I took the bike on my first highway ride today. 50 miles down the NJ Turnpike. I held it above 70 just about the whole time. Mostly stayed at 75. That felt alright. It would definitely be nicer to have a windshield I think although I have a feeling I may get used to the wind at that speed. Now winds at 60 feel like nothing. I got it up to 90 just to do it but there was lots of traffic so I will save 100 for another day. It was in the 40's and I stayed warm with my full face helmet, leather jacket, sweatshirt, and 3 pairs of pants (baseball pants, wind pants, jeans).

This was the most I have done in 1 day mileage wise. 120miles round trip. I am working up to a real long ride. I am more tired right now than I usually get but I just have to build up the endurance.

Here are a few pics from afterwards.

 

If you get a windshield you'll be a lot less tired.Makes a world of difference on long rides.I don't like the looks of them but they certainly help with resistance and keeping you warmer on cold rides.JMO

 

allright! road trip time

 

I can't ride far without a shield these days, either. Congrats. on the highway trek and your right about building up endurance/riding time. On the highway, give yourself plenty of room on the sides in case you get a strong cross wind and be ready to push the bars in the direction you need to go. Forget leaning, push them bars.

 

Congrats on the long ride. Sounds fun. I have a question about the air intake you have on your bike. I love how in looks and I’m thinking of that mod for my 01 XL1200S. Did you do the install? If so, how involvedis the mod? Do you know if the intake is available in black?

Thanks

 

I had a windshield on mine. Certainly helped fatigue and the wind factor. I thought it looked like crap though so I recentlytook it off.

 

I was nervous as all heck the first time I rode on the highway. Now it's not so bad. I have a windshield though and love it. I still don't know how people ride without one. To each their own. Happy riding!

 

+1 on the windshield... just get a detachable one, and then if you're tooling around town, you can take it off, and if you're going on a road trip, slap it on!

 

Yeah, windshields make extended highway cruises much easier - especially when it's cold.

 

I was wondering about that air intake my self. I really like that look.