Topic: Highway v. in-town riding

[nickjtc]

My riding at the moment consists of a simple 440km 'commute' each way (one way on Sunday, the other on Friday) to and from my new job. The ride is all highway, at various posted speeds. There are a few interesting bends along the way, but it is mainly an 'enjoy the scenery' trip. I can, and do, vary the route, to a certain extent. I've been doing it every week for over a month, and the novelty has still not worn off, not least because am riding a new (to me) bike.

So here's the question: is riding like that 'better' for the bike? As in: longer, steady state loads on the motor and chassis, rather than lots of stop and start in-town riding.

Just curious what the forum thinks.....

[Uncle Ernie]

If all you did was maintain 55mph all day and change the oil every 3K, your bike would last (almost) forever.

[nickjtc]

I'm almost embarrassed to have to admit it, but at the moment that is pretty much what the ride is like. I go 110kph/70mph + in places if I'm feeling spirited or passing convoys of rental RVs, it being that time of the year. I can predict my ride time almost to the minute.

Boring old fart, aren't I....

[BobbyR]

Well when you think about it, the major strain on the drivetrain including the engine is starting and stopping. When youare at a steady state the clutch is fully engaged, the engine is basically loafing along with plenty of air passing over the cooling surfaces. I guess the tires take most of the load from heat build up and bumps .

[ProTeal55]

The less you shift/brake/use your bike,  the longer the bike & it's componets will last.
Like my bike for example. The previous owner used it for his daily commuter, which consisted of a 50 mile tollway ride to and from work Monday thru Friday ,and thats it. He never took it out for a leasure ride, or anything like that. So the majority of it's life was spent cruising in the top gears.

Now it get's the snot kicked outta it in every gear whenever I have the chance