Long Trip Performance/Experience
 

Hey guys,

I have an 09 SF and I was thinking about taking it on a trip, which would constitute as "fairly long" in the bike's book. I'd be riding it on the highway for a little under two hours. When I do ride on the highway, I usually peg it around 7/8 thou rpm. Usually 7. I've made several 45 min highway trips, no problems. Tires are in good shape, so is the engine. Only concern is my chain, as it has a rattlesnake rattle sound. It's getting old, but I do lube it (prob not as often as I should, my bike's kept outside under a cover). The sprockets are still in good shape. Probably around ~5500-6000 miles on the odometer.

Was simply wondering if some of you have done this and how you feel. I think I'd stop half-way and get some gas, give the bike a breather.

I'd love to hear your responses! Thank you!

I rode 2400 miles, from NH to SC and back, at WOT for at least 1/4 of that ride. Bike handled it fine, better than my butt did, that's for sure. I was pretty glad to hit reserve and have an excuse to get off the bike for a bit.
I currently have a trail gear (13-47) that puts me at 7000rpm at 60mph, which isn't the best on the road, at least when trying to go fast. Bike doesn't care, it just doesn't have a good top speed anymore.

Learn how to adjust the chain properly(it's easy), once you get the right slack, check the chain at the rear sprocket. If you can pull the chain away from the back of the sprocket(more than a little), your chain is getting too stretched out and it will soon be time to replace it.

Oh, clean and then lube the chain.

You probably just need an adjustment, cleaning and lube.
Have fun on the trip!