Tar Snakes
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
I've slide out on a few....I have some grade 8 three inch floorboard extensions and the resulting wings do a pretty good job of keeping the bike up....nearly lost it a few times.....as long as I don't brake, don't give it gas, keep my feet on floor boards and dont excessively lean into turns....the bike seems to deal with snakes, loose debris, etc, pretty well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,281
Likes: 3,419
From: Idaho Panhandle
I'll play the underdog and support Tar Snakes.
I'll take tar snakes to the alternative, cracks in the road getting larger every day. Open cracks will break up with each vehicle that goes over them. They play an important role here in Washington of keeping the road together longer enough until it can be resurfaced. Water and frost reek havoc here and if the cracks are not sealed, they turn into potholes. Cracks and potholes are not only more dangerous than a tar snake, they often leave loose gravel around the hole. At least you can see tar snakes well in advance most of the time and ride the clear line between them. Out West, they mostly tend to run along the road and crossing over perpendicular ones is no issue.
I'll take tar snakes to the alternative, cracks in the road getting larger every day. Open cracks will break up with each vehicle that goes over them. They play an important role here in Washington of keeping the road together longer enough until it can be resurfaced. Water and frost reek havoc here and if the cracks are not sealed, they turn into potholes. Cracks and potholes are not only more dangerous than a tar snake, they often leave loose gravel around the hole. At least you can see tar snakes well in advance most of the time and ride the clear line between them. Out West, they mostly tend to run along the road and crossing over perpendicular ones is no issue.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
2008 on the way to Sturgis pass Salt Lake city it almost killed me, was in the fast lane going about 75 bike slipped and hit the left side against the concrete center divider
( lucky it wasn't guard rails) engine guard and saddle bag guard were shaved all the way thru no paint damage but I don't know how or why I didn't quit kept giving it more gas and got it on the road again wife was on her bike behind me and thought this was it, told me on the CB to get off next exit she was shaken, hugging, kissing, crying, I guess watching it was harder then dealing with it. Imperfection in the tires, shocks or goosneck just elevate more disaster in that situation my front tire was out of balance and goosneck bearings were shot which contribute to loose control of the bike.
( lucky it wasn't guard rails) engine guard and saddle bag guard were shaved all the way thru no paint damage but I don't know how or why I didn't quit kept giving it more gas and got it on the road again wife was on her bike behind me and thought this was it, told me on the CB to get off next exit she was shaken, hugging, kissing, crying, I guess watching it was harder then dealing with it. Imperfection in the tires, shocks or goosneck just elevate more disaster in that situation my front tire was out of balance and goosneck bearings were shot which contribute to loose control of the bike.
Last edited by Punjabi Rider; Jun 1, 2012 at 06:09 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Never been a problem until last weeks trip to AZ when we ran into a few miles of them on the Devils Highway. Most were in the switchback turns which makes for an .... interesting ride.
I've noticed that my FXDL with Avon Venoms seems to handle them better than the RG with stock Dunlops.
I've noticed that my FXDL with Avon Venoms seems to handle them better than the RG with stock Dunlops.
