Highway Nerves

[guscave]

I've taken my bike on the highway only 3 times at speeds ranging from 55 to 70mph. I find that once I go pass 60mph I get very nervous and feel as if the bike is going to come out from under me. I'm literally hanging on so tight that by the time I get off, my hands are numb.

I know this is mostly due to lack of experience but I was wondering how long it took you guys to get over the fear of riding on the highways.

[Brackstone]

It took me about a month I'd say.

Then I just threw myself on the highway and I was OK. But everyone moves at their own pace, don't do it until you feel safe.

[the_sandman_454]

Ride in the low triple digits for a few days, then 70mph won't feel fast at all. (This isn't the real advice, read lower).

Make sure the suspension is adjusted right, as if it's not quite right it can feel a little weird at different speeds, I noticed a bit of a difference with mine once I made some adjustments.

Beyond that, it's just something you'll have to do, just like when you started riding, etc. You'll be doing it over and over again, and one day it'll just click and become the most natural thing ever. Of course that time differs from one person to another.

One other thing you might do would be get out at times with minimal traffic, just to help reduce that from making you nervous, stirring up the airflow, etc.

[ofblong]

took me about 10 miles on the highway the first time to get over it.

[Nalian]

What is it that makes you nervous? Is it how the bike feels, things buffeting you? Cars being close to you? Debris?

It took me a couple rides until I would say I was totally comfortable - now running around at 80 seems normal, but everyone is different.

[bikernana]

Our cross street is the hwy. Not the interstate, but Hwy 101. My husband thought I'd flip out cause of the speed. But I figured if I wanted to go any place, I'd better get out there and go. So I went about 2 miles to the first exit, took that, turned around, and came back. I was scared to go the 60 mph speed limit, the first time, but managed to get up to 55. The second time, I went to the 2nd exit, about 6 miles away. I actually went 65 mph. My son said he was going 75 mph to catch up with me (he has a GSX600R). Now I go on the Hwy at about 60-65 mpg. My next goal is going on I5 towards Tacoma. That will be scary cause of all the crazies out there. My best advise to you is just take your time, go a little ways at a time, until you feel comfortable. Before you know it, you'll be riding all over. Best of luck.

[ChemicalTaste]

First day I got my 250 I went on the highway. If anything, its easier, and more comfortable. Didn't have to worry about shifting and breaking

[guscave]

Thanks folks.
My bike is considerably new (2007 V-Star) and I haven't had any issues with it, but when I'm riding at high speeds I start thinking of all the stuff that could go wrong, like the bike malfunctioning or slipping on oil on the road; stuff like that.

I guess I just need some more time on the highway. I have plan on heading down to Key West this 4th of July weekend with a few other riders. That will take me thru some major highways. Hopefully that will ease my nerves.

Thanks again

[Grey Thumper]

If it'll make you feel any better, highways are generally considered safer; no intersections, no opposing traffic, no pedestrians crossing the street, no cars suddenly pulling out of their garages, and speeds don't vary as much.

But yeah, no amount of logic will get rid of the nerves, I guess. Just need a bit more highway time. Hope you get some before the 4th; group riding is yet another thing that makes riders nervous.

[guscave]

Thanks Grey, but you know it's not other cars or people that make me nervous. It's thinking that the bike will mess-up somehow or something will cause me to loose control.

Anyways, the trip down to the Keys will definitely give me some extra highway miles under my belt.