Expressway Riding (U.S.)

[Rick54]

I'd like to draw on the experience of those of you who have had years of riding on a scooter. I know that the PCX150 is allowable on the expressway, but this bike to road combination is something I think I'd like to avoid at all costs. I see the PCX more as a 40-45 mph rider for around town and lower congestion areas.

I know some of you probably have ventured out on the expressway from time to time, and with that said, I'd like to ask if any of you have encountered being passed in the lane next to you by a semi tractor and trailer? Can you describe the experience?

Your descriptive experience will certainly be sufficient for my curious mind!

[ItBeMe]

There is no way I will ride on the expressways around Atlanta Ga.

[easyrider]

Wind plays a big role in the stability of this bike. It is relatively light and with a windshield it is even more susceptible. Expressway riding can be done, but the question is whether it would be enjoyable. Being bounced around by idiopathic cross winds, truck bow waves etc and cars cutting you off would simply not be enjoyable ride .

[honkerman]

Here's my take in video form

[Mel46]

My wife and I have taken ours on the freeways for short runs only, staying in the far right lane. I wouldn't want to ride on the freeway very long, and I certainly would not move into the main stream of traffic, but the PCX can be taken on the freeway for a short distance, one or two exits. Otherwise, it is too light. You would be fighting the wind a lot, and semi trucks are not your friend. As they come up beside you the bike will start to feel like you are being sucked toward it, but then the buffeting will begin. As it passes you the wind swirls and you have to expect it and just stay in control. Riding on the freeway is not bad, just not nice on a light bike. Also keep in mind what its top end is. You won't have anything left if you need it.

[homie]

It's a white knuckle experience that I liked a little more than I should have. Before getting a bigger bike I routinely ramped up on the Stevenson at night with the truckers blowing passed me for a few miles and then back. It was enough to blow my skirt up over my head and I don't recommend you make a habit of it. However the scooter performed very well IMO... if you like a cheap thrill.

[flyingzonker]

The problem with the PCX and freeways is the same problem a great lightweight like Manny Pacquiao would have against a great heavy like Joe Frazier--he could go a round or two but it would take everything he had to land punches and then get the hell back out of Joe's range.

OK. That analogy is a little over the top. But you get the picture. Nothing beats the PCX in its category. You have the right idea--it is a bike that loves 40-50mph.

[Jge64]

There is no way I will ride on the expressways around Atlanta Ga.

Same here for south Florida.....too skittery for me..

[WhiteNoise]

I will not entertain the idea of riding on the Long Island Expressway (better known to my family as the Long Island Distressway). Drivers speeds vary between 60-80mph, at mostly the higher numbers. Put that together with heavy-ish traffic and lots of road rage...I'd be a pancake from the giddy-up!
Enjoy 40-50 with PCX. Sometimes...60 on a side road just cause I want to
I ride with my stock screen, I feel less drifting that way.

[homie]

I ride with my stock screen, I feel less drifting that way.

good point, stock windscreen, must be why I don't seem overly disturbed by an occasional short cut across town.

[DeaninMilwaukee]

I ride expressway to work every day with no troubles, but the speed limit is 55 and cars rarely go more than 65 which I can usually match.

I really don't have any trouble with wind or truck wakes, the pcx wiggles a bit, but not really any worse than any of the motorcycles I have had with similar big windshields. I just keep a relaxed grip, let the bars wiggle a bit, and don't worry about it.