Minimum bike for freeway trips (~200 milers)?

[samsquantch]

I'm still looking for a bike. My last one was a kz650 which I liked, but am liking the twins more these days. Is a kz400 enough bike for 70mph travel for 3 hours? Should I go back to the 4cyl kz's?


PS> I never got that kz650 on the road- only rebuilt and had to sell. So I have no baseline to compare it to.

Thanks

 

[Nebr_Rex]

750cc and tall gearing and upright riding position like a stock KZ650.
Can be done with less but them cages can kill ya'.

 

[makotosun]

I rode a kZ440 from Portland, OR area to Reno, NV a couple of times. Actually did just fine and great mileage. The tank was pretty small though. Reasonably comfortable.

No problem at 70+


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[maddog5150]

It really depends on where you're riding. I live in California and I wouldnt feel comfortable on the freeways with a 400 less I weight a buck twenty. Around here, I feel you need that extra power to get out of tight situations which I have experienced in the past. If you live somewhere with wide open freeways with minimal traffic, sure why not

 

[AHawks]

My 550 did great on the last trip I took. Me not so much.

 

[Shermanator86]

Rode my kz400 to Indianapolis for moto gp last summer, it was about a 180 mile trip and it did just fine running around 65-70 the entire trip. My buddy rode his '76 kz400 as well on the same trip and we had no issues riding with our two other friends who were one brand new bikes. Oh and I weigh about 260lbs if that helps haha.

 

[samsquantch]

Thanks for the inputs. Sounds like healthy kz400's can do it, unhealthy struggle. I think the kz440 would have an easier time- slightly more power and an extra gear in the trans...

 

[Shermanator86]

Thanks for the inputs. Sounds like healthy kz400's can do it, unhealthy struggle. I think the kz440 would have an easier time- slightly more power and an extra gear in the trans...

Well even an unhealthy one well get you there, mine had a cracked piston ring (unknown at the time) during my whole trip, but yes now that I put a 440 top end in mine it runs much stronger. Looking at porting out the head next. And as for the extra gear, the 78-80 400s are six speeds as well. Same engine as the 440 with smaller pistons, which is why you can swap the 440 top end onto them.