Interstate Riding
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 226
Likes: 7
From: NC
I do not have no where near the seat time on a bike as most here....but I did pull a lil over 20 yrs as a trucker, 2 million miles...uugghh. I will try to pass on some things I learned.
1) Trucks has a lot more blind spots than you think. Especially on the right side. Never pass a truck on the right if possible.
2) Trucks' mirrors are better than they used to be but still will see a motorcycle last in most cases. If you can, pass a truck being as far left on your lane as safely possible.
3) The trucker (I know I did) has a am/fm etc radio blasting, CB radio on, etc and will NOT hear your bike till ya right beside his door.
4) When ya pass, do not pull right back in front of the truck. Get some distance first. It takes a good while to stop a big rig in case he has to.
5) Maypops. Those tires truckers are forced to pull on a lot of those overseas container frames. They are getting better at replacing those old crap tires but ya gotta be aware. Alligators are what they are called on the CB, pieces of blown tire, will ruin your day if ya hit one.
6) Trailer swing. At intersections and tight turns, the trailers with the axles slide up forward a lot will have a lot of rear trailer swing and can bite ya if you are beside it.
I am pretty sure this is old hand knowledge but just throwing it out there.
1) Trucks has a lot more blind spots than you think. Especially on the right side. Never pass a truck on the right if possible.
2) Trucks' mirrors are better than they used to be but still will see a motorcycle last in most cases. If you can, pass a truck being as far left on your lane as safely possible.
3) The trucker (I know I did) has a am/fm etc radio blasting, CB radio on, etc and will NOT hear your bike till ya right beside his door.
4) When ya pass, do not pull right back in front of the truck. Get some distance first. It takes a good while to stop a big rig in case he has to.
5) Maypops. Those tires truckers are forced to pull on a lot of those overseas container frames. They are getting better at replacing those old crap tires but ya gotta be aware. Alligators are what they are called on the CB, pieces of blown tire, will ruin your day if ya hit one.
6) Trailer swing. At intersections and tight turns, the trailers with the axles slide up forward a lot will have a lot of rear trailer swing and can bite ya if you are beside it.
I am pretty sure this is old hand knowledge but just throwing it out there.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 458
Likes: 102
From: Alabama
I avoid interstates as much as possible, whether in a cage or on a bike. The traffic around here is awful and there are a lot of accidents. I prefer to be safer on the back roads not only for the ride itself, but less traffic to contend with. I always leave with plenty of time to spare, so the longer ride doesn't bother me.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 145
From: SE Louisiana
I sometimes ENJOY just getting on the interstate, rolling the throttle back and cruising for miles. Sure, I also enjoy the twisty two-lanes -- but I disagree that they are automatically "safer": two-way traffic, (very) slow drivers, animals in the road, vehicles pulling onto the roadway without looking, etc. I've dealt with all of those more times than I can count.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
OK I kinda thought someone would have a negative comment and that is just fine.
The 38 degree angle came about after trying to get the most stability possible and no I don't give a da*n what the MoCo does with their windshields.
If you read these forums people have been complaining about stock Harley shields about as long as the forums have existed.
I simply noticed that at a more upright angle the wind would grab my shield and cause some wiggling especially when hit by truck wake or strong mountain crosswinds.
I then checked the top ten best bikes and their shields and fairings and noticed they were raked more than I was. In fact they all seemed to settle on about 38 degrees as the most streamlining AND the most amount of height for protection.
So I tried it and BINGO it was much better streamlining and just about as tall as I could get.
As for the bars I gave that tip to help a new rider understand that narrower bars might be an option to decrease twitchiness. I know plenty of guys who adore their super wide beach style handlebars and good for them. But you just ain't gonna see a whole bunch of guys at the drags using 'em.
As for speed I wasn't trying to go 75.
The Gold Wings in the New York area typically cruise by at 90 on the Dewey thruway and it irritated me that I couldn't ride my Harley right along with them.
Now I can and in fact probably am a bit better set up for crosswinds than they are as I present less side area to the wind for crosswinds.
Glad you enjoy your ride.
I think these forums are great for trading information. Not everything someone finds works for them is useful to all riders of all types.
Can't we just be friends?
The 38 degree angle came about after trying to get the most stability possible and no I don't give a da*n what the MoCo does with their windshields.
If you read these forums people have been complaining about stock Harley shields about as long as the forums have existed.
I simply noticed that at a more upright angle the wind would grab my shield and cause some wiggling especially when hit by truck wake or strong mountain crosswinds.
I then checked the top ten best bikes and their shields and fairings and noticed they were raked more than I was. In fact they all seemed to settle on about 38 degrees as the most streamlining AND the most amount of height for protection.
So I tried it and BINGO it was much better streamlining and just about as tall as I could get.
As for the bars I gave that tip to help a new rider understand that narrower bars might be an option to decrease twitchiness. I know plenty of guys who adore their super wide beach style handlebars and good for them. But you just ain't gonna see a whole bunch of guys at the drags using 'em.
As for speed I wasn't trying to go 75.
The Gold Wings in the New York area typically cruise by at 90 on the Dewey thruway and it irritated me that I couldn't ride my Harley right along with them.
Now I can and in fact probably am a bit better set up for crosswinds than they are as I present less side area to the wind for crosswinds.
Glad you enjoy your ride.
I think these forums are great for trading information. Not everything someone finds works for them is useful to all riders of all types.
Can't we just be friends?
Around here, the speed limit on the interstate is 65, and I'm an old man who isn't interested in getting there that fast anymore. I forget sometimes that some of you aren't happy unless you're doing 25 over the limit. That's why I ride alone 99 percent of the time.
Then again, over about 85, the vibration becomes rather annoying on my old bike. At that speed the handgrips grow to about 3" in diameter.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
I'll have to admit that after 50 years of two wheels and a motor that I just don't enjoy riding as much as I use to. Now days I just ride because I have to go somewhere, i never ride, just to ride. When I have to go somewhere i want to get there as quick as i can, so I look at the map and see which way will take the least amount of saddle time and if it involves the interstate so be it, and I dont break the speed limit laws.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
I prefer secondary roads. Major interstates like I-10, I-40 and I-15 have a lot of truck traffic. Nothing like semis going up a 6% grade at 40 MPH and one pulls out to pass the others on a two-lane road. I try to hit major metro areas outside of the morning/afternoon traffic peaks. Out here in the west with canyons and large mountain ranges in the way, sometimes there are few choices other than the slab.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 891
Likes: 210
From: Clarksville, TN
Originally Posted by FLSTFI Dave
Headed to the UP of MI this week. First day will be 650 miles of interstate. The next 11 days all back roads in the UP, WI, MN and Canada. Last day will be Milwaukee to TN all interstate.
What part of TN are you located?
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
It doesn't matter to me. I prefer the scenery on the side roads but enjoy getting to where I am going in a timely manner. I ride to work in Cleveland OH on the slab almost every work day in heavy traffic. I think that it makes you a better rider to be comfortable in all conditions.
There are things to learn about slab riding like dealing with trucks that were mentioned above.
There is also the habit of trying to make eye contact via the drivers side mirror with cars that you are passing and watching what they are doing.
Don't stay beside any vehicle if possible. I try to ride slightly faster than most of the traffic but slower than the fastest traffic.
I also try to always try to plan for an out in the event that someone comes over on me. If there is a berm (god forbid you had to use it with all the **** in it) I try to stay in that lane.
There are things to learn about slab riding like dealing with trucks that were mentioned above.
There is also the habit of trying to make eye contact via the drivers side mirror with cars that you are passing and watching what they are doing.
Don't stay beside any vehicle if possible. I try to ride slightly faster than most of the traffic but slower than the fastest traffic.
I also try to always try to plan for an out in the event that someone comes over on me. If there is a berm (god forbid you had to use it with all the **** in it) I try to stay in that lane.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 3,512
From: At home.
Depends on the interstate. Riding 85 across South Dakota with little traffic, is fine. Riding 90 to keep from getting ran over on 90 near Chicago, just to keep from getting ran over.....no thanks.