Interstate Riding
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 210
From: Montana
If you don't you might not be cut out for riding! No shame in that. Some people just aren't comfortable with 2 wheels. If that is the case it's dangerous because you need to be relaxed when riding or the bike isn't going to react correctly. Take your time and get use to riding first then try the freeway again. Good luck and have fun.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,518
Likes: 57,070
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
The Expressway Experience is definitely and acquired appreciation. I haven't been on a scooter in the Houston area but I would/might liken it to the Chicago area. I use to go through Chicago on my way to Sturgis, now I go up through the U.P. , it's longer but much more "pleasant". You're somewhat of a gnat in the lane compared to the behemoths in the other 5 lanes. I've ridden in 46 of the 50 states. You're going to encounter heavy traffic situations in each. Stay focused. Comfort on the road comes with experience.
I love the Interstate now but didn't when I first rode them a few years back.
Start out on a quiet day like a Sunday and just do one or 2 exits, turn around and come back. Get used to changing lanes, try to get over to the left or second left lane pretty quickly. Don't travel in the right lane unless you're getting on or off the interstate - there are too many incoming and outgoing vehicles there.
Don't tailgate. Don't hang out next to or behind trucks, get past them as quick as you can. Watch out for the driver's twitch and the likelihood they are going to change lanes. Make sure you are seen so don't hang in a blind spot. Use your own signals and hand signals when changing lanes so that you are seen and to give yourself a better chance. Don't be slower than the car behind you, if they want to pass you move over and let them, if you're constantly being passed on your right you are riding too slow for that lane. Make sure your clothes and helmet and bags are secure so that you're not riding with straps flapping.
Remember the 2, 5 and 12 second rule from your MSF course. Plan ahead and watch what's going on in front, next to and behind you.
The more you ride interstates the more you will get to like them hopefully. Put the windshield back on if you're going to ride a lot of highway. Maybe go with somebody more experienced and follow them to see how they deal with the faster roads.
Start out on a quiet day like a Sunday and just do one or 2 exits, turn around and come back. Get used to changing lanes, try to get over to the left or second left lane pretty quickly. Don't travel in the right lane unless you're getting on or off the interstate - there are too many incoming and outgoing vehicles there.
Don't tailgate. Don't hang out next to or behind trucks, get past them as quick as you can. Watch out for the driver's twitch and the likelihood they are going to change lanes. Make sure you are seen so don't hang in a blind spot. Use your own signals and hand signals when changing lanes so that you are seen and to give yourself a better chance. Don't be slower than the car behind you, if they want to pass you move over and let them, if you're constantly being passed on your right you are riding too slow for that lane. Make sure your clothes and helmet and bags are secure so that you're not riding with straps flapping.
Remember the 2, 5 and 12 second rule from your MSF course. Plan ahead and watch what's going on in front, next to and behind you.
The more you ride interstates the more you will get to like them hopefully. Put the windshield back on if you're going to ride a lot of highway. Maybe go with somebody more experienced and follow them to see how they deal with the faster roads.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,556
Likes: 1,846
From: Albuquerque, NM
I moved to NM from Chicago over 30 years ago specifically for better motorcycling as well as other things I enjoy. Best thing I ever did in my life.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
How many of you hate it? I'm new to riding, 3 months, 2400 miles. Yesterday I had my first interstate travel, about 50 miles. It was in windy conditions, and it was uncomfortable and miserable. I did about 400 miles yesterday, mostly back roads and highways. I am comfortable with 70-74 MPH. I ride a fatboy without the windshield, although I have one. It just seemed like the ride was different after I got on the interstate with all the truckers and turbulence. Is this something that I will get used to, or do you all still hate it after years of experience. I suspect it would be better on a touring bike with a fairing.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
I don't like the Interstate but sometimes you gotta. Being more vigilant about what's going on around you and leaving yourself an "out" is imperative. The more you do it, the less uncomfortable you'll be. For long distances on your Fatboy use the shield and then take it off for back road or around town cruising.
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