Author Topic: What's Your longest freeway run?  (Read 11612 times)

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jartist

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Reply #15 on: May 28, 2013, 06:09:37 am
You'll be fine on that trip.  Just take breaks often. There's a lot if nice rides in that area.  I was riding in worst case scenario winds and it was slow going but the truck speed limit is 55mph in California anyway so I have never felt unsafe on the freeways. I have found that the enfield is one of the most well mannered bike in crosswinds at any speed that I have ever ridden.  Have a great trip!


AVL Power!

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Reply #16 on: May 28, 2013, 12:20:59 pm
Did a bangalore to kodaikanal bike run here in India. While going there we covered close to 650 kms(took few wrong routes just to explore) and took 4 to 5 breaks (5~10min breaks). It was dark so we decided to maintain 90kph+ speeds, not below 80 for sure and the bike did really well!

With Me (55kgs)+Pillion (80kgs) we managed to hit 140 on the speedo but most of the time it was 100kph to 110kph range when the roads were empty. This also includes 70kph worth of hill climb @ around 7000ft above sea level. Was a ride that I will remember!



Alan LaRue

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Reply #17 on: May 28, 2013, 04:05:59 pm
Hey Riders,
We all know these bikes are not intended for freeways, but there are times when we have to use them in order together to the areas where we do want to ride.


I don't have any really long trips. Longest is from the dealership in Katy to my house on the east side of Baytown, about 60 miles.

However, I do ride on the freeway. All of the time. I commute on I-10, 36 miles each way. I normally run at an indicated 70 mph, which cross-checked with a GPS shows a true 65. In the mornings I'm the slow guy, but on the way home I'm among the faster traffic, and am more likely to run it up to an indicated 75, with the occasional run up to 80. (Subtract 5 for probable true mileage.)

I'm at over 9200 mostly trouble-free miles. I don't understand why people don't think these bikes are good for freeways. Pre-UCE bikes, of course not, but the UCE is perfectly capable of freeway duty. That's why I bought it!

I do have a Givi Aerotech wind screen, because riding without one at those speeds is difficult.
« Last Edit: May 28, 2013, 04:10:39 pm by Alan LaRue »
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Rich Mintz

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Reply #18 on: June 02, 2013, 12:17:27 am
Tomorrow I'm planning to ride from NYC to DC, mostly via freeway and highway. It's around 250 miles.

Planned route (all freeway or 55MPH divided hwy except for Dupont Hwy)
Verrazano to Staten Island Expwy to West Shore Expwy to Outerbridge Crossing
Turnpike a few exits to Exit 7
I-295 to the Del Mem Bridge
Dupont Hwy across to Del SR 1
Del SR 1 south to Middletown and across to 301
301 south to US 50
US 50 to DC

I've done this route before, but never in one day. I'm allotting 6 hours including stops. Will let you know how it goes.
Rich Mintz - New York City
richmintz@richmintz.com
2010 Royal Enfield Bullet C5 • 2015 SYM Symba
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mattsz

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Reply #19 on: June 02, 2013, 12:45:35 am
Ride safe, Rich!  And double check you wiring...  ;)


wildbill

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Reply #20 on: June 02, 2013, 04:13:14 am
i get a bit saddle sore after 70 or 80 miles so a few short 5 minute breaks is a good idea and a safer trip


Sectorsteve

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Reply #21 on: June 13, 2013, 03:45:30 pm
Longest 580 km at about 110-120 kph. This was a 2000 km trip in 4 days


dougodewitt

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Reply #22 on: June 13, 2013, 09:44:32 pm
Portland to Springfield, 65 indicated all the way-- I threw in three 15 min breaks for my back and seat. The guy I bought my c5 from had the lowering kit on it, so first thing when I got home I re-installed the stock shocks and seat springs--so much better, my back never hurts now. I really need to do something about the seat, though. it really hurts after about 45 minutes. Does anyone know about aftermarket seats for the c5?
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Boots

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Reply #23 on: June 14, 2013, 04:36:30 am
Great rides gentlemen.

I've taken some long runs on the B5, but none more than about 60 miles or so on the freeway. Although i usually avoid the freeways, I'm actually looking forward to the challenge of it!

The windshield option has always been something I've considered but never have used. This may be because when I was a kid my Dad never used one, so I became accustomed to rising bikes without. We had an old Vespa with a really low sport screen, a bit bigger than fly screen, but it used to send the wind directly up my nose! Hahaha!

The interesting piece here for me will be how well my body holds up using the flat Norman Hyde M-bars.  I love them so far, so I've got my fingers crossed.
Boots

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Ya, I know it's slow. But I've always been a little slow. (budump bump!)


Supesguy

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Reply #24 on: June 17, 2013, 02:37:38 pm
I am staring down a 175 mile trip from Indianapolis to Columbus, OH this weekend.  I've done some 60-70 mile trips.  I'm a bit nervous about 175 miles.  Biggest thing will be telling the guys I'm riding with that I just will not be capable of speeds much faster than 70mph.  Gotta do the sprocket change sometime. 


Arizoni

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Reply #25 on: June 18, 2013, 12:58:29 am
Changing the sprocket won't improve the top speed.  It might even reduce the top speed a little.

It will make the engine run slower at any given speed but that only shifts the vibration point a bit.

As for a 175 mile ride, before you leave be sure to check all of the threaded nuts and bolts to make sure they are tight.
Then, after final packing and refueling, just climb aboard and enjoy the ride.

On the 200+ mile trips I've made on my G5 the motorcycle just kept going and going and going without a whimper or a single niggle.  In fact, I got the feeling it was enjoying the ride as much as I was. :)
Jim
2011 G5 Deluxe
1999 Miata 10th Anniversary


jartist

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Reply #26 on: June 18, 2013, 07:06:57 am
I got the feeling it was enjoying the ride as much as I was. :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one who's had this thought! :)


wildbill

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Reply #27 on: June 18, 2013, 09:40:17 am
i've done a 360kl run on my c5 on the one tank of fuel. traveled mainly around the 100 kph mark.
fuel light flashed on the final 25 kl and by the time i arrived home had turned from a flash to a glow


Arizoni

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Reply #28 on: June 18, 2013, 11:22:12 pm
Sounds like you were lucky.

Running the fuel that low can damage the fuel pump.  It uses the fuel to cool itself.
Jim
2011 G5 Deluxe
1999 Miata 10th Anniversary


dougodewitt

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Reply #29 on: June 19, 2013, 12:15:26 am
I just went on my longest run-- 9 hours on the bike, with short rest stops along the way. All mountain highways..
RIDE, ride, NOW! Ride!