Page 2 of 3
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 2:45 am
by ofblong
your over thinking yourself. STOP it will only make you a nervous wreck. ALWAYS scan ahead (which is what you do in a car anyways and its when people dont that accidents happen).
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:52 am
by Schmink
I felt the same way on the highway when I rode my Honday CB650, especially when I came across the grooves the transportation department loves to put in on California highways!! I recently bought a Yamaha V-Star 1100 and found that my experience was much different. I was able to comfortably cruise at 70-75 no problem. My SO thinks it's because I have slighty fatter tires compared to the tires on my 650 which seem to give me more stability and don't pick up as much of the grooves as the old bike.
I would practice going out early in the mornings on the weekend, mostly on Sunday, because there were less people on the road and it gave me an opportunity to get a feel for the different patterns in the hwy compared to city streets.
Posted: Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:36 pm
by obfuscate
Schmink wrote:
I would practice going out early in the mornings on the weekend, mostly on Sunday, because there were less people on the road and it gave me an opportunity to get a feel for the different patterns in the hwy compared to city streets.
+1 I still haven't made it out during rush hour but weekend trips have helped me feel better about being on the highway. I also warmed up on some of the 45-50 mph streets I was using for a few weeks before I felt comfy enough to even try the highway.
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 12:39 am
by month1202
It took me around 4 weeks. At the beginning I usualy ride very very slow. I dare not to ride over 50 mph. Its too scared for me. but I am getting better now. I can ride over 60 mph. haha~still not too fast.
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:06 am
by Balog
bikernana wrote: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.
I used to drive a box truck down I5 to Puyallup sometimes. I hate that road on a car, you couldn't pay me enough to do it on a bike. Maybe just try the s curves on 405 either real early or late so there's no traffic.
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 2:42 pm
by RhadamYgg
ofblong wrote:took me about 10 miles on the highway the first time to get over it.
Me, too. Bridges at highway speeds took a few times. But now, I'm not afraid of the Tappan Zee Bridge, anymore.
Now that draw bridge I went over today on 3 West because the Turnpike was all messed up - I thought it was going to be scary and it was fairly mundane.
RhadamYgg
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:04 pm
by follow
I really can't remember how long it took. However sometimes I still get startled, But depends on which bike I ride, which makes a difference with me, the skinnier the tire, the less relaxed I get. And road conditions too.
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 4:30 pm
by Schmink
So I'm not crazy!!! I'm glad to know that!! I was thinking it was just me, but then I rode my newer bike on the hwy and it was so different. . calming almost. .like in my cage!! I feel like I could do this anytime!
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:31 pm
by NewGuy
My friends all swore up and down that around 750 to 1000 miles of riding I'd start to feel better about going highway speeds. Sure enough at around 1000 miles of riding I felt much better even on roads with a 75mph speed limit.
However, if it's a long ride on the highway I start to wish I had a windshield. I've ridden friends' bikes that have windshields, and above 50mph the windshield makes a huge difference in comfort. Also, a buddy of mine has hit two birds in the last year, including a fairly large hawk. At highway speeds without the windshield he probably would have gone down. So I'm considering a windshield for added safety at the higher speeds.
Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:51 pm
by follow
A windshield does make a huge difference too. I have a quick release on one of my bikes but prefer to keep it on when riding long distance. Its also less tiring on your body having the shield and you don't feel like your going to slide off of the bike (depending on type of bike of course). On my StreetGlide I don't have that option, so full-face helmet helps alot. ATGATT.