Started thinking about possibly taking a long trip on the bike this season if I keep it (Illinois to Arizona).  Curious what some of you long distance types might say about this.  Would I be more comfortable keeping the lower fairings or pulling them off and installing engine bars and highway pegs for the trip?  Is the trade off of less protection on my legs for more stretch out comfort worth it?  thanks.

I don't think GS 500 was ever intended to have "cruiser" riding position.

I had cruiser bike, and didn't like the legs sticking  out forward position. 

GS is far more comfortable to me.  Knees on tank gives good feel and control...also comfortable to me.

On long trip just stop for 5 min and strectch....walk...relax....cup of coffee...piss......good to go again.

Cookie

I have pretty long legs and they get pretty cramped even after a 300 mile day.  I was thinking being able to have a few foot/leg positions for the long interstate stretches thru Missouri, Nebraska and eastern Colorado would make the ride on my small bike a little more bearable.  Anyone have any experience with this?

You can stretch the other way and put your feet on the passenger pegs.

-Jessie

Quote from: BaltimoreGS on February 09, 2012, 09:23:06 PM
You can stretch the other way and put your feet on the passenger pegs.

-Jessie

This is what I did when I had my front pegs off.. - dont ask why -

tho.. 25 miles on back pegs, tends to get a little weird..

Quote from: CVK 81 on February 09, 2012, 09:20:07 PM
I have pretty long legs and they get pretty cramped even after a 300 mile day.  I was thinking being able to have a few foot/leg positions for the long interstate stretches thru Missouri, Nebraska and eastern Colorado would make the ride on my small bike a little more bearable.  Anyone have any experience with this?

Trade in for harley davidson?

Cookie

I'm speaking from my experience with a 2007 FZ6 so YMMV, but go with OES brand sliders (preferable the 2" diameter ones).  This is why:
1.   At least on an FZ6, you can perch your legs over the sliders on long trips to relax them in a different position.
2.  When I low sided my FZ6 and crashed it into a guard rail post, the sliders did their job.  The bolts that held the sliders took the impact and bent a bit, keeping the frame and engine in good shape and almost entirely rash-free.  The front end of the bike unfortunately was not so lucky.
3.  It's nice not to have to worry about drops.

Quote from: CVK 81 on February 09, 2012, 09:20:07 PM
I have pretty long legs...

Did you mean to put a comma in there?

Quote from: Juan1 on February 10, 2012, 05:18:59 PM

Quote from: CVK 81 on February 09, 2012, 09:20:07 PM
I have pretty long legs...

Did you mean to put a comma in there?

....long walks on the beach, family time, friends, and a good bottle of win... oh wait, this isn't personals - sorry lol


+1 for fz6 leg positions, i use my crash bars for a short term position change. it makes a huge difference to be able to move around a little. the fz6 is known to give a 'dead thumb' if the grips aren't soft enough through vibrations. ugh, fixed mine with dual sport grips.


on your gs, i would opt for crash bars or sliders that allowed another foot position. the fairing is meh, i'm a naked fan of everything though.

if you haven't modified your seat yet, go to walmart and buy a $19 ATV seat cover. it ads about 3/4" to seat height, but it's 3/4" of awesome comfort. my drz is so much more fun to ride when my butt isn't falling asleep or putting me through pain. i was impressed with the atv seat cover enough to apply it permentantly with contact cement to the stock (drz) seat. it is wonnnnnnnderful.

between a seat change (of any kind), better grips, alternative peg position, and a flyscreen (or full screen if you like them) the only other modification would be.... the route. interstate SUCKS on the gs. 55-60 is pure joy, and turns are bliss. i-state = the most mind numbing annoying boredom on earth, on a gs. or any bike for that matter.

your helmet = should be as good a fit as possible, and ear plugs or ear buds (music) is a must on a trip that long.
gloves = gauntlet style, or cheap hardware cowhide previousely broken in. do not ride a long trip with 'new' gloves ! OUCH !
boots = broken in and supportive
pants = form fitting, with cycling shorts or similar underneath. ANTI- MONKEY BUTT (corn starch) IS A MUST, and a joy
jacket = form fitting, the more it flaps the more it exhausts you
socks = cycling (bicycling) style socks that shed water readily
clear helmet shield + sunglasses = bliss
carry a spare shield or three. rain-x them all.
camelbak= put it in your tank bag if you like, but drink well and often. it will prevent the dreaded dehydration headache.
tankbag = awesome
saddlebags = awesome x2
giant loop bag or similar = awesome x3 but $$$
don't wear a backpack, it will beat you up


man, that list got long. enjoy !

Definitely try to get some extra foot positions if you can. I had an old bike with frame sliders and used to try to use them as leg rests on the highway. On my yz426sm I'll rest my legs up on the radiator shroud. It's actually pretty comfortable haha. I also like having seats that are high enough for my legs to just dangle without my feet dragging on the ground. The worse thing you can do is sit still for too long. Make sure you get a throttle lock/cruise control as well. Bicycle shorts also help on longer rides, but they'd probably get old on a multi day trip. They're great for 5-6 hour rides though.   

Put some dried milk in the handlebars. It'll help..

On a serious note, change the stock rubber pegs for a set from the rear of a gsxr. Youll gain about an inch of leg room. makes a world of difference.