Okay, did a 300 mile cruise yesterday, covering everything from canyons to windy mountain passes, to extended highway runs. This isn't a long trip for some people, but for me, it was pretty good day of motorcycling. So I came to the conclusion that to be a long range cruiser, the rocket would need a few things. 1. Six or even seven gears- when you are going for hours at at a time above 70mph, the engine rpms are way too high, its not relaxing when your cruising at 80mph and your rpms are around 3000. Its fine for bursts of speed, but gets really annoying. Cruising at 90, even more annoying the engine is working way to hard and vibration wears you out.
2. Bigger wind screen- i have a fly screen, and the wind hits you right in the helmet. It is enough coverage for shorter duration, but for the longer freeway stretches, the wind works you.
3. Highway pegs- to stretch those lega out.
4. Better seat- although pretty good for shorter bouts, my backside was so sore when I got home, it hurt to sit down for a few hours afterward.
Fortunately, 3 out of 4 are doable modifications, but the main problem, the gearing isn't. I guess when I retire, and want to do interstate touring, I'm going to have to go for something else, maybe the tried and true gullwing. They just look so lame! Oh well, i guess by then, I won't care about looking cool at all.