Interstate and semis'
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 39
From: Everywhere
I agree with 2black1s. Not that big of a deal, put my feet up, set the cruise and enjoy the ride.
And I have been next to one when a retread blew at 75mph. Chunk of rubber tread hit me under the arm and I was black and blue for a week. In my case I knew it was coming. Just before tire came apart I started getting pelted with rubber grit and was accelerating to get by when she came apart.
And I have been next to one when a retread blew at 75mph. Chunk of rubber tread hit me under the arm and I was black and blue for a week. In my case I knew it was coming. Just before tire came apart I started getting pelted with rubber grit and was accelerating to get by when she came apart.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
Likes: 2,305
From: texas panhandle
Some things about trucks I have learned. Large objects can suddenly appear from the rear of the truck(road debris) so don't follow closely. Don't screw around passing a truck. You will end up in a blind spot where the trucker can't see you. Hang back to pass and then get around quickly. The most dangerous vehicle to follow could very well be the pickup loaded with possessions of the driver. Chairs, bedding, all kinds of stuff can fly out of pickup trucks. And always remember that in a confrontation between a truck and a motorcycle, the truck always wins.
Yup forgot about them. We have three major chicken processing companies in the area and there are always trucks hauling live chickens on the road. They are everywhere. And you can tell that the chickens are having the **** scared out of them. Literally. LOL
Point is it can happen. No matter how long you have been riding. That is why I try to avoid riding next to anyone on the superslabs. You just never know.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 3
From: Southeastern Michigan
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!
Well it's happened twice since then, and the last one hit my fairing. Luckily I saw the sparks before she blew and was already moving to miss the big stuff. Had my daughter on the back this time.
A couple things about trucks.
*Never trail one - at the very least they can kick up crap from the road.
*In todays economy tires are being pushed to their limits.
*Seems some of todays truckers are not as skilled as they once were. I've always thought of them as professionals until recently.
Also as far as passing them. In some mountainous areas you'll have to dance the dance, as they pass down hill, and you pass uphill. It breaks up the monotony anyway. Just ride smart and treat them with respect. Most will reciprocate.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 832
Likes: 6
From: Vermont
You'd have to wait an awful long time on I-81 in PA!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 3
From: Eastern SC
You must realize that most big rigs tend to slow on upgrades and speed up on downgrades, so if you pass them on an upgrade, they may well catch you on the downgrade. Semi drivers will not waste gas by braking on downgrades just to keep their speed constant, so if you are to stay out of the turbulence and keep them from passing you after passing them, it is entirely up to you to put yourself somewhere else by using your throttle. When I am not hauling ***, I try to get to a place in between clusters of trucks and pace traffic so I won't be around them. It isn't rocket science.
Not only do blown tire carcasses fly off trucks, but the dirt they throw up sandblasts you and your ride. Also give wide berth to livestock haulers. You only need get covered in pig, cow or chicken excrement once to understand why.
Not only do blown tire carcasses fly off trucks, but the dirt they throw up sandblasts you and your ride. Also give wide berth to livestock haulers. You only need get covered in pig, cow or chicken excrement once to understand why.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
All trucks are bad. My favorite bad trucks are livestock trucks. When I was in the last hundred miles of my IBA BBG ride, some jackbunny driving a turkey truck passed me, slowed down, and when I tried to pass him he would pull into me and turn on his spotlight backing lights/unloading lights. I needed miles and didn't have a lot of time. This went on for 10 or 15 miles, then he turned off. It was difficult praying positive prayers for him.