Filtering on a R3 R - is it too wide?

[Guffer]

I’ve had my Rocket 3 R for a number of months now but still can’t bring myself to filter (lane splitting to you Americans) between lines of traffic. I just have the feeling the bars are a bit too wide and I’ll end up bashing a load of wing mirrors.

Anybody else feel like this or am I being overly concerned?

I’ve never had this issue with previous bikes (none of them were as wide-barred as the R3R though!)

 

[Moz]

Yep, it definitely limits filtering to the wider lanes only.
Your hands are as wide as a faired sport bikes mirrors but those tend to pass over the cars mirrors.

 

[Dangerfield Newby]

I think it all depends on the kind of bike you're used to riding. I've ridden a lot of "wide-bodied" bikes and so lane splitting with the R3R is not a problem for me. In fact, the low center of gravity and instant torque makes it easier to maneuver than the other wide-bodies I've ridden, and comparable even to some of the naked sport bikes I've owned or ridden. I've had nothing but fun on the New R 3 no matter what I've done on it, including lane splitting. My suggestion is to pick a more negotiable spot and give it a try - you may be pleasantly surprised!

 

[Dr.D]

If you try any lane splitting around here on anything you could killed with these hillbilly old ladies and geezers.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

It's easier than my 2014 Rocket. I split traffic on both although I feel more confident on the GT only because it feels lighter. Both are fun to split traffic with although you certainly need to evaluate before you start riding between those knuckleheads.

 

[Tripps]

If you try any lane splitting around here on anything you could killed with these hillbilly old ladies and geezers.

Yup, not something I would ever do.

 

[dougl]

I have never done this. Surprised it’s legal in the UK.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

Lane filtering wasn't legal until 2016 but motorcyclists in California have been doing it since I was a kid. It was always illegal but since it alleviated traffic in high traffic city areas the police more or less looked the other way (and the motor cops have always done it). You can ride 'safely' between vehicles driving under 30 mph but can't ride over 10 mph faster than the traffic. The law was meant for motorcycles splitting traffic at stop signs or red lights to get to the front of the pack. The law only discourages splitting traffic over the speed of 30 mph so in essence you will not be cited if you split traffic driving 55mph if you are going 65 mph in a 65 mph zone (freeway). If you go over 65 mph you may get cited. Another area you get cited is if traffic is bumper to bumper on the freeway at 05-10 mph and you split traffic at anywhere from 35 mph to 70 mph as they often do. Then the CHP will definitely have a chat with you . There are always dipsh*** that will abuse this law especially around big cities like LA and SF but it really is a good law even if it is an 'open to interpretation' law.

 

[dougl]

It’s not safe. You never know what those cage f$$kers are going to do.

 

[Martin-Brighton-uk]

Filtering is part of motorcycling in the UK. It's as incredulous to me that most US riders can't do it as it seems to be to some US guys that we can.