Congratulations! 300 miles is a pretty good trip on a stock S40. I wouldn't want to do it. The windshield is going to make a lot of difference in riding comfort. You'll be able to relax a little more. I couldn't handle the stock seat on mine so I rebuilt it with info learned at http://diymotorcycleseat.com/. More comfort and able to sit further back and a little higher for more leg room. Others on here have replaced the seat with something from a different bike. A lot of us have also upgraded the rear shocks for a smoother ride. It's nice to work on your own ride.

I usually fill up every time the odometer turns over another 100 miles. Just the easiest way for me to remember and I never have to switch to reserve, unless there's no station for another 20 or so miles.

Thanks for the update.

Good for you.  Personally I avoid Interstates, but then I find 60mph on back roads gives me the ability to enjoy the ride and the scenery .  
As regards the noise level on long trips. That does add to the fatigue level.    I use the inexpensive ear plugs found at Walgreens or CVS. They DO make a difference....  Thus far you seem to have discovered the joy of riding a motorcycle. If a side road looks interesting, take it.  Check out maps for a place to head for using back roads and take off for the weekend. Pack a gym bag and sleeping bag and (maybe) some rain gear and enjoy the trip. Check out some of the little diners that you might not stop at if you are in a car and in a hurry...  In other words ENJOY ..      

Oh! I love waving and nodding at people. I don't know. I used to be a big time cager, but way more attentive. I've driven my car I own a 2012 CR-V, almost 30K miles in the last 7 months. I've fallen in love with having the freedom to just go... But either way. I feel like when traveling, and sharing common interests that one enjoys, that it just allows you to form a connection with people that also share those similar interests. You never know when something positive can make someones day! Plus, especially for things like motorcycle that most people probably look at as, the "dumb Harley riders that never wear any gear" or the "supersport bike kids that are racing down the highway and lane splitting to hell", giving a good ol' friendly wave, and stopping to talk to people along the way and explaining all about what and why we do what we do just seems right. Spreading positivity in a world that doesn't have enough of it. Phew I'm long winded...

Anyways, thanks for the reply! I don't really care if they flip me off (like I heard some HD riders do!) or turn away (had a group of big cruisers do that to me today on Skyline Drive), I'll still keep on waving. You might not be able to change them, but you can control what you do, and I wanna keep making people smile!

Matt, you sound very positive. It's a welcome change in this "not-so-nice" world.  

When I ride, I feel a connection to every other rider I pass. We both share a love for motorcycling. I don't care what they're riding, whether it's a squid on a sport bike or a 1%er on a Harley, I'll wave anyway. It's part of the "brotherhood"!

Sounds like a nice ride.

It can get tiring especially with all the sounds, wind, being on top of your game when riding, etc. Take those rest stops and hydration breaks.

If you do much high speed riding (70 or more) keep a close watch on the oil level.  It tends to use some at higher speeds.

Oh, and welcome.