I have made several long distance trips on my 14 R3R, and I have done everything you have talked about! Except the 6th gear of course. I have the Corbin seat with detachable back rest, that goes on for trips. I have the highway pegs, larger roadster screen and ISO grips. I have no problem running comfortable as the HD Ultra classics I run with. I do wish there was a 6 th gear, or taller 5th gear just for the gas. However min was getting nearly 37mpg running 75-&0 mph. That was pretty close to all my other riders with 6 gears.