Took bike to Vegas last weekend (from San Diego) to see Motorhead concert since 4 some stoopid reason there was no tour date scheduled in SD. See show on Friday nite, nurse hangover & gamble on Sat. then return on Sunday. About 300 mi one way. I threw some soft bags on and split after lunch on Friday. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't feel too beat up when I got to Vegas considering the ZX is not a Concours or Goldwing.
Wishing to avoid the 2 lane only, 100 mile long, 25 mph (if your'e lucky) traffic jam known as Interstate 15 between Barstow & Vegas (everyone living in SD & LA seems to drive home on Sunday afternoon) I returned to SD using different route. It added about 100 mi (now 400 miles) but expected less traffic. This route went thru horrible, hideous desert area with towns/stores/bars/gas stations/humans/etc. about 40-50 miles apart.
I've been riding more than 30 years and sometimes like to exceed speed limit, but riding 40-50 miles at sustained (not bursts)at 110 to 125 mph was a first for me.
The reason was not so much for the sake of speed, but the next bar/beerstore/gas/human/shade/air conditioning/etc. is 50 miles in front of me, and the temperature is about 108. The sooner I get there, the better.
I was concerned when heat gauge went to 6th bar for a short time but mostly was at bar 5.
But running at 6000 or more rpm for an hour at a time, hauling max 400 pound load (300 for me plus softbags ) through a 108 degree desert will generate engine heat. But the ZX didn't complain and never missed a beat.
I prolly coulda run her at 150mph instead of 110 or 120mph if I wasn't so chicken
Hail to the ZX14!
That's this old dude's opinion
TIB

+1!!
I heard Vegas was a good place to go fast. Guess they weren't kidding.

Sounds like you got the American autobahn experience. Congrats!

Yeah, avoid I 15 From Vegas on Sundays at all costs. It will take years off your life.