| Author | Message | ||
     Mke |
So, I'm working/living in Los Angeles for a year starting in Nov. Trying to decide if I should haul the 1125r or the Uly out there. Don't want to bring both, as I'll be taking trips back home and it'd be nice to have a bike there. Uly with bags seems most utilitarian, but perhaps too wide to split lanes.?? 1125r? , but I'm not sure about the noise police giving me a hard time with my RT-3 pipe, and I'm not a fan of that stock can's sound. Plus my 6'5" frame doesn't like to spend too much time in that saddle. Then there's the worries about theft, etc. So, I guess I'm looking for opinions on which bike to take, assuming I'll be commuting and trying to get where I'm going in as little time as possible.  Plus trying to haul stuff. | ||
| Mcelhaney14 |
Mke, I've been commuting on my 1125R for about 2 months now. Mine has the RT-5 exhaust and I haven't had any problems from the police with that. Hauling stuff isn't always the easiest but I make do. If you are going to haul lots of stuff I would bring the Uly. I see the guys with baggers splitting lanes frequently as well, so you should be able to handle it. | ||
| Duphuckincati |
I'd bring them both and stay. WAY too cold/wintery where you are. Other than that I'd bring the Uly, assuming it does better in an urban setting, and there are interesting dirt roads past the city outskirts. I love my 1125, but not in town. I hope deciding which cool motorcycle to bring to California is the only problem in life for you. Enjoy. | ||
| Slaughter |
What town are you going to live in and where will you be working/commuting? There are most definitely good and bad areas for riding and commuting and parking. | ||
| Mke |
Slaughter...I'll be living in Toluca Lake and working for a short time in Santa Monica. (Ugh...I cringe to hear how long it'll take me.) I'd definitely be interested in hearing about parking/locking thoughts you have. Duphuckin.... I hear you. Winters SUCK here, but I must say that I love the summers in MKE. And yes, I know that I'm lucky to have such trivial things to stress about. :-) Anyway, it is good to hear that the Uly isn't too "fat" by CA standards. Hopefully I'll decide soon...otherwise I just may have to take them both. I know I've run across some archived threads about the emissions and licensing when bringing a bike to CA, but I also dreading that potential hassle. | ||
| Srosenquist |
ive heard rumors of this splitting lane thing being legal in cali, true or false? if true is it legal in any other states? im in florida | ||
| Srosenquist |
is lane splitting legal in cali? if so, is it legal in any other states? i.e. florida? | ||
| Nuts4mc |
Uly...( my daily driver is a '03 Zuki DL1000 Vstrom) put a "cruiser" tire on the back ( Metzler) something hard - the Freeways are tough on tires. YES -it's legal to split lanes in California , but it depends on the LEO's attitude if you're driving wreckless ( the state is broke - don't need to give them a reason to stop you ...Common Sense is key)...getting to the front of a line at a stop light can be a little challenging - and if you "weave " too much the LEOs don't like it. On the Freeways - if the traffic is moving at a crawl - you can split up to 15MPH...but few of us do it within those parameters. Metered On ramps can be a problem too as the cagers don't like the "un-fair advantage " we have on 2 wheels...sometimes it's like dodge ball.( MUST keep a HIGH VISUAL Horizon) a Tail bag/box is the way to go - it keeps the profile "narrow" Mirrors - how wide are they? - usually they'll "align" with SUV's mirrors when you split lanes...gotta have a good eye....I don't remember if Ulys have "Brush Guards" for your hands - but you may want to add some. It gets cold and it does rain - heated grips/gear can help in the winter. Gas is very $$$$ GPS - get one and learn how to use it...don't need to mount it on the bike - just have it handy for when you get lost. ( get a tank bag) carry a tire repair kit (plugs and glue) like these: http://www.stopngo.com/ I haven't purchased an out of state bike in awhile - the state is broke - they need your money - I believe if the bike has "X" (2000?)miles on it it's considered "used" and retagging the bike isn't too bad.( just bring $$$s) Al at American Sport Bike rides an Uly - you may want to PM him or give him a call---he's down here in MC paradise ( San Diego) great roads ...too many LEOs PS - it isn't "lane Splitting" but "Lane Sharing" and I believe it's only legal in CA. (Message edited by nuts4mc on August 25, 2012) (Message edited by nuts4mc on August 25, 2012) | ||
| Duphuckincati |
"Lane splitting" is not illegal, but not exactly legal in that sense. It's technically "lane sharing", meaning if there is enough room in the lane for two vehicles to be side-by-side it's OK. To actually ride down the painted line dividing lanes is not the intention but generally you won't be hassled unless you do it in a stupid manner, i.e. going 50 mph if traffic is doing 15. And California is the only state this is allowed. Most useful for not getting stuck in a long line at traffic lights or in backed-up freeway jams. | ||
| Srosenquist |
too bad only cali, but u can pass moving cars not just stopped ones? and i bet motorists get mad, do they often open doors on bikers? | ||
| Duphuckincati |
Yes moving cars, but generally not more than 15 mph faster than they are moving and you're OK. And a very few drivers get mad, fewer open doors. Can be charged with something like "vehicular assault". | ||
| Srosenquist |
but you never know with road rage | ||
| Slaughter |
The thing as Duckinphucati said, you have to "Lane Share" - realize that EVERY TIME you cross a line that separates lanes, it constitutes a lane change and you have to meet lane change signalling requirements (nobody really does but if you're riding like a dufus, it's another line of tickets that can be written against you) The Toluca Lake to Santa Monica commute will be ugly. ALSO, I think a Uly would not be bad but having to commute for a few years, I'd definitely take off the side bags when lane splitting (OK, OK - lane SHARING). Just too many close calls. Santa Monica is a cool town but because of their extremely liberal stance on homeless, on crime/criminals, rent control - everything else, I wouldn't be able to trust ANYTHING left on the street, parked in the same place day after day. Toluca Lake is a nice burg however. I live way the hel* out in the Desert now. | ||
| Jcjohnson33 |
I've lane split since I first started riding. I've never been hassled but who says you can't pass stopped cars? I've been passing cars by splitting lanes at traffic lights forever never no problems moto cops do the same along with doing it on the freeway. Also if the freeway has an HOV lane you are free to use it as motorcycles are allowed to use it. Also you can pass cars in the HOV lane as well I've done it and have seen many moto cops do it | ||
| Jcjohnson33 |
Here is a list of all the states that do not prohibit lane splitting as it is not refered to in there vehicle code as per AMA California; Delaware; D.C.; Idaho; Kentucky; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana; New Jersey; New Mexico; North Carolina; Ohio; Texas; West Virginia; Wisconsin. So these states it's neither legal nor illegal. http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/State-L aws.aspx | ||
| Tippster |
That AMA list is outdated - I just looked at the DC link and it still says bikes need to be inspected. As of 2010 they do not. Lane splitting,although not specifically outlawed, is often ticketed as an "Illegal lane change." Most cops couldn't care less, however. | ||
| Bluex |
Here's a quote from one of DMV's pubs: "Motorcycles may travel faster than traffic during congested road conditions and can legally travel in the unused space between two lines of moving or stationary vehicles; this is commonly called "lane splitting."" If you'd only be in the state temporarily, you may check with the DMV to see if there is exception or different type of registration. I know they do have exceptions for military personnel. (Message edited by bluex on August 26, 2012) | ||
| Chessm |
whichever one you bring, i guarantee youll miss the other one | ||
| Xnoahx |
I would bring the Uly, just seems more versatile and I would rather commute on the more comfortable bike. | ||
| Rodrob |
How do you like to ride, not commute, but ride? I live in Santa Monica and ride my 1125R all the time, I would not commute in LA without it. There are some decent canyons that can be used for your commute to Santa Monica, about 30 mins. There are awesome canyon rides to be had on the weekend, and we have a great track day community out here. So if you like to really ride your 1125R, bring that. If you are most concerned about comfort on your commute, bring the ULY. give me a holler when you get out here, I'll show you around. PS, my bike was stupid loud and I never got hassled for it. I went back to stock because I couldn't take it anymore. I like it much better. (Message edited by Rodrob on August 27, 2012) | ||
| Father_of_an_era |
I live in Riverside Ca. and I have the RT2 on my 08R. I have never had an issue with the police. I wouldn't expect to have any issue unless I plan on riding late at night or in the early, early am (which I do not and would not do (its just rude)). I also split lanes and have not had any issues. Which ever you decide, good luck and have fun! | ||
| Duphuckincati |
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0UcQDUR-fU | ||
| Eweaver |
I live just east of Santa Monica at the 10/405 intersection and have a 14 minute commute to Hollywood everyday. I think Toluca Lake to Santa Monica is going to be less than half hour. 101 West to 405 South and pick your exit. Depending on your stator situation, the LA traffic can wreak havoc during the hot months. I installed the EBR stator on my 2009 1125R in January and haven't had any issues commuting. However, that lower output stator doesn't appreciate multiple short runs in a row when its hot. Sometimes I commute on my XB12R and might actually prefer it. If I had a Uly, I bet that would be my commuter. For theft prevention, a cover locked to the bike and a rear disk lock is typically enough of a deterrent to send a thief to the bike parked next to you that isn't as much of a hassle. | ||
| Rogue_biker |
Uly is the better commuter in SoCal. But 1125R is more fun in the mountains and canyons. | ||
| Dannybuell |
Rogue_biker has it right. I have had a 96S1 for 16+ years and my 09CR for over 2 years, 98,000 and 18,000 miles respectively. The stop and go of urban riding is torture on an 09 1125. The 1125 is like a race horse, it wants to be launched out of the gate and set free. The S1 is more like a clydesdale, launches easy and can be lugged around all day. | ||
| Mke |
You guys aren't making this decision any easier. As of today, I'm taking the Uly but I'm still feeling the need.... (Top Gun reference) And thanks for all the excellent advice guys. It doesn't sound like so bad of a commute (thankfully) and I'm sure on weekends I'd much rather ride some twisties or do a track day. All in due time I guess. If things go well, I'm sure I'll end up bringing both out there. So....still undecided, but leaning towards the Uly. Gonna get a tire repair kit, and a disc lock for sure. Thanks for that soundtrack Duph. And RodRob, I'll definitely get in touch when I'm out there and settled. Cheers! And now...... gonna head out for a spin on the R.  | ||
| Rogue_biker |
Bring the Uly first since it sounds like you will be doing more commuting than fun riding. Commuting on a moto in the thick of SoCal commuter traffic is an adventure onto itself. To most riders not accustomed to it, it can be a shocker. The I-405 is also not a lane split friendly freeway...lanes are narrow. You can do it if you have the skill and you will eventually. Maybe not until you adjust to the traffic density and driver habits. You need to be thinking 3-4 cars ahead of you while you are moving in between cars. Your brainpower will be on 100%! So will your Spidy-senses. But once you get good at it, you will never want to go back to not being able to lane split. Nothing empowers you more than the ability to slice and dice traffic at will. I love it! It's a rush every time. But there is that risk factor that is a constant companion as you flow in between vehicles. I think you will love it! | ||
| Duphuckincati |
Paint your bike black and white and get gear to match and mirrored aviator shades and lane splitting is EASY! | ||
| Rogue_biker |
White motorcycle with dual headlights, black and brown helmet. Brown jacket. You're set. LOL! I rode with a guy on an all white ST1300 once. He also had a white helmet. Every time he came rolling up behind me, it gave me the creeps! He looked just like the California Hwy Patrol! It was freaky! He also parted the freeway full of cars like Moses did with the Red Sea! | ||
| Chameleon |
Good info in here. I'm planning to move to SoCal (Ontario) soon, too... |
