I have ridden both types of formations,but if I were used to one way of riding(in this case staggard).I would not like a stranger changing my riding habits,especially if he made me feel uncomfortable.Once you stiffen up(which it sounds like you did).It tends to take away your usual ability to ride.Now your worried about not only yourself,but him as well.Once he got into my SAFETY zone,I would have either made him backoff or waved him on.Rule #1 in riding,create a saftey & don't let anyone in.[sm=shootshoot.gif]

 

Thanks Forum for the GOOD info. I have ridden many formations in the past and never knew what the RULES were. JUDGEMENT plays a major role here and some just have more than others........ hdman

 

I just bought my 03 FLHTPI in September, my first bike since my 81 650 yamaha. The typical bike for a few years while younger, and then back into riding when older. I have been on a grand total of 1 group ride, with a couple of other mellow riders like myself. The more I read, the less I want anything to do with a group or formation ride. I want as much space around me as possible. I have several (experienced, mellow) people that I trust and will evetually ride with. But, I don't even like the "approved" group ride "rules" (2 seconds, staggered, etc.). I like to be able use all of my lane depending on what's happening around me, and I want maximum space in front and back. When I do ride with others, I plan on being pretty firm about spacing and riding only in small groups (maybe 4 or less). Forget 2 seconds and staggered, I will want 5 or 6 seconds and the ability to use all of my lane as needed. Maybe a little closer at really slow speeds. Maybe everyone will think I'm nuts and I'll be out alone again. And if that happens, I'll keep enjoying just what I've been enjoying for the last 5 months. We'll see.

Ride safe and God Bless.

Doug

 

I would ride anywhere, anytime with my brother side by side, because after over 30 years I just seem to know where he is going. Anyone else, I may dart up for a second to say hi, or allow someone else up close for a short distance, but then I get in staggerd formation and ride.

 

My first brand new, street bike, was a 78 650 Special. Man, I loved that bike. Wished I still had it today.

 

[quote][A little off topic, but whats the etiquette when pulling to a stop light. Is it ok to be side by side or should you stay staggered. If side by side, who pulls out first. I'm sure I could find this by searching, but thougt since it was being discussed I woudl ask.../quote]when you pull up to the lite first you stage, then when the lite turns green you get it fist one to60mph gets to be up front . lol just kidding i agree staggerd. even if thers just to riders

 

Snarly, thanks for the info. We used to ride side-by-side years ago when we took a couple trips with 12 bikes, but staggered positions sounds much safer.

 

Great Stuff Snarley ! Keep that kind of stuff up and they will be calling you "the perfessor". Thanks for the post !

 

Depending on the conditions, both ways of riding are fine.

I typically ride in a group and the norm is staggared. However, if traffic is moving really slow (less than 20 mph) or if we're on wide open lane highways with little to no traffic, occasionally we ride side by side. But the norm is staggared simply because of safety. At stop lights, we all move up side by side.

 

I have rode like that but only with a buddy I knew well. Still all in all it is dangerous. I guess I would benefit from a MSF course. Tim