Is a 650 mile trip too much for a 1980 kz550?

Hi all,
I have made it to Rupert, Idaho. 500 miles of the 620 mile trip are behind me and not a single problem so far. The weather has been bad all the way, other than that I have had a great time.
I found that I was able to get 6th gear so I kept the sprocket ratio at the stock 16 - 38. I have been cruising at 70 to 80 mph and at that speed I am right around 6000 rpm's. My bike has performed flawlessly, running strong and sounding solid. I usually keep her spotless, so the road grime on her doesn't sit well with me but she probably loves it, after all that's what bikes are for.
I haven't kept track of my mileage so far but I will between Rupert and Boise. I know that Tremonton to Rupert is 108 miles and I filled up in Tremonton and had about 1/6th of a tank left when I got here so I am guessing I have been getting around 45 miles to the gallon.
No windshield this time but I think I will have one on my next road trip.
If there are any forum members in the Boise area I would love to hear from you. I am thinking about getting another 1980 kz550 ltd when I get there. I want to keep this one stock but have one to experiment with and maybe modify a little.
Thanks again to all the members who have given me advice and information. I love this forum.
Steve

luvmykz wrote: Hi all,
I have made it to Rupert, Idaho. 500 miles of the 620 mile trip are behind me and not a single problem so far. The weather has been bad all the way, other than that I have had a great time.
... Steve

Steve, If you're anything like me, years from now that may be the one thing you remember most about the trip :laugh: Glad to hear the trip is otherwise going really well. Ed

I know what you mean, Steve, about not being all that hardcore. I had visions of taking my 440 this summer all the way from DC to Indianapolis (600 miles) to watch the MotoGP race this year, but i might nix it. A few weekends ago i rode the bike on just a 90 miler from DC to the casinos in West Virginia and i was shocked at how much work it was on the highway. The wind just beat the crap out of me. The bike itself ran fine and i was able to get into the 70-80mph range if i wanted to, but i would need to buy a few accessories to make highway speeds more comfortable for a long haul. The 440 is a perfect city bike and im happy that it can handle the highway, if i need to, but a tourer it is not.

My '82 440 does fine as a tourer. I just did 300+ miles today, and while I did occasionally get blown around a bit, felt fine at the end of the day by breaking the trip up just a bit. It's got a Vetter fairing and I'm sure that helps. Got a solid 60 mpg and easily cruised 65-70 mph @ 5500 rpm. I'm a big fan of the 400s as not too big but big enough to do the job bikes.

Friend of mine toured Europe on a 175 with a passenger part of the time. He weighs about 120 lbs but still, we do tend to over rate size and muscle in the US. I plan to take a 200 mile trip on my 305 this summer, now that its running great. I'm sure a more experienced rider could take it farther.

you sir have much more cojones than I do. I dont even take my 440 on the intersate. I get blown around like crazy unless I am in the racing position which is hardly comfy.

I wouldnt suggest it, but if you do 300 in a day, id say make it a 2 day trip. It would be fun to take the scenic route without all that action on the freeway consuming all of your thinking