In SoCal, where the weather permits year round riding, a motorcycles full potential can be used if commuting is it's primary use as is my case.
I ride 100 miles round trip daily on a Buell XB and find myself frequently having to split lanes because of heavy traffic buildup with the vehicle flow resembling a accordion. The sudden stops can be deadly to a unprotected 2 wheeler as the distracted driver behind may react too late to avoid slamming into the rider.
I have been lane splitting for over 40 years and any close encounters of the worst kind have been rare, it requires 100% focus on what everyone is doing and being prepared for sloppy driving.
If lane splitting is disallowed in CA I will most likely commute in a car as the only real advantage a motorcycle has is it's maneuverability; the fuel mileage, maintenance cost or comfort do not put a motorcycle at any great advantage over a automobile.
I ride 100 miles round trip daily on a Buell XB and find myself frequently having to split lanes because of heavy traffic buildup with the vehicle flow resembling a accordion. The sudden stops can be deadly to a unprotected 2 wheeler as the distracted driver behind may react too late to avoid slamming into the rider.
I have been lane splitting for over 40 years and any close encounters of the worst kind have been rare, it requires 100% focus on what everyone is doing and being prepared for sloppy driving.
If lane splitting is disallowed in CA I will most likely commute in a car as the only real advantage a motorcycle has is it's maneuverability; the fuel mileage, maintenance cost or comfort do not put a motorcycle at any great advantage over a automobile.
