First Highway Ride - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

WhatsThisRash · 08-25-2009, 03:02 PM

Just started riding about a month ago and got a few hours under my crotch. Today I worked up the fortitude to get on the highway and drive myself to work. I had to figure how to pack my gym gear and work clothes in a backpack and mildly satisfied at how well I was able to overstuff my girlfriend's pack.

I hit the road with quite a bit of enthusiasm, and got out to the highway in no time. I throttled up past 50 (as fast as I've gone so far) and hit the 65 mph marker. The wind was hitting me pretty good and I had my first understanding of how highway riding can be so fatiguing. After a few miles, the road was clear of other vehicles so I throttled to 75 mph. What a rush!! The bike was amazingly stable, and the sensation of the road whizzing by was exhilarating. It felt as though I've never traveled this highway before.

I popped on to the second highway I have to take to work, which is even faster than the first. I throttled to 80 to keep up with most of the moving traffic, keeping a careful eye on everything in front of and immediately beside me. Then about 10 - 15 miles up the road something weird happened. And I'm glad to say, at this point, that the weird thing didn't cause a catastrophic accident, and that no animals were hurt in the production of this already too long tale. All of a sudden, the power was gone on my bike. There was no throttle response, and I coasted off to the shoulder; confused.

I ride a 2002 Suzuki Katana 600, there are no modifications that I know of. I bought it used from a dealer about a month ago. So far the only problem has been with the battery. I've had to charge in between rides sometimes, but it has always come back, and I've been on longer rides than what my commute today entailed. As I'm riding down the highway, the throttle stops responding, but my gauges and dash lights are still working. My brake lights and indicators are all working. As I came to rest on the shoulder, there was no other noise - the bike has stalled. It took some persuading, but after a few pushes on the electric starter, the bike started again, and I was on my way. Maybe 2 miles up the road, the same thing happens and I have to pull off. This time I get a few cranks out of the ignition, but then nothing. My dash is still lit, my right indicator is still on, electrical seems fine.

So, my first experience was kind of a dud, and I guess I'm gonna have to fork out some cash for repairs (and already had to for towing). If anyone has any idea where to look for a solution, or has any other advice for dealing with a situation like this, I should would appreciate it. I'm fortunate that nothing worse happened, and that I was able to coast onto the shoulder and avoid injury. But I'm worried that it may be symptomatic of something worse for the bike. And if you've continued reading this far: thanks, it feels good to vent some of my thoughts and worries.