So as I said before in another thread, Im taking a trip on the GS next month, 3400 miles total, and I was just curious if there is anything I should be worried about riding at highway speeds for long periods of time.  I have already been out for about 4 hours at a time, mostly keeping the tach between 5500 and 7500 rpms, and didn't come across any problems.  After riding for about two hours the engine seemed to loosen up and run smoother than it normally does during my short jaunt of a work commute.  Mainly, should I worry about heat build up, or look for anything specific if riding for say...seven or so hours a day.  Naturally, Im going to stop often, but not for lond periods of time until I crash for the night.  Also, had some tension in my legs.  Any good techniques out there for loosening up the ol' thighs and hips without having to slow down or stop? 
And on a short note, why are the cruiser/touring riders such assholes on the interstate, but when they're in town, they all wave..hurt my feelings today...pricks.

Think I remember someone here did a 24hr race or somewhat on their GS...so I doubt 2-3hrs will hurt anything.  As for comfort I had a big windscreen that helped with the arm fatigue on the highway; and occasionally used the passenger pegs to stick my feet on (better know what your doing if you do try to stick em back there... dont fall  )


And I'm 50/50 for cruisers on the highway....had one lane split with me at 90mph one time.......I was doing 65..

Quote from: Big Lou on October 26, 2008, 04:45:15 PM
So as I said before in another thread, Im taking a trip on the GS next month, 3400 miles total, and I was just curious if there is anything I should be worried about riding at highway speeds for long periods of time.  I have already been out for about 4 hours at a time, mostly keeping the tach between 5500 and 7500 rpms, and didn't come across any problems.  After riding for about two hours the engine seemed to loosen up and run smoother than it normally does during my short jaunt of a work commute.  Mainly, should I worry about heat build up, or look for anything specific if riding for say...seven or so hours a day.  Naturally, Im going to stop often, but not for lond periods of time until I crash for the night.  Also, had some tension in my legs.  Any good techniques out there for loosening up the ol' thighs and hips without having to slow down or stop? 
And on a short note, why are the cruiser/touring riders such assholes on the interstate, but when they're in town, they all wave..hurt my feelings today...pricks.

i'd check the oil every time i stop for gas. check the tires for road crap every time too. only takes a second, might save your life.

EARPLUGS ! experiment now and find a maker/type that you can stand to have in all day long and actually cuts the wind noise. i like the purple ones at Walgreens, they're soft enough to not annoy, but insulate from sound enough to actually use. and they're cheap. $8 for 200 pair. that's like a year's worth.

maybe a tank mount for your camera ? i've loved using mine with my point n shoot nikon. beats having to dig around for 10 minutes if you see something cool on the road too.

TANK BAG - godsend

toilet paper, lots o uses, one great one

+1 on the earplugs... forgot about those.  They may(read probably) are illegal in your state but it will save your hearing.

Ah yeah, since its probably going to be cooler you might want to get a pair of longjohns or couple extra pairs of undergarments...I know after about an hour it would start getting too cold downstairs...this was in the cozy Florida winters.

good advice hear, i am going to be doing two 12 hour trips next month, I need to pick up some long johns or something and remember ear plugs.  Has anyone tried those noise cancelling headphones??  Any recommendations?  I saw they have some called skull candy or something like that at target for pretty cheap.

Skull candy are great earphones for music! Don't know about noise cancelling. If you haven't gotten a tank pack yet the one from road transit is awesome! It even has a slot for your camel back so you can drink and drive ( that didn't come out right!), clear map pocket, slot for cell, MP3, and has straps that turn it into a back pack for $70. I adore it!

Mary S.

Quote from: Big Lou on October 26, 2008, 04:45:15 PM
Any good techniques out there for loosening up the ol' thighs and hips without having to slow down or stop? 

I took about five trips to the mountains to play in 01 thru 04 on the GSs and we did about 400 miles down the interstate at 70-80 mph indicated the first day to get there and the last day to return.  Took about 8 hours with a few food and gas stops.

I had some forward pegs mounted to my engine guards that would allow me to stretch a leg or two occasionally when they got a bit cramped.  Very helpful since I was a large 6'2" and 240# and was 68-72 yo then.

Lots of good info on here, so muchas gracias for that.  I got the tank bag and some skull candy earphones.  Also have  a ninja suit (read silk long johns) and some gortex boots for the lower extremeties.  Anyone tried the disposable hand warmers?  They work great on camping trips/field problems, but never tried them in high winds.  And since I'll be going through the desert AND the mountains in November, Im sure Im gonna need something.  Another question:  Even though my GPS isn't a motorcycle GPS per se, if I protect it from the elements, will the vibration still eff it up?  Has anyone tried this? gsJack, how did you rig up the forward pegs? And any idea if/how this would work on an F model?

Quote from: Big Lou on October 27, 2008, 07:10:12 AM
gsJack, how did you rig up the forward pegs? And any idea if/how this would work on an F model?

Should have noticed you have a F model from your little avatar pic.  Won't work as easy with the fairings on.  I had the Suzuki case guards and the pegs available at most any mc supply place just bolt right on the case guards.

One member here cut his fairings to mount the case guards so it's possible but don't know if I'd do that.  There are pics here somewhere we can probably find if your interested.

In CA, earplugs aren't illegal, but listening to music in both ears is.  In any state, earplugs are a good idea - music, not so much.

I would stretch my legs on long rides by resting my chest on the tank and putting my feet on the passenger pegs.

Pack lightly - take only what you need.  I'd advise having a plug kit and an inflater with CO2 cartridges in case you have a tire puncture in the middle of nowhere.

My belly would hit the tank long before my chest would, glad you don't have that problem RG.   

I have not toured on the Gs, but have  on cruisers and my GoldWing.  I wear Etymotic Research insert phones for communication (intercom/CB/phone/MP-3) as do many or even most touring folks (assholes?).  Never heard of anyone getting any guff from an officer due to ear phones -- just pull one out if pulled over.  Ear plugs or music seem to be no distractoin or danger on the road -- deaf people are often good drivers.  Have good trip!

prs

Quote from: Pigeonroost on October 27, 2008, 09:46:04 AMEar plugs or music seem to be no distractoin or danger on the road -- deaf people are often good drivers.

You do realize that deaf people are the people who are not listening to music?   

Earplugs reduce wind noise while still allowing the important sounds to be heard.  This has the short-term benefit of reducing fatigue and keeping yourself alert.  It has the long-term benefit of preserving your hearing and keeping your golden years from being filled with one loud tone.

Music is a distraction.

Quote from: Roadstergal on October 27, 2008, 10:53:26 AM

Quote from: Pigeonroost on October 27, 2008, 09:46:04 AMEar plugs or music seem to be no distractoin or danger on the road -- deaf people are often good drivers.

You do realize that deaf people are the people who are not listening to music?   

Earplugs reduce wind noise while still allowing the important sounds to be heard.  This has the short-term benefit of reducing fatigue and keeping yourself alert.  It has the long-term benefit of preserving your hearing and keeping your golden years from being filled with one loud tone.

Music is a distraction.

I agree. I love my earplugs and think music would be hugely distracting. On a bike, even the smallest lapse in concentration could kill you, so why take a chance by adding distractions?

We hunt in the moutians of NC and the silk under garments are a great idea, under armor works well too. If I were to make a trip where I knew the wind chills would be below 30 F I would definately wear a pair of ski bibs. They can usually be found in Goodwills, Salvation Army or other sort of second hand shops for about 20 bucks. They cut the wind, are very water resistant and roll up quite small for what they are. I saw a fella in NC last hunting season on a GSXR doing 70 down hwy 26 in a drizzling rain and the temp was 20 F. He was wearing ski pants and what appeared to be a goretex jacket.
We use those hot hands every day we hunt and one thing I can tell you about them, they can get uncomfortable if you can't move them around. I use them in a muff but I'm sitting still. I think it would be a little dangerous to use a muff on a bike .
I also use ear plugs at the gun range called Sonic Ears. They muffle the crack of a firearm but allow normal conversation to be heard. These would probably work well on a bike with a loud exhaust. I have stock exhaust and the noise is not a problem on any of my longer rides. Although I haven't done anything like you're goiung to do.