Highway Riding

motojedeye · May 26, 2015

I would like to hear about people's experience riding on the highway. I went for a ride long ride 150miles roundtrip-90% of it on the highway. I didn't get much buffeting, the ride was stable. What I didn't like was the high rev'ing engine. IMHO the bike runs about 2000 RPM higher that what I would like at 75MPH.

What are your thoughts?

alepplew · May 26, 2015

Yeah, an "overdrive" 6th gear would be cool. However, the transmission is clearly (and gratefully) optimize for mountain roads. And thanks to the L twin the vibrations are entirely harmless even at 160 km/h. Try a Laverda 750 parallel twin (my ancient love) in comparison!

silverluxe · May 26, 2015

Mine vibrates a lot less than my other bikes (parallel twin and a boxer.) @alepplew will have to share his Laverda photos somewhere in the off topic ares! But yeah, I feel it could benefit from a smaller rear sprocket for highway use.

RamblingPath · May 26, 2015

Still breaking in the engine, so I will wait until I can use the higher rpms to decide. I might like where the bike is sitting in its power range when I need excuse myself from some local drivers.

But for cruising along, yes I agree. At least 1000 rpms lower would be nice. Don't think I want the trade-off on the back roads.

Motorhead1977 · May 26, 2015

I have found that it runs 5,800+/- rpm at 80 MPH. I have on occasion tried to up shift into another gear so for me yes, a slightly taller 6th gear would be much appreciated. Or even a 7 speed where 7th is the overdrive?

scrambledchef · May 26, 2015

I was riding the other day thinking it could a few less teeth on the rear for highway. Not as bad as running my Drz on the highway but if I were to do a lot highway trips would change. For most the roads I ride seem perfect to me.

MotoChief · May 26, 2015

I have often looked for seventh gear as well. It also seems like 4th is very narrow.

Wind can really be felt upwards of 70mph in my experience. Getting up in the 90-100mph range is like hanging on during a hurricane and you really need to lean in to stay stable.

Vibration is not an issue for me.

RPM's are at 5900-ish when going 80mph in 6th gear.

PeteI · May 27, 2015

motojedeye said:
I would like to hear about people's experience riding on the highway. I went for a ride long ride 150miles roundtrip-90% of it on the highway. I didn't get much buffeting, the ride was stable. What I didn't like was the high rev'ing engine. IMHO the bike runs about 2000 RPM higher that what I would like at 75MPH.

What are your thoughts?

Hey there Motojedeye,
Watched all your vids a few times. Any new ones? No pressure though... 0

baimo · May 27, 2015

MotoChief said:
Wind can really be felt upwards of 70mph in my experience. Getting up in the 90-100mph range is like hanging on during a hurricane and you really need to lean in to stay stable.

Vibration is not an issue for me.

Agree completely

mitra · May 27, 2015

I've done 3400 miles, and probably 1200 of them have been on highways for long periods of time. 70 mph is comfortable i think, but starting to go over that becomes tireing quite quickly. as per the rpm, you get used to it after a while.

motojedeye · May 27, 2015

PeteI said:
Hey there Motojedeye,
Watched all your vids a few times. Any new ones? No pressure though... 0

Hey Pete,

This weekend brother... BIG SUR and some DIRT trail

riding.

motojedeye · May 27, 2015

MotoChief said:
I have often looked for seventh gear as well . It also seems like 4th is very narrow.

Wind can really be felt upwards of 70mph in my experience. Getting up in the 90-100mph range is like hanging on during a hurricane and you really need to lean in to stay stable.

Vibration is not an issue for me.

RPM's are at 5900-ish when going 80mph in 6th gear.

I'm also running 5900'ish maybe closer to 6000 @80MPH. Which translate to some real vibing times on the highway.

PeteI · May 28, 2015

motojedeye said:
Hey Pete,

This weekend brother... BIG SUR and some DIRT trail riding.

Oh, you basturd! Looking forward to it. *hit, you'll be onto your next bike before I get my classic!

cb_abq · May 28, 2015

motojedeye said:
I would like to hear about people's experience riding on the highway. I went for a ride long ride 150miles roundtrip-90% of it on the highway. I didn't get much buffeting, the ride was stable. What I didn't like was the high rev'ing engine. IMHO the bike runs about 2000 RPM higher that what I would like at 75MPH.

What are your thoughts?

I feel pretty beaten after a couple hours of interstate on this bike. This bike needs a screen for extended highway riding. More on that when I decide on and install one. I am also thinking about re-gearing for longer legs. IMO, this bike has plenty of acceleration and gear overlap as it is.

RamblingPath · May 29, 2015

MotoChief said:
Wind can really be felt upwards of 70mph in my experience. Getting up in the 90-100mph range is like hanging on during a hurricane and you really need to lean in to stay stable.

This a plus, right >

RamblingPath · May 29, 2015

So after the 300 miler a couple of weekends past, I will admit you can feel beaten up by the highway speeds. However, with a few modifications, I can see me riding this bike for 400 to 500 miles a day, no problem.

If I need a break, I'll just take the scenic route. Plus I have never been spoiled with a real sport-tourer.

I only mention this because I plan to take my first week plus trip with this (any) bike later this year. Up the New England Coast and around Nova Scotia. All my extended trips to this point, have been long weekend adventures: upto 600 miles on a day with a M796. More appropriate gearing, even if I did peel myself off the bike when I got home.

I will post a separate thread as I get closer to real planning.

Kris · May 29, 2015

Yep, every time I drive home from work, I remind myself that I need to buy a windscreen. Above 75mph, I feel like I'm hanging on for dear life.

scrambling · Jun 7, 2015

rode the highway today, 15mph winds, after 75 the bike was all over the place. with no wind, 80 isn't a bad speed. the bike is light and you can expect to get your ass blown around under windy conditions

Asiaoildude · Jun 7, 2015

If you're not planning on crawling along in first as I was today on a trail then I'd agree it could do with a smaller rear sprocket. The Duke 390 I had was perfectly geared for both but had a very high 6th gear - a true overdrive that forced me to shift down to pass etc.

RamblingPath · Jun 7, 2015

Yep. It's not an 800 lb Harley. What? You don't like being picked up and shifted to the other lane?

Okay, I know I'm being a smartass. Honestly, I dislike the wind more than rain. All l can say is slow down and don't tense up on the handlebars.

Highway Riding

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