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Message started by savageken on 07/16/09 at 16:57:04

Title: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by savageken on 07/16/09 at 16:57:04

Have 2009 S40 (500 miles) mostly commute around town, did go to livermore via back roads.

little sacred of freeways here in SF Bay area. Light bike, wind, high speed traffick, road rage drivers, etc. etc.

Had a GS750 years ago and would go anywhere on it. But am cautious with the S40.

How do others handles the problems I am concerned with?

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Skid Mark on 07/16/09 at 17:05:22

The bike has no issues at freeway speeds. I have a Tkat fork brace that helps the bikes stability a lot. It took me a couple of months to get comfortable on our freeways, but was just me getting my wheels back.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by odvelasc on 07/16/09 at 18:24:55

425240424942270 wrote:

I started doing freewway about a week after I got my savage. I rejetted within the week of getting her and then she opened up better on the free way. Then I got a little universal windshield and that helped a lot more but it was a little short. I am waiting on this Dakota 3.0 for tomorrow or Monday. the 17.5 inch height should be just under my nose ( I am about 5'8"). Oh, and this year I used the highway quite frequently for getting between jobs. Ottawa drivers are notoriously unpredictable at rush hour. Manhattan is much less stressful as most everyone, except for cabbies and delivery trucks, follow a flow of pattern.

http://www.chromeworld.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=4000&categoryID=1518

goodluck

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by photojoe on 07/16/09 at 20:13:17

I just kind of just ride through it on the highway. I live in NJ and highway riding here is comparable to being on a racetrack. Lot's of cars, trucks and bikes constantly cutting each other off while jockeying for position. Local driving is worse, but we're at slower speeds, so easier to make my moves. But yeah, I'm sure a windshield and fork brace would help, although my front end is stock and I dig the wind, but the gusts do throw me around quite a bit at times, especially going head to head with an 18 wheeler at 75 mph, and I admit that I do use the death grip on occasion. You know, holding on for dear life type of thing. I'm 170 lbs. if that means anything.

The HW speed limit here is the pace set by traffic, not the posted limits of between 55-65, and the most popular seems to be 80 for the left lane, 75 for the middle and 65 for the right. I try to hang in the middle lane and keep about 3 car lengths of space in front of me. Cars are always on my arse, but I just let pass me, or move to the right if I have room. Passing lane is worse if I'm riding at 75 MPH. Cars will push you off the road bike or not. You get use to it, but I never compromise the space needed in front of me in case I have to act fast to avoid becoming roadkill. To hell with who's behind me trying to push me out of the lane.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/16/09 at 20:55:56

my old Kawa 750 got blown across the road in cross winds. Seems this thing just gets the wheels blown out from under it & my head stays almost on the same path when I get a cross wind gust.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by LostArtist on 07/16/09 at 23:12:50

I ride 70-75 on the highway, no problem, little buzzy, I go over a big bridge that humps up and the wind always picks up the closer I get to the coast but even when big trucks pass me I barely feel it. Still kinda nervous at night hard to see behind in the dark, I've only got a 5 mile jaunt on the highway though until I get to a state road where I get to cruise at 50-60 all the way home, this is commuting but I don't work normal times so I avoid rush hour, commute for me is about 26-27 miles each way so 52-54 miles a day, I love it! need to get saddle bags though, back pack makes my back sweat.

keep cool

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by odvelasc on 07/17/09 at 06:50:39

7F67607B6065600F0 wrote:

Jersey highway driving is the WORST in the world lol. You are so right about the 80mph in the fast lane lol. Its crazy. I visit family in Linden (Union County) and getting there is a female dog. I remember driving through the Delaware water shed and thinking to myself "wow the driving here is nuts, anyone can just bust through the guard rail and end up down below for driving this fast on those curves". Dont get me started on the I and 9. lol

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by photojoe on 07/17/09 at 07:15:56

You know what really throws me off (pun intended) on the HW? Some of the crotch rocket riders. I could be hanging at 70 mph, and at times I don't even see/hear them coming. I know that they're hanging at 85-90 as they blast by me.

I do appreciate the talent it takes to lane split at high speeds, but on highways with a lot of volume, I replace talent with stupidity. One false move and you're deader than corduroy, and they may take one of us with them.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by merhlin on 07/17/09 at 07:31:17

About 5 years ago on the way back home from Aberdeen, Washington where i took my motorcycle class, we were passed by 2 guys on crotch rockets that were pulling wheelies and weaving in and out of traffic at about 75 mph. I remember thinking then (and now!) that it is guys like this that give bikers a bad name - losing control of a bike on one wheel at 75-80 mph is a SERIOUS recipe for disaster!!! Thankfully, the majority of the riders out there are not like that, although I must say i still get a kick out of the riders with their girlfriends on the back wearing shorts and tank tops at 75 or so. But that's a different post....

merhlin

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by sjaskow on 07/17/09 at 10:13:55

I rode this route last weekend: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=9997+Carver+Rd,+Cincinnati,+OH+45242&daddr=100+N+Plaza+Blvd,+Chillicothe,+OH+45601&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=39.067947,-84.364078&sspn=0.011962,0.017295&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=9 and I didn't have any trouble at all. 71 is reasonably busy until you get to the country and 35 is mostly used by local commuters and trucks headed to Charleston. My biggest issue was a semi full of cows (smell and flies) and people with landscaping trucks (pea gravel, dirt and grass). The bike was fine. You just have to remember that it's really light and is pretty much flat out when you get to 80 so you need to plan passing a little more than you would with a car.

It took me a little over 90 minutes and I even stopped about half-way for gas and some iced tea.

In case anybody cares, it's work to the Hampton Inn in Chillicothe. My baby brother got married. :)

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by JohnBoy on 07/17/09 at 11:16:05

I ride I-17 in Phoenix five days a week for a 30min commute each way. Here in Phoenix they have started photo enforcement on the freeways which holds the avg speeds down to about 75mph. I ride rush hour and generally have no problem on the Savage. I have opened the air filter and exhaust which got me better mid range and top end. I like to ride the HOV lane which means they can only cut you off from one direction...and they will! I have been hit three times in Phoenix...never on the freeways. We lose a ouple of bikers a week on the freeways out here, but I believe it is pilot error and young riders for the most part. Bottom line...The bike will do the freeway just fine, it's the rider you have to worry about.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by bill67 on 07/18/09 at 15:17:38

7F6F7D7F747F1A0 wrote:

I think a lot of people on here haven't ridden bigger bikes,In 2 years I have ridden a total of 5 miles on a very untraveled freeway 1 mile from my house,which I used to ride all time,With the S40 I go backroads It just feels to light for me mainly the front end,That weas 2 years ago I road the 5 miles trying to get the nerve up again to try it,I've been riding for 38 years many miles and many different bikes,I have Suzuki LC 1500 too,Before that was a Goldwing,I've also road many small bikes on that freeway.My Wifes 1980 Suzuki 400 gn felt safer,Maybe I'm to old for a light bike.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by photojoe on 07/18/09 at 17:30:31

My 2 previous bikes were both iron head Sportsters which held up well on the highways. Back in those days with the friends I was riding with, Sporty's were considered small bikes. I'd love to test ride one of those LC 1500's for long hauls.

I'm taking my time looking for a second bike, but will have another by next season. My First interest in my budget was the Intruder 1400, then the newer S83, But would definitely consider the LC 1500. The Savage stays with me until it dies. I will not sell this bike to buy another, but I'd be lying if I said I don't want another bike for 2-up long haul riding, especially since Shar became ill and will be unable to ride on anything until next year. We hope she's back on two feet by then. Literally.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by SmilinLDR on 07/19/09 at 16:20:25

I have had no issues with handling on my 2008 S40 in wind or rain. The only issue I have is with a relatively strong headwind which slows me down considerably. Crosswinds do not seem to give me any issues. I'm 5'8" at 240 so it is a little like a brick riding a skateboard ;D

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by serenity3743 on 07/20/09 at 09:05:00

I have no trouble riding the speed limit + 5 mph. My commute is 23 miles, about 18 of which is interstate travel. One time recently I had a scary ride: blowing rain reduced visibility to maybe 25 yards. I was watching front and rear for cages. Probably should have stopped but didn't.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by dhowe003 on 08/11/09 at 11:09:46

I have a 45 mile ride each way to work and I live out in the country. THe speed limit most of the way is 65mph and most traffic (both cars, and that pickup) go around 70mph. I cruise it at 70mph and it feels great. There are two bridges that I cross and the cool air from the lake feels nice, but I do get the gusts that move me and have me tilted sideways, but in Kansas the wind is never your friend. I think the bike handles well considering the small size and it can keep up on the interstate just fine. I will say that I got into early morning fog today and country roads don't ave lights so it was scarry, :o I should have stopped, but I couldn't be late.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Midnightrider on 08/11/09 at 11:36:00

Statistically the freeway is one of the safest places to ride. I guess because of no intersections and fewer deer. But if you do go down at freeway speeds its not going to be pretty.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Duane on 08/11/09 at 12:10:07

My bike is basically stock. I did pop the brass plug so I don't backfire anymore. She seems to like running at 60mph the best. I do ride on the interstate but I stay to the right usally and run at the limit or if traffic is pushing me I will go 5mph over the limit. If you hit 80mph your about tapped out, don't exspect the normal pull of power you get from twisting your right hand. I also have a windshield and bags. I don't notice any problems iwth wind unless we are talking really strong winds.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by PTRider on 08/11/09 at 12:22:00

Ken,

Get one of David Hough's books...I prefer More Proficient Motorcycling (http://www.amazon.com/David-L.-Hough/e/B001JOWE2I/ref=ep_sprkl_at_B001JOWE2I?pf_rd_p=482609291&pf_rd_s=auto-sparkle&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=david%20l.%20hough&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=19DTSPC64N1WZH89HT0Q). He has a lot of tactics for safe riding in traffic.

Always, always, expect drivers to do something dumb that will get you hurt. Ride totally defensively. Make yourself as visible as possible, watch for bad road surface, and be ready for every driver to drive into you. Be aware of trucker's poor range of visiblility in their mirrors and stay out of their way.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by serenity3743 on 08/11/09 at 13:37:46

717D7A6270252526150 wrote:

but in Kansas the wind is never your friend.

When I golfed a lot in Kansas, I liked having the wind at my back on par 4s and 5s. It was my friend then! :)

What part of Kansas are you in? I lived in Hays from 1992 to 1996. Didn't have a motorcycle then, but I can imagine the wind is treacherous on a 2-wheeler.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/12/09 at 08:18:59

1A2B3F303B5E0 wrote:

Lane position is important for safety. Riding on the right side of the right lane invites people to encroach. If a car faster than you passes on the left & someone faster than them wants by, they might just swing over at you to clear the bumper of the first car. When I was riding 10 speeds in traffic I would take enough of the lane to force them around me & not let them pin me on the curb, because if I was just a foot or so off the curb, they'd fly by me & not even hang a wheel in the other lane. ( Talking about 4 lane roads. 2 lanes were a bit harrier, had to watch them a lot closer) & for the record, while I was on a bicycle, I wasnt, by any means, a slow moving vehicle. If I was in traffic I was moving at or near the speed limit & above it sometimes. If I was needing a break I'd hit a residential street & cool down, then get back on one of the more main arteries thru town & run with the cars.

In town it can create a situation where people pull out in front of a rider because they couldnt be seen by the driver, sitting at a stop sign. In Odessa, I pulled out in front of a guy on a bike. He was hugging the curb & there were trees & shrubs near the road. From where I was sitting, at a stop sign, he was invisible. After the near miss, I followed him home. I asked if that had ever happened before & he said he had nearly been hit there several times. I explained how it happened & that if he had been out by the center line, I could have seen him. I bet he changed his lane position.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by spacepirates on 08/12/09 at 08:58:03

I go to school in Pittsburgh, and am from Erie, so I travel between the two fairly frequently. It is about 120 miles one way, and I've done that one plenty of times on the savage.

I'm still trying to find the right jetting (weather and schedule make it rough), so i top out around 75, but i cruise at 65-70 most of the time without issue.

stop about halfway through, pump a little over a gallon into my tank, but mainly do the stop just to rest my arse.

watch out for passing semis, large vans, and SUVs. they throw wind off them like crazy, though there are a few models of each that get a nice big pocket of still air behind them that i like to ride in for a few minutes. at a reasonable distance, of course. the "2 second" rule really needs to be more like the "5 to 7 second" rule on the highway.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Midnightrider on 08/12/09 at 09:16:38

Talking about semi's, if you're ever beside one and you hear a tire slapping get the hell away immediately. Even if you have to back off and slow down do it. Semis will throw recaps, especially this time of year with the heat and the recaps will do all kinds of nasty things to a motorcycle rider. The recaps can lock your front wheel up, even break your neck if they hit you just right. I was pulling my boat and a semi threw a recap and it hit my boat and severely damaged it. I cringe when I think what could have happened if I had been on my motorcycle.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by spacepirates on 08/12/09 at 09:57:07

74505D57505E514D4B505D5C4B390 wrote:

i think mythbusters had an episode on this. something about could a semi truck tire blow-out kill a motorcycle rider. the test results: decapitation.

so yeah, i pass semis as fast as i can, as far away from them as i can, as infrequently as i can.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by dhowe003 on 08/12/09 at 10:17:23

Quote:

When I golfed a lot in Kansas, I liked having the wind at my back on par 4s and 5s. It was my friend then!

What part of Kansas are you in? I lived in Hays from 1992 to 1996. Didn't have a motorcycle then, but I can imagine the wind is treacherous on a 2-wheeler.

what's up serenity, I guess the wind could be nice when your whackin balls around. ;D I haven't done any golfing since I've been in Kansas.

I'm in Clay Center, stationed at Ft Riley. I've been here about 3 years and the open roads are nice for riding between May and about the end of September. The winds are the worst this time of year so it is a trade off for warm sunny days. I will be down in Alabama till the end of September and I am taking the bike for sure.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by LostArtist on 08/12/09 at 10:44:39

Quote:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqw4ZooBzLw

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Midnightrider on 08/12/09 at 11:38:12

Another thing to realize is a truck recap does not have to hit you to cause serious damage. If you run over one ( they are hard to see at night on an asphalt highway) the recap can lock your front tire up. At highway speeds that can hurt.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by John_D on 08/12/09 at 21:02:34

0B141215080F3E0E3E06141853610 wrote:

[quote author=1A2B3F303B5E0 link=1247788625/15#17 date=1250017807]My bike is basically stock. I did pop the brass plug so I don't backfire anymore. She seems to like running at 60mph the best. I do ride on the interstate but I stay to the right usally and run at the limit or if traffic is pushing me I will go 5mph over the limit. If you hit 80mph your about tapped out, don't exspect the normal pull of power you get from twisting your right hand. I also have a windshield and bags. I don't notice any problems iwth wind unless we are talking really strong winds.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by FreeSpirit on 08/13/09 at 05:49:55

Ok ,dumb question ,but I'm pretty brave on those type,at times.... ;)

If you weighed the bike down any,would that help?(to make it heavier)

Would it make a difference at all.

(Seems bill has answered this before but all I remember is something compared to a bag of sugar...I have CRS sometimes)

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by vhfkid on 08/13/09 at 07:24:33

4175626254776E756E73070 wrote:

On the 1500 mile trip the wife and I took to CA from TX, we had a lot more weight than our shorter 500 mile runs, it made quite a difference when we hit hard sidewinds and storms in NM and AZ. Each of us had about 20-40 lbs more than previous high wind rides and that little bit of weight helped more than I thought it would.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Skid Mark on 08/13/09 at 08:22:01

I would think if you were to add weight it should be as low as possible to keep the bike stable. Perhaps a lead weight at the bottom of the frame.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Midnightrider on 08/13/09 at 12:10:50

4A4C55464A111E270 wrote:

I would think if you were to add weight it should be as low as possible to keep the bike stable. Perhaps a lead weight at the bottom of the frame.

I'm not trying to be a smart alec but loading your bike down with weight will prematurely wear out your tires, drivetrain and engine. Practice the art of countersteering. That will get you through a high wind situation. I got caught in the edge of a tornado in West Va. A police officer came by and knew I was in trouble (there was no shelter available) He told me to follow him to an abandoned warehouse. The winds were 70+ mph. I made it to the warehouse by countersteering into the wind. Once inside the warehouse I parked my bike and got in the car with the police officer. Never been so glad to see a cop in my life. He probably saved me and my bike. I'm not claiming to be a great rider. I'm 54 and I still learn something new every time I ride. Motorcycle modifications will never get you through a jam like good riding skills.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by bill67 on 08/13/09 at 12:20:51

Are you saying riding double will really wear out the motorcycle fast.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Midnightrider on 08/13/09 at 12:49:56

484346461C1D2A0 wrote:

Are you saying riding double will really wear out the motorcycle fast.

There are a lot of variables, your weight and your partners weight, weight of luggage etc. Think about it, when you increase weight you increase the load on the tires, drivetrain and engine. The manual recommends putting extra air in your tires when you double. The reason for the extra air is the increased load on the tires. A surefire way to find out your clutch is slipping is to ride double. I plan on doubling my wife on my Savage. When I do I will increase the air pressure of the tires. I will not lug off the line. I will remember I can't stop as quick and I will allow for this. When riding double if you realize what's going on with your bike and allow for it you can keep the extra wear and tear to a minimum. Ex., if you have a pickup with a load capacity of 2000 lbs. how long are the tires, drivetrain, brakes and engine going to last if you keep 2000 lbs in the back of the truck all the time?

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Skid Mark on 08/13/09 at 13:07:14

Eating lots of sweets saves you from having to attach extra weight to the bike. I've proven that :D

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by bill67 on 08/13/09 at 13:12:10

00242923242A25393F2429283F4D0 wrote:

[quote author=484346461C1D2A0 link=1247788625/30#32 date=1250191251]Are you saying riding double will really wear out the motorcycle fast.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Midnightrider on 08/13/09 at 16:54:54

[/quote]
I been riding for 38 years a lot of double riding and I've aways had a truck since 1957,but after all the years I learned something today ::)[/quote] Bill I'm a newbie on this forum and the last thing I want to do is get started off on the wrong foot. I'm 54 and I started riding when I was 8. I've owned over twenty bikes and I've ridden over 300,000 mi. I quit riding 4 years ago. I've got severe health issues going on. I have heart trouble and now I have Lupus. I bought an 03 Savage 2 weeks ago because I can't get motorcycles out of my system. I can't ride as much as I use to but the bike is in my garage if I want to go for a spin. I'm an Iron Butt ascociation member but I doubt if I'm ever able to do another 1000 mi ride in 24 hrs. I've lost a lot of dear friends in this sport and now when I look back on it most of the accidents could have been avoided no matter which driver was at fault. I had a friend I grew up riding with get killed 4 mos. ago. From the police report I saw my friend could have avoided the accident even though the other driver was at fault. Carrying a passenger and riding in high winds can be done reasonably safely if you just think about what you are doing and use a little common sense. I am as guilty as anybody when it comes to not thinking. When I rode my Savage home last week it was interstate most of the way. The Savage handled badly at 70mph. I immediately started looking for a fork brace. That will cure my problem. I found one and was fixing to order it when it hit me, Dummy you didn't check the air in the tires. Both tires were 8lbs low and now my Savage handles just fine. A fork brace would probaly help but its not a substitute for riding ability and regular maintenance. That's my point. I love this sport but I'm tired of attending funeral's.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by voldigicam on 08/13/09 at 17:19:04

Getting too comfortable with any process is clearly a problem. I'd do audits and safety analyses lots in the past. Looked at lots of accident reports. Doesn't matter what field. Getting comfortable with the process is usually part of the problem.

The people without accidents tend to be the nitpickers. Fighter pilots and the like. It's pretty clear after interviewing lots and lots of people. Can't tell on the surface. Sometimes the laid back fellows are tuned into everything and can recite the best way to do any part of their job. I've turned their methods into procedures and training manuals. And sometimes the superficially meticulous folks are off in their heads and fail to react well in the real world.

I must say that bicycling really helps me. The long-term situational awareness training has helped so much. Motorcycling is quite a lot easier in many ways, and remains nicely scary. I remain surprised when folks actually see me!

I've been watching the moto world for a long time. My brother in law was a pro rider. Had a couple of nasty accidents. And a bit of a personality disorder. He doesn't ride any more. Kind of a shame. He's a great rider - acknowledges that he's an average rider, that I'll probably shift better. Also full of real insight. And he knows older bikes very well. I've been watching the various types on the Dragon for 20 plus years, since before it was "The Dragon."

The people I never see in trouble are the guys on dual sports loaded to the gills, dressed in day glo cordura, and taking every corner as if there's a semi around it. There are semis around one every once and while. The people I see in trouble are the squids on sport bikes and the laid back cruiser riders who accidently get in over their heads. I think we might tend to get into that latter category. LS650 seems very easy and light, quite flickable. Possibly relatively easy to accidently hit a corner a bit hot.

Regardless, I suspect motorcyling will be dangerous. I suspect that a light bike on an Interstate at fairly high speed will always present special challenges.

I'm developing a pretty standard ritual including tire check (with a gauge every other day), wheel check, suspension check, lights, oil, grip, and attitude/alertness. If I'm not alert and feeling calm, I won't ride. I talk to myself a lot when riding, too!

And I wouldn't feel comfortable at all on an Interstate. I don't like them in cars. Even though I know my Ranger truck doesn't really offer me much protection and it gets blasted around by truck wash almost as much as a bike would, I still have that illusion of safety.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by horseshoe_george on 08/13/09 at 17:26:40

It helps to do the upgrades. I can pass traffic going uphill on the freeway as I can hit 90-95 for passing. Usually cruise at 75-85.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Midnightrider on 08/13/09 at 17:31:04

222538392F3922252F152D2F25382D2F4A0 wrote:

It helps to do the upgrades. I can pass traffic going uphill on the freeway as I can hit 90-95 for passing. Usually cruise at 75-85.

What upgrades have you done? I'm in the process of jetting my carb and I have a Supertrapp on the way.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by bill67 on 08/13/09 at 18:10:57

Sounds like another funeral coming up.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Midnightrider on 08/13/09 at 18:20:22

4B4045451F1E290 wrote:

Sounds like another funeral coming up.

Jetting the carb makes the engine run cooler and extends engine life. Back in 99 I owned 5 motorcycles, 4 of which were large displacement sport bikes. If I wanted to ride fast I would own another sport bike. I'm only interested in having enough power to get out of the way and extending engine life.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by horseshoe_george on 08/14/09 at 02:47:29

01252822252B24383E2528293E4C0 wrote:

[quote author=222538392F3922252F152D2F25382D2F4A0 link=1247788625/30#38 date=1250209600]It helps to do the upgrades. I can pass traffic going uphill on the freeway as I can hit 90-95 for passing. Usually cruise at 75-85.

What upgrades have you done? I'm in the process of jetting my carb and I have a Supertrapp on the way.
[/quote]

Many of us list the mods we have done to the bike on our signature line cause its so interesting to see what others have done.

From my list below you can see that I have done some mods that unlock the performance of the detuned engine that suzuki delivers in stock form. I think this is primarily done to meet european requirements for a starter licsence rider to use a bike that develops minimal horsepower for the first 2 years of riding. Our 650 single can do better than stock with rejetting that BTW should be done in conjunction with the intake and exhaust mods. With more horsepower comes the need to work on the handling. The Tkat fork brace and the small windscreen I installed really help on the highway. I just got my dave quinn Hagon shocks on the other day and hope to ride this evening to try them out. I did little things like the better plug as well but jetting, intake, exhaust, forkbrace ,windscreen have tranformed the bike from a "starter" bike to the "midsized" bike that it really wants to be. I'm certainly not going to ever keep up with the sport bike crowd as they snake thru traffic on the highway bobbing and weaving at 120 and generally pissing everyone off but I would never want to do that anyway.

The mods I have done allow me to merge quickly with traffic when entering the highway, get out of trouble on the highway when necessary and add stability from windblast from trucks. On twisty back roads the bike has become an absolute grin machine and thats with the standard rear shocks. I can't wait to get some free time to try out the new Hagon rear shocks to see what they add to the equation.

I'm at 6,500 and plan to do the cam chain adjuster this fall.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by PTRider on 08/14/09 at 07:22:25

5C78757F787679656378757463110 wrote:

Practice the art of countersteering. That will get you through a high wind situation. ....Motorcycle modifications will never get you through a jam like good riding skills.

Deliberate countersteering is totally non-intuitive, and makes perfect sense once one thinks about it. When you're hit with a gust of wind from, say, the left, and leaned over to the right, push ahead on the left handlebar. That steers the front tire contact patch under the bike's present center of gravity and gets you stabilized. Push harder to lean the bike into the wind and get back on track or to hold your original path of travel.

When adding a passenger or heavy cargo load, increase the shock setting as needed to avoid bottoming out. When the weight is off, set the shocks back to avoid topping out.

Both Metzeler and Dunlop recommend inflation pressures 3 to 4 psi above the pressures shown on the stickers on our bikes. In any case, we always want higher cold pressure when starting out on a hot day or fast hot ride. Metzeler shows the pressure recommendations on their web site's general info section. Dunlop has it on the Savage/S40 tire recommendation chart.

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Gary On A Savage on 08/14/09 at 09:02:23

I ride very windy interstates/freeways a lot (every workday). I've got a 370lb bike (Savage) and a 600lb bike (Honda Shadow 1100 ACE) and I get blown around on both. Why? Because it's usually ME that's getting blown around and not the bike. When our bodies are pushed by wind, we tend to tighten up and react to it. On our flickable Savage, that results in the bike moving around a lot. On a heavier bike that is harder to turn at speeds, the bike feels more stable in wind. (My $.02) Also, the larger your windshield the easier it is to "sail" in a cross wind.

Best defense against wind is to relax and adjust for it. I've been in high wind conditions that felt like someone pushing my head off my body from the side. Uncomfortable, but not overly dangerous if you relax and not over react to it. Trucks and RV's give off bad buffeting because of their large displacement. Learn how to feel when your entering the buffeting and where to stay away from. Know where the wind is coming from at all times (SA - read the trees, dust, flags, whatever) and be prepared for it.

I've got a lot of freeway miles on my Savage with no problems. It's not the bike...

Title: Re: interstate travel (freeways)
Post by Bear_Rider on 08/14/09 at 17:30:54

I ride routinely in 30 MPH plus winds, and on my Savage the key has been to relax and let the bike handle it. I find that it automatically leans into the wind if I just let it do it's thing. I had some difficulty when first on the bike because I had just upgraded from a Honda Rebel that would try to put you into the oncoming traffic, and it took some time before I could relax.

Now winds are merely annoying and tiring, due to the way that they slap my helmet around.