For those of us riding/commuting in traffic, what are some helpful tips. My biggest problems are:

Hands get numb from clutching and braking.

Bike overheats.

Having the urge to lane split, even though it's illegal and dangerous.


My commute was 1.5 hrs today and is usually 30 min. So I'm sure you guys/gals have some tips or suggestions to make riding in traffic more enjoyable.

 

Move.

 

I hate when I sit in traffic and the bike over heats.

 

Man...1.5 hours in traffic in this heat...sometimes it just isn't worth it to ride to work.

 

Can't really do too much if you can't lane split. I suggest drive your car and blast the A/C w/ the radio playing. Iono.. in Cali, lane splitting is like heaven to me; one of the main reasons I bought a bike.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hybridreams &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Man...1.5 hours in traffic in this heat...sometimes it just isn't worth it to ride to work.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No doubt. My morning commute would be awesome in this weather but I'm not even willing to do 30 minutes in 90° traffic on the way home so my bike stays at home. God invented air conditioning for a reason and I intended to make good use of it.

 

Is there a way to find a new route?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Home Skillet &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For those of us riding/commuting in traffic, what are some helpful tips. My biggest problems are:

Hands get numb from clutching and braking.

Bike overheats.

Having the urge to lane split, even though it's illegal and dangerous.


My commute was 1.5 hrs today and is usually 30 min. So I'm sure you guys/gals have some tips or suggestions to make riding in traffic more enjoyable. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I like lane-splitting...that's the only reason I'd take my bike on a commute, to save time and money on parking. If you're not going to use the bike's ability to weave through traffic, I'd just drive in heat like we're having here now.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Move.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Next year I am, but until then.......
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hybridreams &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Man...1.5 hours in traffic in this heat...sometimes it just isn't worth it to ride to work.</TD></TR></TABLE>
But summer calls to me.............

 

Your hand hurts from using the front brake? = use the rear brake, I use my rear more than the front ( I know it sounds weird). For both the clutch and brake can you adjust how far away the levers are, you can also try rotating them down or up a little, that helped me.

Your bike over heats? What kind of bike is it? If it's not an RC I don't wanna hear it j/k

Lane splitting saves sooooo much time, glad it's legal here in Cali..............had some close calls though, bastard cagers

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by backlash &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Your bike over heats? What kind of bike is it? </TD></TR></TABLE>
91 Katana 1100.

 

I have never used it, but have you tried that engine ice stuff?

added stuff to above post

 

Adjust your idle a little higher so you only have to use your clutch. Rewire your fan to a switch. Use heavier oil. Get one of those full face helmet's that opens the whole front. Go to sharper image and get one of those 'just add water' A/C that goes on like a necklace. Wear a summer jacket. Use a Camelbak and fill it with ice cold Gatorade. Rig a heat shield on the rear of your fairings. Dunno.. there's probably more.

 

Lane splitting is legal in CA? Can someone (else) confirm/deny this?

The rear brake in traffic is a good suggestion, I do this in bumper to bumper.

 

It is legal, CHP does it all the time and I have done it behind CHP. The DMV does not state that it is prohibited, where as other states prohibit it. I have been splitting and passed cops as well as stopped right next to them CA is one of the few states that allows lane splitting, although most drivers think it's illegal...........and some try to crowd you out.......bastards.

Yeah using the rear brake especially at slow speeds aids in balancing the bike and gives more overall control...for me at least.

 

Lane splitting is legal in california. Everyone does it, even cops.

http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/motors.html

Scroll to the bottom where it says "Riding Tips"

 

Lane splitting behind a cop is like having your own personal snow plow in front ot you hehe

 

its legal but if u get hit insurance wont cover it. because its taking a risk in california

 

I use the breakdown lanes where i can hear in FL but it's risky because of the cops. I've been pulled over on campus for using the bike lane to pass 2 cars on the right when waiting at a red light to make a right turn and the officer yelled at me for 10min. He was pissed so I don't do that anymore, lol.

 

Some things I looked up in case VA people care...

§ 46.2-857. - Illegal to drive two abreast (lane split)

§ 46.2-1078. - Illegal to use earphones on or in both ears.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by My Gsx-R 750 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">its legal but if u get hit insurance wont cover it. because its taking a risk in california</TD></TR></TABLE>

I find that hard to believe because just driving, or riding on any road over 10 mph is a risk. If it's legal and they don't specify it in their policy I doubt they could deny your claim. They may drop you afterwards but I'm willing to be if you were denied and sued you'd win.

 

What is lane spliting?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Swags04 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What is lane spliting? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Riding in between cars.

 

Ah, is it legal in PA? I doubt it

 

I believe CA is the only legal state to lane split, someone correct me if I'm wrong.