Ducati Monster Forum

Ok I just started a new job and I have to ride the 5 Freeway from Burbank to dowtown Los Angeles. My question is do you think its better to ride in the Fast lane in the Rain or in the slow lane?

I have been ridding in the fast lane almost all the time because it just seems like the best place to be in the rain. Any comments or advice? I have been ridding the 10 freeway and I usually stay in the fast lane as well, just want some feedback.

Thanks! [moto]

Does it rain often in LA? 

Yea its been raining some lately Monday nite it was raining pretty good and its raining now

i prefer the fast or hov lane as there is only one lane of traffic to watch for who could change lanes and be in your way. 

It gets ridiculous on the freeway when it rains in LA.  Good thing it doesn't rain much down there.  I would prefer the HOV lane.  Just watch out for the standing water in the HOV lane. 

I havent hydroplaned is that a concern? I went through about 5" of water doing like 50. Is it possible to hydroplane? [popcorn]

Yes, hydroplaning is a concern, and it'll all be over in half a heartbeat if it does happen to you.

Fast lane or HOV lane is best IMO.
As was previously posted, watch out for standing water in low areas.

When in the HOV lane, watch out for line-jumpers, *especially* if the HOV lane is open and the rest of the lanes are stacked up.
It's been quite a while, but one of our SoCal folks got taken out that way.
Luckily, he hit the side of the van, not the corner.

When it rains in socal I don't even leave the house.

Not worth going out.

Hydroplaning scares the boogers outta me... if the rain is coming down hard enough to puddle I stay off the interstate. It takes longer to go over city streets, but the speed is lower and the other cars don't seem as intent on smashing me. If it's just a matter of wet pavement though, I prefer the far left lane, no merging traffic at every ramp and an escape path to the shoulder in case of inconsiderate mergers.

Take San Fernando Road. Goes all the way from Burbank to downtown.

I commute every day, but on the 405, from the valley to Manhattan Beach. When people ask if I ride in the rain I say yes, but not in storms. If it's coming down like a mofo, I don't think it's safe to ride because of the standing water and limited visibilty (of riders and drivers). You need to use your judgement. If there's water buiding up on the outside of the HOV lane I'll ride in the number 2 lane and stay there all grumpy and slow going. It's better than hydroplaning. Riding in the rain is like skiing. If you're dressed for it, it's fun as long as the weather doesn't totally suck. Riding in the rain is also a good opportunity to see how you and your bike handle less traction, which is good for your skills in general.
Of coarse this past week when we had a boat load of rain (by LA standards) I had speeddog adjusting my valves, so I suppose that's an option too.