55 vs 70
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 150
From: Michigan
Oh yea. My grandparents were still alive (in Tuscaloosa, Al). We made many double nickle trips from Metro Detroit - three kids, two parents and a dog.....it was hell.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I have put more than half of my lifetime miles across the North American Continent on 55 mph back roads. Far more rewarding than the Interstates.
More interesting folks to meet and visit with in the small town restaurants, gas stations and motels.
More interesting folks to meet and visit with in the small town restaurants, gas stations and motels.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,131
Likes: 51,464
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Dude I rode a shovelhead for 35 years, you lived in the 55 zone if wanted to use your kidneys regular, beside like you say the better scenery is off the super slabs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,089
Likes: 19,250
From: The Wasteland
I agree with you guys about the back roads being better to ride. I actually have some pretty good country roads and mountain riding near me but to get to almost anywhere I need to ride 15 to 30 miles of highway before I get to the good riding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 35,824
Likes: 38,688
From: Post Falls, ID
It may seem like that but two lane secondary roads are statistically more dangerous. Head-ons, cross traffic and fatalities per 100,000 vehicle miles traveled are the reasons why.
Freeways are safer because everyone is going the same direction. Although freeway crashes are more frequent, there are fewer fatalities based on the volume of traffic.
Freeways are safer because everyone is going the same direction. Although freeway crashes are more frequent, there are fewer fatalities based on the volume of traffic.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,908
Likes: 29,889
From: PNW
Totally. I much prefer purring along at 60 and riding two lane. Interstates are a necessary evil. We just rode back from Tennessee and tried to take as much two lane as possible. Made it to almost St Louis before saying screw it and going for the fast route. But it was nice while it lasted.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 7,968
Likes: 15,815
From: Florida
50-60 seems to be the optimal enjoyment zone for me too. When I have occasion to be on the interstate doing 75 in traffic the pucker factor is significant and I have been riding on the streets for 42 years.
Last edited by Tonebender; Sep 18, 2018 at 09:07 AM.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 57
Likes: 16
From: Glendale AZ
As a general rule I only ride on the interstate if I'm on my Road King. The highways in Arizona are clogged with traffic, and the only reason to be in that mess is to get where you're going quickly...certainly not any "fun"...and often times not very safe either. They'll give anyone a driver's license these days, and I've never been on a ride that was worth dying for. Try running north on I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff...semi trucks struggling to climb hills at 25 mph, while others fly by at 85. Scraping splattered riders from the pavement is routine around here, although it's usually an inexperienced, middle aged "biker".
