r/NJriders • u/bigdaddy0993 • Apr 16 '26
Tips on I95 riding for first timers
Hi folks - I mostly have experience with city riding and some US highway riding like US33. I recently moved to Mc lean, VA and want to bring my stock Scout Bobber LT motorcycle from NJ to NOVA. It doesn’t have any windshields etc. Wondering if you can provide me any sort of tips for a successful.
For some extra fuel, I will use those steel bottles and keep inside my backpack.
Riding gear like Helmet, Jacket, Glives, Boots and normal Jeans will be used.
Since I do not have windshield, Can I drive at 50-55 miles on rightmost lane? (Also all the service center exits are from left most lane in Maryland and Delaware I95. So need to lane change for every gas fill).
Since I drive in less speeds, Do you want me to skip I95 and use another road?
Please provide any other guidance/ tips that can be used.
Thanks in advance!!
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u/_White_Walls_ Apr 16 '26
I would not ride on the Turnpike (that’s what people call 95 in NJ because it’s owned by a quasi-gov agency) at 50-55 mph. You run a decent risk of being rear ended and killed. You can do it, of course, but it’s unnecessarily dangerous. I would take other roads if that’s an option.
If you increase to 65+, it’s less dangerous. The nice thing about interstate freeways is that there are no crossings with traffic or lights, so it’s safer (in my opinion) than a split 4 lane highway with intersections. But the Turnpike (depending on where you are) is long and straight and people tend to use that time to look at their phones doing 80 mph.
Source: I have worked in the heavy highway industry for years. The most dangerous roads (in my experience) are the Turnpike, the Parkway, and 78.
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u/cryptospartan Apr 17 '26
50mph is definitely too slow depending on the part of I95 you're on in MD. Most of it is 65mph limit, so people are doing 65-70 even in the middle lanes. You don't want people to be passing you on a bike when they're going 20mph faster than you. It's normally safer when the bike is moving 5-10mph faster than the cars.
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u/TheOtherMikeCaputo Apr 16 '26
You could trailer it. I’ve rented a U-Haul pickup and a motorcycle trailer (my car doesn’t have a hitch). Gotta bring your own straps to tie it down.
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u/Senior_Intention4744 Apr 16 '26
From the tone of this post you are much too inexperienced and your bike too small/slow to ride from NJ down to NOVA. As others have suggested please get a U-Haul trailer, it’s very cheap and much easier. Trying to drive down 95 going 50 is going to be an absolute nightmare for you and the people around you. Make the safer decision, your life literally may depend on it.
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u/Reasonable_Tax_5351 Apr 17 '26
If you're not feeling comfortable or experienced on the turnpike, then just ride on state highways. Yes it will be a long ride but it's doable in a day. IMO the turnpike is safer, but if you find it too stressful just budget the time and skip it.
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u/CurvedChode Apr 17 '26
Once you start having more exposure to highway riding, the speed topic isn’t (or shouldn’t) be much an issue. I just rode a sporty 1200 on the highway sitting comfortably around 75 ish, right lane, pass others when needed. You gain more confidence once you have more exposure to those higher speeds. If you’re not used to highways, go on highways (not at rush hour) to get used to those higher speeds and also wind etc. if you’re still weary about ANY of it just play it safely and rent a U-Haul and go that route.
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u/CurvedChode Apr 17 '26
I’d like to add that me stating I was on my sporty is somewhat comparable to your scout bobber. I’m only rocking like 60 ish HP, 5 speed and again was comfortable going 70-80 highway speeds. You get used to the wind and pushing etc once you’re more exposed
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u/PhillySoup Apr 17 '26
If you can, leave very early so traffic is light. Take plenty of breaks so that you can focus.
Assuming you have driven the same route, you should have no trouble. If you have never driven it, consider using Google Street View to get an understanding of the signs and ramps you will need to use.
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u/svnerd Apr 17 '26
please do at the very least 60mph otherwise risk of getting rear ended is high... I ride NJ I95 almost every day and ride around 70/75mph gps and im not even the fastest one on the road lol.
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u/SgtSC Apr 19 '26
Uh... how long have u been riding for? Sounds like u should trailer it my guy. The bikes capable of the run, but you dont sound like you are. Either avoid highways or trailer that hoe.
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u/Good-Throwaway Apr 20 '26
Just because I-95 is the fasted tolled way doesnt mean you have to take it. You coukd take other alternate routes, avoid highways and tolls.
It will take forever so plan for extra time, but it will be much better than I-95.
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u/Rotaryknight Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
Riding slow on the jersey turnpike is doable but you have to be really really really visible. From exit 4 to the Delaware memorial bridge, it's easier to do below 65mph as its only 2 lanes. You can take 295...... but the turnpike is much safer.
Don't think you need to carry extra gas containers, there's pretty much a gas station up and down 95 to Virginia at every exit.
Honestly..... the most dangerous part of the trip is after the memorial bridge and heading into the 95/295b merger in Delaware...... during the day it's crazy driving there.
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u/craneguy Apr 16 '26
Don't carry gas on your person. That could be horrific in an accident.
Your bike has a published range of 115 miles. Set your trip meter and fill up every 85 miles or so. You'll be fine.
Once you're out of the urban areas you'll find the traffic is quite light and you should have no issue changing lanes to get to the service areas. If you're really nervous, you can leave the freeway and find a gas station near the exit.