First Time Over a Metal Grate Bridge
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 576
Likes: 0
Major "Pucker Factor". I use to ride a lot in NYC. I lived in Queens. So sometimes I had to take the "Queenesboro Bridge to get in to the City. This is the bridge that is near the U.N, build. On the lowerr road the mid section turns to steel grid. If you are not ready for it ,it can be un nerving at best.If wet after a good rain even worse. So one day I think I'l try the upper level road... This was the worse I ever felt (Pucker Factor0 in my life. The whole span across the river was steel grid. I am sure I must have counted every steel stud on the bridge.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
+1 on Mac and if worried about Grates... Stay out of the left lane cause thats all it is ....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Yes, it is an experience to remember. Used to do it all the time when on the east coast. One tip, and I think it was mentioned above, is DON"T squeeze the grips. Kind of hold them a little loose, and let the bike track. It's amazing how it will just pick a path and follow it with little interference. Keep your speed up, but try it next time.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,034
Likes: 1
Crossed a multi-level steel bridge crossing over from Minn. into Prairie Du Chien Wisc. and it was at best a bit un-nerving!!! Have crossed several before but never 2 up and not one with mulitiple levels up and than down.
The next one was down at Old Shawneetown from So. Il going into Ky. It is a long steel bridge that arches and not on a flat straight across plane. Mid 8's on the pucker factor as well.
The next one was down at Old Shawneetown from So. Il going into Ky. It is a long steel bridge that arches and not on a flat straight across plane. Mid 8's on the pucker factor as well.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,847
Likes: 0
What happens is the front and rear tires track in slightly different slots. Gyroscopic stability forces the bike upright - this is what you're feeling - constant correction. Going slow provides less gyroscopic action/stability.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Mapleton,IL
ev780, I was gonna say the same thing. Very similar feeling, a loose grip on the bars and letting the bike find it's groove seems to work the best for me. With all the repaving goin on in Illinois now, been getting lots of practice 18-20 miles at a time.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
That's funny. My first couple of times were scary too.
Still don't like 'em though.
Heard a lot of stories about some bridge in Michigan that has about a mile of grate. Especialy freaky when it's raining.
Still don't like 'em though.
Heard a lot of stories about some bridge in Michigan that has about a mile of grate. Especialy freaky when it's raining.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 60
From: Chesterfield, VA
Just checked. That bridge was mentioned earlier in the thread as the Mackinac which has 5 miles of grate in the center lanes to allow vertical upward air flow. Apparently the outer lanes were being resurfaced last year causing motorists to all have to use the grate which was nerve racking for motorcyclists.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 12
From: Commerce, Mich.
Key to these things is just let the bike go with it. Hold the bars loosely and don't fight it. Stay at the speed limit, and RELAX!!