Interstate
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 542
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Interstate
I commute everyday to work on the interstate. Don't have a windshield. Ride in Columbus, Ohio during rush hour morning and evening. My first few rides weren't very comfortable as I was used to sport bike riding on the interstate. Now I find it very easy to go 80+ on the interstate. The wind just keeps me alert and adds somehing different everyday. Windshields look too awful to put on IMO. Interstates are great for riding for me.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
RE: Interstate
I'm not a huge fan of the slab, but after the first few rides I became alittle more comfortable. I began to relax the "death grip" a bit. The worst trip I had (until that point) was in the early evening, one of the first rides with the half helmet. There was a storm approaching and consequently there was a LOT of cross wind. I also hadn't snugged the helmet up as much as I should have before hitting the interstate. I thought the helmet was going to be pulled off!! I'm also not a fan of the appearance of a windshield, but I purchased a QD model and I typically use it when riding back and forth to work whether I take the interstate or not. I find it to greatly reduce the fatigue involved and it also dramatically reduces the wind noise regardless of the speed you're travelling at. On the weekends or when I go to Bike Night I simply remove it. Takes all of 20 seconds.
With some experience, I feel much less intimidated taking a cruise on the highway. Just take it slow and you'll be fine. Do head checks when changing lanes and stay away from semis (especially the blind spots). You'll eventually get used to the crosswinds and turbulence created by other vehicles either back off, change lanes or pass...
With some experience, I feel much less intimidated taking a cruise on the highway. Just take it slow and you'll be fine. Do head checks when changing lanes and stay away from semis (especially the blind spots). You'll eventually get used to the crosswinds and turbulence created by other vehicles either back off, change lanes or pass...
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
RE: Interstate
I've started to ride on the Interstate, too. Can't say as I like it much. fortunately, the stretch of interstate I travel on doesn't have a lot of traffic, so you can mostly keep a good distance between th bike and the cages.
Those crosswinds can be a b*tch, though.
Those crosswinds can be a b*tch, though.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Interstate
It just takes time to get comfortable at higher speeds. At first I wouldn't get on the interstate at all. Then I did just around town with 60 mph traffic flow. After a couple of months I started venturing out with the 75mph traffic flow. Eventually I became completely comfortable with that type of riding. It's not very enjoyable just blasting down the interstate, but sometimes it's necessary just to get where ya wanna go.
I rode thousands of miles on the interstate without a windshield, and I still do if it's just a short hop of say 30 miles or less. Now, any distance over around 30 miles of high speed interstate travel, I put on the Quick Detach Wennie Shield. It helps significantly. Then when I get to my destination, I take the shield off. That's of course assuming I have a hotel room, or a buddy's house where I can leave the shield.
But you will get used to that type of riding. A couple of days ago, I did about a 350 round trip ride, most of it being at 75 - 80 mph. I was perfectly comfortable.
I rode thousands of miles on the interstate without a windshield, and I still do if it's just a short hop of say 30 miles or less. Now, any distance over around 30 miles of high speed interstate travel, I put on the Quick Detach Wennie Shield. It helps significantly. Then when I get to my destination, I take the shield off. That's of course assuming I have a hotel room, or a buddy's house where I can leave the shield.
But you will get used to that type of riding. A couple of days ago, I did about a 350 round trip ride, most of it being at 75 - 80 mph. I was perfectly comfortable.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Interstate
Nick,
Try adjusting your rear shock pre-load this will help tons. Have you ever heard NASCAR talk about loose in the corners ? This pre-load adjustment will tighten your bike up and make it stiffer to the effects of crosswinds. It will give a bit harder ride but italso gives better control while cornering. Mind you I'm not a motorcycle mechanic but I have worked professionally on cars and currently I am a Boeing Flightline mechanic for the 777. Try it you'll like it.
Try adjusting your rear shock pre-load this will help tons. Have you ever heard NASCAR talk about loose in the corners ? This pre-load adjustment will tighten your bike up and make it stiffer to the effects of crosswinds. It will give a bit harder ride but italso gives better control while cornering. Mind you I'm not a motorcycle mechanic but I have worked professionally on cars and currently I am a Boeing Flightline mechanic for the 777. Try it you'll like it.
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5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
RE: Interstate
I have been riding for 26 years and never feared the interstate for anything until this year. There have been numerous fatal accidents in my area and most involved a car plowing over the biker. I tend to stay away from the interstate now. I don't know if it's just me or is the general public getting worse at driving?
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