Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I had a somewhat experienced rider tell me he rides in the middle lane (3 lanes) so as to be able to react to cage drivers pulling from the right or left-turning in front of you. It seems good policy yet I keep my eyes peeled whatever lane I'm in, and I don't like to ride in the right lane except on the Hwy. Two lanes- I feel like I'm rolling the dice anyway.

I also tend to stay in the left portion of the lane to avoid oil and coolant and to stay in the cagers' left-hand mirrors. I've seen oil drips left for hundreds of yards away up to streetlights and stop signs so I dislike the middle of the lane.

I prefer the left of center regardless of which lane I am in . Often when riding in a group I tend to be the road captain which automatically puts me in the left of center position even when riding two up and that doesn't mean with a pillion cause I don't carry no stinkin' passengers .
When my spousette and I are out riding our scoots we ride two up sharing the lane .
You are absolutely right about the crap that is always in the middle of the lane and that is good to avoid at all costs .
Regards, Wizzard

I ride predominantly in the left third, but with that said, the right and centre thirds of the
lane are both valid and safe places to ride. If I'm in the right lane and I'm overtaking a large
truck in the left lane, I will move to the right third of my lane to give myself room and
reduce wind buffit. In the rain, as much as everyone says to stay off of the centre strip, I find
riding in a water filled rut on the highway to be extremely annoying and unsafe, so for me,
that's a good time to use that centre strip. The puddles aren't always there and it allows
you to move about as necessary within your lane. The only time I find the centre third of the
lane slippery, is after a long period of hot weather and the first rainfall happens. It;'s the
only time I try and stay off that portion of the lane.

I don,t do much city riding, so I ride all over my lane (I don,t drink). If there is a line of homes on my right I will move over close to the yellow line to avoid cars or dogs that may be coming from the yards. On an open road I will ussually ride in the center of my lane and move right when meeting a large truck.

niterider wrote:I don,t do much city riding, so I ride all over my lane (I don,t drink). If there is a line of homes on my right I will move over close to the yellow line to avoid cars or dogs that may be coming from the yards. On an open road I will ussually ride in the center of my lane and move right when meeting a large truck.

Same here. Adapt based on the situation. There really is no best lane position.

eugeart wrote:I had a somewhat experienced rider tell me he rides in the middle lane (3 lanes) so as to be able to react to cage drivers pulling from the right or left-turning in front of you. It seems good policy yet I keep my eyes peeled whatever lane I'm in, and I don't like to ride in the right lane except on the Hwy. Two lanes- I feel like I'm rolling the dice anyway.

I also tend to stay in the left portion of the lane to avoid oil and coolant and to stay in the cagers' left-hand mirrors. I've seen oil drips left for hundreds of yards away up to streetlights and stop signs so I dislike the middle of the lane.

On the highway, (2 lanes or more each way) I ride in the fast lane and go a bit faster than traffic. If someone comes up behind me, I'll move over then return to my place.

The logic behind this is that by going faster than traffic I am better able to control what is going on around me. Like canoeing in a running creek... the only way to control where you're going, in a canoe is by going faster than the current.

Within a single lane, I ride on one outside third or the other, whichever seems to offer the greatest protection from whatever 'danger' is most likely to appear in a particular stretch of roadway - left-turners, deer, etc.

http://www.flamesonmytank.co.za/Traffic%20Wise.htm

Have a look at this and see what you think, there are some valid points.

Just remember we are backside forward or upside down to you I think.

I am almost always found in the far-left side of the lane. I have no qualms about moving around, though. I do my best to be in the part of the lane that provides the most visibility (for me to see and people to see me) and the most traction in case of having to perform emergency manuovers.

I ride on the upper surface.....

BuzZz wrote:I ride on the upper surface.....

...Or just slightly above it.

I ride for visibility, both to see and be seen. I move around alot in my lane, and even stand up occasionally to see over and around obstructing vehicles. No hard and fast rule for me, but I tend to cruise in the left third of my lane when nothing else is going on. I use the middle or far left lane on the expressway, only going in the right one to enter or exit.