How do you handle HEAVY traffic?

ChaosFromAbove · July 2nd, 2010, 11:30 AM

I guess you could consider this a skill right? lol.

So I was just curious how people handle being stuck in heavy traffic on ther bikes. Lets set up a scenario: So your riding along and need to take the bridge home, you get off on the exit and BAM 5 mile heavy traffic jam to the bridge and over it. (temperature 85ºF) What do you do?

I've seen lots of people lane split even tho its illegal, but I guess thats better then having the bike overheat right?

<Start Controversy>

Alex · July 2nd, 2010, 11:49 AM

I'm in California. Why would I ever sit in traffic on a motorcycle?

ChaosFromAbove · July 2nd, 2010, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I'm in California. Why would I ever sit in traffic on a motorcycle?

lol...you sir, are one lucky bastard. Technically I COULD do it...like on the bridge since a cop really cnt do nething about it wen ur on it...

2WheelGuy · July 2nd, 2010, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I'm in California. Why would I ever sit in traffic on a motorcycle?

Me too. I tend to roll with traffic until it slows to less than 25mph, when it does I just move over and continue on between the cars at about 25mph perhaps a bit more.

sofo · July 2nd, 2010, 12:13 PM

I wear a wooden katana on my back... people give me lots of room.

Scott1620 · July 2nd, 2010, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaosFromAbove

So I was just curious how people handle being stuck in heavy traffic on ther bikes. Lets set up a scenario: So your riding along and need to take the bridge home, you get off on the exit and BAM 5 mile heavy traffic jam to the bridge and over it. (temperature 85ºF) What do you do?
<Start Controversy>

Was that the Delaware memorial bridge by any chance? I was stuck in traffic on that going into Jersey yesterday and it sucked

When it is going too slow to even have the clutch fully out in first gear I try to feather the rear brake while slipping the clutch to avoid stopping and putting my foot down. After a half mile of that your pretty exhausted though. Important to note that making sure the car behind you doesn't hit you when the traffic slows down is key as well...

And no I wont lane split, i just go along with traffic however painful it is...

DCBenson · July 2nd, 2010, 12:41 PM

Check your local laws. Here in Michigan we can ride the "Sholder". That is because air cooled bikes need to move and they don't specify that liquid cooled bikes can't.

tjkamper · July 2nd, 2010, 01:19 PM

Damn I miss living in California for that one reason.

I just stick it out like a good citizen. The worst is when you are in full gear and it is 95+

Fortunately now that I'm in Sandpoint, ID I should never have that problem.

Reswob · July 2nd, 2010, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaosFromAbove

I've seen lots of people lane split even tho its illegal, but I guess thats better then having the bike overheat right?

<Start Controversy>

Our bikes are liquid-cooled, they won't likely overheat sitting in traffic. Just suck it up. If it's moving, but super slow, I try my hardest not to have to stop and put a foot down. If it's stop and go, I just don't ever put my feet up. If I can see an exit sometimes I'll ride the shoulder to get off the highway.

Cedilla · July 2nd, 2010, 04:48 PM

I've never rode in really heavy traffic. Its a couple hour ride for me to go sit in traffic. Although I think I might go do that tomorrow for the fun of it.

ChaosFromAbove · July 2nd, 2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott1620

Was that the Delaware memorial bridge by any chance? I was stuck in traffic on that going into Jersey yesterday and it sucked

When it is going too slow to even have the clutch fully out in first gear I try to feather the rear brake while slipping the clutch to avoid stopping and putting my foot down. After a half mile of that your pretty exhausted though. Important to note that making sure the car behind you doesn't hit you when the traffic slows down is key as well...

And no I wont lane split, i just go along with traffic however painful it is...

Actually it was the Walt Whitman...****ing longest afternoon of my life, just about every bike in tht traffic was lane splitting so of course i ended up following the crowd and did it like 2 or 3 times...i felt like a cop was gonna spot me at any second so i bared with it for the most part.

miks · July 2nd, 2010, 10:02 PM

If anything I'll wait till speeds get lower than 40km/h then I'll filter through.

edbro · July 3rd, 2010, 09:35 AM

I'm in NJ as well and ride in NY a lot and I never sit in the traffic. If traffic is flowing less than 20 mph I'll split the cars every time, but anything above 20mph I just ride along with. There is no way I can sit in heavy traffic with full gear on, it is just too hot.

ninjabrewer · July 3rd, 2010, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I'm in California. Why would I ever sit in traffic on a motorcycle?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2WheelGuy

Me too. I tend to roll with traffic until it slows to less than 25mph, when it does I just move over and continue on between the cars at about 25mph perhaps a bit more.

Flashmonkey · July 4th, 2010, 07:37 PM

I sing to myself. It helps pass the time.

People lane split around here....but I don't. It'll rob me of precious singing time.

miks · July 4th, 2010, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flashmonkey

I sing to myself. It helps pass the time.

People lane split around here....but I don't. It'll rob me of precious singing time.

And here I was thinking that I was the only one, I sit there and yell my lungs out since no one can hear me, I play the drums on my tank, stomp my feet. Cagers probably think I'm mental but oh well ...

ChaosFromAbove · July 4th, 2010, 09:45 PM

lol love the last 2 replies. I do that at stop lights, a lot. I usually have my music on so i'll be bobbing my head to it and drumming and tapping my feet. I get some crazy looks from cagers...i love it! lol

karlosdajackal · July 5th, 2010, 12:42 AM

Link to original page on YouTube.

Newguy70 · July 5th, 2010, 05:10 AM

Splitting lanes here In Bangkok is a way of life on a bike. from spending a lot of my time here in Bangkok traffic, I swear by a few things.

1. Sunglasses

2. iPod

3. Eyedrops (car,bus, motorbike exhausts can due some damage)

4. Small camera ( you would be amazed at the things you see when sitting in traffic)

Lived in Jersey for 20 years prior to moving to Bangkok ( I don't recall seeing a motorbike getting pulled over for lane splitting in jersey or Philly)

dimeified · July 5th, 2010, 06:56 AM

Karl, nice vid. Yea i see you said ur bike needed gas and i see the gas light on but the needle is at half way. Also the red area is at the top. Does the gas gauge move UP towards empty?

karlosdajackal · July 5th, 2010, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dimeified

Karl, nice vid. Yea i see you said ur bike needed gas and i see the gas light on but the needle is at half way. Also the red area is at the top. Does the gas gauge move UP towards empty?

Its an FI bike so no gas gauge, that's the water temp gauge.

dimeified · July 5th, 2010, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlosdajackal

Its an FI bike so no gas gauge, that's the water temp gauge.

aaaahhhhh, thanks. good vid btw, i love the ass in the minivan who purposely tries to clockblock you (block you from saving time on the clock). people in nj are like that all the time, i get clockblocked on a regular basis by jealous cagers. seriously, if they wanna reap the benefits of being on a bike, they need to BUY A BIKE.

ChaosFromAbove · July 5th, 2010, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dimeified

aaaahhhhh, thanks. good vid btw, i love the ass in the minivan who purposely tries to clockblock you (block you from saving time on the clock). people in nj are like that all the time, i get clockblocked on a regular basis by jealous cagers. seriously, if they wanna reap the benefits of being on a bike, they need to BUY A BIKE.

lol i also love when cagers are trying to impress a chick in their car and attempt to race you, and you beat them with no effort.

I have to say I like how this thread is going, I thought ther would be more drama, but thers like none! love it! Also love that just about everyone agrees to lane splitting wen ur stuck in traffic on a hot as hell day wearing full gear. I totally agree with no lane splitting if traffic is moving.

mikecronis · July 9th, 2010, 07:04 PM

Says you're from South Jersey (which I'm guessing is southern New Jersey) by your avatar. You cannot split lanes, nor pass in the breakdown lane. You're stuck. Crack your helmet a bit and try to stay cool. Your bike's radiator fluid and ultra-small engine prevent the bike from overheating. You could idle at 120 degrees F. until you run out of gas and your bike will not overheat.

Sailariel · July 9th, 2010, 07:32 PM

Very nicely done. When done with your degree of competence, there is really no problem. Great riding.

ChaosFromAbove · July 10th, 2010, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailariel

Very nicely done. When done with your degree of competence, there is really no problem. Great riding.

was tht a stabb towards me? lolz. neways...it was wen i was on the bridge, and was following someone, so not much of a choice ther....not to mention i was in full gear and it was 100+ tht day...so if u wanna bake on the bridge knock yourself out. I prefer my health over the law.

caliente103 · July 10th, 2010, 03:10 AM

I lane split all the time but when traffic is not moving
Posted via Mobile Device

maglin · July 10th, 2010, 05:54 AM

Warning! Videos contains reckless driving !

Link to original page on YouTube.

ChaosFromAbove · July 10th, 2010, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caliente103

I lane split all the time but when traffic is not moving
Posted via Mobile Device

See at least u admit it. I personally cannot see why a bike should have to sit in traffic like a car. The only exception to this would be on a beautiful day where its the perfect temp. Cause you know you are not gonna wanna sit in rush hour traffic with full gear. its not plausible.

Btw...videos are cool...and i wish i had a frggin FI ninja =[

caliente103 · July 10th, 2010, 10:31 AM

the way I see it is your bike may not overheat but you WILL
Posted via Mobile Device

ChaosFromAbove · July 10th, 2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caliente103

the way I see it is your bike may not overheat but you WILL
Posted via Mobile Device

Exactly...health before law

GeorgiaHooligan · July 11th, 2010, 07:11 AM

Im glad my ninja is capable of teleporting

caliente103 · July 11th, 2010, 09:12 AM

Posted via Mobile Device

Techno250 · July 18th, 2010, 08:41 PM

No lane splitting in GA.

Was sitting in the cage on the way to work not too long ago, traffic was stopped because of an accident. Three Harleys pass us splitting the lanes. Yep, cops were just ahead of us, but the guys didn't see them until too late. I couldn't see what exactly happened because of an SUV in the way, but just a few moments later they guys were going the *opposite direction* down the emergency lane. Guess the State Patrol told 'em they had to go back some (random?) distance, or maybe the cops saw where they started to split lanes. Was kinda funny, in a way. Everyone ended up sitting there for about two hours until the mess was cleared.

CZroe · July 24th, 2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Techno250

No lane splitting in GA.

Was sitting in the cage on the way to work not too long ago, traffic was stopped because of an accident. Three Harleys pass us splitting the lanes. Yep, cops were just ahead of us, but the guys didn't see them until too late. I couldn't see what exactly happened because of an SUV in the way, but just a few moments later they guys were going the *opposite direction* down the emergency lane. Guess the State Patrol told 'em they had to go back some (random?) distance, or maybe the cops saw where they started to split lanes. Was kinda funny, in a way. Everyone ended up sitting there for about two hours until the mess was cleared.

I doubt that there's a law against walking them! In Peachtree City, I had to take mine through a crosswalk when the light wouldn't change and a cop pulled over to ask me "WTF?"

I told him I was pushing it like I would other property like luggage or a shopping cart.

jonthechron · July 25th, 2010, 01:37 AM

I've been in ~5 miles of heavy traffic and the temps were over 100 F + humidity, it honestly wasn't THAT bad.

85F I consider to be a nice day, not too hot not too cool, when it starts hitting 115F then it starts to get hot, and that's 115F without the heat from the engine crawling up onto you.

KJohnson21 · July 25th, 2010, 09:17 AM

I found some interesting information and trivia about lane splitting here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting

This site has information about recent efforts to legalize lane splitting in some states: http://www.laneshare.org/index.html

spooph · July 29th, 2010, 06:55 AM

I envy you Karl... That was awesome!

headshrink · July 30th, 2010, 01:32 AM

I find myself lane splitting less and less.... the novelty has worn off, and it is too stressful for a leisurely ride. However, it sure was useful that day an accident brought the freeway to a halt and I was late for work. When I did it more frequently, it was mostly at lights. I even do that a lot less. More power to you if you can and do though.

July 2nd, 2010, 11:30 AM	#1
ChaosFromAbove Money is a drug. Name: Chaos Location: South Jersey Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX-6r, 2010 250r (RIP) Posts: 251	How do you handle HEAVY traffic? I guess you could consider this a skill right? lol. So I was just curious how people handle being stuck in heavy traffic on ther bikes. Lets set up a scenario: So your riding along and need to take the bridge home, you get off on the exit and BAM 5 mile heavy traffic jam to the bridge and over it. (temperature 85ºF) What do you do? I've seen lots of people lane split even tho its illegal, but I guess thats better then having the bike overheat right? <Start Controversy>

July 2nd, 2010, 11:49 AM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	I'm in California. Why would I ever sit in traffic on a motorcycle? __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

July 2nd, 2010, 01:19 PM	#8
tjkamper ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Travis Location: Warwick, RI Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Damn I miss living in California for that one reason. I just stick it out like a good citizen. The worst is when you are in full gear and it is 95+ Fortunately now that I'm in Sandpoint, ID I should never have that problem. __________________________________________________ Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls.

July 2nd, 2010, 04:48 PM	#10
Cedilla ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Huntsville, AL Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 755	I've never rode in really heavy traffic. Its a couple hour ride for me to go sit in traffic. Although I think I might go do that tomorrow for the fun of it. __________________________________________________ The Ninjette is not a disposable bike. You are not ever supposed to get rid of it. It is like a [friendly] herpes virus.... once you got it, you get keep it forever. Originally posted by-Headshrink

July 2nd, 2010, 10:02 PM	#12
miks I'm lovin' it. Name: Mike Location: Melb, Australia Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Black 250R Posts: A lot.	If anything I'll wait till speeds get lower than 40km/h then I'll filter through. __________________________________________________ Son: When I grow up I want to ride a motorbike. Father: You can't do both son.

July 2nd, 2010, 12:13 PM	#5
sofo ninjette.org guru Name: Andrew Location: Vancouver, BC Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 410	I wear a wooden katana on my back... people give me lots of room.

July 2nd, 2010, 12:41 PM	#7
DCBenson ninjette.org member Name: DC Location: Sterling Heights, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (street) / 2009 Ninja 250R (track) Posts: 55	Check your local laws. Here in Michigan we can ride the "Sholder". That is because air cooled bikes need to move and they don't specify that liquid cooled bikes can't.

July 3rd, 2010, 09:35 AM	#13
edbro ninjette.org member Name: Ed Location: NJ Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 250r Posts: 157	I'm in NJ as well and ride in NY a lot and I never sit in the traffic. If traffic is flowing less than 20 mph I'll split the cars every time, but anything above 20mph I just ride along with. There is no way I can sit in heavy traffic with full gear on, it is just too hot.

July 4th, 2010, 07:37 PM	#15
Flashmonkey Professional belly dancer Name: James Location: Toronto Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 1992 GSX-R 750 Posts: A lot.	I sing to myself. It helps pass the time. People lane split around here....but I don't. It'll rob me of precious singing time.

July 4th, 2010, 09:45 PM	#17
ChaosFromAbove Money is a drug. Name: Chaos Location: South Jersey Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2011 ZX-6r, 2010 250r (RIP) Posts: 251	lol love the last 2 replies. I do that at stop lights, a lot. I usually have my music on so i'll be bobbing my head to it and drumming and tapping my feet. I get some crazy looks from cagers...i love it! lol

July 5th, 2010, 12:42 AM	#18
karlosdajackal ninjette.org guru Name: Karl Location: Ireland the Hawaii of Europe! Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Fuel Injected Model 2009 Posts: 357	Link to original page on YouTube. __________________________________________________ My vlogs on Youtube are here

July 5th, 2010, 05:10 AM	#19
Newguy70 ninjette.org member Name: Jay Location: Bangkok Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r Posts: 47	Splitting lanes here In Bangkok is a way of life on a bike. from spending a lot of my time here in Bangkok traffic, I swear by a few things. 1. Sunglasses 2. iPod 3. Eyedrops (car,bus, motorbike exhausts can due some damage) 4. Small camera ( you would be amazed at the things you see when sitting in traffic) Lived in Jersey for 20 years prior to moving to Bangkok ( I don't recall seeing a motorbike getting pulled over for lane splitting in jersey or Philly) Last futzed with by Newguy70; July 5th, 2010 at 05:19 AM. Reason: Spelling error

July 5th, 2010, 06:56 AM	#20
dimeified ninjette.org guru Name: Lucas Location: Pompton Lakes, NJ Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Blue 250R Posts: 446	Karl, nice vid. Yea i see you said ur bike needed gas and i see the gas light on but the needle is at half way. Also the red area is at the top. Does the gas gauge move UP towards empty? __________________________________________________ 2 thumbs up

July 9th, 2010, 07:04 PM	#24
mikecronis ninjette.org member Name: Mike Location: Colorado Springs, CO Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R-J, 2005 Honda Superhawk VTR1000 Posts: 95	Says you're from South Jersey (which I'm guessing is southern New Jersey) by your avatar. You cannot split lanes, nor pass in the breakdown lane. You're stuck. Crack your helmet a bit and try to stay cool. Your bike's radiator fluid and ultra-small engine prevent the bike from overheating. You could idle at 120 degrees F. until you run out of gas and your bike will not overheat.

July 9th, 2010, 07:32 PM	#25
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Very nicely done. When done with your degree of competence, there is really no problem. Great riding.

July 10th, 2010, 03:10 AM	#27
caliente103 ninjette.org member Name: HECTOR Location: Bronx NY Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): Red 08 250r Posts: 218	I lane split all the time but when traffic is not moving Posted via Mobile Device

July 10th, 2010, 05:54 AM	#28
maglin ninjette.org member Name: xaris Location: greece Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): what else? Posts: 121	Warning! Videos contains reckless driving ! Link to original page on YouTube. Link to original page on YouTube. __________________________________________________ -This signature rocks!!! Last futzed with by Alex; July 10th, 2010 at 07:28 AM. Reason: embedded the videos

July 10th, 2010, 10:31 AM	#30
caliente103 ninjette.org member Name: HECTOR Location: Bronx NY Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): Red 08 250r Posts: 218	the way I see it is your bike may not overheat but you WILL Posted via Mobile Device

July 11th, 2010, 07:11 AM	#32
GeorgiaHooligan ninjette.org guru Name: Aaron Location: Gone riding. Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 389	Im glad my ninja is capable of teleporting

July 11th, 2010, 09:12 AM	#33
caliente103 ninjette.org member Name: HECTOR Location: Bronx NY Join Date: Oct 2009 Motorcycle(s): Red 08 250r Posts: 218	Posted via Mobile Device

July 18th, 2010, 08:41 PM	#34
Techno250 bikeless n00b Name: Woody Location: Newnan, GA Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): None yet. My dream machine is a BLUE 250R. Posts: 91	No lane splitting in GA. Was sitting in the cage on the way to work not too long ago, traffic was stopped because of an accident. Three Harleys pass us splitting the lanes. Yep, cops were just ahead of us, but the guys didn't see them until too late. I couldn't see what exactly happened because of an SUV in the way, but just a few moments later they guys were going the opposite direction down the emergency lane. Guess the State Patrol told 'em they had to go back some (random?) distance, or maybe the cops saw where they started to split lanes. Was kinda funny, in a way. Everyone ended up sitting there for about two hours until the mess was cleared. __________________________________________________ >> fastest=[["green",510],["blue",475],["red",650]].sort{\|a,b\| a[1]<=>b[1]}[0][0].upcase;fastest => "BLUE"

July 25th, 2010, 01:37 AM	#36
jonthechron ninjette.org sage Name: Jon Location: Usa Join Date: Jan 2010 Motorcycle(s): magHitVE Posts: 649	I've been in ~5 miles of heavy traffic and the temps were over 100 F + humidity, it honestly wasn't THAT bad. 85F I consider to be a nice day, not too hot not too cool, when it starts hitting 115F then it starts to get hot, and that's 115F without the heat from the engine crawling up onto you.

July 25th, 2010, 09:17 AM	#37
KJohnson21 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Ken Location: Indio, CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Kawasaki EX250 "Yoshi", '99 Kawasaki Concours "Grace", '06 Concours "Belle", '06 Yamaha YZF600R "Slick" Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 3	I found some interesting information and trivia about lane splitting here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_splitting This site has information about recent efforts to legalize lane splitting in some states: http://www.laneshare.org/index.html __________________________________________________ < ATGATT > Sweat you can wipe off, Road rash you can't. HEY!! Unregistered!! Does your bike have a name?

July 29th, 2010, 06:55 AM	#38
spooph ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Spooph Location: Golden, CO Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '15	I envy you Karl... That was awesome! __________________________________________________ My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar.

July 30th, 2010, 01:32 AM	#39
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	I find myself lane splitting less and less.... the novelty has worn off, and it is too stressful for a leisurely ride. However, it sure was useful that day an accident brought the freeway to a halt and I was late for work. When I did it more frequently, it was mostly at lights. I even do that a lot less. More power to you if you can and do though.

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