Topic: Riding Formation

[DJ_AX]

With the SOHC4 Tour getting closer to my area again, I thought I'd pose this topic as I haven't seen it discussed before. But then a quick search resulted in finding an MSF guide on it.
http://www.arng.army.mil/soldierresources/guardsafety/Documents/Motorcycle%20Safety/MSF%20Quick%20Tips%20Group_Ride.pdf
That's what I thought! 

But anyway...
99% of the time I ride by myself so not a thought to it.

I've always disliked when riders (usually the coolest Harley guys), ride side by side and the inside rider is practically on the center line. Scary sometimes how close they come to unaware cars going in the opposite direction  . Tried to make sense of the logic of such experienced riders Now I get it. Nada

If you already know this... let the new guy know when grouping up! 

[LesterPiglet]

My friends and I always used the stagger. No-one decided, it just came naturally.

[Really?]

In general, there were no riding issues during my time on the rally.  Whata Farmer maybe should have given that pdf a once over.  That was a wild man right there!

[andy750]

I dont follow the stagger for the simple reason it cuts your lane in half. I dont want to ride in the gutter where all the crap is/potholes etc. Most roads around here are two narrow for this to be used effectively. I prefer single formation where you get the benefit of the whole lane which is better for cornering IMHO.

I tell whoever I ride with,  this is how I ride and so far no issues. As long as you have good communication then follow whatever works for you.

Andy

[DJ_AX]

I dont follow the stagger for the simple reason it cuts your lane in half. I dont want to ride in the gutter where all the crap is/potholes etc. Most roads around here are two narrow for this to be used effectively. I prefer single formation where you get the benefit of the whole lane which is better for cornering IMHO.

I tell whoever I ride with,  this is how I ride and so far no issues. As long as you have good communication then follow whatever works for you.

Andy

Makes sense... roads 'round here are messed up too. I also like having the full lane on curves.

[brooze72]

This is excellent info for us who rarely ride in formation.  Andy750, if you have no rider beside you, how does it cut your lane in half?

[andy750]

Andy750, if you have no rider beside you, how does it cut your lane in half?

Maybe I have this wrong but this is what I get from the stagger thing:
If you are expected to stay in formation then you will always be in the most left of the lane or the most right of the lane. I like to stay in the center of the lane or if I prefer, remain right or left if the road conditions dictate. I dont like being restricted to one side or the other. So if in formation are you expected to take all sweeping corners in formation? If so you are not taking the curve in the correct road position if you are always way over on the left/right.

But at end of the day riding in the right side of the lane is usually the crappy side and who wants that? Try that with the frost heaves in New England  .

Last year for the Godzilla ride we had about 10 SOHC guys meet up - for the most part all strangers - we rode fast and hard up through the twisty roads of VT, over mountain passes, along fast straights and all of us rode in a single line. It was a great ride and we were all similar ability. It would have been a whole different ride had we tried to stick to some kind of formation. Riding motorcycles is not like synchronized swimming - ride your ride and make use of the full width of the lane you are in. 

cheers
Andy

[brooze72]

Ahh, I understand you now.  Sure a rigid formation would be fine for low speed riding in a big group or something, but I always asumed that one would adjust lane position due to road hazards, cornering, speed & rider distances as needed. 

[MikeZ]

Ahh, I understand you now.  Sure a rigid formation would be fine for low speed riding in a big group or something, but I always asumed that one would adjust lane position due to road hazards, cornering, speed & rider distances as needed. 

This is how I've always ridden in my group of friends.  We stagger so we can avoid road hazards and when we got to twisties we would fall into single line but increase the space between riders.

[seanbarney41]

yup, that's exactly what that link says

[MikeZ]

yup, that's exactly what that link says

LOL Guess I should have read it

[tortelvis]

I hate riding in groups and only do so for a funeral. I also own a Harley but you won't catch me doing poker runs, toy runs or just posing in general. I don't have a problem with what others do, it's just not my thing. I ride to enjoy the ride.

[cb650]

It depends who your riding with too.   Paul and I ride sidebyside but we have been around eachother for years.  Dad and I also.  But a guy at work I've only ridden with a few miles we stay staggered.  But in a group of 3 or more its usually staggered.

[LesterPiglet]

If you are expected to stay in formation then you will always be in the most left of the lane or the most right of the lane.

You are not expected to be in the extreme left or right, just enough to stagger. This is on wide roads. When it comes to the twisties single file is a natural.

[333]

I've seen the local cops ride side by side, even though the M/C manual issued by the state says to ride staggered.

[Duke McDukiedook]

I think it is time for a little citizen arrest to keep these coppers in line, Stan.
Be sure to flash them your badge while making the arrest.

[LesterPiglet]

Power to the people.

In Russia the police doesn't wear seatbelt!

[Duke McDukiedook]

In Russia you don't wear seatbelt, it wear you!
 

[BobbyR]

I looked at the diagram and their explanation. I have observed groups doing that. The advantage I see on straight roads is that the drivers behind have a good visual that there are several bikes in front of them. they do mention going single file on curves.  I have a pseudo rider friend of mine ride with me from time to time. I tell him to stay behind me but also not to lag too far behind. I may have made myself known to a driver ready to turn onto a road, he he is too far back they driver may think I am the only bike and turn right in front of him.

As Andy stated, the roads in the Northeast get destyryed by the weather and they tend to be curvy to go aroind hills and Mountans.

[Kevin D]

Good topic DJ AX.
 I was happy to be at the front of our Godzilla Run to Hell with Artsq. I think seanbarney you were right behind me and saw my chainguard fall apart. DJ were you with MJStone? I could make out his big white fairing in my mirror but nothing else far back was recognizable.
 I've been told that experience follows, but I'm not at all a schooled rider, I'm a 97% solo rider. IIRC we just kind of tooled along easily. But I really dont know what went on behind, only that all arrived safely and smiling.

[Really?]

I'll bet many of us are mostly solo riders. I have been one most all my 33 years of riding.

I've ridden in large groups a few times and did not like them. Five bikes is about my limit for liking. The other riders should be free flowing and clued in.  The group I rode with during the Rally were just that.

I would gladly ride with them again! Now what they thought of me might be another story.

[DJ_AX]

Good topic DJ AX.
 I was happy to be at the front of our Godzilla Run to Hell with Artsq. I think seanbarney you were right behind me and saw my chainguard fall apart. DJ were you with MJStone? I could make out his big white fairing in my mirror but nothing else far back was recognizable.
 I've been told that experience follows, but I'm not at all a schooled rider, I'm a 97% solo rider. IIRC we just kind of tooled along easily. But I really dont know what went on behind, only that all arrived safely and smiling.

Yes ... I remember... a good time... 
another thing I learned on that ride was how loud LOUD pipes really are! Bringing ear plugs next time just in case

[Stev-o]

Seems like I've always ridden with experienced riders and no issues.  This ain't CHPS, I like a little space around me just in case.

Really - the only "bad" thing I'd say about you is you ride too slow! Ha!

[azuredesign]

My $.02:

I agree 100% with Andy, some roads around here have so much damage that you need to have a whole lane just to find a relatively smooth line through the mine field of crappy pavement.

To me there's rider position across the road, and as well along the road.
I think how folks are situated during group rides may be somewhat dependent on if everyone knows the route, how many riders are involved, and how spread out they are. If everyone knows the destination, it doesn't matter if everyone even takes the same route to get there. If one person is leading, and the others don't know the route, it's nice to be able to see each rider or at least be able to count headlights. I'm happy leading when everybody is not too spread out, and I can see individual riders easily in my mirror. It's a  bit easier to count riders following as they exit turns, because it doesn't matter if they're riding in any formation. Closer together is better when there are frequent  traffic lights. This all works best with 4 or 5 riders. Above that, aside from being tougher to keep count, it seems there's always somebody who ends up way back.

[Really?]

Hah Stev-o. I think I did perty good considering the bike is so low.