Rumble strips on center line: is this a new thing??

Rock Dodger · 09-25-2012, 05:23 PM

I was on SH14 (a two lane hwy.) between Lyle and Bingen today in the cage. I pulled out to pass a slow truck and when I passed over the center stripe it sounded like the car was about to shake apart. I discovered that the Highway Dept. had carved a continuous rumble strip down the middle of the highway. I have never encountered this before.

Once the initial shock had passed, I wondered how this will affect motorcycles and especially how it will affect them when the pavement is wet. This same stretch of road has just been given the tar snake "deluxe" treatment, ie the road is covered with them. So now, when passing in the rain or on wet pavement, the motorcycle gets jangled into a epileptic dance AND gets to traverse wet, slippery tar snakes, while made unstable by the rumble strips. Doesn't sound good. Sounds like the perfect recipe for high speed disaster.

Has anyone else encountered this roadway nightmare?

Avboden · 09-25-2012, 05:35 PM

It's been all over the major, yet slighly rural, highways of eastern washington for ages now.

You know what? It's AWESOME! It really doesn't effect the bike much, you shouldn't be riding on the center strip anyways, and for quickly passing someone, it's no big deal.

I've seen quite a few times actually these new center strips jerk someone awake that was drifting into the other lane on a non-divided highway.

Also, I really don't see a way these would cause a highside, or a motorcycle to crash at all really, the ridges don't particularly make you lose traction, even when wet.

nancejd · 09-25-2012, 06:34 PM

Unless it's icy and they are holding water, I don't see that they're a big deal. It might be an issue passing in a curve, but you'd probably have a double yellow there anyway.

I've never had a problem passing when they're around.

Texasl · 09-25-2012, 07:02 PM

Where they can become problematic is if you are under fairly heavy acceleration when you come out to pass. The fluctuations in rear end grip can surprise the heck out of you, but by the time you fully register things you are past it.

More of a chance to freak as opposed to any real hazard.

Helinut · 09-25-2012, 08:01 PM

Yup, as posted, they are everywhere over here. Made me think a few times when I crossed them at a high rate of speed. But it wasn't an issue at all.

flyboy712 · 09-25-2012, 09:01 PM

Yep pretty much on almost all the roads here centerline and on the edges too. Not a big deal on the bike. I usually cross over then begin my acceleration to pass. They buzz a little bit but I've never had an issue with them.

Worldtraveller · 09-26-2012, 07:19 AM

I've passed in lots of places that have the rumble strips. Get across them quickly, make the pass, and cross back quickly. It's really not that bad at all. Just be prepared, and don't let the vibration freak you out.

davidk · 09-26-2012, 08:30 AM

I am still not liking the small "RUT" they are digging in the centerline to put the reflector in... I hit one once as I passed a car and I found that it was almost exactly the width of my front tire - Surprised me a bit and I have noticed that some are cut deeper than others - I now do my best to avoid them...
The rumble strips I find not bad at all!

CDub325 · 09-28-2012, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by nancejd

Unless it's icy and they are holding water, I don't see that they're a big deal. It might be an issue passing in a curve, but you'd probably have a double yellow there anyway.

I've never had a problem passing when they're around.

Yeah, cause no one EVER passes on a double yellow...

Never really had an issue with them, 202 and 203 the whole length have them. Just keep it pegged, usually straightens itself out...

Ryanthegreat1 · 09-28-2012, 12:14 PM

This is everywhere on the west side. Not a lot of fun in the wet with a high HP vehicle. Also not fun to cross back over it at 90+.

I am sure the person I pass really enjoys the massive tall wag right next to their door.

Texasl · 09-28-2012, 06:23 PM

It will definitely keep you honest on holding a proper line (in your own lane) in the twisties. (Or so I've heard

)

RedKat600 · 09-28-2012, 06:29 PM

The only issue I've had is a bit of head shake on the throttle and crossing them as the suspension is unloaded and more "springy". Other than that, just ignore them and ride normal. It may just be the Fizzer though as it doesn't have a damper.

GSRtuning · 09-28-2012, 10:14 PM

almost every bit of highway around here has them. not really an issue for me, except while passing in lower 3 gears, little bit of wheelspin

Thaloc · 09-28-2012, 10:35 PM

Originally Posted by RedKat600

The only issue I've had is a bit of head shake on the throttle and crossing them as the suspension is unloaded and more "springy". Other than that, just ignore them and ride normal. It may just be the Fizzer though as it doesn't have a damper.

U ride a fizzer? I started on a fizzer, those things have crazy head shake at speed under the best conditions.

As far as the "Rumble strips" I have never experienced any sort of traction issue with them ever.

RedKat600 · 09-29-2012, 05:30 AM

Originally Posted by Thaloc

U ride a fizzer? I started on a fizzer, those things have crazy head shake at speed under the best conditions.

As far as the "Rumble strips" I have never experienced any sort of traction issue with them ever.

Lulzies...it's a 2009 FZ6, the wife's bike now. For the most part really stable.

Mrmat25 · 09-29-2012, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by GSRtuning

almost every bit of highway around here has them. not really an issue for me, except while passing in lower 3 gears, little bit of wheelspin

^^^ Downshifted to third, nailed it, hit the center and the wheel slipped, came off the center and the wheel grabbed, once the wheel grabbed it pulled the front end up (opps).

However, it is always priceless and good for the sportbiker image when you pass someone in a wheelie.

take risks · 09-29-2012, 09:45 PM

In Cali they but those half bowling balls on a weird corner I took everyday. That was a fucking shocker the first day. I saw at least 3 people pointing at me tapping their buddies shoulder.

I rode off like a boss though.

On topic, the strips are no biggy and a little fun on long rides.

taznhell · 10-01-2012, 10:49 AM

This thread needs rumble strips.....

Texasl · 10-01-2012, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by taznhell

This thread needs rumble strips.....

How about a rumbling stripper?


09-25-2012, 05:23 PM	#1
Rock Dodger Pit Crew Joined: Jul 2012 From: Klickitat, WA I Ride: SV650 K6	Rumble strips on center line: is this a new thing?? I was on SH14 (a two lane hwy.) between Lyle and Bingen today in the cage. I pulled out to pass a slow truck and when I passed over the center stripe it sounded like the car was about to shake apart. I discovered that the Highway Dept. had carved a continuous rumble strip down the middle of the highway. I have never encountered this before. Once the initial shock had passed, I wondered how this will affect motorcycles and especially how it will affect them when the pavement is wet. This same stretch of road has just been given the tar snake "deluxe" treatment, ie the road is covered with them. So now, when passing in the rain or on wet pavement, the motorcycle gets jangled into a epileptic dance AND gets to traverse wet, slippery tar snakes, while made unstable by the rumble strips. Doesn't sound good. Sounds like the perfect recipe for high speed disaster. Has anyone else encountered this roadway nightmare? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-25-2012, 05:35 PM	#2
Avboden Moto2 Contender Joined: Oct 2007 From: from Wa, living on Grenada (island) I Ride: 2007 BMW F800S, 1999 ATK 605 ESDS/SM	It's been all over the major, yet slighly rural, highways of eastern washington for ages now. You know what? It's AWESOME! It really doesn't effect the bike much, you shouldn't be riding on the center strip anyways, and for quickly passing someone, it's no big deal. I've seen quite a few times actually these new center strips jerk someone awake that was drifting into the other lane on a non-divided highway. Also, I really don't see a way these would cause a highside, or a motorcycle to crash at all really, the ridges don't particularly make you lose traction, even when wet. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-25-2012, 06:34 PM	#3
nancejd Peg Dragger Joined: Jul 2007 From: Snohomish, WA I Ride: 2007 ZX10R, 1981 CB750, 1977 TS250	Unless it's icy and they are holding water, I don't see that they're a big deal. It might be an issue passing in a curve, but you'd probably have a double yellow there anyway. I've never had a problem passing when they're around. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-25-2012, 07:02 PM	#4
Texasl Joined: Apr 2011 From: Port Orchard, WA I Ride: 2007 Moto Guzzi Norge, 1988 H-D Electra-Glide	Where they can become problematic is if you are under fairly heavy acceleration when you come out to pass. The fluctuations in rear end grip can surprise the heck out of you, but by the time you fully register things you are past it. More of a chance to freak as opposed to any real hazard. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-25-2012, 08:01 PM	#5
Helinut Licensed Joined: Mar 2012 From: Pasco, WA I Ride: 2010 ZX-14 Street. 2007 R1 Track!	Yup, as posted, they are everywhere over here. Made me think a few times when I crossed them at a high rate of speed. But it wasn't an issue at all. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-25-2012, 09:01 PM	#6
flyboy712 Dr Funkenberry Joined: Jul 2011 From: Moses Lake, WA I Ride: 11 ZX-10R	Yep pretty much on almost all the roads here centerline and on the edges too. Not a big deal on the bike. I usually cross over then begin my acceleration to pass. They buzz a little bit but I've never had an issue with them. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-26-2012, 07:19 AM	#7
Worldtraveller Pit Crew Joined: Jun 2012 From: Everett, WA I Ride: Wearing ears.	I've passed in lots of places that have the rumble strips. Get across them quickly, make the pass, and cross back quickly. It's really not that bad at all. Just be prepared, and don't let the vibration freak you out. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-26-2012, 08:30 AM	#8
davidk Railer Joined: Mar 2010 From: Bainbridge Island, WA I Ride: 2001 BLUE Ducati ST4	I am still not liking the small "RUT" they are digging in the centerline to put the reflector in... I hit one once as I passed a car and I found that it was almost exactly the width of my front tire - Surprised me a bit and I have noticed that some are cut deeper than others - I now do my best to avoid them... The rumble strips I find not bad at all! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-28-2012, 12:14 PM	#10
Ryanthegreat1 Shredder Joined: Feb 2008 From: Olympia I Ride: XR650R	This is everywhere on the west side. Not a lot of fun in the wet with a high HP vehicle. Also not fun to cross back over it at 90+. I am sure the person I pass really enjoys the massive tall wag right next to their door. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-28-2012, 06:23 PM	#11
Texasl Joined: Apr 2011 From: Port Orchard, WA I Ride: 2007 Moto Guzzi Norge, 1988 H-D Electra-Glide	It will definitely keep you honest on holding a proper line (in your own lane) in the twisties. (Or so I've heard ) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-28-2012, 06:29 PM	#12
RedKat600 Joined: May 2011 From: LaCenter, WA I Ride: 2003 Copper SV1K	The only issue I've had is a bit of head shake on the throttle and crossing them as the suspension is unloaded and more "springy". Other than that, just ignore them and ride normal. It may just be the Fizzer though as it doesn't have a damper. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-28-2012, 10:14 PM	#13
GSRtuning Newbie Joined: Sep 2012 From: Bellingham, WA I Ride: 95 RF600 w/ GSXR1100 engine	almost every bit of highway around here has them. not really an issue for me, except while passing in lower 3 gears, little bit of wheelspin __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


09-29-2012, 09:45 PM	#17
take risks Chicken Strips Joined: Jul 2011 From: Edmonds I Ride: with a :)	In Cali they but those half bowling balls on a weird corner I took everyday. That was a fucking shocker the first day. I saw at least 3 people pointing at me tapping their buddies shoulder. I rode off like a boss though. On topic, the strips are no biggy and a little fun on long rides. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-01-2012, 10:49 AM	#18
taznhell Shredder Joined: Jul 2008 From: Cornelius, Oregon I Ride: Everyday	This thread needs rumble strips..... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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