How fast is too fast?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 8
From: Dogtown, Oakland, CA
RE: How fast is too fast?
ORIGINAL: softail2005
A lot of the accidents that have occured in our HOG club, 400 members, it seems like a large % are the result of tire failure. So cranking a high speeds for long periods has an element of risk.
Word of caution is to replace those tires long before they get down to the last 10-20% of wear. That last 10% is where 90& of the tire failures occur.
A lot of the accidents that have occured in our HOG club, 400 members, it seems like a large % are the result of tire failure. So cranking a high speeds for long periods has an element of risk.
Word of caution is to replace those tires long before they get down to the last 10-20% of wear. That last 10% is where 90& of the tire failures occur.
as for 100 mph, my sig says it all.
really though, its all about the conditions. 130 may be fine in when the conditions permit, and 25 may be too fast in a different situation. there are no absolutes.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
RE: How fast is too fast?
ORIGINAL: Clammy
Generally I cruise between 70 and 80 on the highways, depending upon traffic and road conditions of course. My bike has a real sweet spot between 75 and 80mph. She just loves to cruise at that speed, and is VERY smooth.
Generally I cruise between 70 and 80 on the highways, depending upon traffic and road conditions of course. My bike has a real sweet spot between 75 and 80mph. She just loves to cruise at that speed, and is VERY smooth.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
From: Gettysburg, PA
RE: How fast is too fast?
If I'm on PA roads, I won't go over 75. The roads here just aren't good enough. If I travel to MD where the roads are smooth, I'll kick it up to 80-85 in the open. I do like to see open road in front of me rather than a bunch of cars and trucks. You never know when someone is gonna dart in front of you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 1
From: North Jersey
RE: How fast is too fast?
On an interstate I usually set the cruise control at speed limit + 5 mph. If traffic conditions don't permit using CC I just keep up with the pace of the faster cars. That could be 70 to 80, but I do not like doing over 80. Absolutely no margin for error at that speed and just plain stuipid with a passenger aboard.
On secondary roads I will hover at or just above the posted speed limit. I have a tendency to go faster as I ride longer, so I have to hold myself back a bit. The twisties do get inticing, but too many things can happen with side streets, intersections, animals....etc.
On secondary roads I will hover at or just above the posted speed limit. I have a tendency to go faster as I ride longer, so I have to hold myself back a bit. The twisties do get inticing, but too many things can happen with side streets, intersections, animals....etc.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: How fast is too fast?
I lived through the 125mph phase in my life...thank you, sir. When on I-95, I "make" my comfort cushion area, which means if I have to gas it to get by some traffic, I will, but I try to stay under 75 in a 65 zone, only because I have contributed way too much to the LEO's retirement fund. If the guys I'm riding with want to go 80+, I'll catch them at the next stop, or phone them the next day...lol. On back roads across MD and PA, I've had a lot of surprise situations coming up over a hill...so now If I can't see the other side, I'm backing down the speed before I have to say "oh ****". I live to ride tomorrow, it's a lot more fun.
Thorns
Thorns
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,138
Likes: 1
From:
RE: How fast is too fast?
If my boots begin to lift off the pegs due to "lift" from the wind. That's too fast!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 25
From: St George, UT
RE: How fast is too fast?
Maybe its my age, but my interstate speed is 75 to 80. Anything higher than that thoughts begin to crowd my mind: what happens if the truck I'm passing has to swerve to miss a shoulder parked truck, or what if my front tire picks up a nail and blows, or what if I can't miss the comealong bar that dropped off a truck? Stuff like that ruins my enjoyment of the ride. I never ride over what's comfortable. If it is 60 mph, so be it. Live to ride, ride to live says it all.[8D]
