engine size for interstate highways? - Page 2

JunkyardDog · 03-19-2010, 08:57 PM

I would, and don't, have any problem riding the Rebel on "interstate highways". But as was mentioned in another thread, urban freeways are 10 times more dangerous, and many times you need a bike that will quickly accelerate to 100 mph or more to keep from getting squashed on those roads. Most of them are at least 5 lanes wide, the traffic is heavy, the speeds are high, and since most everybody is on their way to work, they are doing everything BUT driving. There is a LOT of lane changing, often without signals, cars constantly getting on and off, it's basically a crazy stampede, and if you get hit, you will probably get hit several times before anybody notices. They will be picking you up in little itty bitty pieces. Definitely not a place for an inexperienced rider or a slow bike. Interstate highways are usually fine if you just maintain a constant 55 mph or more, and stay in the right lane. Jerry.

**Henryinva** · 03-19-2010, 09:08 PM

Ride 95 from Richmond to D.C.area.....If it wont hit 90, yer gonna die...

**flitecontrol** · 03-19-2010, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JunkyardDog

Interstate highways are usually fine if you just maintain a constant 55 mph or more, and stay in the right lane. Jerry.

And keep an eye out for the idiot approaching from behind that assumes you too are doing 80 mph. Flash your brakes and be ready to pull onto the shoulder if he's slow to respond.

**bev2** · 04-25-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atis

I asked this question at NYS DMV when I ws registering my Elite 80, since in NY it requires a motorcycle endorsement. I was told that as a motorcycle it could go on any highway that I was able to maintain the minimum speed limit, usually 40 MPH, which is no problem for the awesome 80 cc's. Would I do it? Not on your life, or mine!

I have a 2007 Elite 80 in mothballs since I bought the Rebel, and no way would I consider taking it anywhere near a highway! I know what it can and can't do. Most I ever got out of it was 40 going down hill at w.o.t.

**socalmarcus** · 04-26-2010, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JunkyardDog

It would be suicide to try and ride a Rebel on the local urban freeways, which have a lot more lanes, a lot more exits, a lot more traffic, and much higher speeds.

I rode mine from San Diego to OC when I bought it. I told my wife to stay behind me in the car to keep me from getting squashed. I'd never do that again.

I have ridden it to work on the 5, between the 405/5 and 55/5 interchanges - 2 of the top 10 busiest interchanges in the US. The freeway there is in good shape, flat, has wide lanes and a separated carpool lane which MC's can ride solo in. The ride was OK but I didn't want to do it regularly. I've seen a guy on a Rebel 250 who seems to commute on that section regularly. I wonder if he changed his sprocket.

**igjosh** · 04-26-2010, 04:11 PM

Highway here does not bother me much but I travel to work at night when there is little traffic and little traffic coming from downtown when I get off.

**bev2** · 04-26-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalmarcus

I rode mine from San Diego to OC when I bought it. I told my wife to stay behind me in the car to keep me from getting squashed. I'd never do that again.

I have ridden it to work on the 5, between the 405/5 and 55/5 interchanges - 2 of the top 10 busiest interchanges in the US. The freeway there is in good shape, flat, has wide lanes and a separated carpool lane which MC's can ride solo in. The ride was OK but I didn't want to do it regularly. I've seen a guy on a Rebel 250 who seems to commute on that section regularly. I wonder if he changed his sprocket.

Here you have to have at least a 250cc to get on any freeway.

**jboy** · 04-26-2010, 07:59 PM

My rebel does 75-80, so I think it would do ok on most freeways in terms of speed. But it sure does get scary because it's so light.

**Blueberry** · 04-26-2010, 08:02 PM

I will ride the Rebel on the interstate if I have to. The Rebel is fine. Its the drivers around here that are not. I run 65 mph. The Royal Enfield, at 500 cc. no. Its a 55 mph cruise motorcycle. The Honda 90 tops out at 60 or so, so no way. Its real happy at 40 mph.

**Fridgitator** · 04-26-2010, 09:40 PM

I ride my Reb on the highway regularly. I commute about twenty miles each way on urban interstate, changing roads twice. I use the HOV lane in the morning, but usually not on the return trip because the merge on requires a left exit after a blind curve, and crossing entering traffic. It just isn't worth the stress unless traffic is stop and go. Then it's pretty easy. I'm familiar enough with the ride to know which lane I want to be in at any point. There are areas with bad pavement, lots of traffic entering and exiting, etc. where the right lane is bad news. Other areas where traffic moves faster than my comfort zone, so I stay right. I was intimidated at first, but honestly, there are fewer surprises on the highway than there are on surface streets with blind intersections and the like. Statistically, You're more likely to get seriously hurt in a highway accident, but less likely to be in one to begin with. It really comes down to what you are comfortable with. On a really nice afternoon, I'll spend twice as long riding back roads home just to enjoy the ride. In the morning, my mission is to get to work alive. HOV lane, open up and go.