Is the RE Interstate-Worthy?

[Cabo Cruz]

Amen, Brother 120!!!

[Malc]

But something about looking at those big tires spinning a couple of feet away from me while I'm on my woefully inadequate Bullet just don't appeal to me. There are better choices to be had both for roads for the Bullet and bikes for the freeway.
CJ

No arguments here, there are loads better bikes for the freeway, all Im sayig is, it can be done, maybe a bit scarrily, but it can be done.

[UncleErnie]

Not on 85 into Atlanta.

[Gromit42]

I think if you want to run the freeway here on an RE best to get another bike. The hills, big tires, and weather just don't set up for a good situation. Unless you want to give your friendly local dealer a whole lotta work by having to replace the engine. And if you have a hack...best to try anything other road or you'll be blown over.

just my two/half cents for what it's worth.

[johnny rocket]

Not on 85 into Atlanta.

just took the 85 up to the british in the blueridge...
best way to get something done is tell me i cant

[Ice]

 I think Triumph96driver answered the cross country worthiness question with his 3,000 mile ride.

[baird4444]

I think Triumph96driver answered the cross country worthiness question with his 3,000 mile ride.

But was it on the interstate??
   I'll bet ya an Autolite #63 it was 2 lane blacktop....
                     - Mike

[Cabo Cruz]

I'm with you, Br. Mike.

[Ice]

But was it on the interstate??
   I'll bet ya an Autolite #63 it was 2 lane blacktop....
                     - Mike

Interstate as in coast to coast ?, Sure.
                               OR
Interstate like I-5 through L.A. or other major high speed freeways ? bad idea.
Short jaunts on highways with light traffic or lower speed limit sections? do able with caution.

That's my take anyhow.

[baird4444]

Interstate as in coast to coast ?, Sure.
                               OR
Interstate like I-5 through L.A. or other major high speed freeways ? bad idea.
Short jaunts on highways with light traffic or lower speed limit sections? do able with caution.
That's my take anyhow.

I think we both agree that these things are not high speed cruzers. When referring to Interstate most people are thinking the higher speed 4 lane. Inter-state as in going farther than the burger stand on Saturday...   HALE YES!!  I didn't get 30,000 miles by just going out fer Ice Cream with my main squeeze.
                           - Mike 

[1Blackwolf1]

  I've rode to the dealer, about 50 miles on true interstate, can be done but pack up a supply of no fear.  I just didn't look in the rear view a whole lot.  Kept it at 55-60 indicated (probably more like 50-55).  Won't quite suggest the open interstate for fun.  I'll take my 1500cc Drifter for that.  Nice to know you have a bunch of extra punch (95 hp) to move with traffic.  Give me an all other 4/2 lane and it's the Enfield all the way.  Will.

[exiledcarper]

Here in Michigan trucks are limited to 55 mph.
If you can find one doing less than 70 mph let me know because I've never seen one.
Cars and motorcycles are limited to 70 mph.
Rarely do you see one go less than 80 unless they are in the fast lane.
Definitely not Bullet territory.
CJ

I know what you mean.  I drove big rigs both side of the pond and the BIG difference is that all the trucks are MECHANICALLY governed to a max speed of 56mph.
  Takes them a bit longer to get there, but theres FAR FEWER wrecks involving big rigs.  Also monitered by an electronic tachograph, so it's much harder to get away with working too many hours etc.  Hauliers are also forbidden to pay their drivers by miles, but have to pay hourly.  No real incentive to break the law.
  All measure which could overnight make the interstates MUCH safer over here, along with banning re-capped tires on trucks.
I wouldn't want to ride a bike like an RE on the interstate as things stand today.
A

[cyrusb]

Ok, after 6 pages I'd like to ammend my original NO to a YES. As long as it's on a trailer.

[t120rbullet]

Ok, after 6 pages I'd like to ammend my original NO to a YES. As long as it's on a trailer.

Ha, right on the money there.
CJ

[jedaks]

Hello from Queensland Australia. Thanks for all the valuable information. It has made me think before I spend my money. The RE dealer's job is to sell RE motorcycles, so he will say what he needs to say to get the sale.

Australia has 100 kph (about 60mph) limit with some stretches of road going to 110kph (70 mph).  The consenus is that the RE will cruise at 100 kph easily if it is given periodic (hourly?) rests to cool off (15 minutes long or so). I also assume it can do 110kph for a few minutes at a time but thats it.

I intend that my future RE (hopefully a new G5 or C5) be a commuter to work and home(very little traffic). I will need to ride at 60 mph for about 15 minutes (each way) 4-5 days a week.

My first question #1 Will a RE do this easily and reliably for years go come?

I also dream that a couple times a year my wife and I can ride country roads at 50-55 mph with occasional short stints on the interstate and have a romantic weekend getaway. Round trip of about 350 miles (over a long weekend)

My second question #2 Will a RE ,at these speeds, carry 2 people without problems (about 430 pounds)
My wife refuses to use a sidecar. So she must ride pillion

I have doubts about question 2. I really want a RE but I don't want my wife to feel totally excluded from the bike riding experience.

Thanks and I look forward to your responses