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It's kind of funny seeing this old thread that I started get dug up.
To follow up, I've been on a few long trips with my 2000 night train since I posted the initial question. It's not uncommon for us to spend most of the day cruising at 80-85 mph. The bikes don't seem to mind at all. I didn't care for the Throttle Rocker, but i still have the throttle lock lever on the star wheel.
I have a different outlook on this. Other than speed enforcement being a limiting factor, I don't really care what speed I run at. 60? Fine. 85, that's cool too. What I want, is to be left alone. I look for a gap in traffic and ride there happy as a clam. And a long damn way from tractor trailers, at least in front. Their wind turbulance makes it a pain. Dump trucks are even worst. The grit hangs in the air for a half a mile.
Here in the east you have the garbage trailers heading to PA. with a mile long mist of poison floating behind them.
Since I've retired I spend very little time on interstates. That's why.
Oh, BTW, if someone's skill set has them nervous at 80 or using a death grip in heavy crosswinds or rain, I won't ride with them. If I get hurt on a bike I want it to be my fault. 45 years riding and all my broken parts come from skiing. I want to keep it that way.
I had stock exhaust headers on my 88 and at sustained speeds over 100 mph the header pipe cracked twice. Changed to Reinhart True Duels and no more problem.
make sure your motor mounts are good if you ride a high speeds.
Many of the Interstates out west have speed limits of 75 or 80. I have ridden both my former ride, a 92 fxr and my present ride, a 2014 fld at those speeds for hours on end with no problems.
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