First Interstate Ride

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by 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 think getting pushed around by the wind is one of the things I am over thinking about.

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by donny662

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.

I was actually thinking about hitting the slab early Sat morning for the same reason. Still cool, and light traffic.

[donny662]

Originally Posted by sra4031

I was actually thinking about hitting the slab early Sat morning for the same reason. Still cool, and light traffic.

At that time, you can even run at 60mph pretty safely, if it's as deserted as I assume. Get comfortable with the environment and start to bring your speed up as you get more confident.

[omegajim]

to add what others have said, it depends when you become confortable.

Me, there were "quasi interstates" 2 lane roads with a lot of traffic on them, which was nearly as fun as an interstate.

[sra4031]

Thanks everyone. On this three day weekend I am going to try to get a early morning run on the interstate. I will be on a new bike so I have not yet decided. I am picking up a Suzuki C50C this afternoon.

[Thaxon]

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!!!

My doctor told me the same thing at my first colonoscopy.

[JHoke]

I grew up in Queens NYC and when I got my first bike {brand spankin new Honda Rebel 450 in 1986} I had to get on the Long Island Expressway (aka Worlds Largest Parking Lot Slash BumperCar Course) to see my girlfriend out on the Island...

I was scared to death, it was 4th of July weekend, all the traffic heading to the beaches...

I didnt have that bike for more than a few months (inherited an ol' Bonnie that winter) but that ride is still the most memorable ... scared the crap outta me... but made it through... lost the fear, kept the respect

(ok, and the girfriends parents were away... 'nother story)

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by JHoke

(ok, and the girfriends parents were away... 'nother story)

Ride it like you stole it !!!

[JHoke]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Ride it like you stole it !!!

Always

[sra4031]

Well I took the plunge. I felt more confident on my new C50C and decided to give it a try this morning.

[donny662]

Originally Posted by sra4031

Well I took the plunge. I felt more confident on my new C50C and decided to give it a try this morning.

Was it as nerve racking as you first thought it would be or was it fairly comfortable? Either way, it will get easier as you get more experienced.

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by donny662

Was it as nerve racking as you first thought it would be or was it fairly comfortable? Either way, it will get easier as you get more experienced.

Nerve racking due to the increase of wind speed, but I handled it better than expected. When I get risers and larger grips on it I am sure that will help as well.

I was going to hit it again but the wind started gusting a little so I stuck to the 55 MPH areas.

[omegajim]

yeah, wind will do that to you.

Got caught in some wind mid summer that was so strong I actually drove under the posted speed of 65.

It just got too dicey and when you realize bike and rider weigh over 700 lbs, we're talking 50 mph gusts that was pretty much head on and a bit to the right.

Effectively, I was driving into 100 mph winds with the combined speed of the bike.

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by omegajim

yeah, wind will do that to you.

Got caught in some wind mid summer that was so strong I actually drove under the posted speed of 65.

It just got too dicey and when you realize bike and rider weigh over 700 lbs, we're talking 50 mph gusts that was pretty much head on and a bit to the right.

Effectively, I was driving into 100 mph winds with the combined speed of the bike.

I did forget to mention in my orginal post that the speed limit is 70 MPH. In saying that, what wind speed to you look for on deciding to stay off the interstate?

[Kapurnicus]

The first time I was on the interstate was with a 250cc scooter (bringing it home from the store for my mom, first time I was on it, prolly not smart). That thing got thrown around with the wind. The first time I rode my bike I took it for a few spins around the neighborhood to get down the shifting and headed out. I have to say, that the added weight is much better at high speeds. I'll take this 1000 pounds over 300 anytime I'm going 80mph. Big difference when you get to the top of a hill and the gust hits you. I do feel safer on the interstate than around stop lights.

[bennym50]

i was on the interstate my first day riding....not by choice lol. i was riding on my permit and had a friend i was following. well she decided i wouldnt learn unless i got on. lets just say it was nerve-racking at first but once i got going it did feel a lot safer bc of the limited access however the windgusts were a challenge.

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by bennym50

i was on the interstate my first day riding....not by choice lol. i was riding on my permit and had a friend i was following. well she decided i wouldnt learn unless i got on. lets just say it was nerve-racking at first but once i got going it did feel a lot safer bc of the limited access however the windgusts were a challenge.

I just want to add, never let a friend talk you into something you are not comfortable with. I do agree, you are not going to learn until you do, but you should always ride within your confidence.

Wind gusts was my greatest apprehension, but the thing that made the greatest difference was being on a bike that fit me well.

[Davecm203]

Do you wear a full face or open face helmet? With a full face, you don't have as much of a sensation of speed and the highway doesn't seem as bad. I worked for two years where I could not avoid a busy interstate. But, even though I have a few years of experiance and the highways don't really bother me, I still avoid them when I tour on my motorcycle. I just hate traveling on them on my bike.

[leonidas]

Personally, I avoid the interstate whenever possible.
I find roads that parallel the interstate and ride where
there are far less soccer moms jabberin' on their cell phones,
road-rage-possessed pcychos, little blue-haired ladies who can't
see over the steering wheel, dorks with their damn dog standing
on their lap while attempting to negociate traffic among the
previously mentioned hazards...along with several other potentially
lethal situations that can be avoided by simply taking a side road.
The last thing any of these people are looking for is a motorcyclist
who would likely be killed by the slightest bump from a cage.
...and back roads are way more fun.

[goodtimesgoodrides]

Back roads and twisties are more fun.. i was on the interstate within my first week though, its not a challenge driving it.. it's a challenge watching all the other bad drivers.. always gotta keep your head on a swivel, don't drive in blindspots, etc. etc.