Long trips

motorcycle_munge · May 16th, 2009, 05:10 PM

Any one have any suggestions how to make a long ride more comfortable? Earlier this week my husband and I went on a trip...it wasn't too bad going because we stopped half way and spent the night. On the way back we rode 100 miles straight through. I was very uncomfortable about half way through so we had to stop to take a break.

kkim · May 16th, 2009, 05:13 PM

that depends... what is it that got uncomfortable?

motorcycle_munge · May 16th, 2009, 06:00 PM

It was my shoulders....I tried leaning forward, which was difficult between the tank bag and the back pack I had on, but sitting up wasn't comfortable either.

NICUNinja · May 16th, 2009, 06:06 PM

How much did you have in the backpack ... ? lighten up. My husband and I are usually out 3-4 hours straight (highway driving). I haven't had any issues yet but if you need it take the breaks. Better to be safe and comfortable than make a costly error and not enjoy your ride.

BlueTyke · May 16th, 2009, 06:12 PM

Chances are it was probably the long hours with the back pack. I normally travel with one but if you aren't used to it that could be the problem. I find that my shoulders start to hurt because all of the weight there and then the wind pushing on the pack adds up.

You might want to look into saddlebags or a tail bag (I have one of those too but only use it for overnights). Coretech makes a set that seem to work for both gens.

Alex · May 16th, 2009, 07:06 PM

One thing that may help would be to loosen up your grip on the bars. I used to get quite a shoulder pain after an hour or two, and was able to fix it almost immediately by changing that one thing.

bob706 · May 16th, 2009, 07:47 PM

One way to make long trips more comfortable is to get a goldwing

I can't do more than an hour on the interstate before I have to take a break. +1 on loosenig your grip on the bars.

capt_bugaloo · May 16th, 2009, 07:50 PM

Ditch the backpack! With that extra weight on your back while you're leaned over the tank, it's no wonder your shoulders were killing you!

Sore shoulder or upper arms are a good sign that you have a death grip on the bars. Relax and loosen your grip on the handles - this is supposed to be fun, remember?

Snake · May 16th, 2009, 08:38 PM

I rode with a back pack but the weight would be resting on my tail bag and not my back or shoulders,

Angel-be-Good · May 17th, 2009, 12:38 AM

I use a backpack to bring shoes and my laptop to work, I feel almost naked riding without it. Today I did 100 miles with the backpack on, no pains.

...Though today the backpack was only carrying a thermal liner, my wallet, and a rose for the girlfriend.

BlueTyke · May 17th, 2009, 05:47 AM

Hey Ryan! Beautiful avitar! Love it!

One thing you can do to test your shoulders, is to flap your arms as you go along... Like a chicken, while still holding the bars... That loosens your arms (A friend taught me that when I first started and she said I looked stiff). You don't have to do it all the time but randomly (hopefully not in the middle of a turn or unsafe moment) just to remind your body to relax.

Sometimes I forget to ease up on the handlebars and have to remind myself that they are handle bars not death grip bars.

Syphen · May 18th, 2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capt_bugaloo

Ditch the backpack! With that extra weight on your back while you're leaned over the tank, it's no wonder your shoulders were killing you!

Sore shoulder or upper arms are a good sign that you have a death grip on the bars. Relax and loosen your grip on the handles - this is supposed to be fun, remember?

+1 on losing the backpack. If I am riding for more then 30 minutes and need the extra storage, I either use my tank bag or a set of soft saddle bags.

Sailariel · May 18th, 2009, 06:24 PM

You really need to ditch the backpack. I regularly make a 1000 mile round trip to visit my 96 year old mother. I do the 500 mile one way with four rest stops. I also use secondary roads--so I get an ocassional break from doing 65. A tank bag, tail bag, and saddle bags do it for me. Everything is packed in Zip Loc bags. I seal them almost all the way and sit on them. This evacuates the air and then I seal them the rest of the way.' It compacts clothes very well and keeps them dry. The arm flapping that Sunny described works exceptionally well. I do the "Funky Chicken" on my long distance bicycle rides as well. A loose grip on the bars is a must.

tjkamper · May 19th, 2009, 02:49 PM

I use a backpack when I need more room, but I prefer a tank bag.

I have a hernianted disk L5-S1 that compounded over several minor injuries. When it flares up I can't even walk and I even loose Bowl controll

That is really embarising and wrong.I have seen many nuerologists and orthopedist, but I've heard too many stories of "F"ed up back surgeries (My mother for one) to get it fixed.

I use a backpack ocasionally if I need more room, but I put the lightest things in the back pack and make sure the straps are good an tight.

I know I'll be in a

when I'm old, but I found that riding regularly has actually helped me out quite a bit. The vibrations along with the subtle flexing and tightening of the back muscles is as good as any physical theropy I have been through.

My

is to use a tank and saddle bags as much as possible and save your back and shoulders. Back packs should be kept light and tight.

Sailariel · May 19th, 2009, 05:48 PM

Travis, Sounds like you have your act together. I,too have a spine that looks like a question mark thanks to South Asian War Games. Motorcycling is good and does help your back. You might want to supplement that with a good road bike--the pedaling variety. I was injured in my 20`s and have turned down many a scalpel happy surgeon. I am now 68, and am having a blast. Get a bike and develop a gym routine. I expect to ride a sportbike when I am 80. L2,3 and 4 are herniated. Excercise, a good diet, and NO drugs is the way to go. Can you bench press 200lbs ? I can.

tjkamper · May 20th, 2009, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailariel

Travis, Sounds like you have your act together. I,too have a spine that looks like a question mark thanks to South Asian War Games. Motorcycling is good and does help your back. You might want to supplement that with a good road bike--the pedaling variety. I was injured in my 20`s and have turned down many a scalpel happy surgeon. I am now 68, and am having a blast. Get a bike and develop a gym routine. I expect to ride a sportbike when I am 80. L2,3 and 4 are herniated. Excercise, a good diet, and NO drugs is the way to go. Can you bench press 200lbs ? I can.

Yeah about a year ago I started doing moderate weight training again. I hadn't done any since I was right out of High School.

I was an all around jock in Hight School and I maxed out at 285lbs during the school "Lift-a-thon" my Junior year; but I tore my ACL and had a petelar tendon graphed done and lost my hopes of playing college BaseBall. (The Atheletic Director and the Varsity Coach basically came to an agreement that they would not play me when I came back my senior year. This really pissed me off, since I was starting Varsity 2nd Base as a Freshman. Basically the school saw me as a liability and nolonger as an investment since I was injured and a senior).

Now I bench four sets of 10 - 12 reps with 155 three times a week plus bis tris lats and abs between sets. My work provides a Gym and makes it easy for me to squeek the exersize in. Since I started I have dropped from 180lbs to 165lbs, plus a lot of pants I used to wear fit again. YEAH! I'm back the weight I was when I graduated from High School, but I still have a gut and not as much muscle mass. My goal is to completely loose the gut and get back down to a 30-31in pant size. I'm at 33 right now. All my 34s are too big.

lockie · May 20th, 2009, 09:13 AM

I'm looking for some advice on a long trip. I'm planing to go out to New Brunswick for the summer. I'll take my new 250 on the ferry from Goose Bay to Lewisporte and then ride across Newfoundland to Port aux Basques and take another ferry across to Nova Scotia and then drive to my summer home just across the border in New Brunswick. I've done it many times by car but want to try in with the 250. Google says it's approx 1000km not counting the ferry rides.

I have no experience with touring on any kind of motorcycle; just around town here. How would you attempt the trip or am I just naive and I should buy a trailer?

tjkamper · May 20th, 2009, 09:29 AM

If you are used to riding I would definately consider making the trip. It was suggested to me that new riders should not ride more than 300 miles a day (just under 500km).

If there are lots of places to stop for food and beverages, plus a good spot to stay the night at the halfway point, I would do it. If not and you don't feel confident, I would recommend making a few shorter trips to get your feet wet before making this long trek.

IlBLisSlI · May 20th, 2009, 09:39 AM

i'm not sure if this is allowed but you may want to check out this thread on the other forum. this dude took his new 250 cross country http://www.kawiforums.com/showthread...02#post1299502

lockie · May 20th, 2009, 10:26 AM

Here's what my trip looks like

lockie · May 20th, 2009, 10:29 AM

Drew

Just read that thread of the cross USA trip. Fantastic. I wish I had done that at that age. The best I did was across Canada and back in a Datsun 510. I won't say how long ago that was.

Sailariel · May 20th, 2009, 06:42 PM

Don, Definitely doable, Great itinerary! Get yourself some saddle bags,a tail bag, and a tank bag. Dowco makes a great set. When you pack your clothes, put them in a Zip Loc bag and seal the bag 99%. Then sit on the bag to evacuate the air and seal it the rest of the way. This will compact the bag and keep your clothes dry. I pack everything in Zip loc bags. You can put literally twice as much stuff in your bags. Enjoy your trip. It is a beautiful area. Last year we toured the Gaspe Peninsula.

BlueRaven · May 20th, 2009, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lockie

I'm looking for some advice on a long trip. I'm planing to go out to New Brunswick for the summer. I'll take my new 250 on the ferry from Goose Bay to Lewisporte and then ride across Newfoundland to Port aux Basques and take another ferry across to Nova Scotia and then drive to my summer home just across the border in New Brunswick. I've done it many times by car but want to try in with the 250. Google says it's approx 1000km not counting the ferry rides.

I have no experience with touring on any kind of motorcycle; just around town here. How would you attempt the trip or am I just naive and I should buy a trailer?

I strongly suggest u bring your bike in a trailer.
#1 reason Newfounland is a very windy place especially the wreckhouse
#2 reason the ride is way too long for a beginner

capt_bugaloo · May 20th, 2009, 07:10 PM

Go for it! Sounds like a fun trip to me...

lockie · May 20th, 2009, 07:46 PM

Yep Newfoundland is windy all along the west coast. The summer is a good time though as the weather is better. I am patient and willing to wait for calmer days. thanks for the advice

May 16th, 2009, 06:12 PM	#5
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	Chances are it was probably the long hours with the back pack. I normally travel with one but if you aren't used to it that could be the problem. I find that my shoulders start to hurt because all of the weight there and then the wind pushing on the pack adds up. You might want to look into saddlebags or a tail bag (I have one of those too but only use it for overnights). Coretech makes a set that seem to work for both gens. __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

May 16th, 2009, 07:06 PM	#6
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	One thing that may help would be to loosen up your grip on the bars. I used to get quite a shoulder pain after an hour or two, and was able to fix it almost immediately by changing that one thing. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

May 16th, 2009, 07:50 PM	#8
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	Ditch the backpack! With that extra weight on your back while you're leaned over the tank, it's no wonder your shoulders were killing you! Sore shoulder or upper arms are a good sign that you have a death grip on the bars. Relax and loosen your grip on the handles - this is supposed to be fun, remember? __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

May 17th, 2009, 12:38 AM	#10
Angel-be-Good ninjette.org guru Name: Ryan Location: San Francisco Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250, '11 Street Triple R Posts: 337	I use a backpack to bring shoes and my laptop to work, I feel almost naked riding without it. Today I did 100 miles with the backpack on, no pains. ...Though today the backpack was only carrying a thermal liner, my wallet, and a rose for the girlfriend. __________________________________________________ The Sunday Best \| Current mileage: 50,000

May 17th, 2009, 05:47 AM	#11
BlueTyke So slow I'm first! Name: Sunny Location: San Jose, CA Join Date: Oct 2008 Motorcycle(s): 06 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 10	Hey Ryan! Beautiful avitar! Love it! One thing you can do to test your shoulders, is to flap your arms as you go along... Like a chicken, while still holding the bars... That loosens your arms (A friend taught me that when I first started and she said I looked stiff). You don't have to do it all the time but randomly (hopefully not in the middle of a turn or unsafe moment) just to remind your body to relax. Sometimes I forget to ease up on the handlebars and have to remind myself that they are handle bars not death grip bars. __________________________________________________ Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot make them all yourself. Save yourself the trouble and Learn.

May 16th, 2009, 05:10 PM	#1
motorcycle_munge ninjette.org member Name: Amanda Location: Martinsville, IN Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Posts: 29	Long trips Any one have any suggestions how to make a long ride more comfortable? Earlier this week my husband and I went on a trip...it wasn't too bad going because we stopped half way and spent the night. On the way back we rode 100 miles straight through. I was very uncomfortable about half way through so we had to stop to take a break.

May 16th, 2009, 05:13 PM	#2
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	that depends... what is it that got uncomfortable?

May 16th, 2009, 06:00 PM	#3
motorcycle_munge ninjette.org member Name: Amanda Location: Martinsville, IN Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Posts: 29	It was my shoulders....I tried leaning forward, which was difficult between the tank bag and the back pack I had on, but sitting up wasn't comfortable either.

May 16th, 2009, 06:06 PM	#4
NICUNinja ninjette.org member Name: Trista Location: Ontario, Canada Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 EX650R Green Kawasaki ninja Posts: 120	How much did you have in the backpack ... ? lighten up. My husband and I are usually out 3-4 hours straight (highway driving). I haven't had any issues yet but if you need it take the breaks. Better to be safe and comfortable than make a costly error and not enjoy your ride.

May 16th, 2009, 07:47 PM	#7
bob706 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Mary Esther, FL Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.	One way to make long trips more comfortable is to get a goldwing I can't do more than an hour on the interstate before I have to take a break. +1 on loosenig your grip on the bars.

May 16th, 2009, 08:38 PM	#9
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	I rode with a back pack but the weight would be resting on my tail bag and not my back or shoulders,

May 18th, 2009, 06:24 PM	#13
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	You really need to ditch the backpack. I regularly make a 1000 mile round trip to visit my 96 year old mother. I do the 500 mile one way with four rest stops. I also use secondary roads--so I get an ocassional break from doing 65. A tank bag, tail bag, and saddle bags do it for me. Everything is packed in Zip Loc bags. I seal them almost all the way and sit on them. This evacuates the air and then I seal them the rest of the way.' It compacts clothes very well and keeps them dry. The arm flapping that Sunny described works exceptionally well. I do the "Funky Chicken" on my long distance bicycle rides as well. A loose grip on the bars is a must.

May 19th, 2009, 02:49 PM	#14
tjkamper ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Travis Location: Warwick, RI Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	I use a backpack when I need more room, but I prefer a tank bag. I have a hernianted disk L5-S1 that compounded over several minor injuries. When it flares up I can't even walk and I even loose Bowl controll That is really embarising and wrong.I have seen many nuerologists and orthopedist, but I've heard too many stories of "F"ed up back surgeries (My mother for one) to get it fixed. I use a backpack ocasionally if I need more room, but I put the lightest things in the back pack and make sure the straps are good an tight. I know I'll be in a when I'm old, but I found that riding regularly has actually helped me out quite a bit. The vibrations along with the subtle flexing and tightening of the back muscles is as good as any physical theropy I have been through. My is to use a tank and saddle bags as much as possible and save your back and shoulders. Back packs should be kept light and tight. __________________________________________________ Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls.

May 19th, 2009, 05:48 PM	#15
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Travis, Sounds like you have your act together. I,too have a spine that looks like a question mark thanks to South Asian War Games. Motorcycling is good and does help your back. You might want to supplement that with a good road bike--the pedaling variety. I was injured in my 20`s and have turned down many a scalpel happy surgeon. I am now 68, and am having a blast. Get a bike and develop a gym routine. I expect to ride a sportbike when I am 80. L2,3 and 4 are herniated. Excercise, a good diet, and NO drugs is the way to go. Can you bench press 200lbs ? I can.

May 20th, 2009, 09:13 AM	#17
lockie ninjette.org sage Name: don Location: Port Elgin NB Canada Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250R Posts: 742	I'm looking for some advice on a long trip. I'm planing to go out to New Brunswick for the summer. I'll take my new 250 on the ferry from Goose Bay to Lewisporte and then ride across Newfoundland to Port aux Basques and take another ferry across to Nova Scotia and then drive to my summer home just across the border in New Brunswick. I've done it many times by car but want to try in with the 250. Google says it's approx 1000km not counting the ferry rides. I have no experience with touring on any kind of motorcycle; just around town here. How would you attempt the trip or am I just naive and I should buy a trailer?

May 20th, 2009, 09:29 AM	#18
tjkamper ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Travis Location: Warwick, RI Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	If you are used to riding I would definately consider making the trip. It was suggested to me that new riders should not ride more than 300 miles a day (just under 500km). If there are lots of places to stop for food and beverages, plus a good spot to stay the night at the halfway point, I would do it. If not and you don't feel confident, I would recommend making a few shorter trips to get your feet wet before making this long trek. __________________________________________________ Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls.

May 20th, 2009, 09:39 AM	#19
IlBLisSlI i'm a cow killer Name: Drew Location: Daytona FL Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2006 250r Posts: 142	i'm not sure if this is allowed but you may want to check out this thread on the other forum. this dude took his new 250 cross country http://www.kawiforums.com/showthread...02#post1299502

May 20th, 2009, 10:26 AM	#20
lockie ninjette.org sage Name: don Location: Port Elgin NB Canada Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250R Posts: 742	Here's what my trip looks like

May 20th, 2009, 10:29 AM	#21
lockie ninjette.org sage Name: don Location: Port Elgin NB Canada Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250R Posts: 742	Drew Just read that thread of the cross USA trip. Fantastic. I wish I had done that at that age. The best I did was across Canada and back in a Datsun 510. I won't say how long ago that was.

May 20th, 2009, 06:42 PM	#22
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Don, Definitely doable, Great itinerary! Get yourself some saddle bags,a tail bag, and a tank bag. Dowco makes a great set. When you pack your clothes, put them in a Zip Loc bag and seal the bag 99%. Then sit on the bag to evacuate the air and seal it the rest of the way. This will compact the bag and keep your clothes dry. I pack everything in Zip loc bags. You can put literally twice as much stuff in your bags. Enjoy your trip. It is a beautiful area. Last year we toured the Gaspe Peninsula.

May 20th, 2009, 07:10 PM	#24
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	Go for it! Sounds like a fun trip to me... __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

May 20th, 2009, 07:46 PM	#25
lockie ninjette.org sage Name: don Location: Port Elgin NB Canada Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 blue ninja 250R Posts: 742	Yep Newfoundland is windy all along the west coast. The summer is a good time though as the weather is better. I am patient and willing to wait for calmer days. thanks for the advice

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