Which of the three lane positions should a motorcycle generally ride in?

Lane positions for motorcycles are commonly numbered 1, 2, 3 from left to right (with 1 being the left third of the lane). Each position has trade-offs: Position 1 maximizes visibility from oncoming traffic and following drivers on the right but exposes the rider to oncoming traffic crossing the centerline. Position 2 (center) avoids both edges but is often where oil drips accumulate from cars. Position 3 maximizes visibility from drivers in the right turn lane but reduces visibility to oncoming traffic. The right approach is to vary position based on conditions: position 1 when approaching a vehicle that might merge from the right; position 3 when approaching a vehicle that might turn left across your path; position 2 (or whichever has the cleanest pavement) in heavy rain.