Commuting on GS: Experiances & Opinions

[myfirstluv]

Thanks for the advice, I'm gonna give it a try.

BTW, I got some friends that live in Flemington.  I myself live in the Rutgers area.

If you ever want to do any group rides please let me know.  I'm tired of riding with irresponsible  sport bike riders that quite riding after a year.  (aakashp31@gmail.com)

I think I just hijacked my own thread 

[Electrojake]

Thanks for the advice, I'm gonna give it a try.
BTW, I got some friends that live in Flemington.  I myself live in the Rutgers area.
If you ever want to do any group rides please let me know.  I'm tired of riding with irresponsible  sport bike riders that quite riding after a year.  (aakashp31@gmail.com)

I think I just hijacked my own thread 

Your original topic seemed to generate a lot of great responses.
For $4400.00 new, what other bike could possibly fill the bill???
The GS500E/F with a wind screen, some luggage, and an electric glove/vest outlet is unbeatable, (for the price).

Too light for the highway???
The fact that the GS "is" light makes it a great commuter rig, (for the price).
I also have a 600 lb. Harley and a little 225 lb. Yamaha thumper. In comparison, the GS500 (for the price) is the easiest to live with, so why not commute it?

There is however one problem. . .
The GS, (well at least my GS), will numb your hands and feet after about 2 hours. Even though the mirrors stay clear at NJ Turnpike speeds, the high frequency vibes will eventually take their toll on your hands & feet. IMHO anyway.

As for hijacking the thread. . .
Not to worry. We were already discussing 2-up riding and favorite glove picks two posts back.

Nice thread myfirstluv, and good luck running the New Jersey Turnpike on a GS500. It'll build character! <heh-heh> 
And some free advice: Get EasyPass. It does rain in Jersey and the toll plaza is no place to be in the wet.
What color is your GS? I'll be looking out for ya'
Regards,
-Ej-

[myfirstluv]

I hear ya on the EZPass and the rain.  I'm planning to get a pass and more rain gear.  I don't think its possible to spend too much on gear as long as you use it and it keeps you safe. (Just as long as there are good deals)

I have a 2007 black and silver F.  I've actually seen the naked and pictures do not do it any justice. It looks beautiful without the fairings IN PERSON.  In pics it looks strange, I don't know why 

I've actually done a ~5-6 hour ride to upstate NJ and lower NY (Port Jervis area where alot of mountain twisties are), which a beautiful ride and another ~4-5 hour ride down to frenchtown along the river.  The vibes were noticeable early but I got used to it.  Even the seating position felt perfect.  My experience is that as long as I'm not coming off and on the bike alot and just sit on the seat for extended time, the stock seat is really comfortable even with jeans on.

I also like it for commuting, I just seem to have lost some of my confidence somewhere.

[Electrojake]

I hear ya on the EZPass and the rain.  I'm planning to get a pass and more rain gear. 

I have a 2007 black and silver F.

I also like it for commuting, I just seem to have lost some of my confidence somewhere.

Toll booths are deadly slippery in the rain. <I know> 
With EZPass you can avoid the stop & pay issue altogether.
Just my 2 cents worth.

As for confidence. . .
We all have good days & bad days on the bike. I don't know what your skill level is so I won't preach but navigating the cage traffic in New Jersey can get over whelming for anyone.
Sometimes it helps to give the bike a rest for a few days.
If you give it a little honest thought, you probably already know what's stealing your confidence.
Buy a book.
Read it.
Practice the drills (in small amounts).
Don't overdose on the cure.
O.K., I'll stop the sermon.

By the way, I have the same bike as you.
A 2007 black & silver "F" bike.
Loaded with all my commuter stuff as always.


When time permits, post a pic and label it "commuter bike" so its on-topic. 
-Ej- 

[Chuck500]

Electrojake,

Great looking bike!

Black and silver 07's are great.



For the daily rides I leave off the tail bag and tank bag.

myfirstluv,

I regulate the commute by riding when the rain chance is 30% or less.  Works most of the time.  Always carry rain gear any way.  Electrojake is right, sometimes a short break lets you ride better.

Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[bassmechanicsz]

Sure i'd be up for a ride sometime. 

As far as commuting i avoid riding the bike when their is a chance of rain cause to me it isn't fun to ride in the rain.  I also have never been on either the turnpike or parkway as even riding on them in a car is a danger especially when getting near a toll booth as most drivers don't know which lane they should be in and just cut across all the lanes without looking.  With the newer speed lanes for ezpass on the parkway I would get one for the bike but i never see myself taking the parkway anwhere as i would just take less traveled side roads even if it is slower.

[Shaddow]

By the way, I have the same bike as you.
A 2007 black & silver "F" bike.
Loaded with all my commuter stuff as always.


When time permits, post a pic and label it "commuter bike" so its on-topic. 
-Ej- 

Yea please post. I'm curious about the gauges you have fitted into err the cowl? I don't know what to call. Those extra gauges on the right.

[jp]

IMO, the GS500 is the ideal commuter bike. It is fast enough to keep up with traffic, even when the average speed on the freeway is well over the speed limit. It is the largest motorcycle that is still more economical to operate than a small car. Bikes may get better gas mileage than cars, but tires kill you on cost compared to cages.

[MysterYvil]

(My regular ride is a Ninja 650; Mrs. Bad Example recently purchased a GS500F.)

We have some pretty fierce winds in my turf, and the GS actually handles them with far more aplomb than my 650; less nervousness, far less yaw.  I don't take any palpable headwind on either, but then again I'm only 5'5".

I found her GS to be superior as far as lane sharing.  Almost the same curb weight, but the GS feels far more nimble and light; lower center of gravity, I think.

Speaking of which, I have a few pounds of tools and other essentials in my tankbag; the Gs carries it lower.

I had no problem with the GS's relative lack of power, but then again I wasn't racing anyone (and keep in mind that I was keeping to the 5.5k rpm limit, as her moto is new).  I've also commuted on Ms. Bad Examples's Ninja 250 adn her 675 Daytona (the Daytona is moto is just plain overkill, especially as far as power goes).

[myfirstluv]

I agree with the last post, in that supersports are too fast for the street and should remain on the track.

Anyways here are pics of my bike.  Sorry about the mistake before, I meant 2006 not 2007 (I bought in 07).







The last is my most current with the zero gravity sport touring windshield.  FYI: it takes wind away from my chest and to the visor of my helmet.  Much less buffeting, actually no buffeting whatsoever.  I'm 5'9" and 225 lbs.

Peace Out  till later

[MysterYvil]

I agree with the last post, in that supersports are too fast for the street and should remain on the track.

They're fun on some streets, but IME commuters they are not.

OTOH, having gobs of power on tap can be exhilarating on some streets/highways.  That's still not enough to offset the price one pays for 99% of the riding I do, though.

[applecrew]

 
(Three Cheers) for the best little commuter out there.
I've got a blue & white 07 (really wanted the black/silver... so I'm jealous!). I commute 70 miles round trip daily year-round in SE Pennsylvania (but do not do snowy or icy roads). I'm completely satisfied with the ride, love the economy, LOVE the handling  . Sure, I'll be honest... there are times I wish I had a little more power on tap on the freeway. But I have yet to say that the darn thing isn't fast enough. And... with lots of empty, twisty country roads out here... it doesn't take a whole lot of great road to make up for those power-lust moments. With the handling and weight of the GS, you can turn any twisty road into an eye-opening experience.

[yurtinus]

Been commuting for a month or three on my 07 500F - Definitely feeling an urge to get a touring windscreen to handle the freeway time but no complaints otherwise. Using a pair of fabric saddlebags to carry my stuff.

Curious though, my mileage isn't where I'd expect (<50), guessing that's due to the 70-80MPH highway speed?

[Sinisterpolarbears]

i have been going back and forth to work on my bike for 2 years now....only my bike....cause i don't have a car. my advice.....even though you think you are gonna get somewhere faster by using 60mph roads, there are more stop lights and more idiots on main roads, too many people trying to beat the clock in the morning to get to work and too many people trying to get home as fast and reckless as they can. my advice...seek out a route that takes back roads and you will be surprised to find you get to work faster.  pachoo pachoo

[twocool]

i have been going back and forth to work on my bike for 2 years now....only my bike....cause i don't have a car. my advice.....even though you think you are gonna get somewhere faster by using 60mph roads, there are more stop lights and more idiots on main roads, too many people trying to beat the clock in the morning to get to work and too many people trying to get home as fast and reckless as they can. my advice...seek out a route that takes back roads and you will be surprised to find you get to work faster.  pachoo pachoo

Good point about the back roads.  So what if the commute takes an extra 5 or 10 minutes?  Riding the GS is fun, so 10 more minutes of fun.........and avoiding the a-holes.........

On my weekend commute, which is 80 miles each way, I have about 5 different routes I can take......less than 10 minutes difference, and less than 5 miles difference........can take main highways, or back roads thru a national park........I just mix it up for interest!

Cookie

[applecrew]

Good point about the back roads.  So what if the commute takes an extra 5 or 10 minutes?  Riding the GS is fun, so 10 more minutes of fun.........and avoiding the a-holes.........

On my weekend commute, which is 80 miles each way, I have about 5 different routes I can take......less than 10 minutes difference, and less than 5 miles difference........can take main highways, or back roads thru a national park........I just mix it up for interest!

There other less-obvious advantages to this approach, namely reducing "familiarity fatigue". Driving the same route every day, day-in and day-out, has the effect of reducing your attentiveness. In short, you get bored (at some level) because you are TOO familiar with the route. You see the same cars and same traffic conditions, and your responses become conditioned. You are therefore less able to adapt and respond to novel stimulus, like that guy pulling out of a driveway that has been empty for months.

By changing your route, you are constantly "refreshing" those conditioned responses because the context keeps changing, making you more attentive, and in my opinion, a rider more capable of dealing with novel situations.

[myfirstluv]

I just started my new job and  have tried two routes, too and from work.  I still have one or two more routes I might be able to try. 

I bought A* Roam waterproof boots for the commute and wore them comfortably in 90C temp.

My turn signals are really marker lights and have just ordered a clear alternatives integrated taillight to use in conjunction.  It will help with visibility when and if I buy a givi tailbag.  Just unsure about the size of the givi topcase and whether or not it will be too big for the bike.  E370 would be fine, but I'm unsure about the E450 or E470

Those cortech injector gloves are sick for $40. I'm also gonna try and buy kevlar reinforced jeans to substitute for mesh overpants, which I'm not having any luck finding a good pair of.

I'm not thinking of using turnpike cause it'll cost $90 a month.  I'd rather leave earlier and save money, but I'm still gonna get a EZPass.

I'll keep posting about my commuting gear.

[bill14224]

My main concern, especially lately, is the wind slapping me in the face and then punching the bike from under me.  I don't know if the weather in NJ has just been that way recently, but I've never been this concerned about it before.  It was rarely an issue before and has kind of scared me a little.

My bike is faired with a sport touring zero gravity shield, which helps with buffeting and comfort.  I've been riding for just under 3 years with ~15k miles and ride all almost all year.  Which is kinda why I'm a little freaked out that it's bothering me.

It feels like it gets worse between 70-85???

Please continue with everyone's opinions and experiances

You are going too fast!  When it's windy any bike will get blown around at 80 mph.  My GS is naked so the wind situation is worse but I still think it's the best commuter available.  I put a 17-tooth front sprocket on and it's wonderful on the highway.  It makes the bike feel more relaxed at speed.  Sixth gear is now a true overdrive gear.  Before that the bike screamed at me, "I want another gear!"  So, I gave it one and it's been thanking me ever since.  God, I LOVE THIS BIKE, and I've ridden everything from minibikes to 1600cc Harleys.  When it's windy and you're riding a light motorcycle you have to slow down.  There's no other cure.

[bill14224]

Hey,

Look what I found. This should make winter riding much better for GS owners, since alternator output is low for us.  Also I'm not sure if this is true, but logic tells me that a warm core temp should increase warm blood flow to the hands.  I'm wondering if a heated vest will do the job into the high 30's since I've been doing short distances (~15-30 min; 20-50 mph) into the 20's with Joe rocket winter gloves.

http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/heated-vest/battery-heated-vest/
This heated battery vest got amazing reviews and is about $240 with a battery pack

http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-gloves/gerbing-hybrid-gloves/
These gloves are expensive ~$300, but I can't find anything else like it for cheaper and they can be wired or used with a battery.

I'm having trouble finding good mesh pants for hot summers.  The best I can do is wear knee/shin guards under my jeans. My alter ego pants are hot above 60-75 with jeans under them.

On a side note look at this sale I found: $40 for $90 gloves.  I thought I would share this sale with everyone else.  Since I don't have gauntlet's I think I'm gonna give them a try.
http://www.newenough.com/street/closeouts/gloves/cortech_by_tour_master/injector_motorcycle_gloves.html

I ride whenever the snow and ice are gone.  I live in Buffalo and I have a pair of Tourmaster winter gloves.  They cost me $35.  They do the job nicely for 20 minute commutes to work even if it's 30 degrees.  I have no extras on my bike.  I like it simple.  I say dress for the weather.

[myfirstluv]

I regulate the commute by riding when the rain chance is 30% or less.  Works most of the time.  Always carry rain gear any way.  Electrojake is right, sometimes a short break lets you ride better.

Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

I re-read your post, and I think I will follow your rule of riding only when the chance of rain is 30% or less.  Since the commute is longer it makes more sense.  My old rule when I commuting 15-30 min to Rutgers with access to a parking garage, was to ride in the rain as long as it wasn't going to rain the entire day.  But now the routes I have to work are fairly dangerous even in optimal conditions.