Am I unsafe?
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 1
From: (UK)
RE: Am I unsafe?
60-65 ??????
We have to ride at least 80-85mph just to keep up with the traffic flow on our highways (Motorways in UK speak) Driving at 60 over here will put you amongst 30ton trucks and buses all driving up each others *****.
Stick to the back roads and go at your own pace that you are comfortable with and if some prat is tailgating you pull over and let them go and maim some one else.
As for the insurance policy thought ! Hubby might be up to something
We have to ride at least 80-85mph just to keep up with the traffic flow on our highways (Motorways in UK speak) Driving at 60 over here will put you amongst 30ton trucks and buses all driving up each others *****.
Stick to the back roads and go at your own pace that you are comfortable with and if some prat is tailgating you pull over and let them go and maim some one else.
As for the insurance policy thought ! Hubby might be up to something
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: Am I unsafe?
Accidents are caused by people traveling 10mph under or 10 mph over the flow of traffic. Notice I didn't say anything about the posted limit. The safest method is to pick a lane and go with it. If the slow lane is too fast for you, you need to stay off the freeway for a while.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,592
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Am I unsafe?
ORIGINAL: buellgirl
Hi all! Iam a new rider. I bought a 05 883L. I really like it, but Iam learning. To begin with I only went 30 mph in and around my neighborhood. But as time goes I am going faster and venturing out away from home. But still on the hwy if the speed limit is 65 and Iam going 60 is that unsafe. Sometimes I go 65 but sometimes I just dont get my speed up. I feel like people can pass me if they want to but my husband just tells me to go faster. I really do like riding and I want to be safe. I just keep thinking it comes with time. I have only been riding about a month. Any tips or sugestions?
Hi all! Iam a new rider. I bought a 05 883L. I really like it, but Iam learning. To begin with I only went 30 mph in and around my neighborhood. But as time goes I am going faster and venturing out away from home. But still on the hwy if the speed limit is 65 and Iam going 60 is that unsafe. Sometimes I go 65 but sometimes I just dont get my speed up. I feel like people can pass me if they want to but my husband just tells me to go faster. I really do like riding and I want to be safe. I just keep thinking it comes with time. I have only been riding about a month. Any tips or sugestions?
1) Your personal comfort level and abilities. Irrespective of who you are riding with, and in spite of what they tell you, NEVER ride outside your own personal level of comfort and ability. Only you can determine that particular threshold. And believe you me, you'll know when you're bordering upon same.
2) The flow of surrounding traffic, weather conditions, and the type of roadway. If you find yourself in a situation whereby going 60 mph in the right hand lane just isn't cutting it, rather than speeding up and placing yourself in a situation whereby you might not be comfortable, simply take the next exit and tool along the frontage road. Sometimes highway traffic can be highly stressful; even for the seasoned riders out there. Traffic has a 'flow'; especially freeway traffic. You either meld into it as best you can or be wise enough to pull off at the next (and safest) available opportunity.
As others have suggested, take the safety course. You'll also find that whether you've been riding for 3 months or 30 years, there's always something to be learned each and every time you straddle that seat. It's when riders become complacent with both their bikes and their abilities that bad things tend to happen. Stay alert. Stay safe. And remember not to push your limits solely to keep pace with someone else. Good luck to you!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,972
Likes: 1
From: King William, VA.
RE: Am I unsafe?
Buellgirl, take a class in fact take as many classes as you can. The more you know the better it gets. I HAVE BEEN RIDING FOR OVER 40 YEARS AND i AM TAKING A CLASS THIS MONTH.Sorry for the screaming, if you don't feel comfortable don't do it. So if you can't ride at least the speed limit on a road get off the road before you get hurt.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 732
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Am I unsafe?
Buellgirl, what just about everyone has said already is true. Never ride beyond what you feel are your limits, and take the safety course as soon as possible. And if hubby doesn't like it, just tell him you won't be joining him on the highway if he can't respect your limits. I also suggest checking to see if there's a Women in the Wind chapter in your area.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 666
Likes: 1
From: Cavendish, Pei
RE: Am I unsafe?
Welcome from Ontario, ride at whatever sped you like in town. Do not ride faster than you want to/feel comfortable doing. When you are more comfortable riding and want to head out on the highway, at least do the speed limit. Take a MSC they will really help you out. You need miles under your belt to get comfortable about any speed. . A trick to riding fast at first is to keep your eyes focused far ahead of you. If you are looking down at the road closer in front of you it will seem faster. Look at where you want to be, not where you are ...Mark...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Am I unsafe?
I tried to stay off the highway for about 3 months. I prefer to stay off it now. I enjoy the slower roads so much more.
I'll jump on it if I'm in a hurry, but if I'm hurrying, then I'm not enjoying the ride as much. And enjoying the ride is what I bought the bike for.
Good riding to you!
I'll jump on it if I'm in a hurry, but if I'm hurrying, then I'm not enjoying the ride as much. And enjoying the ride is what I bought the bike for.
Good riding to you!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,617
Likes: 1
From: Southwestern Virginia
RE: Am I unsafe?
Never EVER EVER EVER! let anyone take you outside of your comfort zone. You know what it is -- no one else. Everyone has a different learning curve. Do not deviate from yours. Only bad things can come of pushing yourself faster than you are ready for.
<><Peace
<><Peace