highway riding

Hey everybody,

I have not ventured on the highway with my VFR yet (mostly because I have not purchased a steering dampener yet). Anyway, I still consider myself a beginner rider and I was looking for tips on riding in heavy traffic at speeds of 60, 70 MPH+. I know they say riding in the left lane is safest but I am thinking to start I should stay in the right. I also particularly interested in exiting techniques. Is engine breaking down through each gear the best method or is coasting to you reach a good entry speed and shifting down through multiple gears at once a good method.:redface:

 

Have you taken the MSF Class?

 

Experence is the best teacher when coupled with the MSF class. Don't worry so much about the speed of the left lane. I'd worry more about the idiots getting on and off of the highway while fooling with the radio or yacking on a stupid cell phone. I find I have fewer problems with 4 wheelers (or 18 wheelers) when I ride with or a little faster than the flow of traffic. Just watch out for the common road hazards. A big one for me is when a car strattles a piece of junk or fresh roadkill, and all of a sudden you've hit it before you even knew it was there. Don't tailgate! Ride on roads you're comfortable on. You can graduate yourself to larger and busyer roads as you feel it right. Start by riding on big roads during off-peak times until you get the hang of it.
As far as exiting, I use a combo of brakes and compression breaking so to be in the correct gear at all times.
Most of all, don't sweat it. I know guys who've been riding for years, and still hate the interstate. Just have fun and relax.:rockon:

 

not sure why you think you need a steering dampner to ride on the highway though

 

I have no steering issues on the highway.

The best piece of highway advice I can give is to be conscious of the "grooves" in the lane at all times. This secondary crown can catch you out sometimes.

 

you don't need a steering damper on this bike really at all. They are typically needed on machines with big rear wheel horsepower and rake/trail that disposes the bike to wheelies and the front end getting light. Suzuki's older TL1000S for example had really bad headshake under heavy accelleration. VFR's are pretty heavy in the front, its why we cup tires so easy!

As far as highway riding I agree with Eddie that the right lane is more dangerous mostly due to all the merging jerkoffs. Just take it easy and only ride where you feel comfortable and enjoy the process you'll get there! :biggrin::lever: As far as braking vs engine braking I would usually argue to leave the bike in gear as you never know when you will need to get back on the power in a panic situation, just be ginger with your downshifts and never pop the clutch as the rear end could lock up.

Enjoy learning to ride it is one of the most satisfying things to learn to do well IMO.

 

You've got some good comments so far, I'll just add - Ride like they are trying to kill you & you'll be fine

 

Never stay in a vehicle's blind spot.

If you can't see their face in the mirror, they can't see you. (of course, it doesn't mean the driver will actually look in the mirror before changing lanes)

Don't pass a semi unless you can pass him in one shot. Riding beside a semi is usually considered bad.

After passing a semi, be prepared for windblast that can move you a little in your lane. Nothing to worry about, just don't want you to be suprised.

LANE ISSUES

Right lane:
- Idiots trying to merge that don't know what an acceleration lane is for
- Idiots swinging over from the Left lane because they want to exit "RIGHT NOW"

Middle lane:
- Watch for vehicles entering your lane from both sides
- Watch for cars entering your lane just before and during an entrance ramp

Left lane:
- Tailgaters that want you to go faster
- Only have to watch for vehicles entering your lane from one side

Moving slightly faster than the traffic flow is to keep your time of being in a blind spot less. Plus, by moving faster than traffic, you have more control of your position in the traffic.

My personal Notes:
- Highways typically are safer than neighborhoods due to all traffic going the same way and turns are clearly marked, very few cars parked on the side of the road, and no intersections.
- 90% of drivers have their mirrors adjusted incorrectly. They are adjusted to look behind them, not in their blind spot. Consequently, if I'm riding down the left lane, I ride in the right 1/3 of my lane - putting myself where the drivers' position their mirrors so they can see me.
- Install an aftermarket LOUD horn
- Always be in a gear that allows a quick evasive maneuver (this includes stopping at an intersection)
- Typical advice is to ride covering the brake at all times. I find this difficult to do, but when I approach a dangerous situation (cluster of cars, entrance/exit ramps), I do cover the brake and clutch.

 

Ok, so I guess you have not taken an MSF class.
Steering dampner will not help this situation.

 

The "slab" is the safest place to ride despite the higher speeds. There are no intersections to deal with. My heart skips a beat when someone is about to make a left turn in the intersection and I am the only vehicle coming from the opposite direction.

No steering damper needed on a VFR. This is the most stable handling bike I have ridden in 30+ years of riding.

 

Take the MSF course - If yuo know an experienced see if you can ride with him/her. If there are any clubs in your area see if they have runs they invite people outside their club. Also check the www.meetup.com website for people in you area to ride with. Good Luck - no need for a damper. It is really a good idea to take the MSF course.

 

Steering damper? Now why would you need one of those? No need for one on a VFR.

As to higway riding, some excellent pointers mentioned already, my big thing is staying visible, so lights ON, stay out of other peoples blindspots and look ahead and read the road as much as possible. Always expect the unexpected and trust no other road user except yourself, if you think you can't do something then don't do it. Apart from that, enjoy the ride and be safe

 

Look alot further infront, give yourself plenty of time to react if a situation is happening, don't be too close to traffic in front.
Forget the steering damper.

 

Yes, but I don't have a lot of highway experience. Just fishin for some input. Thanks

 

Thanks for the great advice.

 

Thanks everyone. I will keep all the comments in mind.

 

Just ride your own ride. Do what you're comfortable with and don't sweat it.
I also dreaded the interstate until I went on a 3000 mile ride in 9 days and HAD to ride the big road. After 100 miles or so got used to it and never looked back. The VFR is a GREAT bike that can do things you can't imagine. It can handle most anything you can throw at it.