I agree that interstates are not as moch fun as the scenic secondary roads but somethimes are a necessary choice. I have riden many miles and some things that work for me. Wear ear plugs, like another poster here said, this lowers the fatigue factor by a lot. The other thing is to manage your space by keeping as much of it around you as posible. If traffic is heavy and running 80 and you stay at 65 you will have close traffic behind you. Not to mention that those behind you become impatient and do things to send you a 'message' about clogging traffic. You create a zero-closure-rate by running at traffic speed. If you are not comfortable with the higher speeds that's OK, just find an alternate time or route. Other traffic does not care that you are on a motorcycle. That's an unfortunate reality.

Stay safe and have fun touring. Keep your motorcycle in good running order. I am headed to Dallas soon from Connecticut and looking forward to a run on the Natchez Trace Parkway. I'll have to make some time on I-81 to get to that area where I will start that part of the trip.

 

We're stopping every 1-1/2 to 2 hours for fuel and a pit stop.


Could the aero at interstate speeds be a fatigue factor on your bike?


Noise management is key, comfortable helmets and sharing music on our Cardos really helps us relax and enjoy the ride more. If you don't care for music, earplugs are a must.


Being comfortable with the cruise control is an asset to relaxation.


When we're on the interstate, I try to avoid proximity to cities during rush hours, and travelling on the interstate altogether around holidays.

 

lots of great advice here. My long rides aren't much, typically just 500 miles or so. Still, I've learned to take breaks when I want, for as long as I want. Sometimes my back needs longer than other times to get going again. I do admit liking the windshield a lot, and I have floorboards, can't seem to get used to pegs anymore. Also, I do my best to stay away from traffic, I get between the groups and go just a little slower than the pack in front of me, thereby allowing them to creep further away. I've also been known to pick out a slower car and trail them leaving enough room for another car but most people see that and pass us both. Find what works for you and find a way to enjoy the ride!

 

Some really good advice, thank you! I don't have a real issue with speed and my new Limited is very comfortable. I think what I will try though is ear plugs! Again, I think it just may be normal to go about 1 1/2 to 2 hours riding before taking a break and that is what I do now. Hopefully over time I can build up a little more endurance, but with the wife one the back I always want to make sure I am on my A-game when riding. We are planning a trip up the coast from CA up to Vancouver and will have as much time as we need! The important thing here is how much fun my wife and I have together riding! Maybe I will see some of you on the road, I will be the guy taking a break on the side of the road!

 

The interstate is almost TOO relaxing. You can find yourself losing concentration since there's no challenge to the road and not much to look at. I don't get physically uncomfortable but the most I'll ride without a break is about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Most of the time my buddies and I stop every hour and a half just to stretch our legs, grab a drink, have a smoke, etc.

 

try 10-12 hours... When solo (with other bikes) we typically stop every 125-150 miles when running interstate for Gas, Potty, Snack. When two up with wife, stop every 80-100 miles for same.
When running coast to coast with the guys, we are on the road before 8am (sometimes as early as 5:00 am) and we ride until dinner (6pm). With the wife, we typically head out by 9am and ride until dinner at 5pm. Like anything else, the more you do it, the more you can do it. Some days it is easier than others to get into the rhythm. on cross country treks, we tend to schedule a shorter day every 3 or 4 days. Don't get me wrong, we see the sights and smell the roses along the way too...

 

I prefer 2 lanes, because they are more scenic. One big reason I like motorcycling is just stumbling on a good Restaurant or scenic view. You miss that on interstates.
On long trips, I will dilly-dally on 2 lanes outbound, race back on interstate.

Try to get yourself in a bubble, away from the rest of traffic, if you can. Much more relaxing.

 

Personally on the interstate I can do tank to tank, so I stop about every 3 hours or so. If riding with others or especially 2 up then we usually stop every 1 1/2 to 2 hours, interstate or otherwise. I can tell when my wife starts wiggling around it is time to find a bathroom.

 

If you are riding 5 feet next to a big rig with someone tailgating you, you aren't doing it right.


I always hold back when overtaking a semi until I have enough space to completely pass him in 1-2 seconds. If you are in pretty steady traffic, the cars behind you will figure out what you are doing after a couple times and will give you space when you do so the next time.

If you've ever witnessed a semi blow a re-tread or tire at 70 miles an hour, you will never, ever allow yourself to be trapped next to one ever again.


But yes, highway riding can be very stressful at times.

 

There is no secret. Just different motivation. Coming back from Sturgis we did almost non-stop as one of our party broke her foot and we rode straight through from Bozeman to Seattle. But that is where motivation comes in. Normally a couple of hours is enough and at my age, a pee break is always a good thing. Miles near and around cities just suck. Hope they have commute lanes. Miles in Montana on the interstate, well not so bad despite the trucks. I am more worried by pickups with loose gear in back or trailers, especially work trailers. It seems to me that you answered your own question, "Because you plan to continue taking longer and longer trips", Yahoo!