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@mlpearson79 avatar
UTC

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Lucia: 2006 LX150
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Location: Sun City Center, FL
 
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@mlpearson79 avatar
Lucia: 2006 LX150
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Location: Sun City Center, FL
UTC quote
I live in a pretty crowded bedroom community. NYC it is not, but I almost think it's worse because many of the main thoroughfares are rated at 55 MPH, meaning people drive 70, 3 lanes across, in areas with stoplights every mile or so.

I have been scootering since June. I am confident riding in my own neighborhood, but getting out on the main roads is intimidating for me still. I don't mind it once I get to speed, but for example, turning left into heavy traffic, or slowing for a turn still makes me nervous.

I would like to get to where I can just ride wherever I want. It's been an extremely hot summer here in Florida so opting for the AC of the car has been fine...but I, in theory, would like to be able to ride the 25 miles to the beach, or into Tampa, or whatever. My partner drives a POS Tahoe which is regularly broken, and drives my car when his is in the shop...it would be nice if I could just take the LX150 without worrying about it.

How long did it take you to build the confidence to safely navigate cities, or go longer distances? I've gone maybe 10 miles at a shot on the roads here. Do you have any tips? I did take the MSF course but maybe I need more training? Or just more practice? Do I just need to buck it up and go do it and get it over with, and then it won't be so bad?
UTC

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Vespa GTS Super ABS
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Addicted
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UTC quote
Boy, not an easy question. I started riding at 14 (legal then in Arizona), in Phoenix, not so crowded then, and I didn't really go too far from home. Took a year or so, partially just a steep learning curve at that age.

It sounds like you are doing the right stuff, but I would suggest much more riding, perhaps if you can find a time of day when a bit less traffic?

I remember when I purchased a VStrom and kept it in Birmingham. England. Ridiculous traffic, everyone on the wrong side of the road, horrifying right turns, etc After a couple weeks, I was fine. Not sure if lane splitting was legal there, but everyone was doing it, so "when in Rome".

Also, although Florida has no helmet law, you might consider one if you haven't already. Taking another class would probably be a good idea for everyone Laughing emoticon

Good luck!
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@mlpearson79 avatar
UTC

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Lucia: 2006 LX150
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Location: Sun City Center, FL
 
Hooked
@mlpearson79 avatar
Lucia: 2006 LX150
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Posts: 101
Location: Sun City Center, FL
UTC quote
Thanks! I do wear a helmet as well as an airflux jacket that has some light armor.
⚠️ Last edited by MLPearson79 on UTC; edited 1 time
@bleverone avatar
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Molto Verboso
GTS 250ie, GTV 250
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Location: Charlotte, NC
 
Molto Verboso
@bleverone avatar
GTS 250ie, GTV 250
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Location: Charlotte, NC
UTC quote
Just keep riding ML. It's one of things that the more you do it, the better you get at it. I was just as nervous when I first started rolling around Charlotte on two wheels, but I have found that the bike forces me to be a better and more aware driver-both on the GTS as well as the cage. I still get a littler nervous when someone rolls up too close, but feel with the bike, I have so many more choices to drive defensively. You can get out of trouble easier.

I know your part of the world and I know how crazy the traffic can be. Roll into town when traffic isn't as bad and look for side streets and roads off the beaten path. You'll do great.

When I was 16 and getting my license to drive a car, my dad wanted me to learn how to drive a manual shift. He took me down into the bowels of Georgetown in DC just before rush hour. He switched sides with me and told me to drive home. I didn't know what pedal worked the clutch. I didn't even know what a clutch was! It was a nightmare! Took four times as long to get home about twice the gas and I can't even guess the number of middle fingers thrown at me. But, when I got home, I could drive that dang car... could run it up through all four gears with no problem.

You'll be fine. Just stay away from rush hour traffic.
@trotter avatar
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Roughhouse Sport. Buddy 150(sold)
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@trotter avatar
Roughhouse Sport. Buddy 150(sold)
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UTC quote
bleverone wrote:
Just keep riding ML. It's one of things that the more you do it, the better you get at it. I was just as nervous when I first started rolling around Charlotte on two wheels, but I have found that the bike forces me to be a better and more aware driver.
I second that, and Charlotte is a hard city to ride. I always avoided South Blvd. even as an experienced rider.

Just keep on it, ML. As you keep riding around, people will start recognizing you, also. My route to and from work was always easy because people knew me. Be safe and have fun.
@strick avatar
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2021 Ducati Multistrada 950S
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@strick avatar
2021 Ducati Multistrada 950S
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Posts: 3452
Location: Columbia, MD
UTC quote
Practice, practice, practice. That is my first advice if you plan on riding in rush hour traffic. Practice avoidance maneuvers such as swerves, quick braking, etc.

Ride your own ride, try not to let people intimidate you on the scoot. Keep your head on a swivel and be aware of what is around you. People do everything in their cars except drive.

I ride in and out of Washington D.C. almost everyday on my bike. I started on a Vespa GTS and have since moved to a Honda motorcycle. It gets easier as you get more experience with city riding. It might be a bit nerve racking at first and don't let anything drivers do anger you. The last thing you want is an angry driver focussing their anger on you and your scoot.

Check if Florida has an advanced rider course, that might be helpful.

Give it a shot and if it doesn't feel right, turn around, go home, and call in sick.
Once you do it though, you will feel great and the day will drag until you can get back in the scoot for the ride home!
@judy avatar
UTC

World Traveler
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
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World Traveler
@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
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UTC quote
Go on the road at off peak hours and stay in the right-slow lane. Make your way back. Go father each day and when you feel comfortable changing lanes then go at a slightly busier time. Increase all the steps until your going the speed limit and feel comfortable changing lanes. Slowly and safely. You'll be doing a iron butt in no time
@fledermaus avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
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@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
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UTC quote
You're still on the upswing confidence-wise. There's no substitute for the experience of getting miles under your belt. It's been interesting watching my wife learn to ride....she's more timid than I was, (nor had the early-life experience that I did), but I see myself pretty often in her efforts. Good on you for the MSF class. While it's hard to have too much training, at some point you just have to do it. I suspect that by next year you'll feel much better. The more you ride, the faster you'll improve.

I like the advice of hitting low traffic times, etc. You don't want to go full out congestion if you don't have to, but avoiding it altogether won't get you used to it either.

As I was formulating an answer, I glanced at what you're riding, so some extra thought....

The other challenge I see is your scooter. It's hard (impossible) to keep up with 70 mph traffic with a 150....I tried myself-have a short run of highway at 70 on my way to work.....traffic was spotty enough that I could wait until I had enough clearance to stay ahead of faster traffic until my exit a quarter mile away. If that looked too challenging, I would use a (readily available) alternative route to avoid the hassle. I upgraded to a GTS this year, and now attack traffic without blinking. My confidence is enough to take on the same route if I had to, but I still don't like feeling underpowered and in the way of faster traffic. Everyone has their own tolerance for that, but if you find that things are still challenging down the road, perhaps an upgrade is in order...perhaps kitting out your current scooter or moving to a larger one.
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@mlpearson79 avatar
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@mlpearson79 avatar
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Location: Sun City Center, FL
UTC quote
Good suggestions, all. Thank you for your insight.

I don't have any intentions of getting on the freeway with the LX. At some point I may upgrade, but as a 5'4 female, the 150 is plenty for me to handle at this place in the game. I sat on a 250 and could barely keep it upright. But it would be nice if I could get out on the 55 MPH roads without feeling like I'm going to be killed. I could reasonably ride to work via non-freeway if I were okay with the idea of it.

With a little thought put into it, I think my main problem is I am not comfortable with fast or sharp cornering. The bike I learned on in MSF was super light and easy to turn on, and I could maneuver great there. The LX is much more top heavy and I just need more work controlling it.

Practice, practice, practice indeed. I'm going to spend the day tomorrow rolling around the neighborhood, weather permitting.
@fledermaus avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
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Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
 
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@fledermaus avatar
2007 LX150 2015 GTS (running like a charm!) 2017 BV 350
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Location: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
UTC quote
MLPearson79 wrote:
With a little thought put into it, I think my main problem is I am not comfortable with fast or sharp cornering. The bike I learned on in MSF was super light and easy to turn on, and I could maneuver great there. The LX is much more top heavy and I just need more work controlling it.

Practice, practice, practice indeed. I'm going to spend the day tomorrow rolling around the neighborhood, weather permitting.
You should be able to find some places to practice turns without traffic, even in an empty parking lot. MSF gave you countersteering....get that down to where you don't even think about it.
@breaknwind avatar
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Red Devil SH150i (11,000)
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@breaknwind avatar
Red Devil SH150i (11,000)
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UTC quote
When I'm in 3 lane traffic(a lot), I take command of the center lane as soon as possible and stay there until I'm ready to turn.
If you ride the right lane, you risk someone pulling out in front of you. Also, when you are behind someone turning right, you can get rear ended
If you ride in the left lane and approach an intersection with vehicles in the left turn lane waiting to turn. The vehicles waiting to turn left on the opposite side can't see you until it's too late and might turn in front of you.
The biggest problem with riding the center lane IMHO is when someone changes lanes and doesn't see you. That's when you need to know how to use your lane position. If you see someone turning right ahead of you, be ready for the lane changer.
We have 3 lane 45MPH streets here where everyone drives 50-55MPH. God speed and have fun
@dailyrider28465 avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Mia Dolce II 2017 GTV 300, Ragazzo Vespa 946, Il Pazzo BV 350, & Mia Dolce GTV 250 -sold-
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Molto Verboso
@dailyrider28465 avatar
Mia Dolce II 2017 GTV 300, Ragazzo Vespa 946, Il Pazzo BV 350, & Mia Dolce GTV 250 -sold-
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UTC quote
Practice and awareness. You're afraid now, and that's not a bad thing. Use it to focus on situational awareness. Ride at off hours and in off locations until maneuvering the bike becomes more natural. The MSF course will help you become better aware and to manage your ride.
Step by step and week by week you will gain confidence until that crucial point when you stop being afraid and reduce situational awareness. Avoid that!
Keep at it in reduced congestion. You WILL get comfortable and still be alert. Read Proficient Motorcycling by Hough. More than once.
And have fun!
@larrytsg avatar
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1979 P200e
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@larrytsg avatar
1979 P200e
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UTC quote
It's a gradual learning process. As you now know, the MSF course is awesome, but doesn't instantly make you an experienced rider... only experience does.

When I got my scooter after almost 15 years off of PTW, it took a while to get my comfort level up to the point of being able to wander around. I started off riding to destinations (like the store or Post Office) within 7 miles or so from my house, and then sometimes taking a long way home. I slowly expanded my rides to the point that now I regularly ride into Worcester (Mass) to get cannoli on Sundays.

Do I want to commute? No, but then I don't commute anyway. I might commute if it included backroads and little traffic, but I even avoid my regular route through our small town at rush hour if I can.

Just keep riding, and you'll build your confidence.
@gedmunds avatar
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Vespa GTS Super
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Location: London
 
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@gedmunds avatar
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UTC quote
My start to scooting was a baptism of fire, collected on the Saturday morning and started commuting across London on the Monday.

Nerve racking...just a bit but you're not long in getting used to it.

I found doing the route when it is quiet helps.
@dooglas avatar
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Veni, Vidi, Posti
GTS 300ABS, Buddy 125, Buddy Kick 125
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@dooglas avatar
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UTC quote
Practice, practice, practice - in situations where you feel fairly confident. Nothing wrong with redoing the MSF Basic Course or doing the Intermediate Course. All of this will help you build confidence and sharpen up your reactions.
@xantufrog avatar
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1980 P200E - "Old Rusty", 1976 ET3 Primavera
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@xantufrog avatar
1980 P200E - "Old Rusty", 1976 ET3 Primavera
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UTC quote
as everyone else said, practice!
Also, be proactive and defensive - signal early, do a final "quickcheck" before executing the maneuver - a lot can change in the seconds since you did the "big" head check if the traffic is dense. Claim your spot in the lane so that others aren't tempted to "share" it with you or squeak around you. Oh - remember to keep a long following distance. One of the dangers with PTWs is that they DO stop on a dime. Makes it easy to follow close. BUT, the car behind you - that is most likely tailgating whilst texting and drinking a mccafe - can't stop as quickly as you. So even though you can stop short, you want to leave enough room to stop gradually, because this leaves the dude behind you enough room to do so as well.

I say that last part and mean it, but in truth after years of urban riding in Boston and the Bay Area I can say that it's pretty difficult to keep that space large in heavy traffic. So... realistically, as you get more experienced, you'll probably drop some pretensions there but hopefully compensate with greater awareness of how closely you are being followed and the traffic pattern. That allows you, if vigilant, to ride a bit more aggressively. But I would always recommend starting as defensive and pragmatic as possible to someone
@belkwinith avatar
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Honda CTX 700 DN Automatic Motorcycle
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@belkwinith avatar
Honda CTX 700 DN Automatic Motorcycle
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UTC quote
AS everyone else has said, practice and get ready to hear LOUD noises, and encounter lots of aggressive drivers.

None of this bothers me, as I am apparently a total a$$whole.

People stay away from me when I ride.
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
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@mlpearson79 avatar
UTC

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Lucia: 2006 LX150
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@mlpearson79 avatar
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Location: Sun City Center, FL
UTC quote
This morning I went out, and first just did maybe 45 minutes of general maneuvering around my neighborhood. It's a huge subdivision in true Florida style, with tons of dead ends, cul-de-sacs, and roundabouts. I felt good with all of that, so after lunch I went back out and did 30 miles round trip out on a 2 lane 55 MPH highway. Traffic was spotty, and this was fine also. My a$$ was asleep when I got back. Tomorrow I am going to go somewhere with a little more traffic.

You're all right, and told me what I pretty much already knew, I think...I just need to go do it, and do it more.
@larrytsg avatar
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1979 P200e
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@larrytsg avatar
1979 P200e
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Location: Lock Haven, PA
UTC quote
The only thing I would like to add at this time is to take your time... don't go to another step (more traffic, faster speeds, longer trips) until you feel comfortable.

And your body WILL tell you when you need to take a break. I know my hands get numb after riding at certain speeds (my 2 stroke is very buzzy).
⚠️ Last edited by Larrytsg on UTC; edited 1 time
@bob_copeland avatar
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2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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@bob_copeland avatar
2013 Vespa 300 Super, 2022 Kymco AK 550
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UTC quote
All Good Advise
This forum is super on advise for riders to stay safe.
I have started wearing a High-Vis (Yellow/Orange)
lite weight vest when I ride to work in heavy traffic.

Note: I have previously posted - rookies take curves
to fast. The lack of riding experience places them
going into the curve to fast and losing control.

Also, be sure to cancel your turn signal. If you ride
down a residential street with it on, cars will pull out
in front of you thinking you are turning.

Ride Safe,

Bob Copeland
@strick avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2021 Ducati Multistrada 950S
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Posts: 3452
Location: Columbia, MD
 
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@strick avatar
2021 Ducati Multistrada 950S
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UTC quote
Congrats on going out and practicing today ML!

I forgot to add that when I come to a stop in traffic I never stop directly behind the car in front of me in the center of the lane. I always put myself to the side. If a car coming up behind me does not stop I can get out of the way.

Soon this will all be second nature to you! Have fun!!
Put your bike to the side and you can get away from an inattentive driver who is aiming to rear end someone
Put your bike to the side and you can get away from an inattentive driver who is aiming to rear end someone
@blackhawkfan avatar
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Hooked
2015 Vespa GTS300 Super
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Location: Long Island, NY
 
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UTC quote
I'm in the same situation as far as roads are concerned, with a three lane highway a block from my apt. Take as much time as you need to work up your nerve, and definitely practice on off hours. Good luck!
@irene avatar
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Primavera 150, GTS 250 - Sold, HD Street 500h
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@irene avatar
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UTC quote
This is what I love about this forum. Ask a question and members are more than generous sharing their knowledge and experience. So many others before me have said it - practice! I have been riding motorcycles and scooters of varying sizes for a few years and find my LX to be fast enough for all the secondary roads in NH. I can keep up with traffic doing 50-55 mph. I certainly would not take it on the interstate. However, I am pretty reticent to take most two wheelers under four hundred pounds on the interstate for fear of being blown away by eighteen wheelers. Like you I have looked at GTSs and wondered about making the upgrade - maybe but not today. I say yes but the pocketbook says no! I learned to ride by going around the neighborhood making larger circles until my circles reached 50 to 60 miles. I now ride every day it doesn't snow. Snow? Yikes!
@paladin avatar
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Vespa LX 150 "Zaporog"
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@paladin avatar
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UTC quote
Irene wrote:
... I can keep up with traffic doing 50-55 mph. I certainly would not take it on the interstate.... I now ride every day it doesn't snow. Snow? Yikes!
I am comfortable doing 60-65 mph on the freeways and Interstates, tho' most people are not. You can get Heidenau Snowtek tires for use in snow/winter -- in Germany snow tires are required in winter.

I really ought to take a spin around LAX, just so people can see what congested areas really are.
OP
@mlpearson79 avatar
UTC

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Location: Sun City Center, FL
 
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@mlpearson79 avatar
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UTC quote
Paladin wrote:
I really ought to take a spin around LAX, just so people can see what congested areas really are.
I'm familiar with congestion - I lived in San Francisco for 10 years. The difference between LA/SF congestion and FL congestion is that CA congestion moves at about 10 MPH. In FL, it moves at 80 MPH+, with everyone inches off each other's bumpers. Think I-5 in the valley in the middle of the night.
@tigger808 avatar
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Enthusiast
Primavera 150 3v
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Location: Honolulu
 
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@tigger808 avatar
Primavera 150 3v
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UTC quote
This is awesome! I've learned a few things in this thread.
I started riding in 2012 and pretty much take all the back roads to work and when I play on the weekends. I adjust when I leave the house because it does take longer to get to places, but safer than the freeway. To add on to what everyone else has said, when I'm turning, I look where I'm going. I don't look down at the bike or at the ground and that's helped me get comfortable while taking turns.
Also when a car in front of me has his blinker to turn, I shift to the opposite side of the lane so the cars behind me can clearly see the blinker and know that I am slowing down or stopping.
Happy and safe riding😎
@bendcyclist avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2006 GTS 250ie in Silver
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Posts: 1808
Location: Bend, OR
 
Molto Verboso
@bendcyclist avatar
2006 GTS 250ie in Silver
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Posts: 1808
Location: Bend, OR
UTC quote
Stop light to stop light you should ride it like you stole it. That way you stay ahead of and away from the distracted cagers.

Ride as if nobody can see you. That way you can count on your own skills and not the others on the road.

Get a loud horn.

Buy a GTS 300 so highway speeds are easier.

My 2 cents...
@llitten avatar
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GTS 300
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Location: Bradenton, Florida
 
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GTS 300
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Location: Bradenton, Florida
UTC quote
I used to live not too far from where I'm guessing you are talking about.
My first scooter was a 50cc Honda Metro that I used to ride from the Seminole Heights area up to USF.
One thing having such a little scoot will do for you is force you to find the back ways to get to anything. It was not a comfortable proposition to try to ride a 35mph (max) scooter up the 8 lanes of Fowler avenue.
I did eventually bump up to an LX150. And WOW what a difference! But for the most part I still kept to the smaller back roads whenever possible. Even if I could technically "keep up" with the speed limit on the bigger roads, it was just a more pleasant commute not feeling stressed. I just made sure to leave early enough to take the "nice way".
Now I live in an area where having a bigger scoot was a necessity. (in order to get anywhere in a reasonable amount of time I have to get on the interstate... I still prefer back roads, but can afford to take 2 hours to get to my destination)
My first time on I-4 was so scary. But over time I've gotten used to it. As others have mentioned, exposure and practice are key.
I also recommend making yourself as visible as possible. I generally wear a dorky looking hi-vis jacket. Also, when approaching a turn, make sure you are doing your best to get the attention of the person behind you. I will make sure I have my signal on as soon as possible, before using the brakes. In addition as I approach the turn I will often use an arm signal. Lastly, I will flash the brake lights a bit before I really pull back on the brakes for the turn.
Florida is a mixed blessing. We have year round to ride. But our roads (and the drivers on them) can be rather difficult to deal with. Though I am certain that with a bit of practice, you'll do great!
OP
@mlpearson79 avatar
UTC

Hooked
Lucia: 2006 LX150
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Location: Sun City Center, FL
 
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@mlpearson79 avatar
Lucia: 2006 LX150
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Location: Sun City Center, FL
UTC quote
Oh yes, USF is a terrible area! I can't imagine trying to negotiate Fowler or Bruce Downs or Fletcher.

Most of the scary part around here would consist of 301, Big Bend (which at 301 is treacherous in a car), and I-75 (which I wouldn't do on the LX150 anyway, not enough juice really). 301 to the south is not so bad. I'm going to spend some time looking at Google Maps for alternative routes that are a little more back/side road-y...I really want to ride to the beach (Bradenton/Sarasota) soon.

Thanks for all the tips and encouragement, MV really is the best.
@drscooter avatar
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2007 GTS 250ie 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 803 2005 Sportster 883XL 2010 GTS 300ie
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Location: St.Louis, Missouri
 
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@drscooter avatar
2007 GTS 250ie 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 803 2005 Sportster 883XL 2010 GTS 300ie
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Location: St.Louis, Missouri
UTC quote
First, remember 90% of motorcycle accidents happen in the first three months. I know as a rider and working in Emergency Rooms for 20 years. There is a lot to learn, as scary as it is you will learn the most when your life is at risk, well if you don't die. Here are a few simple tips, never stay in the center of a lane, you can cross it as need be but in general command your lane driving on the left. Most important reason for this is the center of the lane is coated with oil. Soon your tires will pick it up and that's not good. I drive with my mirror (on a two lane) almost hanging over the yellow line. That way oncoming cars are more aware of you, like WTF is this guy doing. I fade back away in plenty of time but you would be amazed at how many cell phones come down. I never ride next to a car (if possible) either ahead or behind on multi lane roads. However, when I go through an intersection I do like, for that brief time to have a car right next to me. When you are going down a street and you see another car at an intersection (usually your right) do NOT look at the driver, he could be looking right at your face and won't understand how fast you are coming. Watch his front wheel, worth repeating, watch his front wheel to determine what he is doing, don't just glance at it watch it, that alone can save your life. Don't flash your lights coming through an intersection. Instead of being seen "some" drivers think that's a signal to make a left turn. The most important rule is keep the shiny side up. Sure there are "tricks" to sliding a bike to the "low" side then coming off the brakes to snap the bike up and "shoot" the gap to avoid a T-Bone crash. As the old saying goes there are two kinds of motorcycle riders. Those that have crashed and those who have not crashed yet. I've been riding now for 45 years, been down 3 times. Two were my own fault driving to hard, or getting the hang of a racer. I walked away from all three, a broken foot a few ribs, nothing big. One last tid-bit, if you go over the bars, drop your head and go limp, head up and you will slide like Superman and probably get major road rash, very painful. But hey, have fun out there, learn to counter steer till it becomes second nature. Most accident reports are at the last second the bike turned "into" the car. That's true because counter-steering goes out the window just before impact unless counter-steering is second nature. The correct crash is to "low side your bike, letting it take the impact and keeping you from sliding under the car.

Remember riding a motorcycle is not dangerous, it's the crashing part that's bad. Nerd emoticon Nerd emoticon Nerd emoticon
@motovista avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
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Location: Main Street, Watts
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@motovista avatar
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Location: Main Street, Watts
UTC quote
Be aggressive.
Stay to the right and make it easy for people to pass you. Don't hog the road.
You're not in a car, and don't need five feet on either side of you. Don't freak out when cars are three feet away from you. Ride your bike like it's as big as it is, and get comfortable with cars close enough that you can reach out and touch them. A good way to get a feel for this is to go up the right side of traffic to make right hand turns at intersections when everyone is stopped.
The thing that keeps you safest on a bike is not wearing dayglo flashing neon lights or a horn you can hear in China, it's the fact that you are a smaller target and don't have to move as much to get out of the way. Know that there will be times when you will have to get out of the way, and ride accordingly.
There will be many times when your throttle will keep you safer than your brakes. In other words, don't stop, move and get out of the way.
@aviator47 avatar
UTC

Moderator
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
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@aviator47 avatar
2006 PX 150 & Malossi Kitted Malaguti Yesterday (Wife's)
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Location: Paros Island, Greece
UTC quote
Motovista wrote:
Be aggressive assertive..
Suggested semantic correction.
UTC

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Piaggio BV250
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Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
 
Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
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Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
UTC quote
Aviator47 wrote:
Motovista wrote:
Be aggressive assertive..
Suggested semantic correction.
BINGO!!!!
UTC

Ossessionato
Piaggio BV250
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Location: Historic Route 66 in Oklahoma
 
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Piaggio BV250
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UTC quote
Belkwinith wrote:
AS everyone else has said, practice and get ready to hear LOUD noises, and encounter lots of aggressive drivers.

None of this bothers me, as I am apparently a total a$$whole.

People stay away from me when I ride.
I refuse to believe that anyone could be a total a$$whole while wearing that helmet.....
@wheelbender6 avatar
UTC

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Genuine Buddy 125
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Location: Houston area
 
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@wheelbender6 avatar
Genuine Buddy 125
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UTC quote
As mentioned above, practice emergency maneuvers, especially emergency braking in a parking lot or similar place away from traffic.
-My wife and I would haul our scooters out to small towns on the weekends and ride in areas of sparse traffic on twisty roads. There, we could just focus on normal bike handling. The weekend rides seemed to help us relax more during our commutes on congested, multi-lane roads.
-Remember how you wished you could become invisible when you were a kid? That wish has come true when you take the streets on a scooter or motorcycle.
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@motovista avatar
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UTC quote
A place you can practice and get used to riding with cars and activity around you is a crowded parking lot. In your car, when someone in front of you stops to wait until someone else goes out, you sit and wait. On a bike, you can go right around them. Many people who haven't ridden very long or are used to driving will sit and wait on their bike, like they would in a car. And it's a good place to get comfortable riding with cars around you moving in close proximity. Narrow paths between buildings are another good place to practice, but a little harder to find. You need to get used to having things close to you and not panic. Being able to ride down a three foot wide sidewalk at 25-35 miles an hour without going over into the grass or hitting anybody's cat is a great skill to have, but very difficult to legally obtain. On the road, if the car in front of you stops to make a left hand turn, and you have a couple feet of pavement on the right, you go around them. A car can't do that, but a bike can. Your bike fits a lot of places cars don't, and if you ride accordingly, you will be less likely to put yourself in a dangerous position. Always look for openings in front of you, and if you are going slower than the rest of the world, keep an eye on what's coming up behind you.
And when your riding abilities catch up with your Vespa, if you want to keep it, put some money into making it go faster and handle better. That will also protect you on the road.
UTC

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2015 BV350 2007 GTS(sold) 2003 BV200
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Location: nyc
 
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Location: nyc
UTC quote
learn the mirrors, get a good perspective of what you see. Keep a constant eye for where you can maneuver if you need to . Get a feel for your brakes at different speeds.

John
@judy avatar
UTC

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2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
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@judy avatar
2007 LX150 Daring Plum Leonardo Da Vespa
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UTC quote
I take my new bikes out to our little local airport. It has everything including a sharp S turn. I practice practice practice. I'm sure you'll do fine.
@drscooter avatar
UTC

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2007 GTS 250ie 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 803 2005 Sportster 883XL 2010 GTS 300ie
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@drscooter avatar
2007 GTS 250ie 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 803 2005 Sportster 883XL 2010 GTS 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 586
Location: St.Louis, Missouri
UTC quote
Well, other's might disagree with me. However, in my experience riding to the "Right Side" of your lane is just wrong. Sure it allows cars to pass you with ease, they will also cut back into your lane (sometimes) with little room to spare., or even force you off the road (remember 20 years in the ER, I've heard many an MVA story. Drive to the LEFT, it is your lane. IMHO riding to the right is not commanding your lane. Now granted I drive bikes that are fast enough to keep up if not tear up any car on the road, if you are riding a 50cc and the speed limit is 55 mph, one you should not be there just for your own safety.

At least where I live (I know it's different in Europe) riding along passing stopped cars to make a right turn or get to the head of the pack, can be dangerous and in Missouri, for sure it is not legal. There is a big difference with what you do on a parking lot and what is legal on a road.

That has me thinking, why do we Park in a Driveway and Drive on a Parkway ?
Motovista wrote:
Be aggressive.
Stay to the right and make it easy for people to pass you. Don't hog the road.
You're not in a car, and don't need five feet on either side of you. Don't freak out when cars are three feet away from you. Ride your bike like it's as big as it is, and get comfortable with cars close enough that you can reach out and touch them. A good way to get a feel for this is to go up the right side of traffic to make right hand turns at intersections when everyone is stopped.
The thing that keeps you safest on a bike is not wearing dayglo flashing neon lights or a horn you can hear in China, it's the fact that you are a smaller target and don't have to move as much to get out of the way. Know that there will be times when you will have to get out of the way, and ride accordingly.
There will be many times when your throttle will keep you safer than your brakes. In other words, don't stop, move and get out of the way.
@caplan avatar
UTC

Hooked
Triumph Bonneville T120
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Posts: 123
Location: Bentonville
 
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@caplan avatar
Triumph Bonneville T120
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Posts: 123
Location: Bentonville
UTC quote
DrScooter wrote:
At least where I live (I know it's different in Europe) riding along passing stopped cars to make a right turn or get to the head of the pack, can be dangerous and in Missouri, for sure it is not legal.
Motovista wrote:
.
I tried this once. The car I thought was going left decided to go right, just as I was pulling alongside him. I was nearly run over. Now I wait patiently.
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