Interstate and semis'
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
Semis and construction trucks. I avoid being behind them whenever possible. Pass them as soon as its safe to. Too many things can come flying off them or out of them and I can't see the road in front of me.
When I'm in my truck, they don't bother me at all, on the bike, I avoid them like the plague.
When I'm in my truck, they don't bother me at all, on the bike, I avoid them like the plague.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
You have two choices, either speed up and get way ahead of him or slow down and find an open spot between traffic.
When I ride alone I can always find space somewhere on the open road. I just slow down to 68 for a very short while then reset the cruise at 72 when I find a spot.
But when I ride with my buddies they have to ride 70 to 75 no matter what and we are always in traffic.
It's so much more pleasent to find that sweet spot.....and you are still riding at your 70 to 75 mph. You just don't have to constantly fight it.
When I ride alone I can always find space somewhere on the open road. I just slow down to 68 for a very short while then reset the cruise at 72 when I find a spot.
But when I ride with my buddies they have to ride 70 to 75 no matter what and we are always in traffic.
It's so much more pleasent to find that sweet spot.....and you are still riding at your 70 to 75 mph. You just don't have to constantly fight it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
Some good suggestions so far. Stay a ways back if possible, pass quickly and never ride beside it. Worst road I was on was I-30 in Arkansas, most trucks I have seen on any road. Was "stuck" on it for about 40 miles and was never so glad to change routes. Any interstate around Atlanta is bad.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
STAY AWAY!
I NEVER follow ANY truck down the highway. It's a recipe for disaster. I'll either fall way back or most likely jump on it and pass it as fast as I can. I rarely find myself in a rush to get somewhere but if I had to be, I'd probably take my car. My bike is an oasis to me, providing "tranquil" time. Dodging traffic isn't tranquil.
As far as the truck coming back around again, I might take 5 at a rest stop to give some distance. Trying to beat it down the road with a big *** truck on my tail is no fun either!
I NEVER follow ANY truck down the highway. It's a recipe for disaster. I'll either fall way back or most likely jump on it and pass it as fast as I can. I rarely find myself in a rush to get somewhere but if I had to be, I'd probably take my car. My bike is an oasis to me, providing "tranquil" time. Dodging traffic isn't tranquil.
As far as the truck coming back around again, I might take 5 at a rest stop to give some distance. Trying to beat it down the road with a big *** truck on my tail is no fun either!
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 374
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park, Ks
I have seen too many things come flying off of vehicles that would pretty much mean biting it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
Personally I think this "riding around trucks" thing is blown way out of proportion. I see them as any other vehicle on the road and ride accordingly.
Sure a big truck will create a bit of turbulence but as long as you are aware of what's happening it's really no big deal.
And as for the tire blowouts, sure it can happen, but how many times have you been next to a truck in harms way at the moment of a blowout. I've been driving/riding for 40+ years and that answer for me is never.
It comes down to this... Can a big truck cause an issue? Yes. But the chances of something happening at the exact moment to f you up is miniscule.
I'd say my biggest issue is when they're kicking up or dropping dirt/stones and I'm hearing all that **** hit my bike.
Bottom line - be aware, but don't worry about it!
Sure a big truck will create a bit of turbulence but as long as you are aware of what's happening it's really no big deal.
And as for the tire blowouts, sure it can happen, but how many times have you been next to a truck in harms way at the moment of a blowout. I've been driving/riding for 40+ years and that answer for me is never.
It comes down to this... Can a big truck cause an issue? Yes. But the chances of something happening at the exact moment to f you up is miniscule.
I'd say my biggest issue is when they're kicking up or dropping dirt/stones and I'm hearing all that **** hit my bike.
Bottom line - be aware, but don't worry about it!
Last edited by 2black1s; Oct 4, 2012 at 11:44 AM.
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Joe Kucinski
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I personally like cruising a little faster than traffic so that I pass and stay a head of trouble. Following trucks can be troublesome because they slow down going up hills and speed up going down.
Beary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
Echoing all other posts regarding big rigs, trailers, landscapers and etc.
Flatbed trailers have stuff flying off of them, had a bolt hit my car windshield and it scared the daylights out of me.
Flatbed trailers have stuff flying off of them, had a bolt hit my car windshield and it scared the daylights out of me.