First Interstate Ride

[ranger04]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

I think you just need more time in the seat to build your confidence before venturing out on the super slab. Find some other roads where the traffic and geography will allow some sustained runs at 60 mph to get the feel for the wind where there isn't much traffic.

I think what they really said in MSF is not to slow down suddenly while you are leaned over. If you realize you are going too fast BEFORE you are actually leaned over much, by all means, slow down. If it happens later in the curve, then it gets tricky. If you need to turn sharper, slowing down (much) does just the opposite and tends to make you go in a straight line.

To turn sharper, you need to lean/counter steer more. That is best done at a steady speed or under light throttle. Some people can never seem to break the "too fast, slow down" reaction but you MUST resist the urge to slow abruptly......unless you WANT to ride off the outside edge of the curve.

I suggest that if you don't NEED to get on the Interstate for a commute or other necessary ride, then don't do it yet......until you are a little more comfortable with the bike overall.

Im no expert-or safety instructor- but im gonna throw in my $.02. Easyrider pretty much has here, so ill go off what he said to back him up. Read again what I have highlighted up there. Im sure what they meant-becuase its what they preached in my class, both basic and experienced rider course-is to slow before you get to the corner. SLOW-LOOK-PRESS AND ROLL. Brake before you hit the corner, look in the direction you are going through the curve and not at the side of the road or right in front of you, look through the curve at where you are going. As you are going through the curve lean the bike at desired angle for corner and slowly roll the throttle. If you are leaned over and let off throttle, or you brake to fast, you will mess up bikes stability-bad things happen if you dont know what you are doing in this case. If you let off the throttle you will put the bike back up straight-just missed your corner. If you brake to fast to stop or slow in a corner and are leaned over-well just dont do it because you will not like the end result.
Just remeber-SLOW-LOOK-PRESS AND ROLL. countersteering and counter balance is important as well in sharp corners.

Freeway riding can be intimidating at first, but once you get used to riding at highway speeds you are fine. If you are questioning it this much, and are not comfortable with it yet, then dont ride the freeway, ride the local roads for a while until you are comfortable. IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE ON THE FREEWAY STAY OFF IT. Only you know when you are ready for that first freeway ride-and make it a safe one

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

I think you just need more time in the seat to build your confidence before venturing out on the super slab. Find some other roads where the traffic and geography will allow some sustained runs at 60 mph to get the feel for the wind where there isn't much traffic.

I think what they really said in MSF is not to slow down suddenly while you are leaned over. If you realize you are going too fast BEFORE you are actually leaned over much, by all means, slow down. If it happens later in the curve, then it gets tricky. If you need to turn sharper, slowing down (much) does just the opposite and tends to make you go in a straight line.

To turn sharper, you need to lean/counter steer more. That is best done at a steady speed or under light throttle. Some people can never seem to break the "too fast, slow down" reaction but you MUST resist the urge to slow abruptly......unless you WANT to ride off the outside edge of the curve.

I suggest that if you don't NEED to get on the Interstate for a commute or other necessary ride, then don't do it yet......until you are a little more comfortable with the bike overall.

I guess I was not clear on that question. What I was referring to is the exits with sharp curves from beginning to end where you have to come to a complete stop.

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by ranger04

If you are questioning it this much, and are not comfortable with it yet, then dont ride the freeway, ride the local roads for a while until you are comfortable. IF YOU ARE NOT COMFORTABLE ON THE FREEWAY STAY OFF IT. Only you know when you are ready for that first freeway ride-and make it a safe one

I agree, but I want to also have the bases cover before I get in the Interstate since once I am on there I am committed and the Q&A time is over. This way when I do hit it I am also taking experience of the board with me.

[intimid8er]

Do you work out in Lebannon or up in Nashville?

'Cause the way I see it...you don't have any choice to ride the slab if you want to get somewhere in a "reasonable" amount of time!

[sra4031]

I work outside of the Boro down 231 S. If I try to go back roads I have to thread through a maze adding 20 mins to my trip, plus 231 is 65 anyway where I work so going back roads will defeat the purpose anyway.

Under ideal conditions I should be able to dop it OK, but I want to make sure I have everything into consideration so if I get into trouble I can get out of it, and above all, prevent the trouble before I get into it.

[intimid8er]

Originally Posted by sra4031

I have to thread through a maze

All of your backroads up there are a maze!

[sra4031]

You know Rutherford County well. You have to go around the block to get next door here

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by sra4031

I guess I was not clear on that question. What I was referring to is the exits with sharp curves from beginning to end where you have to come to a complete stop.

Now you REALLY have me confused.

Care to try again; maybe the third time will be the charm.

Maybe the key to this is to pay attention to the LARGE yellow warning sign that is posted at most "low speed" off ramps. If it says 15MPH, then you'd better slow down a LOT before you actually get into the curve.

[ksievers]

think about the difference between "fear" and "respect." The smartest thing you can do is NOT be in a hurry to 1) get on any particular road; 2) do what other people do; 3) go as fast as someone else; 4) etc...

on the other hand, you don't want to ride in fear - that short-circuits everything. But you never want to get on the bike w/o respect for what you're about to do. Be defensive but not freaked out. Alert, aware, those are better words.

As for getting on the big road, why rush? Slow speed practice in a big parking lot is the best thing for you to become "intuitive" with your bike, so you don't have to think about every little thing. Too much thinking about every ingredient of riding will overload your ability to stay loose and be intuitive, yet you can't hurry that process.

Once you've paid enough dues in a parking lot, you'll feel it and you'll know...

take your time.

[ranger04]

Originally Posted by sra4031

I guess I was not clear on that question. What I was referring to is the exits with sharp curves from beginning to end where you have to come to a complete stop.

This is part of the SLOW-LOOK-PRESS AND ROLL strategy, also part of the SEE strategy (SEARCH-EVALUATE-EXECUTE) Before you enter the exit ramp, they generally-actually should have-really big signs that warn you if its a sharp turn ahead. If this is the case then you should slow down that much more before you get to the corner. Also, in most cases they also have enough room at end of corner to be able to stop. Besides most exit ramps are only 25 MPH anyways-which is no fun, but for yourself you should adhere to that posted limit and is also slow enough to allow plenty of room to slow down for a stop sign. Remember though, before trying to apply brakes make sure your bike is upright and not leaning over becuase bad things will happen, dont try to turn and stop at same time-bike cant handle it

[ranger04]

Originally Posted by sra4031

I agree, but I want to also have the bases cover before I get in the Interstate since once I am on there I am committed and the Q&A time is over. This way when I do hit it I am also taking experience of the board with me.

Ok if this is the case then its like this, riding the freeway is not much differanct than the back roads you drive every day, just much faster and lots more cars. So here are some pointers-some already mentioned im sure
-Do at least the speed limit, faster if you have to keep up with traffic so you are not getting run down, but dont over do it and ride to fast for your ability
-You are still nervouse of freeways and high speeds-STAY AWAY FROM BIG TRUCKS. As you pass at back it will suck you into truck, at front they will push you away-winds are crazy passing trucks so be careful when you pass them, the same will happen when they pass you. As well as on a two lane interstate/freeway with no meridian an oncoming trucks wind will push you away from truck when you pass-big gust of wind-be carefull, I generally lean my body in direction of truck when I see one coming and prepare for the push
-Do not ride next to a big truck-or any vehicle-they cant see you
-Do not ride directly behind big trucks-they cant see you-stay well behind them (all though once you are comfortable with riding the freeways they make great windshields)
-Another reason to stay away from big trucks-or any vehicle for that fact-it would suck to be next to/behind one when they lose a tire
-Ride defensivly-people are idiots on freeways and you generally will not get the desired space you want in between you and other cars so watch out for them and expect them to do something stupid-chances are they will

I think thats all I got for now-hope it helps
As already mentioned freeway riding isnt much differant, just much faster and lots more idiots on the road

Be careful and ride safe

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by ranger04

Another reason to stay away from big trucks-or any vehicle for that fact-it would suck to be next to/behind one when they lose a tire

And to expand on that just a bit.......it also sucks to be behind a cage that runs OVER some large debris in the roadway. Things that are unlikely to do serious damage to a cage can put a big time hurt on a rider......if he doesn't have time/space to avoid it.

IMHO, this is a better reason to leave extra following distance than the possibility of a rear-ender. You can usually brake and swerve to miss a car stopping. That is often NOT the case when a large chunk of truck tire comes flying out from under the cage ahead.

[pitzz]

I used to sneak around Manhattan with just my learner's permit. I'd ride up towards the George Washington Bridge and look longingly at it knowing that I didn't dare go out of state and onto Rt. 80 until I had that license in my pocket. I probably had my permit for about 4 months and the day I got my real license I struck out over the bridge and aimed myself towards Rt. 80 West.

I had purchased a brand new Virago 750 in 1981, that was what I taught myself to ride on, and had never even been able to shift it into 5th gear before. It was very early Spring and I remember wearing a thick brown leather jacket and being amazed at my sleeves, which had always seemed so stiff and bulky, flapping in the wind at hiway speed. I also remember a profound experience with the rear wheels of an 18 wheeler, hearing the tires humming on the pavement next to me, and realizing there was nothing there between us and that at any moment I could just reach out and touch them (not recommended!).

Did I approach the whole motorcycle experience wisely and safely? Probably not. All the technical riding advice aside...just remember to cherish those first moments because you'll never have them again!

Pitzz

[drgibson]

I started riding at 9 years old so... 2+ years.

[scrimmer]

I had to ride about 25 miles on the interstate the day I bought my M50 to get it home.
That was my first time on the interstate on a bike and I'll have to admit I was scared sh*%less for about the first 10 miles or so. After that I relaxed a little bit and it was all good after that. I ALWAYS keep as much distance as I can between me and everything else on the interstate to the best of my ability. I have been narrowly missed by flying debris off a flatbed truck one time. Now anytime I see any open bed or flatbed truck of any kind on the road I either gun it and get past them and keep them in my mirrors if at all possible, or slow down and let them get WAY ahead of me, and I never ride in the same lane with them if I can help it. Just stay alert, keep your distance and you should be OK. Stay safe everyone!

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by scrimmer

I had to ride about 25 miles on the interstate the day I bought my M50 to get it home.

A sign of a newbie, for sure.

A seasoned rider would say: I HAD to avoid the interstate and take that other route, even though it was 15 miles farther and took an extra hour !!!

[donny662]

Originally Posted by themeatmanlandry

The interstate's probably the safest place you'll ever ride. It's designed for travel (limited access, no signals), whereas surface streets are designed for frontage (lots of driveways, lots of traqffic lights).

I feel the same way. If traffic is flowing at the speed limit and you can ride at least within 5mph of it, I much prefer to be on the interstate from a safety perspective. But, two-lane highways are still better because of the scenery. I think that as long as you are comfortable traveling at interstate speeds, there is little reason to avoid the freeway at all costs.

One more way to get comfortable with interstate speeds is to drive it late at night when there is little to no traffic. That way, when you are pushing your limits as far as comfot, you don't have to deal with traffic in addition to your speed fears/concerns. I'd drive my mother's GZ250 all night on the interstate at 65mph indicated; it's weird being passed by a semi while on a bike, but I never feel unsafe until the daytime when traffic is going 70-75mph+ actual.

[womper]

Originally Posted by intimid8er

You laugh Jason! But it's true!!!

Breathe and relax that grip. Those will be the truest words you've heard. You'll see!!!

ya.. was about to say that... i had the death grip when i did the big roads (no interstates in canada )

stay loose on the bike... relax and don't do the kung-fu grip... when a big truck goes by, staying loose helps not being a big sail... if you got the death grip going, wind pushes you, you steer the bike...

and like Inspiron said... it's all about confidence

[edit]
if you are behind a big truck, stay on his driver's side of the lane so he can see you in the rearview mirror... if you can see his face, he can see you...

[schism]

I've ridden on the interstate when I had my 04 Volusia...I didn't really get pushed around as much as I thought I would from the wind but I did have issues passing..I'd have to drop down a gear to get around vehicles...

It's been about 2.5 years since I sold my Volusia so I'm still getting used to riding again (1.5 months since I bought my v-star )..I'll do the same thing I did with my Volusia, as soon as I can ride on surface roads/smaller highways without death gripping my handlebars I'll get on the superslab...Until then I'm happy with the extra 4 miles it takes me to get to work with back roads. I already have my permit which in NC the only restrictions I have is I can't ride 2 up so I've been riding a lot in a lot of different environments (night, windy days, no rain yet since I don't have a good rain suit)..

[scrimmer]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

A sign of a newbie, for sure.

A seasoned rider would say: I HAD to avoid the interstate and take that other route, even though it was 15 miles farther and took an extra hour !!!

Yes, I WAS quite a newbie at the time; but if you were familiar with the streets/traffic here in Charlotte, you'd know that it was the safest way for me to get home. Going through town would have been much riskier for my newbie butt at the time.