So, over the past months since I got my GS I've put in a lot miles on it (over 4 thousand). Now, driving my car and SUV seems more difficult, especially my SUV. I don't know if it's because I'm up higher, can't hear as much or have less outside stimulus overall. It's really weird. When I jump on my bike I don't have any problems at all with what goes on around me. In the cage is another story. I hesitate pulling out, changing lanes and drive 10-15mph slower than I do on my bike. It just seem like I have a harder time processing other traffic. Is it because I'm getting more tuned to being hyper aware while riding a bike? Does anyone else notice this?

Since I started riding, I have noticed that my CAGE driving has improved.  I drive my cage like I ride my bike.  I try to be aware of everything.  When in my cage, I am especially aware of bikers.

I've found that after having a bike as a primary, and only source of transportation for the last year, that driving a car is just...almost sleep inducing.

I have put 5,400 commuter miles (55 miles round trip) on my GS since April..........I don't remember the last time I drove my truck to work!  I just changed the oil on the truck for the 2nd time this year last month!!!!!!!!! Truck=17MPG / GS500=47 MPG...

i wouldn't say that my driving got worse, but i most definitely did become more aware of what was going on around me if i was driving a car or truck. i would check my blind spots 2 or 3 times before merging and even carried my "peek over the shoulder" before changing lanes.

its all to often that someone has a rant about some driver cutting them off, but whenever the rider gets into the car, they are immediately given the opportunity to be "that driver" as well.

i try my best not to be hypocrytical, especially when someone's life is in the balance.

I've commuted every day since May on my bike to work this summer, and now when I get in the SUV to drive other people somewhere, I notice the blind spots are HUGE and I feel like I can't see anything anymore!

My driving in general has improved, and I'm more aware of traffic around me, which takes more effort in the cage than it does on the bike.

I find that I am way more confident in my car now. I push my bike pretty hard and i know what it feels like to be skirting the edge of traction.

My car has way more traction than I ever thought. 

Exactly what I mean. It takes so much more effort to take in everything and process it while in a car. Sometimes I feel like I need to drive with my head out the window.

Quote from: Formori on August 29, 2012, 05:19:01 AM
I've commuted every day since May on my bike to work this summer, and now when I get in the SUV to drive other people somewhere, I notice the blind spots are HUGE and I feel like I can't see anything anymore!

My driving in general has improved, and I'm more aware of traffic around me, which takes more effort in the cage than it does on the bike.

Ive start leaning into the turns.  When in my car.

Quote from: stokes776 on August 29, 2012, 06:05:25 AM
Ive start leaning into the turns.  When in my car.

I have actually done this on a merge ramp with a steep bank 

Quote from: pliskin on August 29, 2012, 05:42:01 AM
Sometimes I feel like I need to drive with my head out the window.

I was actually driving behind some moron doing this a couple weeks ago. He had his head out the driver's side window, running his hand through his hair & staring into the side mirror. Then, he pulled his head back inside and I saw him adjust the inside mirror so he could look at himself. It's like he couldn't get enough of how awesome he looked. 

All this while he was driving erratically (weaving, driving on the warning strip, etc) and  about 5 mph below the speed limit in the fast lane. I took the first possible opportunity to get around and far down the road from him.

Quote from: stokes776 on August 29, 2012, 06:05:25 AM
Ive start leaning into the turns.  When in my car.

I would guess that this is a common occurrence among riders. I also find myself plotting the same lines through curves in my cage as on the bike. Being an SUV, my cage isn't quite as nimble, though.

My love is cars first but I found learning to drive trucks and semis improved my driving. Learning to ride motorbikes improved my driving.
It all depends on your interest level in your driving. I thinking having covered your three major groups of road users makes anyone, even the most bored driver a better rounded driver because they are aware of the limitations, the abilities and affects from the other road users. Also I've found each license I've gone and got has taught me something different that should be included in a basic car license. I strongly believe car licenses are the worst taught skill sets on the road. No wonder cars try to run over bikes, pull into truck's brake room etc. They just aren't taught to think.

I find myself weaving in my lane a little bit more in my truck since I'm used to moving around in it on the GS. Aside from that, I've only gotten better. More aware and everything.

The only downside is I can now weave through traffic in the truck too... I don't do it often, because I know it's a very bad practice, but it's almost like a moving twistie in the middle of the road lol. Just for clarification sake, I still keep the 2 second distance between the car behind me when doing this and the one in front of me. Please don't flame I know it's not good and I don't do it often. Especially seeing as my truck isn't exactly small, nimble, quick, or anything like that. My tailgate is cinder blocks even 

Quote from: Shaddow on August 29, 2012, 06:55:07 PM
My love is cars first but I found learning to drive trucks and semis improved my driving. Learning to ride motorbikes improved my driving.
It all depends on your interest level in your driving. I thinking having covered your three major groups of road users makes anyone, even the most bored driver a better rounded driver because they are aware of the limitations, the abilities and affects from the other road users. Also I've found each license I've gone and got has taught me something different that should be included in a basic car license. I strongly believe car licenses are the worst taught skill sets on the road. No wonder cars try to run over bikes, pull into truck's brake room etc. They just aren't taught to think.

Shaddow is dead on.  I've driven most things before I got my bike.  Coach and transit buses in Phoenix, 6 + 1 speed Box Truck in Chicago, 8 speed school-bus/R.V. across country.  All of those have given me pretty solid defensive driving skills so I don't notice any switch from the bike back to the pickup [6 spd. as well!]  In my truck I almost always shoulder check before a lane change, signal in advance, leave a gap in front of me, especially if in rush hour traffic.

I strongly agree with Shaddow, the basic drivers license exam is worth almost nothing and most drivers are the bane of my existence.  Want to have a fun time the next time you're driving on the road or walking through a parking lot?  Look at a car's front rims, if they're caked with black brake dust they A) Never wash their car, and B) Probably drive too close, too fast, and never look ahead any farther then the bumper they're following.  You'll see it all the time.