is the poor GS being overtasked.

[sublime]

Got a question, I live here in Sunny San Diego, where the interstate and freeways average about a fun 75 to 85.  My question is it safe for the bike for  me to be riding  to work at a steady 80 miles per hour, with the tach at abouit 6500 to 7500? (25 miles each way)  Also , what would be the best way to allow my bike to cruise more at those speeds, i was thinking changing  gears? also how hard is it to do something like that.  
Suggestions?  

[JohNLA]

I run my GS eight hours a day five days a week in city traffic and highway speeds with no problems.
Are you having trouble keeping a steady throttle speed at highway speeds ?
If so, that could be sighn that it is time to do your valves and synch the carbs.

[Piper5177]

I ride mine at a steady 90 MPH at around 8500 RPM all the time.... bay area I280.  No problems for around 6000 mi.  I even did it when it was stock..... don't worry about it.  Just keep the oil changed and the chain lubed.

[yamahonkawazuki]

invest in a windshield/fairing, if you dont already have one, i rode mine on the interstate, (I75), 'bout 85-90 ish, wind beat the heck outta me, that and trucks passing, had a tendency to work me toward the side of the road, but it was quite fun :mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  

[pantablo]

I ride mine at a steady 90 MPH at around 8500 RPM all the time....

hehehe, me too. Consider even a little headlight fairing-you'd be amazed at how effective they are for being so small. Otherwise, the bike jsut sounds like its working like mad but no harm done.

[JBix]

Some people have experienced better mileage and reduced throttle need for sustaining freeway speeds after adding a windshield/fairing, added on to the fact that you have some wind protection.  But to answer your question, yes, you gs will be fine.  If it's newer, you may want to vary your speed/throttle a little, but it really should be fine.

[octane]

You're better off cruising at 90 than sitting in traffic. Air cooled motors need air flow!! Your bike will be fine!

[sublime]

Thanks all,  I am still thinking is there a way to change the gearing so it takes less rpm to cruise at those high speeds?
about the windscreen, i have been through most of the members pics trying to figure out who had the best looking ones. I think next time a get a chance to browse i will find and order something,,, Anyone have any experience with the suzuki windscreen they offer on their webpage under accessories,,,, to me it looks like it won't do much.

[96gs]

well it shouldnt be. i read a post a couple months ago about racing the gs and it had to make 5 laps i think at 9k or over. but these are race preped. not sure of the difference.

[john]

Anne used to book 30 miles each way at 85mph without issues.  With the new bike she hits speeds in the triple digits

85 is nothing.  Don't worry about it.  Remember to check and tip off the oil as needed.

[dmccu11ough]

I had the same concerns previously and went with a 17 tooth front sprocket ($12.00 from Sprocket Specialists and an easy do).  It lowered the rpms 500- 600 rpm @ 80mph.  I thought it would improve mpg and extend the life of the engine.  A side benefit was much smoother shifting.  I then needed Bob B's ignition advancer to compensate for the loss of bottom-end torque, which it did and how!!   The bike was then transformed into a Jeckyl and Hyde machine.  Cruising meekly through the city streets at 4 to 5000 rpm, or screaming like its on fire between 7 and 9000 rpm down the highway.  Lastly I installed a Givi windscreen recommended by john.  It doesn't necessarily keep the wind off of me, but it redirects it around me in a way that the wind doesn't hit me squarely in the chest and it looks good too!  I no longer feel like I'm hanging on for dear life and trucks have a much reduced effect on me as well.  In this process I transformed the bike, but it has also transformed me!  Beware

[sublime]

Hey this is OT, but I was wondering how to get a pic on the side when I do a post?  I was also reading about the sprocket? My bike is a 02 and under a purchased warrenty,,, Does anyone know if changing the sprocket or doing the ignition advancement should void the warrenty?

[vtlion]

The pic on the side is your 'avatar'  See the AVATAR HOSTING thread at the top of the page (its a sticky thread).  I think Kerry offers hosting if you don't have access to webspace.  Just toss the image on the web and enter the URL in the avatar field of your profile  

peace