The R3 can go 130?! I've only commuted on the city freeways so have only gone 120 indicated on my speedometer (109 GPS) so far. My manual tells me not to constantly be above 7,000 RPM for the first x number of kms anyway. I've been tucking anytime I'm doing over 100 as it cuts my fuel consumption by 15-20% from about 5 L/100km to the low 4s. I feel kinda silly doing it but it's for my wallet.
I hate riding out in rural areas at night period. I had to ride from Ottawa to Montreal late at night and that was seriously the scariest 2 hours of my life. But with my ride across Canada, I only started really feeling it in my knees at the end of day 3 and half of day 4. lol. I think the CB300F was a little bigger.
I have aftermarket rear sets which raised the pegs slightly up and back- a sorely needed upgrade because I kept dragging pegs and couldn't get the body position correct for the track. The consequence is the legs are notably cramped. This would be slightly alleviated if one moves the stock clip-ons down and forward, but I never bothered. It's not bad when you're moving around or a 20mn track session, but when you're fully tucked nonstop it aches. BAD.
Don't let anyone tell you otherwise : 300cc bikes have enough power for the highway, or even the German autobahn. As in a car, my general speed limit is 130 but on a straight rural stretch, I cruised at 170 without too much effort (7,6 l/100km instant cons, if it matters
). Even before my ECU flash I didn't have much problem reaching the redline- limited 183 km/h.
The real issue with the autobahn is the complete lack of any lighting even at major interchanges. So a motorcycle isn't readily visible at night. Throw in German aggression and narrow lanes, and things can go south quickly. And I deliberately avoid it at all times because.....
- There is no left shoulder, ever. Only a metal barrier.
- If something goes wrong, all other cars around are travelling over at 130, at max 2 second distance, usually less.
- And the reaction time + stopping distance of other cars travelling around you is.......
Best Canadian example would be...imagine riding the Autoroute Décarie (A15) near Laval.....except everyone is travelling at 130-140 and there is no speed limit. That's the A3 thru Frankfurt/Main.
....but it was the only reasonable way across the metropolitan region to the good riding and my friend's place.