First Ill say I been riding for a few years now. (not a pro by any means) I do what I can to be safe in the city. and I been out a few back country highways. 30-45 min runs here and there. But I am planing a trip in the next month that will take me on the interstate for about the next 2 hrs. Wis Dells - Milwaukee, speed limit 65 Mph so we all know to most people that means 75-80 mph. My comfort level is in the 60-65 mph range so I already know not to move out of the Right lane (AKA slow lane) and i'm ok with that but what tips do you have to staying safe at much higher speeds. where to ride in your lane, major things to keep a eye out for. etc. Ill be leaving early saturday morning when traffic is at its least. yup ill admit a little bit of nerves but I got to "stretch my legs" at some point. Being prepaired for it will help

 

Avoid contact with automobiles.

 

go slightly faster than traffic, and avoid getting boxed in

 

Maybe you should wait till you are more comfortable with highway driving. Like try starting off with small rides on the freeway a few times before diving right into a 2 hour cruise on it.

 

I aggree. Do some short rides and gradually work into longer rides.

 

Im personally not a big fan of highway driving. It defeats the point of why I bought a Harley. I own a HD to enjoy the ride and the view, not much of either of those things are happening when I am on the highway.

 

Always try to position yourself according to the rear and side view mirrors of the cars ahead . Don't ever linger next to another vehicle, they don't know you're there! Sometimes it's best to be on the right side of the left lane and get past those "islands" of cars.

 

Enjoy the ride!

Maintain your maximum comfort level, ride with your eyes about 100 yds in front of you and your head on a swivel - all points 360 degrees.

Drink plenty of liquids because the stress may dehydrate you a little which lowers your performance.

Stay in the slow lane or HOV if the right hand is a merge lane.

If you get rattled, pull off the freeway and take a break- let your mind process your reaction to whatever happened.'

You are going to have a blast!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4orXJT5vIw

 

yep, find an open space, never tailgate/draft a semi.

 

I suggest that you get comfortable filtering traffic instead of being comfortable of letting the traffic filter past you. Always leave yourself an 'out', and understand that using it doesn't always equate to gettin' on the binders. Scan the road a good 15 seconds ahead of you... don't ever let yourself fixate on anything.