First time on Motoway?
Discussion
Hi peeps, remember me?
Since having passed my DAS, have put down a deposit on a CBR 600F
However having never ridden on a motorway before is there any advice you would give to a relative newbie? I have driven motorways before, just wondering the difference on a bike. Did go down the A3 on the 125 (never again), was scary as fook cos of the numpties that get right behind you and think you can go faster....
Since having passed my DAS, have put down a deposit on a CBR 600F
However having never ridden on a motorway before is there any advice you would give to a relative newbie? I have driven motorways before, just wondering the difference on a bike. Did go down the A3 on the 125 (never again), was scary as fook cos of the numpties that get right behind you and think you can go faster....Be bloody careful on junctions and roundabouts, other than that i found no real difference to riding on A and B roads. Just keep an eye on your mirrors and do your checks before changing lanes. It's bloody boring though!
Hope you enjoy the bike, i recently bought one after passing my test, great first bike IMO
Hope you enjoy the bike, i recently bought one after passing my test, great first bike IMO
I had a CBR 600F4i (2002) when living in California, not sure it is the same bike as yours but ENJOY!
As for the motorways, I was never trained by my instructor (UK) but, for my 2c, approach them almost like driving in a cage but even more defensively. Look as far forward as possible, since you probably have a better view than the car in front (funny how there is always a car in front) and anticipate that car's late braking (and how that will alarm the numpty right up your arse). Usually helps to leave a bigger than normal space in front of you too.
Also, I watched a classic bike-car problem nearly end in tears on the M25 on Sunday which reminded me DON'T HANG OUT IN BLIND SPOTS: make sure everyone knows you are there!
Scenario was full L2 and L3 moving at the same speed; t0sser in a gold saxo decides he prefers L3 and moves right, attempting to crush the 2up blackbird (who had been right next to him for about 5 mins) into the armco. Thank god the saxo indicated, otherwise the bike would not have had time to brake sharply and create room.
As for the motorways, I was never trained by my instructor (UK) but, for my 2c, approach them almost like driving in a cage but even more defensively. Look as far forward as possible, since you probably have a better view than the car in front (funny how there is always a car in front) and anticipate that car's late braking (and how that will alarm the numpty right up your arse). Usually helps to leave a bigger than normal space in front of you too.
Also, I watched a classic bike-car problem nearly end in tears on the M25 on Sunday which reminded me DON'T HANG OUT IN BLIND SPOTS: make sure everyone knows you are there!
Scenario was full L2 and L3 moving at the same speed; t0sser in a gold saxo decides he prefers L3 and moves right, attempting to crush the 2up blackbird (who had been right next to him for about 5 mins) into the armco. Thank god the saxo indicated, otherwise the bike would not have had time to brake sharply and create room.
Edited by walm on Tuesday 7th August 14:09
I do the bottom of the M11 where it joins the A406 (near east london) everyday and you have to be very alert as there are a lot of numpties out there, but the regular car user commuters (which you come to recognise the cars....sad I know) are very aware of bikes and allow you to pass easily.
Just make sure you place yourself clearly in the lane you're in and be aware of what's around you and most of all relax on the bike.
Good luck
Just make sure you place yourself clearly in the lane you're in and be aware of what's around you and most of all relax on the bike.
Good luck
motorway riding
Agree about the crosswinds, can find yourself being pushed across the lane a little, especially when passing hgv's, also got to be aware of the wind noise from your lid, and the fact that if it's a bit big it will try to lift off your head above certain speeds, if your going long distance on the motorway then ear plugs might not be a bad idea
worth having your sidelights on to increas visibility (if you don't normally)
The main problems though are the boredom and the temptation to speed
What is the legal standing as far as: when motorway traffic is at a standstill, it is possible on a bike to travel between the lanes (eg 2-3) to make progress through the traffic. is this viewed as undercutting by the policeor completely acceptable?
Agree about the crosswinds, can find yourself being pushed across the lane a little, especially when passing hgv's, also got to be aware of the wind noise from your lid, and the fact that if it's a bit big it will try to lift off your head above certain speeds, if your going long distance on the motorway then ear plugs might not be a bad idea
worth having your sidelights on to increas visibility (if you don't normally)
The main problems though are the boredom and the temptation to speed
What is the legal standing as far as: when motorway traffic is at a standstill, it is possible on a bike to travel between the lanes (eg 2-3) to make progress through the traffic. is this viewed as undercutting by the policeor completely acceptable?
Brite spark said:
What is the legal standing as far as: when motorway traffic is at a standstill, it is possible on a bike to travel between the lanes (eg 2-3) to make progress through the traffic. is this viewed as undercutting by the policeor completely acceptable?
well i passed a traffic car (think it was traffic anyway) saturday in 10-20mph traffic doing that on a rather noisey old bonnie & didnt even get a second look so i assume its ok as long are your not being daft & filtering at 'silly mph'Centurion07 said:
oggs said:
What I hate about motorways are the cross-winds 
That's the second time I've seen you mention that! What happened then? 
it seems can I catch any winds.Not good when your passing trucks then straight away in the open fields wind is hitting you when your not expecting it.....
Just another thing to get use to!!!!
There are more variables on dual carriageway roads IMHO - on single track roads I tend to prefer the 'closer' overtakes as you know that there's no way the car you're overtaking could also attempt an overtake - you lose this advantage on the dual roads. Plus, land discipline can be terrible at times, and people just don't indicate or check their blind spots before changing lanes. Plus, not only are these roads boring but they square your tyres off 
Motorways are easy riding.... you only have to worry about what's in front of you... to cover large distances in the most efficient way... come off junction.. get into traffic in lane 2... wait for BMW to come past you at 90+ then get behind him and stay behind him for aaaaaages.
Ya cover big distances, people get out of the way of his Xenon lights, and first whiff of a copper you ease off and get into middle lane leaving Rep-man to talk to Mr Plod
Ya cover big distances, people get out of the way of his Xenon lights, and first whiff of a copper you ease off and get into middle lane leaving Rep-man to talk to Mr Plod
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