Getting Comfortable At Speeds

[Jer]

I made the jump to 40 mph last time I was on my bike.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEE!

Though I was a bit nervous.

So far I've been practicing in the street in front ofmy house. Getting ready to take the riding test this Sat. Its going ok. Though so far I've only been going 25 or less just tooling around right by my house.

Last time though I got daring and went out on the main street that goes around our neighborhood. The long way around so to speak. All 45mph speed limit. There was almost zero traffic and I do feel in control of the bike so I wasnt worried. I realized as I approached 40mph though that I was a bit "on edge". Nervous. Still in control, but feeling a bit uneasy about the speed and wind.

This made me think about guys I see going 70 mph down the interstate with the clutch hand off the handlebar.

I suppose its a natural progression of being comfortable at each new speed you hit.

Thoughts?

[CANDY]

I made the jump to 40 mph last time I was on my bike.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE EEEEEEEE!

Though I was a bit nervous.

So far I've been practicing in the street in front ofmy house. Getting ready to take the riding test this Sat. Its going ok. Though so far I've only been going 25 or less just tooling around right by my house.

Last time though I got daring and went out on the main street that goes around our neighborhood. The long way around so to speak. All 45mph speed limit. There was almost zero traffic and I do feel in control of the bike so I wasnt worried. I realized as I approached 40mph though that I was a bit "on edge". Nervous. Still in control, but feeling a bit uneasy about the speed and wind.

This made me think about guys I see going 70 mph down the interstate with the clutch hand off the handlebar.

I suppose its a natural progression of being comfortable at each new speed you hit.

Thoughts?jer,when i started riding last summer i remember thinking i would never be able to return a wave because it meant turning loose of the handlebars.now i can relax and wave as needed.it really does get easier just don't let it get so easy you get over confident. the gz250 is a very forgiving bike,but the pavement isn't. enjoy and ride safe

[Jenny]

"jer,when i started riding last summer i remember thinking i would never be able to return a wave because it meant turning loose of the handlebars.now i can relax and wave as needed.it really does get easier just don't let it get so easy you get over confident. the gz250 is a very forgiving bike,but the pavement isn't. enjoy and ride safe[/quote]"

Um, I felt that way only a week ago! I just started going on higher speed roads, and I am thrilled beyond belief. This will probably sound odd, but I feel more comfortable than when I'm in the residential sections going 25 mph with cars and bikes and kids constantly ready to jump out and nail me. I am still watching vigilantly, but I feel more in control. Of course, when it gets very twisty and I am expected to go 55, I start to get nervous; after all, it's only been four days since my first go at 55 mph!

I did have to re-learn how to return a wave. I had done it at lower speeds, but at these higher speeds, I had a hard time keeping my hand from flying backwards. Turns out that you need to wave "sideways" so that your hand doesn't work like a sail :-)

[Easy Rider]

I suppose its a natural progression of being comfortable at each new speed you hit.

Thoughts?

For most riders, yes.

[Doug577]

Once I finally got comfortable doing 45mph I started to loosen my death grip on the handlebars. But then I got on the freeway and made it up to 70 and it was 45 all over again.

Take your time getting comfortable with the speed - especially with turning at speed. I found that I needed the time to get comfortable with leaning the bike at speed without thinking I was going to fall over.

[Jer]

Death grip is right.

My hands hurt after doing that.

[alanmcorcoran]

... but beyond that, my progression has slowed. The wind buffeting and the lack of power abouve 55, especially on an incline, make me feel that this is not an appropriate vehicle for CA freeways (avg speed ~80.) I 've had it north of 60 for a bit, but it feels like an Apollo liftoff or the like. Not super comfortable, and I wonder about braking and handling at that speed. (I just wonder about it, I don't attempt it.)

If I stick with riding, I'll be getting something beefier for the freeways.

[Jer]

I've wondered if larger bikes are more comfortable at those speeds too.

[music man]

Yes they are, My sister bought a 600 honda shadow earlier in the year, and I rode it about 120 miles to her house (she didn't know how to ride yet), and I got it up to about 90mph before it started giving me the same uncomfortable feeling my GZ gives me at 55mph.


Later

[Easy Rider]

... make me feel that this is not an appropriate vehicle for CA freeways (avg speed ~80.)

Guess you missed the posts here where we've said that........about a hundred times !! ;)

Then there is the other discussion about how ANY bike is probably not appropriate for the freeways in a major city.
They don't MAKE a bike big enough for me to ride on the Interstates around Chicago, LA, New York, Atlanta, etc.

[music man]

... make me feel that this is not an appropriate vehicle for CA freeways (avg speed ~80.)

Guess you missed the posts here where we've said that........about a hundred times !! ;)

Then there is the other discussion about how ANY bike is probably not appropriate for the freeways in a major city.
They don't MAKE a bike big enough for me to ride on the Interstates around Chicago, LA, New York, Atlanta, etc.



Amen brother Easy.

[patrick_777]

They don't MAKE a bike big enough for me to ride on the Interstates around Chicago, LA, New York, Atlanta, etc.

I dispute you, sir.

http://www.idlerants.com/images/giant01.jpg

[alanmcorcoran]

...according to the member list, Dupo has posted over 16 million times, ;). If I gotta check first to see if he already said something, well, I got TV to watch and underage girls to chat up and there's only so many hours in a day. Besides, I'm pretty sure between Patrick and Jonathan, every thought that has ever occurred to mankind has already been articulated, debated and settled. We still gotta talk about something! Jer and I are newbs - don't destroy our innocence!

[patrick_777]

Besides, I'm pretty sure between Patrick and Jonathan, every thought that has ever occurred to mankind has already been articulated, debated and settled.

Thanks, but I'm actually a relative n00b too.
:2tup:

[Jer]

noob powers ACTIVATE!!!!!

[LilNinja77]

It's simple physics that make a larger, heavier motorcycle more comfortable to ride on the superslab.....but that same bike will generally suck around town or in the twisties (compared to a lighter bike). I have to agree with Easy, to me the interstate hell just wasn't designed for motorcycles in general and that's just one place I personally don't think I'd feel very comfortable with ANY bike.....hell I avoid the interstate in my pickup, I've just never found a reason that I *have* to take the 'slab. Eh, I'm just never in too much of a hurry though, I ain't gonna die if I'm 5 minutes late to anywhere. Just my .02.

On that note though, how 'bout this old beast:
http://www.postimage.org/PquW9Ki.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=PquW9Ki)

Ride safe

[Easy Rider]

Jer and I are newbs - don't destroy our innocence!

That's part of the initiation. Take it like a man! :lol:

[Jer]

THANK YOU SIR MAY I HAVE ANOTHER!

:)

[alanmcorcoran]

...in Sunny California, there often isn't a non-freeway option that doesn't triple the mileage. We live where the freeway was invented and many of our main arteries are the only option to get out of the L.A. Basin. For example, I can go to Corona Motorsports in 9 miles if I go on the freeway. (My closest Suzuki dealer - in the next town.) If I avoid the freeway, I have to go through 4 other towns and do a 35 mile triangle each way. (One of the legs of which is actually a pretty sweet canyon twisty.)

It's a similar deal for going to Malibu, or Santa Barbara, or any one of a number of other popular destinations. Our part of the country is a lot newer and with the mountain ranges and their associated passes, there's just not as many options.

I *can* go to the beach (Newport, Corona, Huntington) with only a mile or two on the freeway. But I'm not really a sun and sand person. Especially not with all my riding crap on.

[patrick_777]

The Google shows a railroad line between you and Corona, you could off-road it a little bit...

[alanmcorcoran]

...There is also a pretty nice bike (bicycle) trail (runs along the Santa Ana River to the golf course) but "motorized vehicles" aren't allowed. (I think the GZ, small as it is, still qualifies as motorized.) Ironically, the bike trail goes right past a Motocross course where you can see the dirt riders flying over the rollers. Suppose I could duckwalk 'er through there.

Turn on the satellite image, and choose the option "avoid highway" and you'll see what I mean. I live on Brianna Way in Anaheim.

[Easy Rider]

...in Sunny California, there often isn't a non-freeway option that doesn't triple the mileage.

Lots of things are "inverted" on the left coast. ;)

Where you are, I question the usefullness of a small bike/scooter for communting......unless you are REAL close to work.....which, in itself, is a rarity. If you actually intend to commute on the freeways, the GZ probably isn't a good choice.

So, a GZ in your environment, would be more of a pleasure vehicle, I would think.
In a lot of places, the traffic on the freeways is lighter on the weekends but IIRC where you are, that doesn't even really apply.

Silk purse, sows ear........and all that. :cry:

[alanmcorcoran]

...My office is about 4 mi's from the house. No freeway nec. (I chose the location precisely for that reason.) It's the pleasure rides that are the challenge. Not to worry. If I stick with it, I will get something bigger for the freeway. Maybe even with a windshield and everything. Remember, the freeway cops ride BMW's out here.

[Jenny]

...My office is about 4 mi's from the house. No freeway nec. (I chose the location precisely for that reason.) It's the pleasure rides that are the challenge. Not to worry. If I stick with it, I will get something bigger for the freeway. Maybe even with a windshield and everything. Remember, the freeway cops ride BMW's out here.

I love my windshield. I can't imagine doing higher speeds without it!

[Moedad]

...My office is about 4 mi's from the house. No freeway nec. (I chose the location precisely for that reason.) It's the pleasure rides that are the challenge. Not to worry. If I stick with it, I will get something bigger for the freeway. Maybe even with a windshield and everything. Remember, the freeway cops ride BMW's out here.

My office is 8 miles, no freeway necessary either. Hardly any turns even. I make a turn out of my tract and a turn into my office complex. Couple of turns negotiating the inner roadways and parking garage and that's it. The most exciting part of the ride is going through the tunnel under the runway at Long Beach Airport.

[Jenny]

...My office is about 4 mi's from the house. No freeway nec. (I chose the location precisely for that reason.) It's the pleasure rides that are the challenge. Not to worry. If I stick with it, I will get something bigger for the freeway. Maybe even with a windshield and everything. Remember, the freeway cops ride BMW's out here.

My office is 8 miles, no freeway necessary either. Hardly any turns even. I make a turn out of my tract and a turn into my office complex. Couple of turns negotiating the inner roadways and parking garage and that's it. The most exciting part of the ride is going through the tunnel under the runway at Long Beach Airport.

My job is, sadly, less than a mile from my house. Since getting my GZ250, I've had to start leaving 20-30 minutes early so that I can take the round about, long way in and still get to work with enough time to change out of my gear!

[Jer]

Mine is 22 miles or so from home via the interstate. (60mph avg)

I'll be criss-crossing thru town and taking about 45min now with the GZ. Hitting 40mph max.

Something tells me it'll be more fun though.

[mr. softie]

I enjoy the GZ on the interstate cuz it eats the miles up at 65 to 75. I am amazed by this little motor! I had 305 and a 450 Hondas that had less guts. Without a windshield any bike will be hell above 55 or so. With a properly sized and adjusted windshield it's a blast. I have near still air at 65. As far as maintaining top speed got to Keep the revs up is all. I have read here the 250 redlines at ~87 mph or so. No worries about over reving at 75. (I have hit 83 indicated a few times.) I find that I tend to ride as fast as I can when on the I road, and get a little more speed by rolling off the throttle a bit. And no speeding tickets on the GZ :rawk: unlike on my Moto Guzzi (135 in a 55) :blush: Plus 65 to 75 MPG as opposed to 35 to 40 on a bigger bike. Those savings buy a pretty good dinner!

[Jer]

What does a windshield cost for a GZ250?

[Easy Rider]

What does a windshield cost for a GZ250?

Aside from the small one offered by Suzuki, none are made specifically for the GZ.
Most any "universal" shield can be made to fit with a little tinkering.
Prices range from ~ $80 to $200 or more.

[Jer]

Thanks!

[Jer]

I'm getting a lot more comfortable very quickly.

I have about 110 miles behind me and from zero to 40 I am 100% comfortable.

40-45 I'm about 75% comfortable.

45+ I'm still working on. I've done about 20 miles at 55 and its a bit windy.

[alanmcorcoran]

(135 in a 55)

Geez, Mr. Softie, I thought I was King of the Speeding Tickets, but I bow to your superior accomplishments. The last time I went that fast (145, my PR) it was in 1974 as a passenger in my brother's '67 Mustang when we were running from the po-po after someone called the cops on a street race that turned ugly. Only time I ever got away clean, too. Thing was shaking and rattling just like my GZ does at 60.

I can't imagine doing those speeds on two wheels, although I understand it is quite common.

[rayzuki]

I am up to about 45. Don't have the nerve to go much faster yet.

[Jer]

The wind is what gets me. Its just noisy and quite strong.

I'd be worried about going that fast at night. I worry about being able to see potholes and whatever in the dark.

[primal]

I guess I just got used to the speed quickly. For the first week I didn't break 30 (rode the rural roads around here). My first trip at 55 MPH was a bit iffy but after 2-3 trips I was perfectly comfortable. Still, 45 on a motorcycle still feels like 70 in a car. ;)

[Orpheus]

I guess I just got used to the speed quickly. For the first week I didn't break 30 (rode the rural roads around here). My first trip at 55 MPH was a bit iffy but after 2-3 trips I was perfectly comfortable. Still, 45 on a motorcycle still feels like 70 in a car. ;)

45 seems to be about the threshold where the speed makes a HUGE difference. Once you get used to 45, though, everything faster seems pretty similar and it doesn't really take much more adjustment on your part.

[alanmcorcoran]

I feel peer pressure on single lane twisties. I don't want to be the a**hole holding everybody up, but if I ain't been down this particular snakey deal before, I'm a little tentative in the curves and can't really hold the speed limit. If it's safe to do so, I pull over to the right and let the impatient go by, but sometimes its a double yellow and no shoulder and I have a (insert stereotype here) in an F150 bearing down on me like a heat seeking missile. I have no problem getting up to 60 or just a tad more on the smooth straights (mine doesn't really go much faster than that [yet]), but it's different story when I can't see what's around the bend.

Frankly, I'm anxiously awaiting that magical day when my Suzy breaks out of her shell and... just... starts... going... FASTER. Okay, I guess I don't really believe that's actually going to happen, but many have claimed exactly that on this site. I love to go fast. Just ask Officer Van Horn. Or Johnson. Or Gonsalves. Or McNamara. Or Kim. Or Mezzacappa. Or..

[Dupo]

Alan, it all comes with experience. I used to feel the same way back then. Once you get to know your bike and how it handles and it becomes second nature to you, you will be able to take those unknown twisty roads with ease. Its all about entering the corner correctly. ONce you have that down, the unknown back road twists just come natural.

[Dupo]

The wind is what gets me. Its just noisy and quite strong.

I'd be worried about going that fast at night. I worry about being able to see potholes and whatever in the dark.

The wind noise and feeling 'like a kite' at speed goes away. You just get used to it. For me it took a week or two to get used to the kite feeling. The noise took a bit longer but now i can ride without a helmet or (believe it or not) glasses. Your body just adjusts to it after getting used to it. And no, i dont wanna hear about me not wearing a helmet :redflip: 99% of the time im wearing glasses, but i can handle without them up to about 50mph.

Going fast at night is no different than the day time. Its called 'scanning the road' ahead of you. You should always scan the roadway while riding. Your headlight should be adjusted correctly so that you can see well ahead of you and you should always pay attention to road surfaces. If you are doing the speed limit and scanning .... you should see any road hazards (potholes) before you hit them. Theres always going to be those that jump out on you ... god knows i have hit them, and i dont have any shocks on my bike (can you say balls in your throat?).

[Dupo]

What does a windshield cost for a GZ250?

I know i am a little behind on this one but>>>>

http://www.slipstreamer.com/Product/Sport/sport.html S-06 Spitfire windshield.

You can get one for under $50 from MAWonline http://www.mawonline.com/slipstre.htm#Windshields

S-06 Spitfire 'bout 1/2 way down the page.

http://www.dupo24.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=379&g2_serialNumber=1

[Jer]

VERY NICE! I just may order one of those here real soon.

Question...

(48824) $45.95 Slipstreamer S-06 Spitfire Windshield w/ 7/8" Kit Clear Mfg.#: S06C
(01169) $48.95 Slipstreamer S-06 Spitfire Windshield 7/8" Kit Tinted Mfg.#: S06ACM

What's the 7/8" vs 1" about????

[Sarris]

Handlebar diameter. GZ's have a 7/8" handlebar. Tint or clear is also a decision you'll have to make.

:)

[Jer]

Gotcha thanks!.

Yeah, I saw that. What are your thoughts on tinted????

[Sarris]

I usually buy tinted as it cuts alot of glare here in Florida, plus it looks cool on my black bike. Since most people (including myself) look over and not through the windshield, it's more of a personal preference issue than functional issue.

[Jer]

Since most people (including myself) look over and not through the windshield,

Those were my thoughts too.

And mine is black as well.

:)

[Jenny]

I guess I just got used to the speed quickly. For the first week I didn't break 30 (rode the rural roads around here). My first trip at 55 MPH was a bit iffy but after 2-3 trips I was perfectly comfortable. Still, 45 on a motorcycle still feels like 70 in a car. ;)

It took me a long time adjusting to "lower" speeds and just learning my bike. My first attempt at more than 35 in a residential zone, I went out early in the morning with a friend following me. I assumed that I'd be scared and horrified at higher speeds and that I'd be lucky to get the bike to 45 even though my only option was to go in a 55 mph zone to get it that fast.

I adapted incredibly quickly and absolutely loved it. However, I've been a passenger for years, so I knew what the feeling of the bike was like when it moves quickly, and I'd already learned about not looking at the road *right* in front of the bike but instead to look farther up the road so that you can see what's coming then use peripheral vision to avoid something that's right there (it's not just for safety, it's also because you get the feeling that you're traveling a million miles an hour and force yourself to slow down only to realize that you never got over 35-40!).

Interesting note - I have a great helmet, but like all helmets, the wind noise is very, very high. That wind noise really creates problems with my hearing (I get off the bike and am yelling at my partner because I can't even hear myself speak). When I'm riding around town, I don't bother with ear plugs, but when I'm on long rides, I do use them. I didn't believe people who told me so, but I can still hear cars passing me. I can still hear my bike so I can go by sound and feel as far as knowing when to shift, I can hear church bells, I can hear sirens, I can even sit on my bike and have a conversation with my partner with both of us in earplugs with our bikes turned on (my plugs are rated at 22, I don't know what that means, but it seems to be ag ood number!). What I can't hear is that wind. When I'm wearing earplugs on the roads that go over 50, I don't FEEL buffeted as much because there's not a huge wind blast in my ear.

[primal]

Alan, it all comes with experience. I used to feel the same way back then. Once you get to know your bike and how it handles and it becomes second nature to you, you will be able to take those unknown twisty roads with ease. Its all about entering the corner correctly. ONce you have that down, the unknown back road twists just come natural.

One thing I've started here recently now that I'm more comfortable with my bike and its capabilities is really start thinking about the path through the turn. Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGMkUaWeSTI (his videos are great and a blast to watch!).

The main thing I've learned is that if you are making a blind turn (lots of those here in WV) make sure you don't ride too close to the center line!

[Orpheus]

And no, i dont wanna hear about me not wearing a helmet

After you suffer the brain damage, you won't understand what they're saying anyway.
:2tup:

[alanmcorcoran]

Thanks for tips primal and Dupo. I think I mainly just need more saddle time. I understand the theory of the turns, and 95% of the time I get it right (I still have minor slip ups every ride, everything from inappropriate gearing to sloppy startups to remedial downshifts.) What I was specifically having trouble with was entering and exiting turns fast enough to stay ahead of car traffic. As you well know, cars tend to travel at about 10 to 15 over the "recommended" signage. Generally, I can do the turns pretty comfortably at signage speeds (but not always.) And sometimes I just tense up a bit on the higher speed, yet blind, curves (fear of the unknown, mostly.) I can always do a lot better the second time down the same stretch, even if it is in reverse. I guess I have an overactive imagination that the road may suddenly disappear or drop off a cliff or something. I've occasionally had the same trouble in a car going up 395 to Tahoe or Yosemite, so it's not just the bike. Probably just trying to go too fast.

Primal - I watched the video. Pretty funny, but the dude used the full width of the roadway every time he made a turn - this is very poor technique to say the least. Any traffic coming in the opposite direction and he's going to have a head on collision. You have to stay on your side! Maybe this is supposed to be a one way road, but I've never seen a one way road out in the middle of nowhere. He also didn't mention the outside, inside, outside method for maximizing visibility and reducing the chances of getting clipped by someone crossing over the center line coming the other way. He did a good job on the slow down to enter and gas up to exit part.

[primal]

Primal - I watched the video. Pretty funny, but the dude used the full width of the roadway every time he made a turn - this is very poor technique to say the least. Any traffic coming in the opposite direction and he's going to have a head on collision. You have to stay on your side! Maybe this is supposed to be a one way road, but I've never seen a one way road out in the middle of nowhere. He also didn't mention the outside, inside, outside method for maximizing visibility and reducing the chances of getting clipped by someone crossing over the center line coming the other way. He did a good job on the slow down to enter and gas up to exit part.

It's a rural single-lane road in Idaho (hmm... I'm guessing in Anaheim you aren't familiar with such a thing, are you?), and certainly not a blind turn. Do you know how difficult it would be to illustrate the same concept without using the full width of the road? In fact, its the very reason he chose to go way out in the middle of nowhere to show the concept rather than on the streets in town. ;) The actual video was itself about the placement of the "inside" of the outside-inside-outside technique.

[Jer]

I can always do a lot better the second time down the same stretch, even if it is in reverse.

Man, Alan is hardcore. Making turns in REVERSE now!!!!!

Show-off...


:lol:

[Magnar Infectus]

I can always do a lot better the second time down the same stretch, even if it is in reverse.

Man, Alan is hardcore. Making turns in REVERSE now!!!!!

Show-off...


:lol:
And rich. You wouldn't believe how much it costs to have a reverse gear put in a GZ250. I couldn't afford it so I had to do without.
:neener:

[Easy Rider]

And no, i dont wanna hear about me not wearing a helmet

After you suffer the brain damage, you won't understand what they're saying anyway.
:2tup:

TOO LATE! :biggrin: :crackup

[alanmcorcoran]

It's a rural single-lane road in Idaho (hmm... I'm guessing in Anaheim you aren't familiar with such a thing, are you?), and certainly not a blind turn. Do you know how difficult it would be to illustrate the same concept without using the full width of the road? In fact, its the very reason he chose to go way out in the middle of nowhere to show the concept rather than on the streets in town. ;) The actual video was itself about the placement of the "inside" of the outside-inside-outside technique.

I kind of get it, but, to me, if you are going to go to the trouble of working on your skills, you should focus on developing consistent habits that will be there for you when you need to do them instinctually. This means always using both brakes, even though we all know it's not really necessary. And never crossing the center line, even though there is no traffic coming. Then, when circumstances are not ideal and you have to do something without thinking (react), you are more likely to come out of it "miraculously." Even in the guy's animation he shows the path of travel crossing the center line. I've seen two examples of this in the MSF course (apex, and outside/inside/outside) and several more in Proficient Motorcycling and none of them showed the bike crossing the center line. In fact, Proficient opens with a true story about a multiple fatality caused by that exact error. It's nice that the guy made the video and I think he has excellent intentions, but I think it is flawed nonetheless. Just my two cents.

PS. I have actually ridden beyond the borders of Anaheim. And more than once! (Plus, I have also lived other places outside of this bustling metropolis, like Ithaca NY, Edison NJ and so on.) So, yes I am familiar with the boonies!

[Jer]

I'll show you guys boonies.....

[music man]

I don't think that anywhere in New Jersey, or Ithaca New York could be considered the boonies, I can take you places where if you get lost they probably won't ever even find your body.


Later

[patrick_777]

You obviously have never watched The Sopranos.

[music man]

Yes I realize that there are plenty of places in New York(especially upstate) and New Jersey to get rid of a body, but that doesn't mean that it is the boonies.

Later

[Dupo]

I'll show you guys boonies.....

I had to read that twice, i thought he wrote 'ill show you guys some boobies' :blush:

[alanmcorcoran]

Sarris's?

[Sarris]

Alan;

:fu: :fu: :fu: and :fu: again.

I mean that in the very nicest way possible!

[Magnar Infectus]

Wow, I love you guys. Errm... in a biker-brother kinda way.

[Easy Rider]

Wow, I love you guys. Errm... in a biker-brother kinda way.


Be careful with that. There ARE people on here from California, you know!!! O_o

:haha2: