[Candice]

I decided on Saturday it was time to try the highway! It was no big deal really, no major problems. Sunday when I tried it again I was surprised there were so many 18 wheelers on the road so I tried to get the heck away from them. Speed limits on the highways in my area are 55-65mph, so I think I hit about 70, people were driving slow like 5 under which I found a little annoying. My footpegs vibrated a lot at about 65mph. So, I put over 200 miles on my bike this weekend, it was fun!

[ilnam]

It was a great weekend in Chicago! Lots of motorcycles out including myself. I live in the far southwest suburbs so I went for a ride on “country” roads south of Joliet. Did you try 355? The extension is a very smooth tollway. I’m still putting off a ride into the city: I-80 to I-57 to I-94!

[Andrew]

I’m surprised they were driving that slow. When I drive up in Chicago people are normally doing 75-85 regardless of the posted speed limit. Be careful out there you don’t have the acceleration you do in a car with the Rebel.

[Candice]

I was out in the Joliet/Mokena/Minooka area “country” roads as well. I was on 55, 80, route 6, and Laraway. I saw tons of motorcycles, maybe I waived at you! Hee hee. If you see a chick in white helmet, white jacket, it’s me! I did not get on 355 because I didn’t have my I-pass with me, I guess I would just put that in my pocket and go thru? I don’t know, I guess I’ll try it and see if it works. I was also thinking about riding to the city because all my friends live there but, I don’t know, that 55 to 90 transition gets a little whacked.

Yeah, they usually do go 75-85 on the highway around these parts, but I don’t know, they were all Sunday drivin’ I guess (even on Saturday), I mean 60 in a 65? Does that even make sense? NO. Oh and I have a Suzuki LS 650 so my pick up is ok, I think. I used my pick up to go around those damn 18 wheelers – scary.

[megaspaz]

Driving/riding below the speed limit in good conditions, doesn’t fly around my parts… hell doing that in bad conditions doesn’t really fly around here either…

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[ilnam]

I live in Mokena and was on Laraway as well. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any chick on a LS 650. The only women I saw were on backs of bikes and one was riding but she was in a t-shirt and no helmet. I was going to try and put my ipass on my windscreen, but I’m not sure how well that will work or if I’m confident in the suction cup. After all, it has recently fallen in my car a few times, and i’d hate to be running down the tollway trying to find it/pick it back up. It might work in your pocket, but it shouldn’t be a big deal if it fails as long as you register your plates with your ipass account. I did mine online.

[Jim]

Good for you on getting on the Interstate, it’s great to get a confidence boost. Was snowing here this weekend…..looks like going to have to put that bike away soon.

[Candice]

I found this handy dandy thing for the I-Pass the other day, don’t know that I would really buy it, but……

http://www.jjcyclepass.com/

Yeah, I took 80 to LaGrange and up to laraway back to Joliet.

[Candice]

Jim, where you live, Canada? I would be horrified if I saw snow this early in the season. – HORRIFIED.

[Sangria7]

Candice – What size bike you have?

My 250 vibrates alot on the footpegs and I get the tingly feet LOL

[Candice]

I have a Suzuki 650 LS – I was surprised that it vibrated like that. It was tingly all right! Hee hee. People will be wondering why I’m giggling down the highway, because my foot is ticklish.

[Sangria7]

Wow I wouldnt expect a 650 to vibrate that much. I think I will be ready for a 650 in the spring….but for now the 250 will do. I am broke right now LOL

[Candice]

Oh yes, you will be ready. Mine is a very beginner 650, it only weighs 352 lbs. I had planned on getting a 250 to start with but I couldn’t find one so I went with this 650. Do you know what kind of 650 you are thinking about getting? I have already started to think of what I might want next and I only had this one since Labor Day Weekend! I don’t really want to go bigger I don’t think though.

[Jim]

Almost as bad as Canada…Utah.

[Sangria7]

Looking at the Vstar Custom

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelimagelib/22/1/1/0/image.aspx

The long and chopperesque V Star Custom is the also the lightest of the Stars, which means great handling and performance are along for the ride, too.
Dual exhausts, custom-looking clear turn signals, lots of chrome, etc. — the V Star Custom represents tremendous cruiser bang for the buck.
Classic rigid-look rear end serves up 3.4 inches of rear wheel travel damped by a hidden preload-adjustable shock, offering up a great ride.
27.4-inch seat height lets even short riders get both feet on the pavement.
Special V Star Midnight Custom blacked-out version gets deep Raven paint and distinctive trim throughout.
The V Star Custom achieves fuel economy up to an estimated 49 mpg** with a fuel tank that holds 4.2 gallons of gas.

Engine:
Beautifully chromed and polished 40 cubic-inch (649cc) air-cooled, SOHC 70 degree V-twin cranks out torquey low- and mid-range power with minimal engine rpm — maximum torque is reached at only 3000 rpm — for powerful, smooth cruising performance.
Wide-ratio five-speed transmission ensures extremely usable, cruiser-friendly power delivery to the asphalt.
Low-maintenance shaft drive provides quiet, reliable performance.
Two-into-two chrome exhaust pipes create sleek styling and deliver maximum low- and mid-range engine output.

Chassis/Suspension:
Stout, large-diameter steel frame designed to provide low seat height with ample rider legroom.
Flat, drag-style handlebars and bobbed fender evoke a look that’s both sporty and stylish.
Long, 63.4-inch wheelbase adds to rider comfort and stable, predictable handling and creates a long and low retro look.
Large, plushly padded, low-profile seat provides exceptional rider comfort while low, 27.4-inch seat height allows rider to put feet down for extra confidence at stoplights.
41mm aluminum telescopic front fork with 5.5 inches of travel and tube protectors ensures a smooth ride with stylishly sporty durability.
Link-type, preload-adjustable single rear shock with 3.4 inches of travel provides excellent handling and plusher ride quality
Rear shock tucked out of sight under sporty bobtail fender for that classic, hardtail look.
Single front disc and rear drum brakes deliver strong, confidence-inspiring stopping power.
Narrow front tire on wire-spoked wheel completes the Custom design and delivers quick steering for sporty handling.

Additional Features:
Industry-leading Star Family fit and finish features rich, lustrous paint and extensive chrome accents that create a stunningly timeless machine.
Large, 4.2-gallon teardrop fuel tank features class-leading fuel capacity for an extra long-distance cruising range.
Beautiful, tank-mounted speedometer designed with a large face for easy reading of tripmeter/odometer displays and turn signal, neutral, high beam, and engine diagnostic indicator lights.
Chrome, bullet-style 60/55-watt halogen headlight adds a nice stylish touch and maximizes nighttime visibility.
Maintenance-free 12V 10AH battery ensures reliable, no-fuss starting.

[Author]

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