Old Goldwings on the Freeways, how does yours do?

[D-50Dave]

My '81 1100 Interstate cruises 65mph @ 4500rpm, 70mph @ 5000rpm. Here in CT its too congested to do more, and I'm happy at that pace by nature anyhow. The number seems intellectually high but my ear and seat tell me she's quite content in that range. My $.02, Dave

 

[Rednaxs60]

After having done a lot of work on my LTD, two up on the highway, 105 to 110 KMH, 47 mpg, at 3300 to 3500 RPM, the bike is extremely smooth and comfortable. A very close second to my 1800, but the two extra cylinders do make a difference (no replacement for displacement). My preference though is the 1200.

Cheers

 

[WalterM817]

Im running an 82 Interstate at 70-75 on the highway recently a lot. I'm always looking for another gear like my Harleys have but the reality is it's an 1100 cc bike. It likes being trail geared a bit so it pulls well. You still have a ton of headroom before you get to 8000 rpm. Frankly I don't think with decent maintenance there would be any concern that it can't hold it's own. I still turn in 40 mpg or a bit more and believe me that's all the Harleys do. I've been working on mine bit by bit rebuilding rear springs and forks etc. Swing arm bearings and the headstock bearings. Every little project gets it smoother and I get a better ride. If all else is well you shouldn't feel like you're hurting it. Before all the shock work etc. mine was a bit bouncy and just a bit wobbly and while I feel it was safe it needed a bit of TLC. After all it's getting pretty old now. I don't think the motor can be hurt by those rpms. It just won't sound like a Harley puttering down the road in 6th gear. But it'll sure get there.

 

[Ansimp]

+1 on reving these bikes without any issue ( the Rats Nest sees 8k pretty much every time I ride it). I wish I had the gearing of your 82 for freeway running but when climbing mountains with my fat a$$ the lower gearing is great. For my money the 82 is my choice of 1100s due to the brakes and gearing. :good:

 

[WalterM817]

I do seem to try for 6th gear when I get to the highway at speed but it's just a habit from having the six speed on two bikes. It's kind of silly to do it but there you go once in a while. Back when the speed limit was 55 I would get pissed because I had to downshift on some hill so I guess it'll even out.lol!

 

[julimike54]

I get out of town a lot on mine, normally 2 up. Speeds from 55-85, depending on road. The only time it seems like you're at the limit (ie not a lot of power left) is when I reach 85, not to say it won't run 90+. It just seems that at 85 the speed is the not a frantic pace. After that it just seems to be busier or more rushed. Just a feel/hear thing.

 

[Ansimp]

WalterM817 » Sun Sep 04, 2016 10:05 pm[/url]":3rxwtkcp]
I do seem to try for 6th gear when I get to the highway at speed but it's just a habit from having the six speed on two bikes. It's kind of silly to do it but there you go once in a while. Back when the speed limit was 55 I would get pissed because I had to downshift on some hill so I guess it'll even out.lol!

+1 on looking for that extra gear, I even do it on Val. Then maybe I also do it on the CBRs at times just to be sure! :smilie_happy:

 

[joedrum]

yep i like tall gearing ...its why ive got the 1200 final and car tire on the hooch 1000 framed bike ...80mph at about 4000rpm