Great info for great riding

Speeding tickets -- 8 tips to help you avoid getting one

Keeping your motorcycle within the posted limits is "relatively" easy when riding around town.

However, it can be tough when you're on the open road -- particularly on the interstate highway system. On such roads, just about every vehicle is traveling at lest five or ten miles per hour above the posted limit. And some are really flying.

You're at the mercy of the trooper holding the radar gun and determining how fast is too fast.

Drivers traveling at or under an essentially unrealistic speed limit can actually impede the flow of traffic on big roads. This is especially true of drivers schlepping along at 55 miles per hour in the left, passing lane.

I believe motorcycle riders moving slower than the overall flow of traffic put themselves in danger due to tailgaters and the constant stream of vehicles passing them.

It's always best to maintain a cushion of space around you when you ride.

Here are my eight tips to help you ride below the radar and -- within reason -- above the speed limit.

Most of these tips adhere to the Japanese saying, "The nail that stands out will be hammered down." If you're going to speed, try not to stand out.

Eight tips to help you ride below the radar…

1) Stay a safe distance behind a pace car…

If you spot a vehicle that’s clipping along at the speed you'd like to travel, maintain a safe, unobtrusive distance behind that guy. Let him lead the way and attract a trooper's attention first. However, the disclaimer is you could get "lit up" by radar from behind.

2) Go with the flow…

If the opportunity arises, blend in -- without getting boxed in -- with a group of vehicles traveling the speed you prefer. This enables you to travel faster than the speed limit without standing out. Keep at least one vehicle ahead and in back for radar protection.

3) Look ahead for brake lights…

If traffic is moving nicely and you see brake lights blinking ahead, slow down. Perhaps the drivers up there spotted something in the road or a trooper parked on the apron and "taking pictures." Maybe someone with a radar detector picked up a signal. Stay back and slack off.

4) Don't drive crazy…

Other drivers and especially the police don't like "crazy motorcycle riders." Don't give them a reason to the dislike you. If you're cruising along faster than the traffic around you, signal your lane changes and don't drive aggressively.

Don't…

• Pass on the right (if you can avoid it)…

• Swerve through traffic…

• Suddenly crank on the speed…

• Blow past other vehicles…

• Tailgate…

5) Stay out of the fast lane when you can…

Unless you're passing another vehicle, stay out of the far left "passing" lane -- especially if you're on a wide open highway. Don't draw attention to yourself or to your speed.

I'd say the vast majority of slow drivers are absolutely clueless when it comes to getting out of the way when they're clogging the passing lane. As a last resort and to preserve my sanity, after blinking my high beams to get such drivers to pull out of the way, I'll take a chance and pass on the right.

6) Stay alert for potential police hideouts…

Police who patrol the same roads every day know where they can remain out of site or otherwise plant themselves where they can catch you by surprise -- such as on the far side of an overpass or hillcrest.

Amp up your awareness of such hideouts…especially when the road is particularly inviting to twisting the throttle.

7) Slow down when in town…

Speed limits can drop precipitously when you enter small towns. Police often set up radar traps to catch drivers a short way past the 25 mph sign. Don't mess around. Stay under the speed limit until you're out of town and the sign says you can crank it up a bit.

8) Mind your speed on holidays and weekends…

Patrols for drunk drivers are usually heavier during holidays and on weekends. Particularly "vigilant" troopers looking for drunk drivers are more apt to stop you for traveling even a few miles per hour above the speed limit. Don't give them a reason to pull you over.

And -- you too -- watch out for drunk drivers.

# # #

They're compact, easy to use and work great in emergencies. And what flat tire isn't an emergency?

They're all made in the USA.

Click here to learn more…

Please join me on my trips to popular destinations and rides down roads less traveled...

I recently launched a three-book series containing motorcycle travel and adventure stories and observations drawn from my jaunts throughout the United States and Canada.

Click here for a complete description of these books along with the road tales they contain...

Or click on any of the following book covers to go directly to them at Amazon…

I've taken all the information in my website describing riding techniques for dangerous situations and added to it in the book "High Risk Motorcycle Riding."

Here's information you can put to good use to ride smart and well prepared when you're on the road and the going gets tough.

Click here for a complete description of this book along with the high risk riding tips it contains for riding at night, in the rain, in cold weather and across long distances...and more...

Or click on the following book cover to go directly to the book at Amazon…

For a wealth of information to help you…

• Ride more safely and comfortably…

• Select gear that best suits you, your motorcycle and riding style…

• Get the most enjoyment every time you ride…

Or if you'd like a free subscription to Savvy Motorcyclist E-zine…

Visit my website at...

www.Motorcycle-Gear-and-Riding-Info.com