I did a sneaky thing.

[mimikeni]

When I got the 500GS (my first bike), my wife asked that I honor two requests:  always wear a helmet and stay off the interstates.  Well...I ALWAYS wear a helmet.  I can't afford a head injury as it would surely screw up my work as a psychologist.  But, a couple days ago, I jumped on the interstate for a couple exits just to see what it would be like.  I'm not a crazed speed freak but at 85 mph, there was so much wind noise, I could barely hear the engine.  Having done that, I find I prefer the slower more scenic routes.  I am planning a few day trips but I'll be taking the two-lane country roads (50-60 mph).  Shhh...don't tell my wife.

[Twism86]

IMO your safer on the interstate with a barrier between opposing lanes of traffic. The country roads are where someone can cross the line and splatter you onto their hood. Also more likely to come across "obstacles" and the like on the two-lane roads. Not to mention people making turns and pulling out in front of you without seeing you (or even looking). While the major highways are more boring to ride, I  think they are safer because everyone is just going straight along.

[ryott52]

IMO your safer on the interstate with a barrier between opposing lanes of traffic. The country roads are where someone can cross the line and splatter you onto their hood. Also more likely to come across "obstacles" and the like on the two-lane roads. Not to mention people making turns and pulling out in front of you without seeing you (or even looking). While the major highways are more boring to ride, I  think they are safer because everyone is just going straight along.

That is true, but on the interstates you have to consider the sheer volume of traffic on the road. Additionally, people are constantly changing lanes and not necessarily looking for you. This is especially true of semis and other large vehicles, who might not be able to see you. Then there's the obvious increase in speed, so if there is an incident, it is more likely to cause injury. Both interstates and other roads have their pitfalls, so no matter which you choose ride cautiously and assume nobody can see or hear you.

[usdtmcs1]

Twism86, I couldn't agree with you more.  My daily commute involves about 20 miles of freeway driving (each way) and 10 miles of single lane roads.  I am far more comfortable on the freeway as I don't have as many things to contemplate happening as I do going through numerous intersections and passing driveways on the single lane road, not to mention the oncoming traffic.  I can manage my following distance on the freeway and give myself an escape route; it's much harder to do that on the single lane roads. Keeping yourself out of blind spots and potentially dangerous situations on the large freeways is key.  It's all dangerous, but staying alert and contemplating dangerous situations and scenarios BEFORE they happen is paramount.

[cbrfxr67]

"splatter you onto their hood"  

[zkbuck]

in my experience (which isnt much) i have had more close calls on normal roads then on the interstate, you dont have to worry as much about someone shooting out from an intersection and not seeing you on the interstate (unless your in Wisconsin which case the interstate doesnt make any sence)

[ryott52]

in my experience (which isnt much) i have had more close calls on normal roads then on the interstate, you dont have to worry as much about someone shooting out from an intersection and not seeing you on the interstate (unless your in Wisconsin which case the interstate doesnt make any sence)

Does anything make sense that far north?

[zkbuck]

in my experience (which isnt much) i have had more close calls on normal roads then on the interstate, you dont have to worry as much about someone shooting out from an intersection and not seeing you on the interstate (unless your in Wisconsin which case the interstate doesnt make any sence)

Does anything make sense that far north?

the upper Peninsula of Michigan is some of the best riding, or driving for that matter, that you will ever find. but the interstate of Wisconsin still has points of cross traffic instead of on ramps through most of the state, the only on ramps are in the cities

[Twism86]

IMO your safer on the interstate with a barrier between opposing lanes of traffic. The country roads are where someone can cross the line and splatter you onto their hood. Also more likely to come across "obstacles" and the like on the two-lane roads. Not to mention people making turns and pulling out in front of you without seeing you (or even looking). While the major highways are more boring to ride, I  think they are safer because everyone is just going straight along.

That is true, but on the interstates you have to consider the sheer volume of traffic on the road. Additionally, people are constantly changing lanes and not necessarily looking for you. This is especially true of semis and other large vehicles, who might not be able to see you. Then there's the obvious increase in speed, so if there is an incident, it is more likely to cause injury. Both interstates and other roads have their pitfalls, so no matter which you choose ride cautiously and assume nobody can see or hear you.

Good points as well.

I dont want to discourage you, mimi, or anyone obviously. Just be careful where ever you ride and like my quote in cbr's sginature says, assume they are all trying to kill us.

Ive had a few close calls on local roads and have been hit once on the interstate in traffic (from behind). So I guess my own stats go against the highways but I still feel slightly safer on them. Keep the rubber down buddy!

[numus]

IMO your safer on the interstate with a barrier between opposing lanes of traffic. The country roads are where someone can cross the line and splatter you onto their hood. Also more likely to come across "obstacles" and the like on the two-lane roads. Not to mention people making turns and pulling out in front of you without seeing you (or even looking). While the major highways are more boring to ride, I  think they are safer because everyone is just going straight along.

That is true, but on the interstates you have to consider the sheer volume of traffic on the road. Additionally, people are constantly changing lanes and not necessarily looking for you. This is especially true of semis and other large vehicles, who might not be able to see you. Then there's the obvious increase in speed, so if there is an incident, it is more likely to cause injury. Both interstates and other roads have their pitfalls, so no matter which you choose ride cautiously and assume nobody can see or hear you.

Good points as well.

I dont want to discourage you, mimi, or anyone obviously. Just be careful where ever you ride and like my quote in cbr's sginature says, assume they are all trying to kill us.

Ive had a few close calls on local roads and have been hit once on the interstate in traffic (from behind). So I guess my own stats go against the highways but I still feel slightly safer on them. Keep the rubber down buddy!

We have had 3 bicyclists hit by cars in Tallahassee just this month due to people not even looking... On my motorcycle I adopted that quote as my riding motto... I dont care who gets as close to me from behind, I leave enough room between me and the vehicles both infront and to the side of me that I can get out of the way hopefully as quick and safe as possible.. Just afraid of braking suddently and getting run over from behind

[Twism86]

IMO your safer on the interstate with a barrier between opposing lanes of traffic. The country roads are where someone can cross the line and splatter you onto their hood. Also more likely to come across "obstacles" and the like on the two-lane roads. Not to mention people making turns and pulling out in front of you without seeing you (or even looking). While the major highways are more boring to ride, I  think they are safer because everyone is just going straight along.

That is true, but on the interstates you have to consider the sheer volume of traffic on the road. Additionally, people are constantly changing lanes and not necessarily looking for you. This is especially true of semis and other large vehicles, who might not be able to see you. Then there's the obvious increase in speed, so if there is an incident, it is more likely to cause injury. Both interstates and other roads have their pitfalls, so no matter which you choose ride cautiously and assume nobody can see or hear you.

Good points as well.

I dont want to discourage you, mimi, or anyone obviously. Just be careful where ever you ride and like my quote in cbr's sginature says, assume they are all trying to kill us.

Ive had a few close calls on local roads and have been hit once on the interstate in traffic (from behind). So I guess my own stats go against the highways but I still feel slightly safer on them. Keep the rubber down buddy!

We have had 3 bicyclists hit by cars in Tallahassee just this month due to people not even looking... On my motorcycle I adopted that quote as my riding motto... I dont care who gets as close to me from behind, I leave enough room between me and the vehicles both infront and to the side of me that I can get out of the way hopefully as quick and safe as possible.. Just afraid of braking suddently and getting run over from behind

It sucks man.....

[ben2go]

When I got the 500GS (my first bike), my wife asked that I honor two requests:  always wear a helmet and stay off the interstates.  Well...I ALWAYS wear a helmet.  I can't afford a head injury as it would surely screw up my work as a psychologist.  But, a couple days ago, I jumped on the interstate for a couple exits just to see what it would be like.  I'm not a crazed speed freak but at 85 mph, there was so much wind noise, I could barely hear the engine.  Having done that, I find I prefer the slower more scenic routes.  I am planning a few day trips but I'll be taking the two-lane country roads (50-60 mph).  Shhh...don't tell my wife.

After wearing a couple different helmets.I have found that wind noise is usually due to a poor quality helmet or one that doesn't fit properly.I also agree with the others about interstate riding.I live in a rural area and I have almost been a statistic a few times.Must stay vigilant and very aware of what's going on around you at all times.

[twelvepoint]

My commute is in the greater Boston area and is a mix of highway and non-highway. Surface roads have the challenge of people making turns in front of you, car doors opening, etc. Rt 93 in the morning is crowded enough so you're in the zone where traffic can go from 70MPH to 10MPH (and back again) pretty quickly. So that's a whole different animal.

I think the thing to keep in mind is no riding situation should be regarded as "safe", to the extent where you shouldn't be alert and practice responsible riding techniques. That said, I'm not a big fan of riding a non-faired bike at 70+MPH for extended periods.

[cbrfxr67]

"After wearing a couple different helmets.I have found that wind noise is usually due to a poor quality helmet" ben2go

Definitely making a good point there.  I bought an ebay el cheapo and though it looked ok it sounds terrible, even with a buzzzzz sound sometimes, like a big bee got stuck in it; my afx-39ds is so amazingly quiet.

[GSnoober]

...a couple days ago, I jumped on the interstate for a couple exits just to see what it would be like.  I'm not a crazed speed freak but at 85 mph, there was so much wind noise, I could barely hear the engine...

FWIW, I wear compressible foam ear plugs EVERY TIME I ride, and have used them ever since I began street riding in 1982. My eyes are fading, my knees are shot, and parts are falling off me, but my hearing is STILL excellent.

Harbor Freight and MANY other companies sell various types of ear plugs in bulk; you can even get them through Amazon, Cabela's, and dozens of other suppliers online. I buy the E.A.R. brand from the local Harbor Freight store and always have extras in my pocket so I'm never without them.

Do yourself a favor and get some hearing protection; you'll enjoy the ride a LOT more without all the wind noise.

[bassman]

Forgive me if I have misunderstood...but are you all talking about riding without a crash-helmet? If so, wear a crash helmet...period!

Bassman