I know a guy who did an iron butt on a 250... so yeah, on a 500? Should be cake. :lol:

The only major complaint I know of is, IF they are run on their side, ie:crashed and still running, they don't tolerate it very well. They don't blow up right then, they wait until you have repaired all the other damage and get everything fixed, then the engine blows up. If they don't get run horizontal they seem to do OK.

interesting... was92v

I think it would suck on the interstate for the simple fact that the revs are gonna vibe you really bad. Backroads shoudl be fun though. Are you trying to make time? Or just going on a ride?

clearly they've never run north of 10k rpms for long. theres a guy on the EX-500 forums who for MANY years ran the EX500 as a trackbike, and rebuilt several. design wise, they leave a lot to be desired. and I do mean a LOT.

weak bottom ends, shit starter clutch hubs, gen 1 models have a shitty flywheel design, and awful transmissions. they're a 454LTD that was already bored and stroked to within an inch of its life, and basically cant take any additional modding safely without a failure. plus some idiot thought the cam chain should go down the center of the engine, and the crank is way too long and easy to snap(fairly common issue too)

so many issues, I'll do cross country on a 250 first, then come back and grab the GS500 myself.

Don't hold back Bob, tell us what you really think! :)

I had one for a little while. Too slow and way too much money to make it otherwise... But seemed like it could make a decent street bike.

I don't see why not, but I've driven cross-country many times, even once in an air-conditioned car. I would rather take a liter bike like my CBR so I can pack stuff for camping once or twice. I would make my route so I could visit at least a half-dozen nation parks or monuments. Then I would bring my bike to a dealer in Denver or Cheyenne for oil change and new tires. Then I would fly to Chicago, do my business, and fly back to Denver or Cheyenne. Then I would take a different route and visit six other parks on the way back to LA.

I'd love to have a 1000F for a cruising machine, just have to modify the cylinder block a little for an external cct to replace the original design.

Except the cam chain tensioner is almost in the middle of the engine. But get a 1000F anyway. I've seen 'em on CR for under $3K. I think the 90-91's are best. Unless you like linked brakes, then get a 93-96. Or even better, get a Blackbird. It has one of the smoothest engines in motorcycling.

To commute on?

I still have the 07 600rr for cayons/track. The Honda gets ridden hard every Sunday.