GS500 Newbie... but is it okay to ride home?

[jbergerud]

Hey guys, just bought a blue GS500 today! I'm gonna go back on Tues. with my Bro in-law to pick it up... the only problem I can see is that I need to get on the highway for about 50 miles to take it home. Will I damage the engine by getting on the highway so soon?

[ollie357]

Nope. Your bike will be fine. Question is: Will you be O.K.? :mrgreen:
Seriously, I don't know your skill level. Just take it easy in the slow lane and you should be fine. If you think you'll be freaked out just have it delivered to your house.

[pantablo]

if you intend to follow the owners manual break in procedure the only thing to keep in mind is to avoid lugging the engine (absolutely) and try to vary the revs so its not dronning on at the same rpm the whole way. Those two things are the worst things you can do to a new engine.

Congratulations too.

[jbergerud]

Thanks guys... so, I should ride at say... 65 mph for 5 min., then 60 mph 5 min, then 70 mph for 5 min, etc. etc (all while making sure I don't over rev the engine during the break-in period)?

[scratch]

I suggest to vary the revs more frequently than every 5 minutes. More like every minute.

[callmelenny]

Take the non-highway route if it looks feasible and you have the time. Your rpms will vary along the route and you can postpone your first blow-by of an 18 wheeler.

[jbergerud]

Thanks for all the suggestions!  

[pantablo]

I suggest to vary the revs more frequently than every 5 minutes. More like every minute.

YEAH, JUST KEEP ACCELERATING TO PASS CARS OVER AND OVER...

[cucamonga]

Thanks guys... so, I should ride at say... 65 mph for 5 min., then 60 mph 5 min, then 70 mph for 5 min, etc. etc (all while making sure I don't over rev the engine during the break-in period)?

I think the rev limit during breakin is 5000 rpms which you'll hit at about 60mph in 5th gear. I took side streets until the breakin was over. Others may have different opinions about this, but I prefer to stick to what the manufacturer has tested and recommended. I also didn't want to get run over by a semi...