Newer - Couple of questions...

[SICgsxr]

Ok, I've read all of what is available [stickys] on these forums for the most part. I'll start by thanking each and every one of you for making me wiser.

That being said I had a couple questions.

1) I've seen multiple times that I "own the lane" and I can choose where I drive in it. Does this mean cops go easier on a biker who is utilizing his entire lane? (Ex. using L C R lanes when I think they are necessary, even if there is a random or consistent means to my changes)

2) Cops. Do they look at us more, less? Do they suffer from the same problems with seeing us as your everyday cage? (Ex. When the person is in front of me going 80 in a 65, and I feel perfectly comfortable going 80 behind him and to his right, will cops have a harder time seeing me because of him? Or is this an obvious or stupid assumption?)

3) "Rock Ass" - (your ass getting used to the seat) - what's the normal time frame on it? Should I look into getting a gel seat if after a couple weeks I'm still uncomfortable? - Not a painsey question, just preimptive.

Thanks in advance, you guys have been a lot of help so far.

[RayOSV]

Welcome to SBN!!

I'll give a try at answering your ?'s.

1) by owning the land I'd assume it might be a combination of "I'm in this lane and I won't be bullied out of it" and the fact that position within a lane is a variable on a bike unlike a cage. Use lane position to your advantage to improve your visibility and safety cushion from danger. Just remember that, in general, the center of the lane is often more slippery than the cage tread lines due to oil.

2) I think some (not all by any means) cops are harder on sport bike riders than other drivers. Don't count on being less visible to them, just to the inattentive cage drivers.

3) it might take longer than a couple of weeks (maybe a few months) for your arse to "toughen up" and your seat to take a good shape to it. It all depends on miles and hours in the saddle. If it really starts to bother you, look into alternate seats. I've not heard that GSX-R seats are particularly inhospitable, however.

Don't hesitate to ask more, but be prepared for the "GSX-R isn't a good first bike" comments and wondering if you took the msf course or wear proper riding gear.

[831FZ6]

Originally Posted by SICgsxr

3) "Rock Ass" - (your ass getting used to the seat) - what's the normal time frame on it? Should I look into getting a gel seat if after a couple weeks I'm still uncomfortable? - Not a painsey question, just preimptive.

I've been riding for about 6 months. It took me a little over 1000 miles to get my butt and seat to mesh together comfortably. Even so I'm looking at aftermarket seats now since the slope on mine isn't great for my passenger.

[kevin-ross]

"Own your lane" has more to do with other civilian drivers than cops, I suspect. After you've been riding for a while you'll find which part of the lane works best for you in different situations. For example, when traffic is light and spaced apart, I'll ride just to the left of center (out of the oily strip down the middle, but not all the way to the left). As traffic tightens up, I move to the right-hand portion of the lane to discourage people from merging into me and make myself more visible. BTW, I'm almost always in the far left lane. I like only having to worry about one side of me, and also having the option of the shoulder in an emergency.
As far as cops go, it depends on the cop often as not. However, take a look at your fellow riders in the area. Do you see a lot of squids, people speeding through traffic or riding wrecklessly? If so, prepare to have cops lump you into the same group. If people generally ride cool around you, I think cops may be a little more lax.
I haven't sat on a new GSXR, but if it's anything like my friends R6 you should start looking at aftermarket seats. His seat felt like a 1/4 inch sheet of foam rubber on hard plastic. Maybe I'm just spoiled by my Corbin seat .