Revving high for long periods of time?

[510]

Hey guys,

I'm going to take a long trip this weekend (400+ miles, mostly freeway), which means that the engine's going to be running 7-8k rpm all the time. I'm probably just being paranoid here, but does anyone think that keeping the revs that high is to cause any problems along the way? Also, any tools that I should carry with me on these longer trips?

Thanks!

[CndnMax]

bring some extra oil maybe 

[frankieG]

yes you will definitely burn oil, but that is normal.  if you are travelling on the highway the air and oil cooler should be more than enough.  many bikes and riders go through more with no problems.

[ohgood]

Check your tire preasures and oil level at your 100 mile fillups. Stretch. Carry a puncture kit. And water.

You'll burn a little as someone already stated. No big deal.

[Mk1inCali]

Revs are no problem.

[frankieG]

just thinking about the rpms....i can do 60mph in 6th at 5000 rpm so are u going 2 up or have a trailer?

[GeeP]

Carry a quart of oil and check it every second gas stop.  Remember that the oil will expand as the engine warms, so the dipstick will read higher than the cold oil level.  Try to keep the oil level at the F mark or very slightly above when the engine is hot.

I rode to Deals Gap from New York last weekend.  I rode 800 miles down in 16 hours on Friday and 850 miles back in 12 hours this Monday along with 600 miles while I was there for a grand total of 2,250 miles over the weekend.  Riding there and back I cruised at 7,000 to 7,500 RPM (indicated 80 MPH to 90 MPH)  The GS will do it with no trouble.  In fact, it will smooth out at around 85 MPH.   

Don't get any driving awards.   

As far as tools, it depends on how likely you are to work on your bike if there's trouble.  I carry tire spoons, tire plug kit, CO2 cylinder with filler, tire gauge, crescent wrench, mini channel locks, a metric socket set, chain tool, safety wire and pliers, zip ties, multi tool, roll of electrical tape, chain lube, 2 rags, metric wrench set, and a few other things.  If I can't fix it with that, I won't be able to get the parts in time anyway.   

Beyond the tool list, a mini can of Plexus and a microfiber cloth to keep the face shield clear are absolute requirements. 

Have fun, and enjoy the ride.  Touring is addictive. 

[510]

just thinking about the rpms....i can do 60mph in 6th at 5000 rpm so are u going 2 up or have a trailer?

Nah, it's just me and a few things that don't weigh more than 25 pounds.

The reason for the high revs is because it's entirely freeway, where the average speed is around 75-80ish. I tend to do around 7k at 75mph, so I was kinda concerned about that.

Wish I had more time for this trip. I would totally take highway 1 down the coast to LA, but seeing as how I have only one afternoon to do it, I gotta take 5   

Thanks for the advice guys!

[mach1]

where in LA are you going to and why? I have done 100 at 10k for and about 45 min with no rest and had no issues. The bike can take alot of punishment so give it your best shot and she will surprise you.

[ohgood]

mmm, highway 1. it's the best i've seen.