First Freeway Ride - Advice Needed
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
First Freeway Ride - Advice Needed
As a brand new rider I've got 150 local miles experience and I love riding. In So Cal I've been mostly on boulevards and back streets. Today I want to ride to see friends 20 miles away - going north on the 101 (roughly Tarzana to Westlake). I've never been on the freeway with my FLSTF or any bike. Weather is mild, no rain coming - basically a straight line with no traffic.
I know that I need to watch out for trucks, keep a good buffer of space around me, stay as visible as possible, and choose lanes that offer me the best of those things. I'm wearing full face helmet and leather gear.
Your advice would be much appreciated!
I know that I need to watch out for trucks, keep a good buffer of space around me, stay as visible as possible, and choose lanes that offer me the best of those things. I'm wearing full face helmet and leather gear.
Your advice would be much appreciated!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 17
From: Southeastern Wisconsin
Best advice I can offer is to stay in the left third of your lane most often. Watch for the driver next to ya to come over. Stay clear of everyones blindspot. Use plenty of following distance. Watch traffic way ahead of you not just the tail lights of the cage right in front of you. Do not fall into line with the "pack" of traffic. If you study the road at all you will see we travel in packs with pretty big gaps between the packs. Ride in the gap. You have to drive every vehicle around you and your bike at the same time.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
Don't drive behind 18 wheelers. If they lose a tire it will be a very bad day for you.
Pass 18 wheelers as quickly as possible and expect wind buffeting.
Stay out of car's blind spots(middle of the car back) so they don't hit you changing lanes.
Ride within your comfort level! Don't try to ride outside of it to impress others.
Pass 18 wheelers as quickly as possible and expect wind buffeting.
Stay out of car's blind spots(middle of the car back) so they don't hit you changing lanes.
Ride within your comfort level! Don't try to ride outside of it to impress others.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Northwest Georgia
Leave a huge gap between you and the car in front of you.
If you do find yourself behind a car, ride in line with one of their rear tires. If there's a hazard in the road they'll dodge it and you can evade when they do.
Eye protection is a must. There's a lot of turbulence out there and that stirs up a lot of debris. If you get something in your eye, remember that the same wind that blew it in there will blow it out if you let it do the work.
I hate busy interstates but sometimes they're a necessary evil.
If you do find yourself behind a car, ride in line with one of their rear tires. If there's a hazard in the road they'll dodge it and you can evade when they do.
Eye protection is a must. There's a lot of turbulence out there and that stirs up a lot of debris. If you get something in your eye, remember that the same wind that blew it in there will blow it out if you let it do the work.
I hate busy interstates but sometimes they're a necessary evil.
To add the the great advice always know where you are and anticipate what you'd do in an emergency...car trying to share the lane or like was said a truck blows a retread in front of you, etc. Always know where you're going in the even something happens. As long as you maintain a safe distance and in the right lane position you'll be fine. Have fun and keep your head on a swivel.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 653
Likes: 2
keep your distance on all sides; ride defensively - people will tailgate; cut you off; pull into your lane - just as if you don't exist; PLAN AHEAD! Look way down the highway!
Be visible!
Have fun!
Be visible!
Have fun!
Trending Topics
All of the above but relax and stay calm. We you get home safe you will be amped up and ready to go again. It took me a while before I had the nerve to ride in Houston traffic. Now I have no problem going safely thru traffic in Houston. You will get the hang of it. Also take a safety course to help you become even better.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
Like i tell my son who is just starting.....keep an eye on the cars,trucks,bikes around you and behind you.Watch for there head movements,gestures etc-.
The thing with bikes is,if your on one side of the lane some riders will blow by you in the same lane which can be quite a surprise.
The thing with bikes is,if your on one side of the lane some riders will blow by you in the same lane which can be quite a surprise.