Why do so many motorcycle riders feel compelled to drive 3 inches away from the center line?

Question

Why do so many motorcycle riders feel compelled to drive 3 inches away from the center line?

Answer 1

Better and cleaner road conditions.

Answer 2

Most roads are slightly domed, so rainwater runs off, and the road is flattest right near the center line, and also lots of wear makes subtle grooves where car tires wear away, which can sort of fling the motorcycle's tires around a bit, and the very center between the "ruts" caused by tires is much more oily and slick especially at stoplights, which is another hazard for motorcycle riders.

So there is a method for their madness. It's safety.

Answer 3

safety

Answer 4

One reason is becuse the center of the lane will have oil residue from the countless number of cars using the same road.  This residue, even if "dry" will provide poor traction for motorcycles.  Other types of vehicles don't have the problem as their wheel will "straddle" this oil slick.

This question actually comes up in the California, Class M, motorcycle permit test.

Answer 5

They do it to avoid the oil left from cars, which can cause it to be slick. Also, they sometimes do it because the ride is smoother there (not all indented by cars/trucks).

Answer 6

Because we don't want to be in your blind spot.

Answer 7

To be seen!!!!

get a bike and you will learn quick that people don't give room to bikers.

Answer 8

I don't know if I'm right but maybe because if they are in the center of the lane the people that's behind the car that's behind them cant see them.(most people don't pay attention when they drive) So they have to do as much as they can to be seen on first glance.

Answer 9

Because in the center of the lane is where oil drips from the bottom of cars, just off to each side of where the oil is there are low spots worn in asphalt where the tires of cars and trucks ride.  Right next to the stripe is going to be the smoothest area, no ruts, and less chance of hitting an oil spot.

Answer 10

When you take the motorcycle test they teach you not to ride down the middle of the road. Motorcyclists are supposed to drive in the same place as car tires. There is less chance of debris being where car tires hit the road and if it's raining there is less water in these areas.

Answer 11

because they can be seen from someones mirrors from there...if they ride in the center, then cannot be seen.  It is the safest place to ride.

Answer 12

i guess theyre scared yet brave

Answer 13

A motorcycle is entitled to use the full width of the traffic lane, just like a car is.  If the motorcycle rider continually rides on the curb side (right side) of the lane, they will soon find aggressive car drivers trying to share the lane with them as they pass or cutting them off to make turns in front of them.  It's safest for the motorcycle rider to stay in the center of the lane, or in the left side tire track so they can command their own space.

Answer 14

The law for motorcycles is that you are supposed to stagger yourself from the motorcycle in front of you, so if there are two cyclists together, you should see one near the center line, and one near the shoulder line.  This is probably not that bad of an idea if a motorcyclist is following a car or truck as well.  In order to help the person driving in front of you, you should offset yourself so they can see you in their driver side door mirror.  

If you follow directly behind, there is a greater chance that the car or truck won't "notice" you are behind them (as least as easily).