Interstate Riding Tips for a Beginner?

[DoktoroKiu]

I'm not sure why, but everyone was doing 75-85, and even the slow semi trucks were all doing better than 75! 

If you haven't heard, the speedo on the GS is about 10% fast.  So when it says you are going 75, you are probably closer to 68.  That could explain why you thought all the cars were traveling so fast.

Really?  That's interesting.  Has anyone ever looked into replacing the gauge face with a new one that has been corrected?  If the face isn't too hard to get at it wouldn't be too hard to print a new speedo face that has been corrected.

[Kijona]

I'm not sure why, but everyone was doing 75-85, and even the slow semi trucks were all doing better than 75! 

If you haven't heard, the speedo on the GS is about 10% fast.  So when it says you are going 75, you are probably closer to 68.  That could explain why you thought all the cars were traveling so fast.

Really?  That's interesting.  Has anyone ever looked into replacing the gauge face with a new one that has been corrected?  If the face isn't too hard to get at it wouldn't be too hard to print a new speedo face that has been corrected.

Typical of most Japanese motorcycles. The only way to correct it is to, as you mentioned, make a new face on the gauge. Easier would probably be use something like fluorescent nail polish and make tiny marks on the existing face where "actual speed" is. There might be a way to correct the gearing at the front wheel but I've not seen anyone do it. Most people pretty much live with it. Plus, if you physically correct the gearing, then your odometer will be off.

Yup. The speedo reads high but the odometer is correct.

It's a mechanical speedometer so it's off by a certain percentage. The best way to determine the actual percentage would be to download a GPS speedometer for your phone (one that has tracking available). Then, set off with it at "0" and slowly speed up to 50MPH and hold it at 50MPH for about 10 seconds without going past 50MPH. Then stop. Go back, read the max speed recorded, then you'll know exactly how "off" the speedometer is. From there you can calculate the percentage and apply it to all speeds. So say it's off by 5MPH at 50MPH, then logically at 100MPH it would be off by 10mph. That would give you a 10% error. Hopefully it's 10% because that would be easy to figure out in your head as you're riding without needing to modify anything.

Personally I figure it's probably 10% error, since most of my other bikes were somewhere between 9-10% off, and I just go with that.

[Badot]

If you haven't heard, the speedo on the GS is about 10% fast.  So when it says you are going 75, you are probably closer to 68.  That could explain why you thought all the cars were traveling so fast.

*Typically. Don't take this as fact until you verify it in some way 

[Kijona]

As far as interstate riding, which I've done a LOT of, I personally say get in front of everyone when possible and DO NOT ride along-side another car. Period. Some fuckwit is just waiting to merge into your lane without looking and turn you into roadkill.

Watch the distance between the other vehicles' tires and the lines between the lanes while changing lanes if near another vehicle. Personally, I never look at the person driving, I'm always watching tires when I'm riding. If the distance between their tires and the lines for the lanes starts to reduce, I start making my escape route.

If someone decides to crowd your lane, don't panic, don't fixate on the vehicle. You're tiny compared to them and you have a good amount of braking/acceleration ability versus them. I'm the type of person that drops the hammer before I hit the brakes (meaning I accelerate away rather than trying to brake suddenly). Your experience may differ. That's just me personally.

I once ended up between two vehicles because someone, in an enormous SUV no less, decided they weren't going to exit and crossed over the extra space that isn't even a lane and into my lane (highly illegal). Their mirror brushed my shoulder pad and I was within arm's length of the other vehicle. That close to turning me into a pancake.

Best part of that experience?? They gave ME the f%$king FINGER and yelled out the window at me.

Lesson learned: people that drive cars are ALL trying to kill me.

[Watcher]

Lesson learned: people that drive cars are ALL trying to kill me.

If you take this to heart, you will be as safe as humanly possible.

[Big Rich]

In regards to the speedometer "fix": I know the speedometer on older bikes come apart.....but it's not easy. The manufacturers just didn't have any reason to make it accessible.

Instead of trying to open up and replace the face, install a 110/80-17" tire. The added circumference will help to make the speed accurate.

[yamahonkawazuki]

I'm not sure why, but everyone was doing 75-85, and even the slow semi trucks were all doing better than 75! 

If you haven't heard, the speedo on the GS is about 10% fast.  So when it says you are going 75, you are probably closer to 68.  That could explain why you thought all the cars were traveling so fast.

Really?  That's interesting.  Has anyone ever looked into replacing the gauge face with a new one that has been corrected?  If the face isn't too hard to get at it wouldn't be too hard to print a new speedo face that has been corrected.

was told it was 10% off id not worry tbh about changing the gauge face unless you're that anal about correctness. would be easier setting up a digital speedometer, which could in itself be off aq bit. a gps also works great.

[gsJack]

+1 Rich

110/80 cuts the approx. 10% speedometer error in half, I've used a lot of that size.

[yamahonkawazuki]

+1 Rich

110/80 cuts the approx. 10% speedometer error in half, I've used a lot of that size.

Honestly beloved tire maestro, ive done this as well over the years, not knowing this.
Guys, and gals, gsjack here knows all things tire, and as of recently, all things long mileage. if he tells you something regarding our beloved gs, odds are it is correct. ive figured this out after knowing the guy over many years here. It was hell trying to get you back after the one person pissed you off. glad you are here to stay my friend.
Aaron

[Watcher]

If 10% off means an indicated 55 is actually 50, I can live with that.  At least in my part of Illinois, 5 over the limit is totally acceptable and common practice.

If my indicated 5 over is actually right on, it'll keep me out of trouble if I travel through an area that is more strict about their speeding laws.

[DoktoroKiu]

I once ended up between two vehicles because someone, in an enormous SUV no less, decided they weren't going to exit and crossed over the extra space that isn't even a lane and into my lane (highly illegal). Their mirror brushed my shoulder pad and I was within arm's length of the other vehicle. That close to turning me into a pancake.

Best part of that experience?? They gave ME the f%$king FINGER and yelled out the window at me.

Lesson learned: people that drive cars are ALL trying to kill me.

Wow, I would be pissed if they gave me the fraking finger after that.   
I would probably have followed them wherever they were going just to mess with them.  I've been thinking of getting a collapsible baton for cases like this, but I'm afraid I'd end up getting myself in trouble.  As long as I fear for my life it's self defense, right? 

[Watcher]

Getting merged into is not justifiable cause for assault and battery.

Having the baton displayed on the side of the bike might ward off people who would mess with you if they see it and recognise it, but to actually use it they'd have to, like, cut you off, stop, get out of their vehicle, approach you, and at least verbally threaten you.


Following them to mess with them might put you even deeper in harms way or get you picked up for being aggressive.  The best thing to do is just write it off as they're a fracking a-hole and be glad you are still alive and upright.

I'm planning on getting a helmet camera this summer so I can properly record incidents and file police reports.

[DoktoroKiu]

Getting merged into is not justifiable cause for assault and battery.

Having the baton displayed on the side of the bike might ward off people who would mess with you if they see it and recognise it, but to actually use it they'd have to, like, cut you off, stop, get out of their vehicle, approach you, and at least verbally threaten you.


Following them to mess with them might put you even deeper in harms way or get you picked up for being aggressive.  The best thing to do is just write it off as they're a fracking a-hole and be glad you are still alive and upright.

I'm planning on getting a helmet camera this summer so I can properly record incidents and file police reports.

I was primarily joking, as I envision extending the baton as a way to tell a tailgater what you think of him, and in the worst case as a way to scare off any would-be road-rage incidents.  A helmet cam is a good idea and I have also been considering getting one of those (got to get all my other gear first).
I would follow them from a safe distance, of course.  It isn't a crime to ride where you want, even if that happens to be where someone else is driving.  I don't mean to say it wouldn't be a very bad idea, though. 

My current strategy is to give them the old one-finger hello and put as much distance and time between myself and them as possible.  I thankfully haven't had to use it yet.

[Watcher]

All jocularity aside, even if they deserve it the kinds of people who are aggressive drivers are the kinds of people who get set off by having foul language and gestures shot at them.  Being aggressive back just fuels the rage, its infinitely better to diffuse the situation than escalate it.  Especially considering a hard left can kill you in one swipe.

The baton extension thing as a back off gesture...  Well, for one thing have you ever used one of those batons?  They take a bit of force to open and usually to collapse them you need to "stab" the ground with it.  Deployment on a bike might very well cost you your baton at the least and losing control at the worst.  Not to mention it could be considered brandishing a weapon which can get you arrested.

Its not really something to joke about.  Unless backed into a corner you should, as a good rider, always be submissive to aggressive drivers.


If I ever had a situation where I am in fear for my life and the aggressor is approaching me on foot, I'd point my bike at them, rev it way up, and dump the clutch so they take the bike to the torso.  You can't fight when on a bike, at least not very well, and I can't CCW just yet.  My bike is the heaviest thing I can throw at someone, it will be used when necessary.

[DoktoroKiu]

I have used (messed around with not actually "used") one, and I'm thinking more for situations where you are stopped and would at least have the potential to use it safely (although there are some button-release models).  I usually carry a knife if I'm unable to CCW (to work, gov't building, etc.), but I like the baton as more of a less-lethal weapon and it's easier to hold with riding gloves on.  A knife is definitely a lethal weapon while a baton is not really addressed in Indiana as far as I have been able to find.

As for the law, the only pertinent clauses in the Indiana code relate to Intimidation, but intimidation is only present if I'm putting the other person in fear of retaliation for a prior lawful act (or other acts unrelated to this situation).  If they were intimidating me previously then all bets are off.  Although I doubt brandishing would even work, as in my experience with concealed carry most people are completely oblivious to what other people have/do.  I can't tell you how many times I've stooped to get something off a low shelf at the store to find that my gun was totally showing and nobody noticed.

I just found out that Indiana has an aggressive driving statute, where if you do 3 things on a list you are in violation.  Following too closely and unsafe operation get a good majority of A-holes 2/3 the way there.  If the initial confrontation was a failure to yield you could make a case for 3/3.  I suppose that's where the go-pro would come in handy.

Now for me to feel threatened would have to be something as bad or worse than that highway situation (I wouldn't know if they didn't intend to almost crush me if they flip me off and yell at me afterward).  I was followed Very closely by a car last night when riding with a buddy and I only did the slow down speed up routine to try and send him the message (which he didn't get).  I wanted to flip him off but didn't. 

Good idea about using the bike in a bad situation, and good luck with the CCW.

Sorry if I come across as arrogant or immature, I just hate it when people get away with being a$$holes.  I'm actually quite easygoing when I'm not playing a BADA$$ on internet forums. 

[Badot]

I was followed Very closely by a car last night when riding with a buddy and I only did the slow down speed up routine to try and send him the message (which he didn't get).  I wanted to flip him off but didn't. 

As much as it sucks, giving a nice long signal warning and pulling off the road where safe tends to be quicker, safer, and less stressful than any other method I've found.

As far as weapons on bikes... I'll put it this way. As soon as you pull any form of weapon on someone, whether you intend to use it or not, they can generally pull a gun and shoot you and/or ram you with no repercussions.

Rule of thumb is if you pull a weapon, you better be unquestionably within your right to do so and you better make good use of it before the other party can retaliate, period, for numerous reasons. It's definitely not something to mess around with.

[Watcher]

+1 Badot, my point exactly.  Don't escalate the situation, act to diffuse it, only pull a weapon in self defense and if in real fear for your life from an individual.  Fear for your life due to aggressive driving is one thing, fear for your life because this guy is intentionally pursuing me with intent to run me down or has left his vehicle and come running up threatening me is quite another...


Play it safe, only turn to violence when there is no other course of action.

[yamahonkawazuki]

All jocularity aside, even if they deserve it the kinds of people who are aggressive drivers are the kinds of people who get set off by having foul language and gestures shot at them.  Being aggressive back just fuels the rage, its infinitely better to diffuse the situation than escalate it.  Especially considering a hard left can kill you in one swipe.

The baton extension thing as a back off gesture...  Well, for one thing have you ever used one of those batons?  They take a bit of force to open and usually to collapse them you need to "stab" the ground with it.  Deployment on a bike might very well cost you your baton at the least and losing control at the worst.  Not to mention it could be considered brandishing a weapon which can get you arrested.

Its not really something to joke about.  Unless backed into a corner you should, as a good rider, always be submissive to aggressive drivers.


If I ever had a situation where I am in fear for my life and the aggressor is approaching me on foot, I'd point my bike at them, rev it way up, and dump the clutch so they take the bike to the torso.  You can't fight when on a bike, at least not very well, and I can't CCW just yet.  My bike is the heaviest thing I can throw at someone, it will be used when necessary.

wanna piss off a person firing off the one finger salute?, just wave at em

[DoktoroKiu]

wanna piss off a person firing off the one finger salute?, just wave at em

Hah, humor is indeed one of the best ways to respond to an insult (especially self-deprecating humor).  It frustrates the insulter more than any counter-insult.  Thanks yama for the reminder.

The ancient philosophers took this to the extreme.  One time when Cato was arguing a point, his opponent Lentulus spit in his face.  Instead of getting angry or returning the favor, Cato wiped it off and responded with "I will swear to anyone, Lentulus, that people are wrong to say that you cannot use your mouth!"
Socrates himself once randomly had his ears boxed by someone and, instead of getting angry, he made a joke about how much of a nuisance it is that when we go out in public we can never be sure whether or not to wear a helmet.  (Source:  "A Guide to the Good Life" by Irvine, which I highly recommend)

However, being tailgated by an aggressive driver is not an insult per-se, but I stand corrected about the response to being flipped off and yelled at.  It would make my day to see their response when you just happily wave back at them.   
It would be even better if you had one of those smiley-face Lego-guy visor stickers.

[DoktoroKiu]

I was followed Very closely by a car last night when riding with a buddy and I only did the slow down speed up routine to try and send him the message (which he didn't get).  I wanted to flip him off but didn't. 

As much as it sucks, giving a nice long signal warning and pulling off the road where safe tends to be quicker, safer, and less stressful than any other method I've found.

As far as weapons on bikes... I'll put it this way. As soon as you pull any form of weapon on someone, whether you intend to use it or not, they can generally pull a gun and shoot you and/or ram you with no repercussions.

Rule of thumb is if you pull a weapon, you better be unquestionably within your right to do so and you better make good use of it before the other party can retaliate, period, for numerous reasons. It's definitely not something to mess around with.

I understand the laws around the matter, but if I can de-escalate a situation by showing that I am not defenseless I will choose that route if it spares the use of deadly force.  Just because it's legally safer to shoot if you draw your gun doesn't make it right to do so if simply the threat is enough to stop them (stopping is the goal, anyway).  I know it's a very "you know it when you see it" type of situation where this approach would work, so I'm more saying that I keep it on the table as an option than that it is my go-to move.  De-escalation by exiting (or completely avoiding) the situation clearly comes first, though.

I agree with Watcher that it would take me fearing for my life due to intentionally aggressive driving before I'd feel the need to take a more aggressive approach to defend myself.  I'm thinking more along the lines of some helmet-cam footage I've seen of violent road-rage against lane-splitting cyclists/motorcyclists (where it is legal to do so).  This would be another know-it-when-see-it situation, where avoidance was unsafe/impossible.  The unfortunate incident in NY last year where the Range Rover ran over several bikers is evidence enough that aggressive driving is enough to justify that you are in fear for your life.  The guy paralyzed a man and got off with no charges.  (the bikers were WAY in the wrong on this one, though)

The guy that was tailgating me in my example had been doing so for maybe 5 miles of curvy country roads with many blind turns from a distance of about 15 feet, so I was quite concerned with it but I'm fairly certain the guy was just an idiot just following taillights and would do the same to a car without realizing it.  He wasn't revving or making any other aggressive gestures.  It was actually the other rider with me who tried the slow-down-speed-up routine to get him to back off, but the idiot just stayed close and probably had no idea what was going on anyway.  We didn't pull the slow-down speed-up routine until we got to some city roads, but admittedly we should have probably just pulled over and gotten the hell away from him.