Thanks again for the replies.

tdan:

The '04 is the one I'd be most interested in: does the fairing do a decent job of providing protection?

Do you have any type of luggage attachment?

Ned

yea, it cuts alot of the wind out, especially on the legs, but when running 80mph on the interstate its hard to get away from the wind. No luggage attachment, i just use a cargo net to hold anything i need.

Thanks for the replies about speedometer error.  I appreciate it.

Vehicles vary as far as speedo error.  For instance, my 03 Mazda Tribute is dead on up to 80+mph, the wife's 02 Saturn SC2 is only off by about 2 mph at 70mph.  My previous car was an '00 Mustang, and it was off by about 5mph at 70mph.

So long as it's normal, I can live with it.  Thanks!

Quote from: gsJackAnd as far as "spirited" riding goes just remember; the older you get, the less you got to lose.

GS Jack...I love it!!

Ed-you will have NO problem with the GS on a freeway, interstate, etc., as many have already assured you.  Keep in mind a few basics, though:
1. Bike in good condition (double check everything)
2. Windscreen really helps
3.  Full-face helmet (you will not be happy with anything less)
4. Proper clothing, gloves, boots...etc

You will be amazed how a properly equipped, well tuned GS flys down the hiway.

BTW-GS Jack-if you are going to Americade this year let me know, as I'm planning on riding down the Northway from Lake Placid for 1-2 days.

I'd definitely recommend a pair of earplugs.  Without them, wind buffeting can get pretty loud and it wears on you after a while.  When I took a trip on the highway with earplugs in, things got a lot more peaceful.  Instead of sticking your helmet out into hurricane force winds, it seems like you're at the beach with a breeze.  You can still hear car horns and such, actually you can hear them better because the noise level of everything is down.

I agree you probably need earplugs more than anything.  You're fine to go as fast as you need on the highway.

I've personally never felt that a windshield was necessary but then again I haven't done the long trips like some of you.

ASLAM.

just a note, if you are lacking in power on the freeway, and can't figure out why... try checking your valve clearances.

I struggled holding 80 at times in 6th gear, and would have to downshift.  running downhill or with the wind, could do 90 pretty easy.  thought that was normal.

Found out 1 shim was 5 sizes too big, 2 were 1 size too big, and 1 was 2 sizes too big...  

replaced...

HOLY LIVERWURST!

it's incredible...  I have to pay attention or I find myself going 100mph (indicated) on level ground and still have room to put on more throttle.  Gas mileage jumped by about 10mpg on average as well.  Keep in mind, I'm 6'1, 240 lbs...  250 after everything I wear while riding, and then add a backpack that is prolly about 20-40lbs (laptop, spare battery, power supply, wifi access point, etc etc)

and I haven't rejetted my bike or anything... pretty much all stock.