Do you ever speed?

[knary]

You know why I ask.
The options are simple. Just in case you're wondering, riding faster than the posted speed limit is "speeding", no matter the reason. :evil

[BeemoKat]

yes

[lamble]

Only with a strong tail wind, or down hill. I must carry less luggage!

[SheRidesABeemer]

This is related to the do you follow the law question isn't it? :p
I follow small town speed limits, at least they make sense, people, dogs, kids.
4 lane highways marked at 50...makes no sense at all.

[Rod Sheridan]

Yes, at least 50% of the time.

I keep up with traffic flow if there is any, if not I normally ride at the speed limit plus 5% in rural areas, at the speed limit in town.

Regards, Rod.

[r11rs94]

Always, arn't we exempt from speed limits on BMW's? If not then why?? :dunno

[rmarkr]

I'll do 10 - 15 over the posted limit.
I use a radar detector.
Like Gail, I'll take it slow through towns etc for the same reason.
When overtaking, I'll make the approach gently and make a smooth and safe manoevre (too many cell phones with 911 on speed dial)
:blah

[knary]

I'll answer:
I nearly *always* speed. :evil
Going the speed limit on a motorcycle is akin to going to an amazing restaurant and only eating a side salad.

:hide

[knary]

p.s. My wife has a comment....

"To those people that always go the speed limit, let me know where you are so that I don't get stuck behind you."

(she drives a little Honda Civic and is a very prudent driver)

[sjbmw]

I try to ride as fast as I can to get to 9 mph over the limit.
Then I survey if I can go faster....

Kinda like constant holes shots...

[lamble]

The fastest I've ever ridden was with a group of UK police riders. They not only rode smoother and took better lines, but also went faster than the limits, with the exception of built up areas, towns, villages, 30mph or less, signed areas. They did this out of respect for the increased dangers to not only themselves but others in such areas and the knowledge that their colleagues concentrate efforts in speed enforcement in such areas.

That's not to say I condone speeding, however I also don't believe it is the single most important contributory factor in most rta's.
It's the easiest to quantify, even remotely with speed cameras, but it's not the main reason. Inattentiveness, preoccupation with other elements outside of driving/riding, skill levels, aggressiveness, the belief that your urgency is more important than everyon else's desire to make progress, these are far harder to put a value to, as they are subjective, for example is, "I only glanced away" any less dangerous than, "I didn't look" ?

[knary]

The fastest I've ever ridden was with a group of UK police riders. They not only rode smoother and took better lines, but also went faster than the limits, with the exception of built up areas, towns, villages, 30mph or less, signed areas. They did this out of respect for the increased dangers to not only themselves but others in such areas and the knowledge that their colleagues concentrate efforts in speed enforcement in such areas.

That's not to say I condone speeding, however I also don't believe it is the single most important contributory factor in most rta's.
It's the easiest to quantify, even remotely with speed cameras, but it's not the main reason. Inattentiveness, preoccupation with other elements outside of driving/riding, skill levels, aggressiveness, the belief that your urgency is more important than everyon else's desire to make progress, these are far harder to put a value to, as they are subjective, for example is, "I only glanced away" any less dangerous than, "I didn't look" ?

Certainly. When I say I speed, I am not saying that I ride wrecklessly (like that spelling?) without consideration of my safety and the safety of those around me.

I do have to wonder where those that say they don't speed travel and what they do when they, for example, pass through an urban area like Atlanta where traffic is moving at 15 to 20 over the speed limit if not more.

[jdmetzger]

Uhhh, no officer, I NEVER speed! What was that? No, I wasn't resetting the "max speed" counter on my GPS. ;)

[snoone]

Following the flow of traffic usually puts me 10-15mph over the posted speed limit.. I obey in small towns cause they'll getcha. Just as a side note. We ride BMW's, our speedos are far from accurate. Mine 8 mph off to the low side

[BMWDEAN]

If you mean exceeding the posted speed limit, of course! All the time. Who doesn't?

[dancogan]

I don't speed any more on the bike than in the car. That means I try to stay within 5 mph of the speed limit, exceeding it sometimes when I need to pass on a 2 lane road. :lurk

[henzilla]

when in Rome... sometimes it is just to survive the flow of traffic you are dealt...

the other times it's just a decision if it seems safe , like in the middle of Big Bend country and only worries are javelinas and border patrol green vehicles... sure is fun to test the limits of machine and wallet:bolt

[knary]

If you mean exceeding the posted speed limit, of course! All the time. Who doesn't?

edit made. :D

[RickG]

Hello, my name is Rick and I am a Speed Limit Exceedaholic.

Seriously, on the open road and if conditions permit, I ride 10-15 over occasionally faster for a quick pass. Fast enough to keep ahead of traffic not so fast to go to jail if busted. When passing through town I try to stay at the speed limit or no more than 5 over.

On some interstates if you don't run 10-15 over you will be run over!

Rick G

[BubbaZanetti]

I'll answer:
I nearly *always* speed. :evil
Going the speed limit on a motorcycle is akin to going to an amazing restaurant and only eating a side salad.

:hide

exactly

i speed everyday, especially on very quiet two lane roads, if it's posted at 45 i'm generally doing a BMW indicated 65 (61 or so in real world terms) i know it's stupid but the bike just feels crappy at those lower speeds, 5K+/- 300 in 3rd gear is where it wants to be.

as a consequence, my insurance is VERY expensive:brow

[userw5]

If I get another ticket my wife will take my bike away. :uhoh :confused:


Well maybe not.


She has had two tickets in the last five years (in the cage), but my one ticket on the bike is apparently much worse. :dunno

[userw5]

If I get another ticket my wife will take my bike away. :uhoh :confused:


Well maybe not.


She has had two tickets in the last five years (in the cage), but my one ticket on the bike is apparently much worse. :dunno



I try to keep it within 5 - 9 +/- of the posted limited depending on the situation.

[Belquar]

ALL THE TIME.

I regularly run 80+ on the highway. That means between 80 and 90.

Triple digits on the roads around here are asking to die. Overtaking vehicles at that rate leaves very little room for error.

Most folks are running about 75-80 on the Parkway.

Surface streets....I do what feels right. School zones....I peg the limit for the most part.

Areas where I know what the LEO habits are like I will generally push more than I would in an unfamiliar area.

Troublesome when I go to VA to visit the family. They are sticklers down there.

I drive pretty much the same speed car or bike.

My Mother-in-law is enough to drive a person nuts. She hates to drive herself anywhere, but when she gets in my car she runs her yap non-stop about my driving. I told her the last time we went somewhere that I would stop and let her out if she wanted to continue bit*#@ng. I was doing 60 in a 50. Country road. Very straight. See for miles. Very few driveways. She can be real annoying.

[widebmw]

I guess computers still have a "automatic justificiation" button on them.:evil

[knary]

I guess computers still have a "automatic justificiation" button on them.:evil


"justification" suggests that someone is looking to rationalize bad behavior. I know I'm not. Speeding isn't bad behavior in most of the situations where I'm riding, never mind what the guys in the cars with the pretty lights might sometimes think (no speeding ticket for me in going on 5 years - and I don't use a radar detector).

[lamble]

Certainly. When I say I speed, I am not saying that I ride wrecklessly (like that spelling?) without consideration of my safety and the safety of those around me.

I do have to wonder where those that say they don't speed travel and what they do when they, for example, pass through an urban area like Atlanta where traffic is moving at 15 to 20 over the speed limit if not more.

I collected my bike in Atlanta, in Marriette on the outskirts. The taxi that took me there was the fastest I've travelled at ground level in the USA, apart from when I'd collected the bike and was heading to my first nights stop over.

Why so fast to get there?
The same taxi or his twin, was right on my rear wheel for 22 miles of my first and last venture onto an I rated road during my ride across the US.

The peripherique in Paris and round the Arc du Triumph is wild, and Rome is crazy too. But for sheer driving, macho lunacy, Istanbul is the worst I've ridden in, although I hear Calcutta is worse still.

In the US, Atlanta being the exception, you are all pussy cats, just a shame I can't lane split.

[knary]

I collected my bike in Atlanta, in Marriette on the outskirts. The taxi that took me there was the fastest I've travelled at ground level in the USA, apart from when I'd collected the bike and was heading to my first nights stop over.

Why so fast to get there?
The same taxi or his twin, was right on my rear wheel for 22 miles of my first and last venture onto an I rated road during my ride across the US.

The peripherique in Paris and round the Arc du Triumph is wild, and Rome is crazy too. But for sheer driving, macho lunacy, Istanbul is the worst I've ridden in, although I hear Calcutta is worse still.

In the US, Atlanta being the exception, you are all pussy cats, just a shame I can't lane split.

yes, we are.

As to why so fast... in Atlanta it's the product of a few things, not the least of which are roads over capacity and grotesque sprawl. Combine those two and if you don't haul ass, you won't fit all the cars on the road that you need to and/or get home 45 miles away.

[sgtboring]

This is related to the do you follow the law question isn't it? :p
I follow small town speed limits, at least they make sense, people, dogs, kids.
4 lane highways marked at 50...makes no sense at all.

I have to agree :bolt

[sgtboring]

My Mother-in-law is enough to drive a person nuts. She hates to drive herself anywhere, but when she gets in my car she runs her yap non-stop about my driving. I told her the last time we went somewhere that I would stop and let her out if she wanted to continue bit*#@ng. I was doing 60 in a 50. Country road. Very straight. See for miles. Very few driveways. She can be real annoying.

My Mother In Law is Terrified of my dog...He is with me when I am not on the bike....:brow

[Picinisco]

You know why I ask.
The options are simple. Just in case you're wondering, riding faster than the posted speed limit is "speeding", no matter the reason. :evil


Just got my first ticket in 10 years. 3 of those years on motorcycles. My first bike was a police Kawasaki which ran very comfortably within the speed limits. However my 1100RSL hates it and got pulled by a Kawa Motocop doing 52 in a 35 (I thought it was 45 - honest officer). Did not mind getting the ticket but from a motocop. You would think they had more understanding. Fat bastard was hiding under a tree. It was 110F out and I swear he had donut powder on his upper lip.

Oh well traffic school took care of it so have to behave for the next 2 years.

[Oznay]

In all honesty,I'll have to admit that I doubt that I've ever NOT had my bike up to 100MPH, each time I head into town. I'm out in the boonies,2 lane blacktop,seldom see another vehicle,and am not'bout to be changin'my habit any time soon.This isn't in any way braggin',am just stating the facts.

[Bullfrog]

......really though, I find myself running about 10-15mph over posted with the following exceptions: School Zones regardless of time of day
Neighborhoods any time of day
When the Polizei are present - depends
While riding with my wife as her comfort zone is slower
than mine.
When riding with my buddy on his Electra-Glide Ultra
(It's pretty but doesn't really like the twisties)

Rain also has me doing the posted.

I like Gail's response, also.

Dave

[mikeinpittsburgh]

On the advice of Counsel I can not answer this question

[antaeas]

Excessive speed, never, but exceeding a posted limit when conditions permit, often.

If the area is not settled or routinely patrolled, Artie and I are happy at 3,500 rpm in 5th gear on two-lane roads or 6th gear on limited access four-lanes.

[Na Cl K9]

Speeding? Me? Don't really know. Never bother much with watching the speedometer. I prefer to keep pace and keep my eyes on the traffic around me and the road ahead. I did collect a souvenir once years ago for 85 in a 60 zone. I was headed north out of the Texas panhandle on my R100S. It was late July. Some of you will understand...Great reflexes probably kept if from being another 15 on top of that.

[knary]

I should have made this a public poll where we could see who selected what option. :evil

[henzilla]

In all honesty,I'll have to admit that I doubt that I've ever NOT had my bike up to 100MPH, each time I head into town. I'm out in the boonies,2 lane blacktop,seldom see another vehicle,and am not'bout to be changin'my habit any time soon.This isn't in any way braggin',am just stating the facts.

your bumblebee is made for buzzing down the road:laugh :laugh :laugh

[Rasbutan]

I go like a bat out of hell with its ass on fire!! :dance

but only when I can get away with it. Routinely I'm 10-15 over on the speedo(6-11 realized)

:lurk

[screwtop]

I pretty much ride along with the flow, perhaps 5 mph or so faster on the interstates. Since I've sold the Ducati, (and become a dad) I look at triple didget excursions with a bit more trepedation than I did in the past.

[lamble]

Just got my first ticket in 10 years. 3 of those years on motorcycles. My first bike was a police Kawasaki which ran very comfortably within the speed limits. However my 1100RSL hates it and got pulled by a Kawa Motocop doing 52 in a 35 (I thought it was 45 - honest officer). Did not mind getting the ticket but from a motocop. You would think they had more understanding. Fat bastard was hiding under a tree. It was 110F out and I swear he had donut powder on his upper lip.

Oh well traffic school took care of it so have to behave for the next 2 years.

Scottish transplant.

The fastest I've ever ridden was in Scotland, where 172mph showed up on the ZX9 (probably 160 ish real world) on the long swooping road into Ullapool (empty, late at night, dry road), the road was a national limit of 65mph. It genuinely felt safe, although I was younger and my safety levels were lower. In fact, I think I was overtaken if I recall correctly.
Two days later two squad cars and a helicopter stopped 14 of us alongside Loch Lomond. 14 was strange as there were only 10 in our group. What we didn't know was the other 4 had passed a police car on a hump back bridge all doing wheelies off it. They ended up in court, we all had to do a documents to the station. But being pulled over by a helicopter was a special moment.

The other indicated 170+s were on the TT course Isle of Man, but it was allowed there. I was undertaken there, at about 90mph, on the bend after the Goose Neck.

[bikerfish1100]

As I routinely tell anyone who asks that speeding question- "why no, i've never been over the speed limit (of the country of manufacture of my bike)."

[riderR1150GSAdv]

The posted limits are usually what I ride unless traffic dictates that a higher speed is needed out of self preservation. I really don't want to be the slowest 'target' on the road. Most of the time this means that I am doing 5-8 mph over the posted speedlimit. This is a speed that won't attract unwanted attention unless the LEO has a stick up his you-know-where.... :stick
I average fairly high miles (700-800 in 12 -14 hrs) this way without 'performance' awards.
I ride without a radar detector and find that I am way more relaxed this way. YMMV

[Pat Carol]

I exceed the speed limit at all times. If the prosecutor in the county I live in can let go child molesters and drug dealers on a regular basis. I will speed.


PC

[BradfordBenn]

I invoke my 5th Amendment Rights

Now where is my fifth of vodka?


You heard about my little run in on the VFR:thumb :brad

[Dick]

Indicated or actual speed?

I was told that the error on my GS speedo was plus or minus 50% so I could have been going 125 mph or 62.5 mph :dunno

[ian408]

Knary made me do it. And I only ever speed when I'm late for coffee with Dick :lol3

[Dick]

Knary made me do it. And I only ever speed when I'm late for coffee with Dick :lol3


Hey Ian :wave

http://rlovingjr.smugmug.com/photos/5155805-L.jpg

Only running about 5 over in this shot.

[ian408]

Looks like kph to me :lol

Hola :wave Dick

[PacWestGS]

On a GS you can go faster in fifth than sixth, don't ask me how I know.:brow

My attornery has told me I cannot answer this question, beyond this admission.

I never speed, I just go fast...:nyah

[cjack]

On our trip out to Colorado and back after the National, my GPS read 243 MPH max speed. I don't think so...

[Motor31]

Here's another question. How many know what the speedometer error is on their bikes and at what speeds?

It's fairly easy to calibrate it but a bit tedious.

[knary]

Here's another question. How many know what the speedometer error is on their bikes and at what speeds?

It's fairly easy to calibrate it but a bit tedious.

Interesting point. FWIW, my GS is roughly 10% high.

If we think we're speeding but we're not, does that change what that choice to ignore that law (a question of degree) means about us and, possibly, that law?

[PAGoldsby]

The speedometer in my '98 F150 is spot-on, at least up to 90. Same with the '83 Mercedes wagon I used to have.

My '94 Ducati Monster speedometer read 40 at true 45, and 70 at true 65. :huh

The '77 R75/7 is all over the place. I need to get it worked on before it lunches itself. The best I was able to calibrate it, though was that at a more-or-less indicated 60 mph, I covered 3 miles in 3:20, for a true speed of 54 mph (-10% error). I always try to calibrate over at least 3 miles.

[rmarkr]

Here's another question. How many know what the speedometer error is on their bikes and at what speeds?

It's fairly easy to calibrate it but a bit tedious.

My K100 RS reads 5 mph over throughout its range - just have to compare it to the GPS speed

[cjack]

Here's another question. How many know what the speedometer error is on their bikes and at what speeds?

It's fairly easy to calibrate it but a bit tedious.

I used to try to go exactly 60MPH and stopwatch the time between mile posts. Every second late of 60 seconds, is closely how many MPH you are below 60. Go two or more miles for more accuracy.

[abrown]

I always speed, but not excessively. Especially on interstates. I read somewhere that BMW riders ride faster, longer, and more often than other brands. True?

[Motor31]

I used to try to go exactly 60MPH and stopwatch the time between mile posts. Every second late of 60 seconds, is closely how many MPH you are below 60. Go two or more miles for more accuracy.

That's good for a rough idea but another 5 MPH more or less and the accuracy starts to slide pretty far. Not all speedos have a consistent error either, including ones supposedly cetified accurate by the factory. We found that out with a whole batch of ford patrol cars that had a speedo certified accurate, it said so right on the speedo. They would be off more than 5 MP at 30 MPH alone. The error fluctuated on some of them to be under at one speed then over at another. We ended up having to dyno the darn things and have an error data sticker for each one posted next to the "certified" speedometer. :hungover

My old airheads used to read high about 5 to 10 MPH from 35 up. My K bike was consistently off reading about 3 mph low. I haven't checked the oilhead yet. My Volvo is within 1 MPH at highway speeds from 60 to 75.

I use a stop watch function, the measured mile (milemarkers) and a calculator. Set a speed, clock the mile hen calculate based on feet per mile / second then convert to MPH. I'll do it for about 3 or 4 speeds then just estimate the other speeds if I find an error.

[Motor31]

'Nother question for the discussion. Hopefully it will remain civil.

If you are speeding knowingly,what is your justification for doing so? What makes you entitled to speed or drive below the limit? Please limit the answers to something a bit more worthy of discussion than things like "the limits suck or I just want to".

[knary]

'Nother question for the discussion. Hopefully it will remain civil.

If you are speeding knowingly,what is your justification for doing so? What makes you entitled to speed or drive below the limit? Please limit the answers to something a bit more worthy of discussion than things like "the limits suck or I just want to".

A. The limits suck and I just want to.
B. The limits suck.
C. I just want to.

:dunno

Your "civil" question is somewhat loaded.

[gened12]

Uhhh, no officer, I NEVER speed! What was that? No, I wasn't resetting the "max speed" counter on my GPS. ;)

I always tought this was a 'best score' or 'score to beat' feature....:D

[cjack]

'Nother question for the discussion. Hopefully it will remain civil.

If you are speeding knowingly,what is your justification for doing so? What makes you entitled to speed or drive below the limit? Please limit the answers to something a bit more worthy of discussion than things like "the limits suck or I just want to".

While there is no excuse for breaking the rules in most cases, there would be more respect for the speed laws if the limits were set by engineers collecting data from drivers instead of being set by politicians. I think this started in earnest in 1974.

[cjack]

That's good for a rough idea but another 5 MPH more or less and the accuracy starts to slide pretty far. Not all speedos have a consistent error either, including ones supposedly cetified accurate by the factory. We found that out with a whole batch of ford patrol cars that had a speedo certified accurate, it said so right on the speedo. They would be off more than 5 MP at 30 MPH alone. The error fluctuated on some of them to be under at one speed then over at another. We ended up having to dyno the darn things and have an error data sticker for each one posted next to the "certified" speedometer. :hungover

.

At 65 seconds, the speed is 55.38 MPH. At 70 seconds, the speed is 51.42 MPH. I used to do this because it was near the speed that was the Interstate speed limit and the mile posts were convenient and the RS had a second hand. And, my speedo was not easy to read past about 2 mph, about a needle width.
Generally, airheads back then were off as much as 10 MPH at 70 MPH. I think the 85 MPH speedo was more accurate. BMW did this intentionally, regardless of what they might tell you about the - zero/+ 10% + 2.5 MPH DOT standard. Well...it was a combination of really cheap instrumentation and making sure that the speedo did not read under the true speed.
Interesting about the patrol cars. I'm thinking most officers could guess the speed at better accuracy than 5 MPH in a 30 zone.

[pabl067]

'Nother question for the discussion. Hopefully it will remain civil.

If you are speeding knowingly,what is your justification for doing so? What makes you entitled to speed or drive below the limit? Please limit the answers to something a bit more worthy of discussion than things like "the limits suck or I just want to".

Hmmm... is this an opportunity for me to put my foot in my mouth, end up looking foolish, or appear hypocritical? I love those! ;) Okay then - I choose to disregard certain laws, being fully aware of the consequences - for the sake of a natural high. I do try to minimize the potential for harming others as a matter of conscience. I understand that this in no way justifies my behavior. So, yeah I guess "fun" would be the answer.

Paul
1200RT

[ian408]

If you are speeding knowingly,what is your justification for doing so? What makes you entitled to speed or drive below the limit? Please limit the answers to something a bit more worthy of discussion than things like "the limits suck or I just want to".

I ride at a speed I feel is safe for conditions. Sometimes that's over and occassionally, it is under the posted limit. If I feel the driver next to me is a potential danger to me, I will fall off or speed up depending on what the situation warrants.

[einnar]

Yes, I speed.

Most of my ride is in metropolitan Detroit. If you're not riding with this type of traffic, or slightly faster, you're going to get eaten by it.

When I'm out on a road where I'm the only one out there, I'll put the friction lock on such that I'm either right on, or +5. Makes it easier to enjoy the scenery.

[BradfordBenn]

As a self described slow poke, just remember the faster the speed the shorter the amount of time you have to react. Yes that is a blanket statement but one is now closing faster and results in less time for reaction.

[wezul]

If road and traffic conditions allow, yes, I have been know to exceed the speed limit, with vigor.

[PacWestGS]

I ride at a speed I feel is safe for conditions. Sometimes that's over and occassionally, it is under the posted limit. If I feel the driver next to me is a potential danger to me, I will fall off or speed up depending on what the situation warrants.

Hey that's my answer :nod

I find myself in competition with traffic always going slightly faster than the flow for safety reasons. Or, positioning myself between clusters and then matching those in front while keeping the others behind.

Out on open highways and the interstate I'm very close to the speed limit - depending on conditions.

On my commute it varies so much between O'dark-hundred going exactly the limit or 5-over, to going with the flow at 15 to 20 over until it all comes to a stop-go-stop halt. It's a facinating thing,,, going 80 in heavy traffic through any city in America in a 55/60 zone, then slowing down to 75 in a 70 zone because you got past the last exit of the city limits... :-(

IIRC the auto manufactures cannot guarantee 'speedometer' accuracy to less than +/- 3 mph some far worse. Because of tire manufactures and selected gear ratios.

All three of my BMWs read 5-8% high. My Chevy's have always been pretty close to spot on.

[Braddog]

Do I exceed posted speed limits?

Yes.

Do I exceed them by very much?

No.

When I ride, I tend to ride with the traffic around me. If the posted limit is 65, and the majority of the traffic is going 75, then I do what I have to do to not get run over.

Old airheads are easier to ride at the posted limits than are, say, a new K-bike.

[cjack]

Do I exceed posted speed limits?

Yes.

Do I exceed them by very much?

No.

When I ride, I tend to ride with the traffic around me. If the posted limit is 65, and the majority of the traffic is going 75, then I do what I have to do to not get run over.

Old airheads are easier to ride at the posted limits than are, say, a new K-bike.

That is sort of how it is here in IL, however I have found that if I go slower than the fast traffic, then I am in the clear and the car/truck clusters are out in front away from me. And on the two lanes, the traffic is mostly local and pulls off before long...so I don't bother to pass very often.

[26667]

[QUOTE=lamble;227261]The peripherique in Paris and round the Arc du Triumph is wild, and Rome is crazy too. But for sheer driving, macho lunacy, Istanbul is the worst I've ridden in, although I hear Calcutta is worse still.

QUOTE]

Dude, no way! Boston and the surrounding area is the worst in the solar system! In addition to the stop signs!!! on the freeway entrance ramps, the drivers don't distinguish btw roadways, sidewalks, lawns, fountains, trees; if it's part of reality, they drive on it. "One Way" means whatever way you'd like to go.

Calcutta! Feh!

[DarrylRi]

The peripherique in Paris and round the Arc du Triumph is wild, and Rome is crazy too. But for sheer driving, macho lunacy, Istanbul is the worst I've ridden in, although I hear Calcutta is worse still.



Dude, no way! Boston and the surrounding area is the worst in the solar system! In addition to the stop signs!!! on the freeway entrance ramps, the drivers don't distinguish btw roadways, sidewalks, lawns, fountains, trees; if it's part of reality, they drive on it. "One Way" means whatever way you'd like to go.

Calcutta! Feh!

Dude, with all due respect, you haven't got a clue.

In Italy, so far as I can tell, the only rule is "don't hit anything". I was just there last month. I was stuck in a monster traffic jam outside of Milan with some local friends. We rode about 40kms on the other side of the road, pulling back to the center line only for opposing traffic (they gave way somewhat). I was passed on the left several times!

As I said, this was outside of Milan, in the north. The further south you go, the wilder it is.

------

Regarding speeding, yes I speed all the time. I like to go a bit faster than the general flow on the Interstates. I speed out in the countryside, when conditions seem favorable. I pretty much follow the limits in town and especially around schools. I drive a car pretty much the way I ride a bike, with regard to speed limits. I've never used a radar detector.

Justification? I'm not going to insult your intelligence. It's illegal and I will be punished if I am caught.

But -- knock wooden head -- I haven't had a speeding ticket in about 7 years and a couple hundred thousand miles. Having said that, today is probably my day.

[26667]

[QUOTE=DarrylRi;228775]Dude, with all due respect, you haven't got a clue.

(they gave way somewhat). I was passed on the left several times!



------

...? still sounds safer than Boston.:brow

[crgrbrts]

Boston?? Pah!

That's what I thought. I lived there for 20 years and was convinced the drivers were the most homicidal on the planet.

Then I moved to Washington, DC.

Now, the drivers here may not be quite as aggressive as Boston's -- a subject for debate -- but incompetence, cell phone distractions and perpetual congestion of Manilaesque proportions seem to outstrip the murderous intentions of Beantown cage operators.

Note: A few years ago. a TV station in Boston commissioned a panel of Harvard Medical School psychiatrists to study the road rage problem there. "Why are Boston motorists so pissed off all the time?" The group comprising some of the most learned students of human behavior in the world came to no conclusion.

By the way, the working "you'd better go this fast or be killed" speed limit in the DC area on I-495 and I95 is 80. What is it where you are?

[Czarnazoo]

speed..why sure i do. my wife and i are very competitive in everything we do. she's a former ice track and motocross racer and if i don't speed on country roads and highways - she blows by me with a big smile - laughing through her visor. always a humbling experience. we're always conscious of our surroundings...like bikes ahead that break around corners and sightseeing cages that continuously meander through the catskills - we find it easier to pass on the double yellow than follow behind these accidents waiting to happen...but that's another subject entirely.

[26667]

I'm surprised no one's mentioned it already, but I often drive my tach. Around town in 2nd gear that's often a hair below the posted, but more often than not, "good for the motor/comfortable's" a bit above. Then again my speedo's pro'ly what? 6mph optimistic.

A zillion years ago when I first took the MSF course, Dale McCormick suggested that on freeways and interstates he felt safer constantly approaching "new" vehicles, rather than sitting in one spot, pacing them, letting them "forget" about you and giving them a chance to blunder into your path.

Personally I like this approach. It lets me look for the big clear spaces while the cagers pace and tailgate each other, and then go ahead and drive closer to the posted w/o the loonies so near.

[120116]

And here all along I have always thougt that those signs were the RECOMENDED speeds!!:nyah

No wonder then that I have had several law enforcement officers and one judge treat me like I was some kind of daft simpleton...although it did work on one occasion when the officer gave me this look that he could not believe that I was that stupid....:brow

[PGlaves]

"Speeding" is relative to the political environment in the various states.

On virtually identical roads and traffic loads, the 2 lane speed limit is:

In Iowa 55
In Missouri 60
In Kansas 65
In Texas 70 (in the real western areas, 75)

(You all can add your favorites for comparison too.)

Somehow, when I'm in Texas I find myself "speeding" much less often than when I'm in Iowa, or any of the dreary little congested eastern states with their 55 mph legislatures.

Unless their slide rules or computers are different, sound traffic engineering decisions shouldn't be different state to state. But they are - just look at "no passing" lane markings for physical proof of variations state to state. In the past two weeks I've ridden where sight distance was too short for me to pass a car with my R1150, even though it was legal to do so; and in a different state, where I could have safely passed a truck with my Winnebago in marked no-no zones.

Chief Highway Engineers are hired by the state's Secy. DOT, who is usually appointed by the Governor. Guess who tries to keep whom happy? All this overseen by a legislature which presumably sets speed limits which in its collective wisdom meet the abilities of its constituents to stay happy and drive safely. Or to allow the collection of the greatest amount of non-tax revenue. Take your pick.

Not to mention the prevailing speeds irrespective of the posted limits. 80 in a construction zone marked 45 near Chicago or 85 approaching Atlanta, for instance. Or the hostile and aggressive mob psychology evident when motorists drive along at a reasonable speed when all alone in the rural areas, but somehow speed up by 10 or 15 mph when they approach and enter the congested urban areas - because now they are just one of the mob and hard to pick out. I see this, to a greater or lesser degree in Kansas City, St. Louis, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas, and other cities every time I have the misfortune to go near one of these places.

Which is why in some places almost nobody "speeds" and in other places almost everybody speeds.

[knary]

"Speeding" is relative to the political environment in the various states.

On virtually identical roads and traffic loads, the 2 lane speed limit is:

In Iowa 55
In Missouri 60
In Kansas 65
In Texas 70 (in the real western areas, 75)

(You all can add your favorites for comparison too.)

Somehow, when I'm in Texas I find myself "speeding" much less often than when I'm in Iowa, or any of the dreary little congested eastern states with their 55 mph legislatures.

Unless their slide rules or computers are different, sound traffic engineering decisions shouldn't be different state to state. But they are - just look at "no passing" lane markings for physical proof of variations state to state. In the past two weeks I've ridden where sight distance was too short for me to pass a car with my R1150, even though it was legal to do so; and in a different state, where I could have safely passed a truck with my Winnebago in marked no-no zones.

Chief Highway Engineers are hired by the state's Secy. DOT, who is usually appointed by the Governor. Guess who tries to keep whom happy? All this overseen by a legislature which presumably sets speed limits which in its collective wisdom meet the abilities of its constituents to stay happy and drive safely. Or to allow the collection of the greatest amount of non-tax revenue. Take your pick.

Not to mention the prevailing speeds irrespective of the posted limits. 80 in a construction zone marked 45 near Chicago or 85 approaching Atlanta, for instance. Or the hostile and aggressive mob psychology evident when motorists drive along at a reasonable speed when all alone in the rural areas, but somehow speed up by 10 or 15 mph when they approach and enter the congested urban areas - because now they are just one of the mob and hard to pick out. I see this, to a greater or lesser degree in Kansas City, St. Louis, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas, and other cities every time I have the misfortune to go near one of these places.

Which is why in some places almost nobody "speeds" and in other places almost everybody speeds.

Good post.

Do you feel there is a moral obligation to follow such apparently arbitrary laws?

:lurk

(sorry, you're on a roll and think this could be an interesting answer. feel free to pass :D)

[PGlaves]

Good post.

Do you feel there is a moral obligation to follow such apparently arbitrary laws?

:lurk

(sorry, you're on a roll and think this could be an interesting answer. feel free to pass :D)

I spent 31 years as a public administrator and student of things political. And I am by avocation a fair motorcycle technician and student of things mechanical - taught mostly by books or my mechanical engineer father.

I am not a student of philosophy or ethics, and would not think to propose an answer to that question. I could find much in the writings of Ghandi or M.L. King, or Voltaire that might surprise folks, but don't intend to bother.

[knary]

I spent 31 years as a public administrator and student of things political. And I am by avocation a fair motorcycle technician and student of things mechanical - taught mostly by books or my mechanical engineer father.

I am not a student of philosophy or ethics, and would not think to propose an answer to that question. I could find much in the writings of Ghandi or M.L. King, or Voltaire that might surprise folks, but don't intend to bother.

:thumb

Thanks, Paul.

[F800ST]

Hello there !

Most recently the police forces of Ontario have been on a tear to catch and crusify anyone who operating any motorized vehicle with wreakless endangerment to the public.

Due to the recent rise of multi-vehicle accidents on Ontario highways, all caused by excessive speed, racing etc., the police have been arresting and towing the cars of the highways.

I watched a young man last month get arrested to travelling at 151 kms per hour on a highway that just within the last three days, had two very serious , multi - car accidents.

So I have always obeyed the speed limit within reason. Yes I do speed but - " IN MODERATION "

My F 800 ST just starts purring at 100 km's per hour. I have done that before in first gear alone.

So a word of caution to friends south of the border !

Beware of the Ontario highways !!!! They mean business.:nono

[PGlaves]

Good post.

Do you feel there is a moral obligation to follow such apparently arbitrary laws?

:lurk

(sorry, you're on a roll and think this could be an interesting answer. feel free to pass :D)

As a followup to the earlier answer, I do feel an obligation not to bitch and moan too loudly if I am cited for what the state considers a trivial infraction and for which it charges me a trivial amount for my erroneous ways.

And I absolutely refuse to say what I think of how insurance companies behave when they discover these circumstances.

[PGlaves]

Hello there !

Most recently the police forces of Ontario have been on a tear to catch and crusify anyone who operating any motorized vehicle with wreakless endangerment to the public.

Due to the recent rise of multi-vehicle accidents on Ontario highways, all caused by excessive speed, racing etc., the police have been arresting and towing the cars of the highways.

I watched a young man last month get arrested to travelling at 151 kms per hour on a highway that just within the last three days, had two very serious , multi - car accidents.

So I have always obeyed the speed limit within reason. Yes I do speed but - " IN MODERATION "

My F 800 ST just starts purring at 100 km's per hour. I have done that before in first gear alone.

So a word of caution to friends south of the border !

Beware of the Ontario highways !!!! They mean business.:nono

I don't know what the speed limit on this road might have been - but 100kph might be typical - and 151 kph ( 94 mph) is 50% over that limit. Normally in what I consider the "stupid" range. In most states here in the U.S. 15 mph over the limit can be considered wreckless driving - often at the officer's discretion. So except in the urban war zones, subjecting oneself to that possibility appears "stupid" to me.

[twintoaster2]

A speed "limit!" is merely a suggestion. But one I try to follow....yeh right!

[hondarider]

If I never sped, I think I could do all of my riding on my little Honda 200 Scrambler...what's the point of a 1100cc motorcycle if you're going to ride around at 55mph or less? Seems a bit like overkill. One of my scoots doesn't even have a speedometer...I just assume that I'm speeding at any given time of the day...