[SkyShadex]

So for the past 2 months of having the bike. Most of my driving has been to work and back. Maybe to go get some food. But largely, 20mins in either direction.

With my car being back out of commission, I decided the only way to get to South Florida this weekend was by bike. Wasn't sure about the road worthiness of this bike given that it's definitely a beater. But I figured the chain and sprocket wouldn't blow up on me in the next 300 miles so Yolo.

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE! This was my first time on the highway, since I don't need it for work. Msf does not prepare you for the amount of wind you're going to experience. Getting blown around my lane took a little getting used to! Leaving central Florida was a little scary at first because of all the Disney traffic. But after getting past the crowds and when the road opens up... This is what America is about lol. Open roads and two wheels!

Now, I'm used to a year or 2 of road biking so my butt has seen worse. My ride was just under 2 hours so it wasn't horrible. Stopped in the middle for gas. The stock seat is pretty comfy, I wouldn't want to ride for more than 2 hours though without a significant break. Which is pretty much the limit of my attention span in the car anyway so that works out.

Ended up tucking for alot of the ride because of the wind, especially since the flow of traffic is about 80+. And on i75 it's about 90 the whole time. So I was pretty close between 6k and 8k in 6th for most of the ride. I couldn't imagine doing this trip on a 300 or 250. At my 225lbs, I barely had the kind of passing power I'm used to with my hot hatch.

Running into groups of riders on the way back was fun, I doubt they noticed I was trying to tag along at the back since my poor 500 is screaming along at 9k compared to whatever they were on. I'm pretty sure the guy in the front had to be on a litre bike because the way he was passing cars was effortless 😂.

Overall that was super fun and I can't wait to get the chance to do it again soon! It's definitely informed my decision of getting a z900 in the future. As much fun as it would be to have a zx10r, I really enjoy the naked bike look and ergo. Plus 98% of my driving is in 40mph for 20 minutes so the extra hp would be wasted on me haha

 

[bpe]

The EX does fantastic on the open road. I prefer the secondary US or State highways to the Interstates. If I made the same trip I would have used US 41 instead of I-75.
I think the EX is better than most (if not all) sports bikes for the long hall. You can tell this just by going into a dealership and sitting on the other models. There are some members that have rode them coast to coast.

 

[SkyShadex]

Yeah I can see how that would be the case! I thought about taking state roads on the way back but time was a concern, didn't want to be on the road much at night. Unfortunately Orlando to Sarasota isn't as straight forward on state roads. But more twisties on state roads would've been very welcome! I'll try the scenic route when I go back for winter break!

 

[yorkie]

the EX is a funny bike in a ordinary sort of way, if you get my drift, it's good at most things but excels at nothing.
it's not a sports bike but can be exciting if you ride it like you just stole it.
if your the right body shape it's comfy on long rides but if your not, a pain after an hour in the saddle.
a bit big for a short city commute but a bit small for the open straight road.
more than a match for much bigger bikes on certain roads but left for dead where power is needed.
it's basically an average allrounder that does most things well enough for most people, most of the time. depends on how and where you ride it.

 

[SkyShadex]

Haha I very much agree with that sentiment. But I couldn't have asked for a better beginner bike!

It's perfect for me in all of my driving situations except the highway.

 

[ridervfr]

We are neighbors! I used to ride the Sawgrass Expressway for three years 75 miles round trip on the EX and a VFR. Used to run the EX at 8000 RPM or more the entire way almost! I am on a second low mileage engine though, I had an o-ring let go on 27 and I warped the head. New engine hit 11,000 RPM and I swear I saw 130, can't substantiate it though as I don't wana push that little twin so hard. Usually I run it at 8000 RPM and do 90-100 mph on the highways here as the South FL drivers are pretty shitt-aye and have no manners wut-so-eva. Peace out, you wana meet up some time or got questions, message me. Warren

 

[Ex500D-Can]

Sky, know how you feel..though it's not so speedy where I am, I think getting used to the Hwy windstream won't take long. (My first highway ride happened to be in a gale of wind so the side gusts were quite unnerving..but a year later same thing was more a complaint about slowing me..)Your nervousness is perfectly understandable, but don't forget, it the bike feels it too, so relaxing (or resigning yourself helps steady the bike..AND for me, a bit of a peeve about the 500 is that the fairing redirects a concentrated stream to the neck and head of a six-footer, which might make it feel worse...?

 

[bpe]

Usually the worst wind on the Interstates is the wind shear coming off the 18 wheelers.

 

[SkyShadex]

Sky, know how you feel..though it's not so speedy where I am, I think getting used to the Hwy windstream won't take long. (My first highway ride happened to be in a gale of wind so the side gusts were quite unnerving..but a year later same thing was more a complaint about slowing me..)Your nervousness is perfectly understandable, but don't forget, it the bike feels it too, so relaxing (or resigning yourself helps steady the bike..AND for me, a bit of a peeve about the 500 is that the fairing redirects a concentrated stream to the neck and head of a six-footer, which might make it feel worse...?

Oh I got used to it after about 20 minutes lol. It was basically a 2hr ride each way. And as for my bike, fairings are gone so it's just me and the wind at 90mph makes it alot more comfortable to tuck in when the wind is holding you up!

 

[SkyShadex]

We are neighbors! I used to ride the Sawgrass Expressway for three years 75 miles round trip on the EX and a VFR. Used to run the EX at 8000 RPM or more the entire way almost! I am on a second low mileage engine though, I had an o-ring let go on 27 and I warped the head. New engine hit 11,000 RPM and I swear I saw 130, can't substantiate it though as I don't wana push that little twin so hard. Usually I run it at 8000 RPM and do 90-100 mph on the highways here as the South FL drivers are pretty shitt-aye and have no manners wut-so-eva. Peace out, you wana meet up some time or got questions, message me. Warren

Haha hey neighbor.Yeah cooking it on 75 @ 8k was quite an experience. I'd play with sprockets, except 98% of my driving is a 20min drive to work and back lol. Yikes about that engine rebuild, gonna keep my eyes pulled to that temp gauge now haha. To be fair, sarasota is quiet south florida. But on that side of 75 you'd think it was an F1 circuit they way people fly by haha

 

[ridervfr]

I thought you were in Broward County or Dade. As you get up North toward Palm Beach County, I almost discount them as South Floridian Ha ha. Keep the rubber side down.

 

[po18guy]

The EX is roomy. 56.5 inch wheelbase is longer than virtually all sportbikes - longer than the ZX10. The ZX12 is slightly longer, so the EX is good for taller riders. The relaxed 27º steering rake makes for cool running at speed. A different, say touring, windshield can help and on gen 1s at least, are easily changed. And 70-80 MPH on the interstate/motorway is the EX's sweet spot.

 

[ridervfr]

I have a zero gravity stock height clear shield because I had a job where I literally tucked under it for the entire 20 mile 100+ mph ride (everglades totally secluded) I had the seat re done by someone who did some duel density foam, nice mod - finished it with a nice Sergent Seat cover matched with orange thread and French seams. Its a decent little touring bike, you can pass Ferraris if you want and cruise at 90 or so with ease. The farthest I ever went was 300 miles and I stopped every 100 for gas fill ups, thats it. Peace out

 

[SkyShadex]

The EX is roomy. 56.5 inch wheelbase is longer than virtually all sportbikes - longer than the ZX10. The ZX12 is slightly longer, so the EX is good for taller riders. The relaxed 27º steering rake makes for cool running at speed. A different, say touring, windshield can help and on gen 1s at least, are easily changed. And 70-80 MPH on the interstate/motorway is the EX's sweet spot.

Can definitely attest to 70-80 being the sweet spot. I might take the scenic route next time. And hour longer but new roads I've never been on so that's fun.

Lol I've never been through the everglades so I'm sure that must be an adventure and a half! That seat looks nice though!

 

[ridervfr]

Can definitely attest to 70-80 being the sweet spot. I might take the scenic route next time. And hour longer but new roads I've never been on so that's fun.

Lol I've never been through the everglades so I'm sure that must be an adventure and a half! That seat looks nice though!

the seat made a major difference on my 35 mile commute. thanks for the compliment. Everglades is pretty, its nice riding when nobody is around.