With the advice I received on this forum I gained the confidence needed to start the trip. Before I started I had a friend take my bike for a ride to see if he could get it into sixth gear, he could. I tried with him beside me on his bike and I was able to get it into sixth gear as well. Unlike the lower gears, fifth to sixth is a subtle change and I just didn't notice it before because I was expecting more of a difference when shifting. It's what I call an ID 10 T error. Idiot! So I got a new x ring chain and front and rear sprockets, installed them and added a luggage rack. I packed my luggage and drove it around to make sure the chain and sprocket install was all good and to take note of any handling changes resulting from the luggage. I am 219 miles into the 640 mile trip. I am amazed at how well my kz performs. The old chain and sprockets were so worn that I'm surprised my bike ran at all, every other tooth on the rear sprocket was broken. New chain and sprockets made a big difference. I am taking my time. The weather has been bad, cold and rainy. I rode in snow for 8 miles between St. George and Cedar City. I don't ride too long after sunset because it gets too cold. I have friends along the way so I have not been making good time, they all want me to stop and visit so I have been. To be honest, I'm glad because the wind beats the hell out of me and even though I am enjoying the trip, I'm just not that hardcore.
I had to pawn my camera before I left, much to my regret, so no pictures. Next time I will be sure to have my camera.
Thanks to everyone who has offered me advice. I have had my bike for three years but only discovered this forum a couple of months ago. It has helped me answer a lot of questions, and deepened the love I have for my kz550. Yeah, I said love! And I mean it. If I could find a woman as reliable as my kz I would marry her in a second.