My bike "too small" for highway? | Page 4 | GTAMotorcycle.com

My bike "too small" for highway?

Forum Sponsor
140 km/h? You just need about 120 km/h. I just rode in a car with some guy that was driving a 110 km/h highway at 100 and he's got a few speeding tickets lol. So it's more than enough power and you don't have to sweat it out like some of us smaller bike riders.
 
gwelfmike said:
Your bike can accelerate faster than 70% of the cars on the road, back when the speed limit was 70 mph, a 535 CC bike was huge, I had an RD350 that I would take anywhere, anytime, remember the speed limit is 100 kph, and dont bother rejetting and getting a louder pipe, you will only annoy the guy behind you and make yourself deaf.

Just go out, have fun and play safe.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure I agree with you. Cars keep getting faster and more powerful. Years ago a 10 second 0-60 time was pretty decent. Now even the cheapest econobox will do it. Lots of pickups and SUVs are running BIG motors. BMWs and Audis are making 250+ horsepower. A 535 is adequate for the freeway, but that's about it.
 
I can think of three instances where extra power is a safety factor on the highway.

1. Merging into a gap in traffic
2. Getting around and past an erratic driver
3. Putting distance between you and a tailgater

Food for thought. As I said, the 535 is adequate, but I do believe more power helps.
 
I used to ride my CBX250 on the highway. It toped out at 120km/h indicated. Granted I was 120 or so lbs, but I stayed in the right 2 lanes.
 
TorontoBoy said:
I ride a Honda Vtwin 500, similar to your Virago in size, era, weight (~400 lb), HP (~50hp), though I have 6 gears. On the 401 I can cruise at 110 kph at 4,200 rpm, while redline is 9,500 rpm. I have no issues with getting to 140 kph if necessary. There is absolutely no problem keeping up with traffic on the highway, and even passing cars.

That being said if you want to ride for many hours a larger bike would cruise at a much lower RPM and be more comfortable. Lower RPM means much less vibration and therefore more overall comfort.

Get a windshield for your Virago and you will be more than able to keep up with your friends.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice! The bike came with a windshield. I haven't ridden without it due to several people commenting how they're planning on adding one to their bikes this year. Sounds like it's a good thing to have.
 
Cranky Pete said:
I can think of three instances where extra power is a safety factor on the highway.

1. Merging into a gap in traffic
2. Getting around and past an erratic driver
3. Putting distance between you and a tailgater

Food for thought. As I said, the 535 is adequate, but I do believe more power helps.
Click to expand...

I agree with you for point #1. I've done tons of driving in the GTA and have only encountered truly "erratic" drivers a handful of times. I can see having more power to get around them being useful.

#3 though - that's an interesting one. It's my experience while driving that a tailgater will usually just speed up to match the person they're tailgating. In a car or van on a multi-lane road, I stick to the speed I'm driving at or gradually slow down to the speed limit (if I'm above it) until they decide to pass of their own accord. I'm not sure how I'd feel comfortable handling the same situation on a motorcycle, but I'm not convinced adding speed to the situation is necessarily the safest or most effective solution. I'd be interested in hearing perspectives on that approach.
 
niagara1 said:
...#3 though - that's an interesting one. It's my experience while driving that a tailgater will usually just speed up to match the person they're tailgating. In a car or van on a multi-lane road, I stick to the speed I'm driving at or gradually slow down to the speed limit (if I'm above it) until they decide to pass of their own accord. I'm not sure how I'd feel comfortable handling the same situation on a motorcycle, but I'm not convinced adding speed to the situation is necessarily the safest or most effective solution. I'd be interested in hearing perspectives on that approach.
Click to expand...



Sometimes the only way to shake a tailgater is to pull over. The same would apply on a motorcycle. I've had to do this, especially on the 400, where long stretches tend to encourage target fixation.
 
Kuma said:
Sometimes the only way to shake a tailgater is to pull over. The same would apply on a motorcycle. I've had to do this, especially on the 400, where long stretches tend to encourage target fixation.
Click to expand...

Yep - definitely an option. I've only had to do that a couple of times in a car. Could see doing it on a motorcycle too.
 
In a multi lane road if you're in the furthest right lane and they're tailgating you than just keep going at your speed and don't feel like you have to speed up or change lanes to accomodate them. If single lane make absolutely sure there's no oncoming car and move over to the right tire track. Motion them to pass if they haven't figured it out yet. Riding the TransCanada there's a huge shoulder so you can swerve in there and most cars do this as well to let the faster car go by. Just make sure the shoulder isn't gravel. Almost fell off the Rocky mountain one time pulling over to the shoulders lol.

I agree more power is safer that's why it's important to know the limit of your bike and ride accordingly to it.
 
400 series highways around toronto are usually so packed that traffic generally moves at 0-15km/h for most of the day.

but even if you get a strange day when traffic moves, you'll be fine.
 
I laughed when I saw this thread, as I used to ride my 1975 CB500T on the highway all the time. Not exactly an engine with "power to spare", but it got the job done.

I also ran my 1984 Yamaha Riva 180 (172cc) single cylinder scooter on the highway from time to time when I was young and really dumb. It took a bit of time, but it would get up to 110 km/hr. The wind off the big trucks was my biggest fear on that death trap.
 
Triple said:
I laughed when I saw this thread, as I used to ride my 1975 CB500T on the highway all the time. Not exactly an engine with "power to spare", but it got the job done.

I also ran my 1984 Yamaha Riva 180 (172cc) single cylinder scooter on the highway from time to time when I was young and really dumb. It took a bit of time, but it would get up to 110 km/hr. The wind off the big trucks was my biggest fear on that death trap.
Click to expand...

My XV535 used to get blown around less that a friend's ST1100. By contrast my 1984 Honda Elite 250 was a sail.
 
Sounds like a bunch of us had 1980's "maxi" scoots... and nothing stopped us from using them.
I actually kind of miss my old baby blue Riva... (a face only a mother could love!)

83_180_blue.jpg
 
My dream bike, at the time, was a Helix :lol: Still wouldn't mind owning one though.

The 125 would be scary, on the 401. It took about 5 Km for me to tap the 250 Elite out at 125 Kmh.
 
Triple said:
Sounds like a bunch of us had 1980's "maxi" scoots... and nothing stopped us from using them.
I actually kind of miss my old baby blue Riva... (a face only a mother could love!)

83_180_blue.jpg
Click to expand...

You want to buy mine? I don't use it anymore but the Carb has to be put back in and its good to go.

This is my signature
 
I'm looking for an assembled specimen that doesn't have starting issues ;)
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom