whatever to be comfortable in all situations. Time will tell is the best answer anyone can give without knowing the OP personally.

Blues

 

No windshield is rough at 70- 80 mph. I have an 04 V Rod I've ridden Highway a lot. Kansas City twice Outer Banks twice as well as a bunch of 100- 150 milers. Use a Windvest on it and its actually pleasant all the way to 100+..

 

I love the Interstate highway system. I prefer to ride on two lane roads but I am so thankful there are Interstates. I do a lot of touring and the first day or two are always at high speed to get away from the San Francisco Bay Area to wherever I want to explore. No one forces me to use them. But I can be in New Mexico, Washington or even Wyoming in two days of hard riding. Then I get to explore on smaller, slower, more interesting roads.

 

Personally for me it depends on the situation and weather. I'll travel the Interstate if I am in a hurry or have appointments to attend. If I'm not doing either then its the back roads.
Likewise if I get caught in rain,it's the Interstate. If its windy I avoid Interstates. Around this part of the state its flat so the wind can get a little bit wild. With no hills and trees to break the wind,it get to be no fun on the Interstate on 2 wheel as well as 4. Add the semi traffic and you'll find the back roads is a better choice at around 55-60.

 

Put your windshield back on. It will be much more comfortable. I got spoiled when I got the RKC. Without it, I literally got fatigued trying to hold on to the bars at windy times.

 

Too many responses to read so I'll be brief. You can add my opinion to the pile.

My take - Interstates are a necessary evil - a conduit from the familiar to the unfamiliar. Or an expeditious way to get to where you have to be.

On the interstate, wind and noise are your enemies. Defeat them and your riding experience will be improved. Ear plugs are a must. It's remarkable how they can chill out a nervous ride. Kind of like blinders on a horse, but in the sense that if you can't hear the danger, it doesn't mess with your head.

Appropriate riding gear. A jacket flapping around is a nightmare.

On non-faired bikes I always wear a full face helmet. It really helps too.

Lastly - time in the saddle. You'll get used to it.

 

You will get used to interstate riding, I know I have. Still after years of riding when I leave the back roads and get on the interstate it take a few minutes of going 75-80 mph to get used to the wind noise and sensation of speed. If you need to peel off 500 miles plus in a day interstate is the best way to go. If you are for a joy ride avoid the interstates and ride the roads that bring you the joy you are seeking. It may not feel it but interstate riding is the safest. Everyone is going the same direction, no one pulls out from a side road in front of you, very low chance of head on collision, they are fenced off from most animals, and you will not get rear ended at a stop light.
After riding at 80mph for an hour you get very comfortable.