Yesterday was my 4 time riding on the road and I accidentally went on the highway. My anxiety went through the roof, I didn’t the speed limit, I felt all the wind trying to throw me, and had to calm myself down so I can focus on what’s around me.
No truer words have been spoken; you have 48% more chance to stay alive on the left fast lane, this is statically proven. Keep-up the good work, stay safe.
One thing you failed to mention, perhaps because it's so obvious, is make sure your bike is capable of handling the interstate speeds. Heading off on the interstate on too small of a bike is a sure fire disaster waiting to happen. Another thing is before you leave the garage do a walk around your bike. Check the chain or belt to make sure it isn't too loose. Check tire pressure and look for anything that could cause a blow out. Double check your windshield to make sure it isn't going to fly off. All this is standard safety precautions but could save your life.
@@dylanjahn2952 I guess it really depends on the individual. It's a fun little bike to tool around small towns, counties, etc. and it is nice to have that option for low speed putzing around riding. My cousin gave me hers as a birthday present after she had it slide out from under her in an intersection and I put 470 miles on it in just a few months to get used to riding and being in traffic. I then got an XSR700 cause I wanted a bike I could ride anywhere. I'm selling the grom now cause I can't justify two bikes and my cousin is in financial need caring for her dad so I'm gonna give the sale money to her. But if I could keep it as a second bike I would for sure. If you're in the Fredericksburg VA area, you could buy mine, an orange 2020 only has 670 miles on it. 🙂
I'd rather ride on Interstates than state roads. A few years back I was on I-70 going through St. Louis. I had given myself the "give the other guy lots of space" speech as traffic got busy. on my way from SW Indiana to Alaska. I was about ten car lengths behind an old Ford Pickup. Barely three hours from home that little voice in my head said, "back off, give this guy more space." Fortunately I listened to that little voice. A few moments later he hit a large bump and a driveshaft came out the back of this truck. Sparks flying the shaft seemed to want to stay in front of me as I slowed and finally the driveshaft exited the roadway. Two lessons. Always give plenty of space and listen to that little voice that speaks to all riders. Old riders like me always listen. Usually nothing comes of it but at other times... And do wear the highly visible colors.
You should know that in Europe no-one earns a motorcycle or car licence without having had classes involving actual freeway and nighttime driving. Throw in driving on slippery roads as well (for cars). We also sit through many hours of theory in classrooms.
This should be standard practice in the US but every state is a bit different here with rules and laws around cars and motorcycles, and getting your license. I wish we did things more thoroughly.
I've saved this video in my list, and I'm going to watch it numerous times until I embed all of this advice on my brain. Only then will I venture onto I-95 here in Miami where drivers drive like they're driving in Latin American countries where no rules apply. In fact, the USDOT has named I-95 in Florida as the most dangerous highway in the country. I'm always extra careful when I drive my Tesla Model S on I-95. I'm still scared to try it on a 1200cc motorcycle.
I’m a BRAND NEW rider. Was riding/practicing for about a week. Put around 100-150 miles on the wheels. Decided to hit the highway for the first time. Yeah it was an uncomfortable experience due to speed and stuff but it’s NOT speed, cars or wind that gives me an anxiety, I have many hundreds of thousands of miles with cars and can “read” the road pretty good. What really gives me an anxiety is, believe it or not, potholes. I hit a deep one while riding 65mph for the first time and of course needed some underwear change immediately… ;) I dont know how to overcome this fear so far.
There’s no easy answers here. It’s really just putting in the miles and getting more comfortable with the bike and the road. Keep your speed at a level where you fee comfortable. Don’t feel like you have to go faster than you’re ready to go. Staying off lousy highways helps too. 😉
@@tularosamoto it’s a great advice but hardly doable. Here in NYC all highways are lousy. They all suck big elephant testicles… When it comes to a comfortable speed that’s another topic. The speed limit here is 50. So 55-60 is comfortable for me. When I go to work at 5am cars travel at 75 in the right lanes and 80-85 in left lanes. God forbid you go slower. They’ll try to pass you, aggressively tailgate you and do all types of crazy shit to push you over even when in the car. With this type of behavior it’s literally impossible to maintain a safe distance. Anyway, my goal is to try to search if I can do anything to a suspension to “swallow” potholes better.
The most obvious solution to the pot hole problem is to avoid them by riding at a pace that gives you time to go around them. This usually means allowing ample room between you and the car ahead of you. If a pothole or road debris surprises you then your driving too fast for the conditions. Always, and I mean ALWAYS look at least 5 seconds ahead of you down the road. If it means riding at a slower speed then so be it. Your speed should match road conditions and traffic. I try to avoid interstate whenever possible. I prefer riding the state highways because they are less traveled and you can usually go at your own pace.
Very good information. I've been rear-ended twice and since then I've learned to always check my rearview mirrors. It's always good to ride on the corner of the vehicle ahead of you. That way you not only have an exit route but you can see ahead.
This is some of the best, most comprehensive advice on freeway riding I have seen. I like the idea of using the fast lane when you can. I had not considered that. They big issues I have seen, especially on concrete Interstates are drains on the left side of the fast lane (I-20 Atlanta) and holes as big as a washing machine near Birmingham, AL. Neither of those are things you want to hit at Interstate speed!
Great video! As a returning rider I've found myself more nervous than when I was younger and used to ride. You should do a video on typical highway roads and how to handle them. Things like tar snakes, those running cracks and changes in asphalt. Your video makes me wanna get out and ride more!
Rain grooves scare me to death. LOL. It's hard not to oversteer when you encounter them when the best thing is to just relax and let the bike handle the problem.
Here in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, the level of aggression, excessive speeding, tailgating, poor pavement conditions, impaired and distracted drivers, and all manner of debris makes freeway riding a lose-lose proposition. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by it.
Today was my first time riding on the freeway. I was f ing terrified! After going back and forth 3-4 times on the freeway and back, wasn’t so bad. It’s different on a naked bike, no windscreen, but carpool lane was cool. Definitely wearing a jacket, rocks flying all over my arms etc. I live in LA so the roads are not the best lol
Very informative but I was waiting for one thing to be mentioned that wasn't. One of my strategies is to hold my position to let other drivers learn where I am, only changing lanes when necessary. I don't weave in and out thru the traffic patterns. It's important to realize that if you're moving around a lot, meaning changing lanes often, that the drivers in the cars may lose track of where you are. If they can keep you in their radar, they should at least know to look for you when they decide to change lanes. Yes I know that sounds like they'll make the right decision in a perfect world, but anything you can do to increase your odds out there is a good thing to do.
I've ridden motorcycles for 30 years, and I still avoid the highway at all costs. I just never enjoyed it and it was constant anxiety. In fact, I intentionally pick areas to ride away from traffic. I'm fortunate enough to live in a rural area of New Mexico, and I have plenty of options. Now - about that wind, though....😂
Great video, I’m a new rider and this is one of the best videos on TH-cam, he takes the time to explain all possible situations you might be involved in. Thank you 🙏
Thanks for the video as a truck driver who has enjoyed getting on a bike this is also a reminder for me on a rig. Just got a new rebel 500 so I can go on the freeway and this was a big help.
You didn't mention lane positioning, left lane stay in 3, middle 1 or 2, and the right lane 1 or 3 for merging cars. So people can see you, then move to middle when you want to pass a car, do it quickly or when a car is passing you.
Thanks for the video! I just started riding again and bought a 17' Harley 48 as my first welcome back to riding bike. All the information you provided was awesome. Thanks again.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. We’re doing a group ride on December 10th starting from SD. You’re welcome to come join us. Www.tularosamoto.com/pages/events
I don’t use a separate mic. I use the built in audio from the GoPro (if I’m not using my studio audio). I record my studio video using a Fuji mirrorless, not a Gopro. For more info on the cameras I use, you might be interested in this video. th-cam.com/video/eQuMlWfF1ng/w-d-xo.html
Fifty five is fast the first few times on a small bike like the grom. And it's not ever really super comfortable riding a small bike wrung out. 55 on a larger bike is nothing though after the grom, lol.
I always feel like the wind is about to take my bike right out from under me. I am on an Indian Scout Rogue Sixty and I'm a bit big, so it just confuses me how so many people ride so recklessly at such high speeds with little to no ptotection.
As I mentioned in the video, it's important to ride with the flow of traffic. If you're going slower than the other vehicles in the fast lane, you shouldn't be in the fast lane. Only go in the fast lane if you are as fast if not faster than the cars around you.
You said you like to stay in fast lane... How about fast car driver behind you like you to go more faster...should you stick with your lane and let him overtake you.. Or you should change lane and let him go ?
If I’m in the passing lane and no one is in front of me to hold me up, I prefer to go faster than the traffic around me. On occasion a faster car will pass me but they’re usually going fast enough that they see me and go around me before I can respond. If a car gets on my tail, I’ll either speed up or change lane’s depending on how I feel. That rarely happens when I’m on my bike however. I prefer to remain in control of the view around me whenever possible.
@@tularosamoto Sadly, sometimes it requires more than just high speed. I had an incident on the carpool lane on the 10 E fwy near El Monte where I passed traffic going about 70 MPH and I saw this BMW 330i that passed all the cars behind me and started tailgating me. Then I sped up to like 100 mph and the BMW was still tailgating me. Then the second action was to hit about 120 mph, still the guy continued to be on my assh, so at that point it was very reckless for me to continue racing more and more, so my next action was to avoid the car by going into the right regular lanes, but I was going too fast to merge into these right lanes, but anyway I started braking hard and reduced my speed just enough to merge into the right lane. Then the BMW also did the same thing about 5 or 7 cars ahead of me and I decided to exit the FWY. This guy also decided to merge into the exit lane. At this point, I knew the guy had a massive road rage problem and I pulled to the right shoulder and prepared for the worse. Hopefully, other cars saw the reckless driving of this guy and started honking at the guy, and he left.
Im dealing with the bike being a lil shakey when I get up to highway speed and when I turn my head to change lanes I feel like the wind is moving my head more
Getting up to speed is challenging at first. What bike are you on? Naked bikes with no fairings definitely let you get blasted by the wind. Smaller bikes will feel less steady than big bikes. The helmet you choose also plays a roll. Some helmets are more streamlined than others. My more touring oriented (and lower priced) helmet really catches the wind. My 6D and Arai helmets cut through the wind much better.
@@mcswainj Yes that's a smaller bike. Still it should be able to get up to freeway speeds without much problem. It might feel shakey but that could be inexperience. Maybe you can have a more experienced friend ride it to make sure you don't have a mechanical issue.
@@mcswainj That's a great bike. If you want to pass quickly (so you don't spend too much time next to a car) then you may want to downshift before passing so the bike will accelerate more quickly. It's true that a light weight bike will get pushed around more by the wind but after a while you'll become more confident once you see that this is perfectly OK. But at lower speeds, having a light weight bike has many advantages.
Yesterday was my 4 time riding on the road and I accidentally went on the highway. My anxiety went through the roof, I didn’t the speed limit, I felt all the wind trying to throw me, and had to calm myself down so I can focus on what’s around me.
Same here boss lmfao
How's it going now?
Glad you're safe.
No truer words have been spoken; you have 48% more chance to stay alive on the left fast lane, this is statically proven. Keep-up the good work, stay safe.
One thing you failed to mention, perhaps because it's so obvious, is make sure your bike is capable of handling the interstate speeds. Heading off on the interstate on too small of a bike is a sure fire disaster waiting to happen. Another thing is before you leave the garage do a walk around your bike. Check the chain or belt to make sure it isn't too loose. Check tire pressure and look for anything that could cause a blow out. Double check your windshield to make sure it isn't going to fly off. All this is standard safety precautions but could save your life.
Your add on advice is perfect match to video. Very very important trips...thank you
"Don't worry, your bike can handle highway speeds!"
Me: "Say hello to my little Grom."
Haha… too true.
Haha I’ve thought about getting a grom just for fun, I have a Goldwing currently. Just want something to have for around town, is it worth it?
@@dylanjahn2952 I guess it really depends on the individual. It's a fun little bike to tool around small towns, counties, etc. and it is nice to have that option for low speed putzing around riding.
My cousin gave me hers as a birthday present after she had it slide out from under her in an intersection and I put 470 miles on it in just a few months to get used to riding and being in traffic. I then got an XSR700 cause I wanted a bike I could ride anywhere. I'm selling the grom now cause I can't justify two bikes and my cousin is in financial need caring for her dad so I'm gonna give the sale money to her. But if I could keep it as a second bike I would for sure. If you're in the Fredericksburg VA area, you could buy mine, an orange 2020 only has 670 miles on it. 🙂
I'd rather ride on Interstates than state roads. A few years back I was on I-70 going through St. Louis. I had given myself the "give the other guy lots of space" speech as traffic got busy. on my way from SW Indiana to Alaska. I was about ten car lengths behind an old Ford Pickup. Barely three hours from home that little voice in my head said, "back off, give this guy more space." Fortunately I listened to that little voice. A few moments later he hit a large bump and a driveshaft came out the back of this truck. Sparks flying the shaft seemed to want to stay in front of me as I slowed and finally the driveshaft exited the roadway. Two lessons. Always give plenty of space and listen to that little voice that speaks to all riders. Old riders like me always listen. Usually nothing comes of it but at other times... And do wear the highly visible colors.
You should know that in Europe no-one earns a motorcycle or car licence without having had classes involving actual freeway and nighttime driving. Throw in driving on slippery roads as well (for cars). We also sit through many hours of theory in classrooms.
This should be standard practice in the US but every state is a bit different here with rules and laws around cars and motorcycles, and getting your license. I wish we did things more thoroughly.
I've saved this video in my list, and I'm going to watch it numerous times until I embed all of this advice on my brain. Only then will I venture onto I-95 here in Miami where drivers drive like they're driving in Latin American countries where no rules apply. In fact, the USDOT has named I-95 in Florida as the most dangerous highway in the country. I'm always extra careful when I drive my Tesla Model S on I-95. I'm still scared to try it on a 1200cc motorcycle.
It’s good to be scared. Keeps you safe! It’s the guys who flip through traffic without thinking about it who I worry about.
@@tularosamoto very true
I’m a BRAND NEW rider. Was riding/practicing for about a week. Put around 100-150 miles on the wheels.
Decided to hit the highway for the first time. Yeah it was an uncomfortable experience due to speed and stuff but it’s NOT speed, cars or wind that gives me an anxiety, I have many hundreds of thousands of miles with cars and can “read” the road pretty good. What really gives me an anxiety is, believe it or not, potholes. I hit a deep one while riding 65mph for the first time and of course needed some underwear change immediately… ;)
I dont know how to overcome this fear so far.
There’s no easy answers here. It’s really just putting in the miles and getting more comfortable with the bike and the road. Keep your speed at a level where you fee comfortable. Don’t feel like you have to go faster than you’re ready to go. Staying off lousy highways helps too. 😉
@@tularosamoto it’s a great advice but hardly doable. Here in NYC all highways are lousy. They all suck big elephant testicles…
When it comes to a comfortable speed that’s another topic. The speed limit here is 50. So 55-60 is comfortable for me. When I go to work at 5am cars travel at 75 in the right lanes and 80-85 in left lanes. God forbid you go slower. They’ll try to pass you, aggressively tailgate you and do all types of crazy shit to push you over even when in the car. With this type of behavior it’s literally impossible to maintain a safe distance.
Anyway, my goal is to try to search if I can do anything to a suspension to “swallow” potholes better.
The most obvious solution to the pot hole problem is to avoid them by riding at a pace that gives you time to go around them. This usually means allowing ample room between you and the car ahead of you. If a pothole or road debris surprises you then your driving too fast for the conditions. Always, and I mean ALWAYS look at least 5 seconds ahead of you down the road. If it means riding at a slower speed then so be it. Your speed should match road conditions and traffic. I try to avoid interstate whenever possible. I prefer riding the state highways because they are less traveled and you can usually go at your own pace.
I'm a new rider and only have maybe 60 miles on divided highway. I'm getting more comfortable, but these thoughtful tips are helpful.
The first time I rode on the Sicilian autostrada I was scared shitless. It took some time to get used to it but finally I’m comfortable.
Very good information. I've been rear-ended twice and since then I've learned to always check my rearview mirrors. It's always good to ride on the corner of the vehicle ahead of you. That way you not only have an exit route but you can see ahead.
This is some of the best, most comprehensive advice on freeway riding I have seen. I like the idea of using the fast lane when you can. I had not considered that. They big issues I have seen, especially on concrete Interstates are drains on the left side of the fast lane (I-20 Atlanta) and holes as big as a washing machine near Birmingham, AL. Neither of those are things you want to hit at Interstate speed!
Great video! As a returning rider I've found myself more nervous than when I was younger and used to ride. You should do a video on typical highway roads and how to handle them. Things like tar snakes, those running cracks and changes in asphalt. Your video makes me wanna get out and ride more!
Thanks for the idea!
Rain grooves scare me to death. LOL. It's hard not to oversteer when you encounter them when the best thing is to just relax and let the bike handle the problem.
Here in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, the level of aggression, excessive speeding, tailgating, poor pavement conditions, impaired and distracted drivers, and all manner of debris makes freeway riding a lose-lose proposition. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by it.
Today was my first time riding on the freeway. I was f ing terrified! After going back and forth 3-4 times on the freeway and back, wasn’t so bad. It’s different on a naked bike, no windscreen, but carpool lane was cool. Definitely wearing a jacket, rocks flying all over my arms etc. I live in LA so the roads are not the best lol
Very informative but I was waiting for one thing to be mentioned that wasn't. One of my strategies is to hold my position to let other drivers learn where I am, only changing lanes when necessary. I don't weave in and out thru the traffic patterns. It's important to realize that if you're moving around a lot, meaning changing lanes often, that the drivers in the cars may lose track of where you are. If they can keep you in their radar, they should at least know to look for you when they decide to change lanes. Yes I know that sounds like they'll make the right decision in a perfect world, but anything you can do to increase your odds out there is a good thing to do.
Great points, everyone of them. I practice this as much as possible. The most sage advice, ride, ride, ride. Comfort is key.
I've ridden motorcycles for 30 years, and I still avoid the highway at all costs. I just never enjoyed it and it was constant anxiety. In fact, I intentionally pick areas to ride away from traffic. I'm fortunate enough to live in a rural area of New Mexico, and I have plenty of options. Now - about that wind, though....😂
Well we like rural New Mexico. Our store Tularosa is named after the little town of that name between Ruidoso and Las Crusas. 👍🏼
Great video, I’m a new rider and this is one of the best videos on TH-cam, he takes the time to explain all possible situations you might be involved in. Thank you 🙏
Glad you found it helpful! Stay safe!
thank you, as a new rider as i ride i think about those tips.
To be honest, I see way too many experienced riders who should think about those tips too. Smart riding never goes out of style.
Thanks for the video as a truck driver who has enjoyed getting on a bike this is also a reminder for me on a rig. Just got a new rebel 500 so I can go on the freeway and this was a big help.
You didn't mention lane positioning, left lane stay in 3, middle 1 or 2, and the right lane 1 or 3 for merging cars. So people can see you, then move to middle when you want to pass a car, do it quickly or when a car is passing you.
Good addition! Thank you! 👍🏻
Thanks for the video! I just started riding again and bought a 17' Harley 48 as my first welcome back to riding bike. All the information you provided was awesome. Thanks again.
Glad you found it helpful! Enjoy your ride.
Great video, man! New to street riding, and ironically I’m also in SD. Recognized all of these spots 🤘🏼
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. We’re doing a group ride on December 10th starting from SD. You’re welcome to come join us. Www.tularosamoto.com/pages/events
Thanks 😊
Thanks 👍🏼
Very helpful video, thank you.
I ride a sportsbike, a zx6r. I’m not that bothered by the traffic or high speeds, but the horrible crosswinds you can experience on a bike
Great info 👍
Great video!
Would you mind letting me know how you are recording audio to the GoPro camera? What wireless microphone are you using?
Thanks!
I don’t use a separate mic. I use the built in audio from the GoPro (if I’m not using my studio audio). I record my studio video using a Fuji mirrorless, not a Gopro. For more info on the cameras I use, you might be interested in this video. th-cam.com/video/eQuMlWfF1ng/w-d-xo.html
New subscriber ❤
Fifty five is fast the first few times on a small bike like the grom. And it's not ever really super comfortable riding a small bike wrung out.
55 on a larger bike is nothing though after the grom, lol.
Your glasses are mad crooked but I appreciate your advice!
I always feel like the wind is about to take my bike right out from under me. I am on an Indian Scout Rogue Sixty and I'm a bit big, so it just confuses me how so many people ride so recklessly at such high speeds with little to no ptotection.
At first I was hesitant but then after awhile I just got used to it. Once you relax and realize that you’re not going anywhere, it gets easier.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I’m watching this after I got on the freeway for the first time 😭
It’s a little scary at first but soon you’ll get more comfortable with it. Just stay cautious.
So you drive in the fast lane. Going 80mph, you still have alot of cars going faster, so how do you deal with those cars coming up on you?
As I mentioned in the video, it's important to ride with the flow of traffic. If you're going slower than the other vehicles in the fast lane, you shouldn't be in the fast lane. Only go in the fast lane if you are as fast if not faster than the cars around you.
You said you like to stay in fast lane... How about fast car driver behind you like you to go more faster...should you stick with your lane and let him overtake you.. Or you should change lane and let him go ?
If I’m in the passing lane and no one is in front of me to hold me up, I prefer to go faster than the traffic around me. On occasion a faster car will pass me but they’re usually going fast enough that they see me and go around me before I can respond. If a car gets on my tail, I’ll either speed up or change lane’s depending on how I feel. That rarely happens when I’m on my bike however. I prefer to remain in control of the view around me whenever possible.
@@tularosamoto Sadly, sometimes it requires more than just high speed. I had an incident on the carpool lane on the 10 E fwy near El Monte where I passed traffic going about 70 MPH and I saw this BMW 330i that passed all the cars behind me and started tailgating me. Then I sped up to like 100 mph and the BMW was still tailgating me. Then the second action was to hit about 120 mph, still the guy continued to be on my assh, so at that point it was very reckless for me to continue racing more and more, so my next action was to avoid the car by going into the right regular lanes, but I was going too fast to merge into these right lanes, but anyway I started braking hard and reduced my speed just enough to merge into the right lane. Then the BMW also did the same thing about 5 or 7 cars ahead of me and I decided to exit the FWY. This guy also decided to merge into the exit lane. At this point, I knew the guy had a massive road rage problem and I pulled to the right shoulder and prepared for the worse. Hopefully, other cars saw the reckless driving of this guy and started honking at the guy, and he left.
No regard for your LIFE! Put it to me straight man, don't hold back.
Yo at 02:36 is were i practice at night
Im dealing with the bike being a lil shakey when I get up to highway speed and when I turn my head to change lanes I feel like the wind is moving my head more
Getting up to speed is challenging at first. What bike are you on? Naked bikes with no fairings definitely let you get blasted by the wind. Smaller bikes will feel less steady than big bikes. The helmet you choose also plays a roll. Some helmets are more streamlined than others. My more touring oriented (and lower priced) helmet really catches the wind. My 6D and Arai helmets cut through the wind much better.
@@tularosamoto I'm on a ninja 400...is that considered a small bike?
@@mcswainj Yes that's a smaller bike. Still it should be able to get up to freeway speeds without much problem. It might feel shakey but that could be inexperience. Maybe you can have a more experienced friend ride it to make sure you don't have a mechanical issue.
@@mcswainj That's a great bike. If you want to pass quickly (so you don't spend too much time next to a car) then you may want to downshift before passing so the bike will accelerate more quickly. It's true that a light weight bike will get pushed around more by the wind but after a while you'll become more confident once you see that this is perfectly OK. But at lower speeds, having a light weight bike has many advantages.
If you have an oblong head or helmet, like most people do, that’s what happens. It’s a scary little thing.
Showing lane splitting video is NOT part of "How to ride on the freeway". It is as bout as far away a beginners strategy as you can get. Fail.