Interstate Riding
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,395
Likes: 266
From: Southern California
First of all . . . way back when . . . I couldn't understand why anyone would want to ride a bike with a fairing or a windshield . . . But (sigh) once I had been riding a bike with a windshield for awhile and then went back to an unfaired bike . . . I couldn't wait to get behind a windshield again. LOL
As for Freeways . . . here in SoCal it's not really an option. But just to make the Freeways interesting here . . . we're allowed to split lanes (AKA Filtering). That said; short of splitting lanes (which I do a lot if speeds fall below about 35/40 mph) the Freeways are actually a lot safer than almost any other road 'cause there isn't any cross traffic . . . and folks are all moving in roughly the same direction . . . mostly . . .
As for Freeways . . . here in SoCal it's not really an option. But just to make the Freeways interesting here . . . we're allowed to split lanes (AKA Filtering). That said; short of splitting lanes (which I do a lot if speeds fall below about 35/40 mph) the Freeways are actually a lot safer than almost any other road 'cause there isn't any cross traffic . . . and folks are all moving in roughly the same direction . . . mostly . . .
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 6,322
Likes: 2,500
From: Tennessee
I love interstate riding, always have.
Back roads get boring as hell after a while, living in the country I get my fill of riding back roads and can't wait to get on the interstate and kick it up to around 90 and roll!
Some guys like a windshield, but again here I am of the opposite opinion, I truly enjoy being in the wind at high speed....There's nothing better!
Keep practicing a little at a time and develop your interstate riding skills and endurance and you'll probably get to the point where you enjoy the ride on the big roads as much as the back roads.
Back roads get boring as hell after a while, living in the country I get my fill of riding back roads and can't wait to get on the interstate and kick it up to around 90 and roll!
Some guys like a windshield, but again here I am of the opposite opinion, I truly enjoy being in the wind at high speed....There's nothing better!
Keep practicing a little at a time and develop your interstate riding skills and endurance and you'll probably get to the point where you enjoy the ride on the big roads as much as the back roads.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 124
Likes: 2
From: n.e. Texas
Gonna be out and about again today and the only interstates I've seen were as I was going over em (overpass). Only use em if I have to get somewhere on a schedule.
Just enjoy the scenery so much more on secondary roads at reduced speeds (55-60) but not opposed to an occasional group run at 70-80 on the big roads for a change of pace as it keeps you sharp.
I run with the windscreen on the king year round and think it's a must for me at any speed. Just got a new ding in the plexi yesterday when a piece of gravel was flung at me.
I don't envy the OP living in that rat race though. Just learn to respect that style of travel and stay on point, gradually adding miles and confidence. Good luck
Just enjoy the scenery so much more on secondary roads at reduced speeds (55-60) but not opposed to an occasional group run at 70-80 on the big roads for a change of pace as it keeps you sharp.
I run with the windscreen on the king year round and think it's a must for me at any speed. Just got a new ding in the plexi yesterday when a piece of gravel was flung at me.
I don't envy the OP living in that rat race though. Just learn to respect that style of travel and stay on point, gradually adding miles and confidence. Good luck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,730
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
They are a necessary evil. One thing I do on interstate rides is make sure I have on ear plugs. Anything above 75 mph for me is a waste of fuel as my mpg gives down in the upper 20's...if you look at the map you can find major US Highways close to the Slab. 60-62 mph is much better riding fir me than 70-77 mph
Riding with a open style bike VS a fairing bike is big time different, Eden like a road king vs Flhtc....I like the fairing but will have a windshield only bike soon as a second bike.
Riding with a open style bike VS a fairing bike is big time different, Eden like a road king vs Flhtc....I like the fairing but will have a windshield only bike soon as a second bike.
Last edited by Notgrownup; Dec 6, 2015 at 07:33 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 613
Likes: 75
From: Marietta, GA
I also have a windshield I rarely use.....I've found on trips that having some sort of back rest helps immensely. It'll enable you to relax more like everyone is saying, but without a windshield
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 721
Likes: 18
From: Galesville, WI
I suppose I should rephrase my question. I was in a position where I needed to make some miles in a hurry as I had already enjoyed the back roads too long. My experience was uncomfortable and scary as hell. Granted I was on the edge of Houston. Does it get better with time? I suspect it would be a little more comfortable without the crosswinds. It is impossible to travel around here without at least some interstate travel and HEAVY traffic.
Last edited by DeputyLoud; Dec 9, 2015 at 11:47 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
While freeways/highways/thruways are sometime a necessary evil, I find myself more and more selecting "scenic" route on my Ultra GPS to get from Point A to Point B [even if the route adds an hour to the trip].