KymcoForum.com
General => Roadcraft => Topic started by: Stig / Major Tom on May 30, 2014, 09:32:45 PM
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A question (after watching videos of big scoots and motorcycles on the highway)
Does anyone here ride conservatively on their highway capable scooters?
Or, do you all cut & sift and constantly change your lanes through the traffic around you on the interstates? Riding as though those cars and trucks are like cones on a gymkhana, rather than fellow travelers flowing to a destination?
"Conservatively" to me would mean : getting in the R hand lane and staying there, unless severely blocked by something. My scoot can't do highways - but for those of you with bigger scooters, how do you ride on something like I-70?
Curious, Stig
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I keep ONE thing in mind when riding anything/anywhere... I am getting home tonight. Everyone else can suck an egg.
Tempting fate is for retards, and jack holes that don't belong here using resources anyway. Cull them out.
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A question (after watching videos of big scoots and motorcycles on the highway)
Does anyone here ride conservatively on their highway capable scooters?
Or, do you all cut & sift and constantly change your lanes through the traffic around you on the interstates? Riding as though those cars and trucks are like cones on a gymkhana, rather than fellow travelers flowing to a destination?
"Conservatively" to me would mean : getting in the R hand lane and staying there, unless severely blocked by something. My scoot can't do highways - but for those of you with bigger scooters, how do you ride on something like I-70?
Curious, Stig
I do the same as in my truck (especially after getting hit by an 18-wheeler )... only left-hand lane to pass ( when safe ) , after all- all the signs state "Stay in right-hand lane unless passing " !!
I hesitate ( but- do it for short runs , only ) to ride ANY two-wheeler on I-95 . I agree with the Instructors of the MSF 'Ride Safe Program"...they do not even get on I-95 with their big Harleys, except for short runs due to the Big Rigs and Cagers who exceed limits/text/read/etc. when driving .
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I ride defensively and conservative on the Highways and tollways in the Fort Worth-Dallas area.
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I obey the rules of the road. I don't always stay in the right lane but if I pass I do it safety.
As someone said, my only goal when riding is to make it home.
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I tryed riding in the right lane , but the late lane changers for a exit move into you like your not there, so most of my riding on the super slab is in the passing lane or the middle lane ,. have not done I 95 down south for a few years,. dont miss it at all,. I 5 was very nice 2 years ago from wash. to Cal.down to I 10
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As a southern Californian, I take freeway almost anywhere.
I commute 60 miles daily on the interstates, most of the time I stay in the carpool/HOV lane.
Since it's legal, I do lane splitting when I think it's safe to do that.
Few tips for someone who wants to and never ride on freeway:
- Create/find a gap between the traffic in front and behind you and stay there
- Don't ride too slow or too fast, follow the traffic speed and maybe slightly faster then that
- Use earplugs
- Know your (and your bike's) limit
Just assume you are invisible and ride defensively.
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Just assume you are invisible and ride defensively.
Number one rule at all times no matter where you ride. It's amazing how many times I get cut off riding a bright orange DT with day glow green jacket and helmet.
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Where I live when you say 'highway' we think state or U.S. highway. I've noticed on various forums that most people when they say 'highway' mean interstate.
When riding mine on the interstate I keep it at 65 (the interstate speed limit here in Vermont). I will cut over to the left lane to pass someone.
With that being said, there are times when I'll goose it up, but as a general rule, whether on a bike, car, or tractor trailer I go the speed limit.
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I have owned three Burgman 650's. Although I always tried to avoid highway/interstate riding, I did venture onto them occasionally. Including a three hour trip on the NYS Thruway to Americade in Lake George. Even though the bike handled it amazingly well and had plenty of speed and power to spare, I always tried to remain in the "granny" lane at a constant speed. That dividing groove or seam between the two lanes always scared me. The "perk" with that scooter is that you can fold in the mirrors for splitting lanes. NO GOOD! I have seen guys do this on sport bikes...just buzzing between traffic. These guys (at least to me) are the one who make up the bad statistics that we all read about and are labeled by. I continue to learn to ride within your ability and safety. Screw what others think...especially the ones behind you.......constantly pushing you.
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You are indeed my black sheep brother. I'll try to convince Mom she has always been wrong about you.
I could have written that post, except for the bikes, and highway, and mirrors, and creepy lane slots. Otherwise it was like I said all that.
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Does this mean that I can still sleep over tonight.....Bro? Maybe we are like DeVito & Schwarzenegger.
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"Conservatively" to me would mean : getting in the R hand lane and staying there, unless severely blocked by something. My scoot can't do highways - but for those of you with bigger scooters, how do you ride on something like I-70?
Just like you would do.
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When I ride on the highway I do everything I can to get out of the middle of traffic. These buttholes in their giant suvs dont care who they run over and will merge into your lane and you better get out of the way. So yea I go fast enough to get ahead so I can keep those fools behind me where it's safest for me. Then I ride conservativly.
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I ride my Xciting 500 pretty conservatively on i95 CT-NY stretch. It is a highside waiting to happen especially in the Westchester and Bronx section prior to the Cross Bronx. The Cross Bronx would be the worst but traffic is usually so backed up that you are not really going fast enough to get into problems because of the physically bad road condition.
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I ride my Xciting 500 pretty conservatively on i95 CT-NY stretch. It is a highside waiting to happen especially in the Westchester and Bronx section prior to the Cross Bronx. The Cross Bronx would be the worst but traffic is usually so backed up that you are not really going fast enough to get into problems because of the physically bad road condition.
That's my old neck of the woods. Born in Yonkers, and raised on Long Island.
Funny how something as bad as the Cross Bronx Expressway can make you home sick. I even miss the smells.
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The SUV's really freak when you kick, slam their doors after they inadvertently try to run you down. You only have to do this once and they start to pay close attention, kind of how you get a mule's attention. The first time I did this a lady in a van looked me in the eye as she tried to change lanes on top of me but after I arm slammed her van door she hit the brakes and swerved into the other lane I am certain that she thought she had run over me.
Getting home in one piece may be the ultimate goal but why not have some fun on the way there. Sometimes you teach and sometimes you learn. Either way you have the right to your lane and sometimes you have to defend the right. just be prepared for any reaction on the cage drivers part.
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The SUV's really freak when you kick, slam their doors after they inadvertently try to run you down. You only have to do this once and they start to pay close attention, kind of how you get a mule's attention. The first time I did this a lady in a van looked me in the eye as she tried to change lanes on top of me but after I arm slammed her van door she hit the brakes and swerved into the other lane I am certain that she thought she had run over me.
Getting home in one piece may be the ultimate goal but why not have some fun on the way there. Sometimes you teach and sometimes you learn. Either way you have the right to your lane and sometimes you have to defend the right. just be prepared for any reaction on the cage drivers part.
That sophomoric behavior could get you shot fast around here.
You used the term "inadvertently". If you ride on two wheels it's your job to expect "inadvertent".
To promote such activity is irresponsible if not thug like.
Be Big,
AMAC
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"If you ride on two wheels it's your job to expect "inadvertent"."
LOL
You can't handle the truth! (Jack Nicholson) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMzd40i8TfA#ws)
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I know this is a VERY OLD post. But I thought I'd comment anyway. The local stretch of I 10 in Tallahassee, FL is three lanes across. When I ride, I stay to the right except to pass. But I can't imagine driving on those interstates with four or more lanes and heavy traffic. But at any rate I don't weave through traffic. That's just too dangerous on two wheels.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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I mostly ride in the carpool lane because it's legal here in Cali but on occasion I will split lanes carefully or behind another bike rider if traffic is backed up, a bit safer between the carpool and regular lanes since there's more room to do so. Also since it's legal I split lanes to get up to the traffic lights. I try to be conservative on my speed doing so.
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Geez, what a post.
Agree with AMAC - thug-like behavior, which will not improve relations between riders and drivers.
Be alert....well, we all know what can happen.
Ride safe.....focus!
Stig
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On a highway or freeway, I stay in the right/cruising lane, and shift to the left if I need to pass. I generally look for a bubble between, or away from wolf-packs of cars/trucks and SUVs. My only exception is when I commute to work on a 3 lane route as the left lane is actually the safest. The middle and far right lanes have too many drivers shifting, entering and exiting for it to be safe. The left lane is constant and as I can go the speed limit (45 posted) or the flow of traffic (55 and plus) I can keep up, and exceed others if need be.
I'd say avoid doing any physical harm to another driver's car. We're on scooters. In a contest between us and anything on 4 wheels, even a golf cart, we're not going to win. Road rage is very real. Memorize plate numbers and vehicle type, pull over and call the cops if need be. Helmet cams are great too. This could happen otherwise,
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2675456/Thats-karma-Angry-motorcyclist-kicks-car-act-road-rage-spinning-control-crashing.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2675456/Thats-karma-Angry-motorcyclist-kicks-car-act-road-rage-spinning-control-crashing.html)
Sometimes speed is just a fuel for stupidity. I just got back from a trip to Portland, OR. Wished I had my DT with me the whole time. Beautiful area, and great for riders. The 2 wheel riders that I saw were almost always riding squid-like through traffic. One guy was weaving through lanes on a turn running left-wards. He started out in the left lane, gunned it and cut across two lanes, through congested traffic, to the right lanes during the apex of the turn, passing cars with little chance to see what was in the other lane ahead of him. I thought of this video,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=U2yHjyavL0Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=U2yHjyavL0Y)
Nothing happened to the MC rider, but that was that day. Tomorrow, or the next he might not be so lucky.
- Wolf
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I never ride in the right lane on the freeway unless I am just entering or getting off. Cars constantly cutting through that lane make it way to risky. I usually stay in the far left, "carpool" lane or the lane next to that. Speed wise I will match the car in front of me or ride just slightly faster that surrounding traffic. I prefer to be in front.
I also split and filter when traffic is stopped or stop and go.
What might seem "crazy" in some areas of the country is the norm here in California and actually keeps us safer.
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I commute daily on I5. Overall I keep it pretty calm. You don't really gain much time
There have been times when I've been a bit more aggressive, but not in heavy traffic, & I back it down if things get the least bit hairy.
Rule number 1 of riding is "Survive the ride". Everything else is secondary.
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I can sort of understand the urge to drive between the cars (slowly) when the traffic is completely stopped.
But lane splitting just seems inherently dangerous to me. Cars change lanes all the time without signaling, and it's not usual for them to move to the edge of their lane. Also, the markings on the road offer much less traction. And suddenly the amount of road available to you becomes very narrow. If you assume you're invisible, how could driving between the cars be safe?
Moreover, lane changes and merging on the highway are scary and stressful enough under normal circumstances. I have no desire to do it more, and I imagine it being much worse when you're lane splitting.
A comment on interstate driving in general, which applies to non-interstate roads too, is that roads in bad condition scare me much more than other drivers.
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I can sort of understand the urge to drive between the cars (slowly) when the traffic is completely stopped.
But lane splitting just seems inherently dangerous to me. Cars change lanes all the time without signaling, and it's not usual for them to move to the edge of their lane. Also, the markings on the road offer much less traction. And suddenly the amount of road available to you becomes very narrow. If you assume you're invisible, how could driving between the cars be safe?
Moreover, lane changes and merging on the highway are scary and stressful enough under normal circumstances. I have no desire to do it more, and I imagine it being much worse when you're lane splitting.
When I moved to California it seemed crazy and dangerous to me also. When I started riding and studying it closer it started making much more sense.
I spent far to many years commuting, on the freeway, into downtown LA. Traffic is often stop and go and cars failing to stop in time and hitting the car in front of them happen far to often. That is one of the reasons we feel that being between lanes of traffic can be safer. At least we don't end up in a sandwich.
On the freeway riders will typically split between the fast lane and 2nd lane over. The fast lane is often a carpool lane with limited access. Drivers are only supposed to move into the car pool lane at certain points. Of course they could drive over "double yellow" line at any time but we hope they won't.
We should not be on the painted stripes. Technically we should to be in the lane. I have been in Q&A sessions with CHP officers and they have made it clear that they will ticket you for riding on the double yellow line.
Also, keep in mind, that California's urban drivers are pretty accustomed to the practice. I certainly wouldn't say all of them like it, but they maybe more aware of motorcycles. It isn't uncommon for drivers to notice me and attempt to move over a bit to make room for me to pass.
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Here in Cape Town, South Africa, Lane splitting is the norm, and legal.
The only way to travel during peak traffic, and the main reason why I got two wheels.
The taxis(10 seater mini-buses) are notoriously bad drivers, ignoring traffic signals, and driving on the yellow line.
However that independent spirit also translates into them having a soft spot for bikers, because they always make space for bikers to squeeze through during the peak traffic hours just mentioned.
Some drivers do just swap lanes without signaling.
The trick is to only be slightly faster than the cars, so there is plenty of time to react.
That, and watching front wheels, and trajectory, and adjacent spaces.... Then you can be assured of arriving safety.
Sent from my Samsung Note 3 with Tapatalk
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A man must know his limitations. But seriously :) I've always wondered, and maybe someone out there help me understand, Way do we drive on PARKWAYS and then PARK in driveways?????
Mac, aka "ole two wheels"
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Driveways are too short to get us where we’re going.
- Wolf
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It happens the same in argentina. You always need to ride faster than traffic and never behind a car. Some believe im nuts but its the only way to be safe.
Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk
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You could be on to something here Wolf.
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It happens the same in argentina. You always need to ride faster than traffic and never behind a car. Some believe im nuts but its the only way to be safe.
Same here, especially with my 600cc Silverwing. There isn't much in the way of bike, truck, car, school bus or submarine that can out accelerate me. I always ride ahead of traffic unless it's congested and then I'm stuck for a bit.
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Strangely I normally use complete defensive driving technique and just let 'em pass me. If they're ahead of me it's much easier to keep an eye on them and avoid them.
Seems to work for most driving; albeit there are times that I will be more aggressive, either for fun or if I really am in a hurry, & of course there are times when you need to use speed to get out of a bad situation.
The later situations are rare, & in cases of a driver who is truly dangerous I've sometimes decided to take a five minute break. That's more than enough time for them to get a few miles away, & find whatever fate awaits them without including me in it.
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I have been through the Los Angeles freeway system any number of times.
Always felt like a gladiator when I made it home safely.
I've got a Lot of riding experience, yet was never among the talented riders.
I was always observant and Very aggressive. I suspect that is what got me through. Forever creating my own space.
Slow could easily get you bumped, down there.
I would avoid it today.
redk
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I think a lot of it is what you're used to.
I live and ride and drive in small town Ohio.
When in Florida I do not relax until I get from Tampa airport to Gulf Blvd on St Pete beach. That highway run is crazy....and I'm in a car!
Once on the beach I enjoy coastal roads at my Ohio pace.
Rental scoots everywhere.
(a small gripe here: you guys on acoots in big cities around the world -- please post pix of your scooter in those settings!....last one I saw was from BetLosing of his wrecked Kymco on a bridge in Frisco many months ago!)
Stig
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Yes, I'm sure there's a lot of difference between an accomplished rider and one with City Smarts.
By it's nature, there's a lot more stressed out people in any big city.
I'll need to pass on that.
redk
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The sweet spot for me for cruising on state highways is 65mph, even with my larger SW. If there's no one on my tail I'll go 65 but when traffic catches up go with the speed of traffic which is 70-75. Seldom use the interstate unless on a long road trip. I just find the interstate to be boring to ride and much prefer back roads. As for safety and any nervousness about the interstate I'm cool with it on my SW as it's very capable as a touring scooter. Not had the Kymco on an interstate yet and probably won't only because I don't have too as we have plenty of state highways in Texas to get around.