First (short) trip, couple of lessons learned

Just got this bike('04 VFR800) last fall, this was the first chance I've had to ride it on a trip, in this case 100 miles each way. Things learned:
At 75 this thing feels like it's just kind of loafing along(considering it's at 5000rpm, and redline isn't till almost 12k, I guess it is).

The Throttle Rocker is a handy thing; about it
A: Good thing: you can work your hand a bit, and adjust speed by wrist/heel of hand pressure,
B: Bad thing: you can't take your hand completely off the throttle to rest it. For longer trips I'm thinking a throttle lock would be good; had one on my previous bike, and liked it.

The saddlebag supports I made[URL="http://vfrworld.com/forums/gear-accessories/34540-homemade-saddlebag-supports.html[/URL] worked just fine; about ten pounds in each bag, no sag and no sign of heat from the mufflers. For bigger bags I'd want stiffer supports, just for my peace of mind.

Been getting about 40mpg around town/some highway; on the trip down, with a headwind, got 48mpg; on the way back with a NASTY crosswind/sometimes quartering wind, got 56; striking difference. I'd figured steady highway would be better, but damn! Speaking of that wind: I don't think I've ever before spent that much time riding with a tilt. And I need to stick some earplugs in the trunk for days like that.

 

I find that at 75mph 6th gear the bike lacks roll on power. But then again, you are in 6th gear. We can always down shift one or two gears.

 

Windy as it was, didn't do much accelerating once up to 75; when I did need to add a bit of speed, a little throttle took care of it.

And, as you say, you can always downshift one or two if REALLY need to make a jump.

 

I love the wind. What a rush.

If you have the heat shields still on the bike, your saddle bags should not heat up enough to be concerned about. I couldn't open you attachment to have a look see. But I have soft bags on my 6th and have made a few very long trips without any problems at all.

 

I've found I wear earplugs on all my longer trips just to cut out the wind noise, its very relaxing. I also bring a small can of chain lube and stuff to clean off the faceshield on my helmet. I have also been interested in a throttlemaster or a kaiko throttle lock.

 

Nice shiny shields are still there. However, once having midjudged(on another bike) what counted as 'adequate clearance', I added the brackets here. Just for my peace of mind.

 

Better safe then sorry. A couple here have made simple brackets from 1/2 inch EMT.. Works really well and is easily put on and off. If you are interested let me know and I will hunt down the pix and post them up. I got them from Lgn01 and Marrib made a set.

EMT= Electrical Metalic Tubing, or Aluminum electrical pipe in case you didn't know. The tool used to bend it believe it or not, is called a hickey ..... WTF

 

Snork... a 'hickey'? No, I did not know that. And sure, if you can find them let's see; if I don't use it, somebody else may well be able to.

I stuck a throttle lock on my old Vulcan before my second real trip on it; made a world of difference being able to take my hand off and work it a bit. Hands are worse now, so for longer trips one's going to be added.
That bike is where I first started using earplugs, too; the difference in comfort over a couple of hundred miles is enormous.

 

Ideal 74-010 Ductile Iron Hickey for 1/2 Inch EMT Conduit Ideal 74-010 74 010 74010

And it is even an American tool........

 

I can't seem to find these pix. But I know that Lgn001 and Marrib both have pix of what they did. IO thought Lgn's idea was just the slickest. Hios was left unpainted but being aluminum, it would polish up nice or after properly cleaning , could be painted and look great. I think you need the grab handles on if I remember correctly though.

 

I feel like such an idiot when I try to use "search"... takes me forever! Anyway;

http://vfrworld.com/forums/gear-accessories/19273-soft-luggage-support-rack.html

Firehand, I know what you mean about the crosswinds. Before I sold the VFR (still kills me to think about it), I would check the wind forecast while I was checking weather in general. That bike was a handful in the wind. As far as Randy liking the wind, well, Randy is... not quite right! :biggrin:

 

I finally cpoied this to a folder Dide so I can refer to it when asked again. I promis to give you the credits. I better go to bed now