QuestionHi, I'm 50, I rode a bit in my 20&30s I'm riding now the last 5 years. I own a new Interceptor 800 . Mostly open roads etc. Soon I will be riding the LA freeway systems more, more than I would like but I need to know how to do it safely. It's crazy out there. I have done some freeway riding and feel somewhat confortable but need to know what to watch out for and how it differs from regular traffic. Often traffic is at a crawl and I sometimes lane split I need advice on methods on such . Are there any books available that covers this Freeway topic ?
And tire pressure, my owners manual says 42 rear 38 front, I've heard thats a bit too high, more like 32/34 avg is best.
Thanks, FRED
AnswerGood questions.
Easy one first: 42/38 is probably the best setup for handling and tire life on the Interceptor. I've been running 40/36 on mine because it feels like it grips better and doesn't make a huge difference in tire wear. Still, on a long trip I'll pump it up 42/39 to save tire life. These pressures can be adjusted due to ambient temperature, too, lower in winter and higher in summer. Experiment a little and see what you like. I think 34/32 is too low for day to day use. The VFR is not a sport bike and doesn't benefit as greatly from softer tires. Even on a racetrack you'd probably still want to run something like 36/34.
Freeways: first, you have to be comfortable using the freeway system in a car. If you're not, I wouldn't even try it on a bike.
In my opinion, the keys to safe freeway driving are recognizing problem areas and recognizing deviants. I wrote quite a bit about this subject in my book "Ride Hard, Ride Smart." I recommend you read that.
The best way to approach it is from a general, wide-angle, long-range point of view, rather than a specific, narrow, short-range point of view.
Freeways are designed, ideally, to flow traffic smoothly. The ideal road would be a road that went dead straight with no hills, curves, or ramps (intersections!). So, even though it's not ideal to start with, the freeway is still relatively smooth, compared to surface streets with stoplights, driveways, restaraunts, etc.
Problem areas are anything that interrupt the relatively smooth flow of traffic, whether physically or psychologically: curves, blind crests, narrowing (bridges/construction), stalled cars, crashes, roadside spectacles, but in particular, on or off ramps and merge areas. Your goal is to notice where the flow will be interrupted and put yourself into the position in which it least affects you (and your lane of traffic).
Deviants are drivers doing something different than everybody else. These are the people who cause, but are not necessarily involved in, crashes.
Generally, the traffic's moving at the same speed (or in a speed range, say, 55-75 mph, whatever) and moving forward. Deviants are traveling at a different speed than the norm, either slower or faster, changing lanes, etc. Deviants interrupt the flow, and when the flow is interrupted, problems happen. Your goal is to pick out the deviants and put yourself in a position in which their actions will least affect you and those around you.
Lane splitting: I must confess I don't know much about it. It's not legal where I ride (Midwest). I would watch what other riders do, generalize it, and use it as your baseline. Your goal is to split lanes in a way that other drivers are used to, that other drivers expect you to.
Combine a measured approach to lane splitting (your speed is a factor of the speed of surrounding traffic, and not the speed limit signs, keep it to 10-20 mph faster than the slower traffic tops) along with watching out for deviants and problem areas. Search out places in traffic (ramps, merges, open spaces) that encourage lane changing and avoid them or change your speed to that of surrounding traffic when you approach them.
I'd also encourage you to be really polite, and try not to startle any unsuspecting drivers and acknowledge anyone deliberately allowing you room to ride with a quick wave. Act careful: show the other drivers you're not taking advantage of them, you're taking advantage of the fact that your bike can fit into a smaller space than their cars.
I don't know where to find information on lane splitting. You might try msgroups.org, they might have something. Otherwise, try out some online forums (cycleforums.com, sportbikes.com) and ask around for different tips and strategies.
I'm so jealous. Lane splitting is not legal here, and even if they did legalize it I'd be reluctant to try it for a few years until people got used to the idea.
Ride on!
Pat
