New to lane splitting (tips?)

[shamoo]

I've been a New Jersey resident for 30+ years, and as of 3 months ago I relocated to Southern California (my dream location) for work.  I brought over my Yamaha R6 sportbike and used that for a little while, commuting from Irvine to LA (5, 55, 405, and 101...reverse for coming home).

Since it's lane splitting is pretty much illegal everywhere else, it's definitely something I have to get used to.  I admit, it's amazing for getting past the LA traffic, but it's very nerve racking haha.  When I'm by myself, I used to split about 15mph if cars around me are stopped.  If they are moving, I can go up to 30mph.  If I see a rider behind me, I'll let him pass, and I'll follow.  In that case, I can 90% of the time stay with them up to about 45mph.

I must say, you CA riders definitely have a unique skill.  I can ride, and I can ride pretty well, but lane splitting is an entirely different skill.  Not to mention, the CHP bike cops, split in standstill traffic at 50+mph.  If they encounter a spot that's too narrow, they'll swing around the entire vehicle and come back splitting again.  Amazing.

Anyway, just wanted to see if anyone had any tips to get better.  I know practice makes perfect, and I've improved a lot.  I sold my R6 for a brand new 2012 Monster 796 ABS, which is a little wider at the handlebars.  That will probably make me a little nervous at first.

Here's my Introduction post if you want to see pics/know more about me. 

http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=54802.0

PS: When I type out a post larger than the text field, the screen jumps around every time I type.  Anyone else encounter this issue? 

[reebok]

1. Be at a comfortable speed!
2. Be where the cars aren't.
3. try to time it so you dont stop at the lights, monsters will balance themselves at 1-2 mph, but you have to be steady!.
4. smile at the drivers as you go past - really freaks em out.

[Vishwacorp]

Congrats on your Monster! I don't live in Cali but I lane split on a very regular basis. The key is to,

1) Not ride above your comfort limit
2) Beware of the road condition between lanes. Those painted stripes are slippery!
3) Don't go too fast between the cars. I usually find that a speed differential of about 20-25 mph is fast enough for me.
4) Pay attention to cars well ahead of you to see if any of them would change lanes. Usual things to look out for are indicators, cars driving in the right or left side of their lanes, etc.
5) I try to "line up" the cars so they're pretty much next to each other when I pass them. Since they see each other, they're unlikely to switch lanes at the last minute even if they don't see me. I feel this is a safe technique.

But then again, I haven't been riding for too long so maybe some of the other board members here will have better advice!

[duc996]

1.anticipate what the  drivers on both sides will do
2.stay in control
3.go slow

[thought]

Keep your eye on their front tires without focusing on them too much, just sorta scan for movement in that area with your peripherals.  that'll telegraph any sudden movements on their end.

I like to keep my high beams on during the daytime if I'm splitting.  Wont blind them and gives a better chance to have them notice you before they do anything dumb.

[Vindingo]

Congrats on getting out...  I was out there for a while, but got sucked back!

I commuted by bike, so I got plenty of practice splitting in the bay area.  If traffic is dead stopped, IMO going 45 between cars is a bit fast.  I also never liked following another rider.  You can't see far enough ahead, and I didn't trust them or their brake lights for my own safety.   

If traffic is moving more than 30-40mph, it isn't lane splitting, its being a squid.  Be careful when approaching stopped cars on the freeway, coming up to a jam, people always dart between lanes. 

enjoy the weather!

[SupraGuy74]

I only ride 5mph over the flow of traffic heres why

this was on the 91 and the 55 he was going way way to fast.

When you do split lanes to get up to a light when you get there, put the nose of your bike, or the whole bike if you can fit it in front of the first car, that way they see you, they cant haul ass of the line, and they see you!

its very intimidating but do it comfortably, at a safe speed, and if you hit somebodys mirror ride like hell!

[red baron]

Never mind that he was going too fast, the asshole that pulled out of the HOV lane crossed the double yellow. A big no no.

Hopefully he sued the shit outta the van driver.

[SupraGuy74]

well the biggest thing i forgot to add to my last post that i always never never do is: Never assume a driver isnt going to do something, the first time you do is the first time they'll prove you wrong. The rider assumed since the double yellow was there that nobody was going to cross, wrong move.

[Scotzman]

Watch out for truck mirrors that stick too far out at head level or things sticking out of the backs of trucks, especially low light hours.

It really is something that you get more used to though. Be careful.

[chixstrip]

Take it nice and slow when lane-splitting between cars stopped at a red-light. Beware of opening doors and pedestrians trying to run across between stopped cars.

[DonJuanDucati]

I only ride 5mph over the flow of traffic heres why

5mph even with standstill or crawling traffic? I can walk faster than that. I just think that's a bit overly cautious.

[SupraGuy74]

5mph even with standstill or crawling traffic? I can walk faster than that. I just think that's a bit overly cautious.

for somebody whos never done it before, i dont think its the smartest idea to have him out there going 25 between cars.

[DonJuanDucati]

You were implying that is the only safe speed, not that that is the speed to begin at. I don't disagree that he shouldn't be out there splitting at 25mph if he's new to it.

[ducatiz]

There is no rule.  Its' not safe.  People in cars are either dumb, distracted or demonic -- usually 2 out of 3.

Lane sharing should be done only when it's possible to get thru unless you like eating asphalt.