TOPIC:

I am moving to Boise Idaho from St. George Utah. (640 interstate miles) Is this too far for a 1980 kz550 Ltd. in good condition. I weigh 180 lbs. and would be carrying no more than 30 lbs. of luggage.

got new tires and chain on it?
as long as everything else is checked out shouldnt be a problem,might be a little tough on you though!

I have a brand new rear tire. Metzler M 880. Front tire is not new but in good condition. I am getting a new chain and sprockets. I was planning on staying with the 16 - 38 ratio with a 100 link 530 chain. I have never been able to get 6th gear on this bike. Would changing to a 17 teeth front sprocket lower my rpms on the interstate? If so what else would I have to do? Thanks

No, not at all. I did more than 800miles a few years ago on a KZ400 ltd with my wife following in the car packed with all my cr@p. In any case, I did have to break up the trip in two, mostly because that was pretty much my first time on a highway with this bike (just had my license at that point) and because those bikes with no fairing do leave you exposed to crosswinds and you get tired reeeeeeal fast in those conditions. In fact, I didn't need bed time stories that night to fall asleep. So, my advice would be to take it easy and stay safe by breaking up the trip, find a nice place to stay and enjoy the ride.
C

I'd really try and get that 6th fixed. I thought the 550 was a fantastic bike with the 6 speed. Highway miles are tougher on LTD's because you tend to have to hold yourself upright. On other bikes you are leaning a little into the wind and it actually helps hold you up. You are also more on your butt and less on your thighs and that can get to your spine and butt. I agree make the trip in 2 or even 3 and enjoy the ride and scenery.

Nowadays we tend to think that we need big motors to cover any distance. Perhaps the result of clever marketing.

A long time ago in a faraway place I did 400+ miles one weekend on a CB250.
Numb bum great fun

Soooooooooooo, Luvmykz, are you gonna go? What's the verdict???!? Inquiring minds want to know... If you end up going, please take a few pics and come back and let us know how you enjoyed the trip. Life's short, just do it and be happy.

Cheers man!
C

Yes on the 17/38, especially if you are not using 6th gear.

I did the 17/38 on my 82 550 and would recommend it. Dropped my rpms's I think (If I can remember) to below 5.5k at 65 mph. Before that I was at around 7k.

With the advice I received on this forum I gained the confidence needed to start the trip. Before I started I had a friend take my bike for a ride to see if he could get it into sixth gear, he could. I tried with him beside me on his bike and I was able to get it into sixth gear as well. Unlike the lower gears, fifth to sixth is a subtle change and I just didn't notice it before because I was expecting more of a difference when shifting. It's what I call an ID 10 T error. Idiot! So I got a new x ring chain and front and rear sprockets, installed them and added a luggage rack. I packed my luggage and drove it around to make sure the chain and sprocket install was all good and to take note of any handling changes resulting from the luggage. I am 219 miles into the 640 mile trip. I am amazed at how well my kz performs. The old chain and sprockets were so worn that I'm surprised my bike ran at all, every other tooth on the rear sprocket was broken. New chain and sprockets made a big difference. I am taking my time. The weather has been bad, cold and rainy. I rode in snow for 8 miles between St. George and Cedar City. I don't ride too long after sunset because it gets too cold. I have friends along the way so I have not been making good time, they all want me to stop and visit so I have been. To be honest, I'm glad because the wind beats the hell out of me and even though I am enjoying the trip, I'm just not that hardcore.
I had to pawn my camera before I left, much to my regret, so no pictures. Next time I will be sure to have my camera.
Thanks to everyone who has offered me advice. I have had my bike for three years but only discovered this forum a couple of months ago. It has helped me answer a lot of questions, and deepened the love I have for my kz550. Yeah, I said love! And I mean it. If I could find a woman as reliable as my kz I would marry her in a second.

Its been a pretty cool and stormy spring here in Colorado too.
Have been tracking your fuel economy? I was just curios as to what you are getting with the gear ratio change. What sort of a windshield are you running? The size and shape of it can make a big difference on comfort, but may be a bigger drag on performance. Probably to late now for this trip, but you can get Heated Handlebar Grips that can help alot as well.
Good luck on the remainder of your move.

Hows the trip going? I moved back up north about 6 years ago from the Boise area. winters are pretty calm so you should be able to get a lot of riding in.