359 Miles - 9 Hours - 4 States!!

vman1313 · June 23rd, 2012, 05:34 PM

Today I went for the longest ride I have ever been on!!! Yes...359 Miles

...9 hours

...and I was able to visit 4 states

!!! I live near Gainesville in Northeast Georgia and lately I have been having some longish rides...a 260 and a few 200 milers and have been contemplating riding the Ninja to the beach which is about 350 miles from me. I had also wondered how many states I could see in one day. The two ideas kinda came together and I took off. Here are the towns/cities and states I visited and some of the roads in case some of you are looking for a nice ride:
53 : Gainesville to Dawsonville

136 : Dawsonville all the way to Alabama (awesome road - twisties - views - mountains - a bit of everything)

73 : AL/GA border to AL/TN border (pretty nice but nothing crazy)

156/64 : AL/TN to Chattanooga (beautiful views of Nickajack Lake and TN River and lots of twisties)

64 : thru Chattanooga (should of taken interstate around Chatt to Cleveland - city traffic not all that fun)

64 : Cleveland, TN to TN/NC border (WOW is ALL I CAN SAY! Twisties, Lake Views, Mountain Views, White Water Rapids - gets a little boring closer to NC border)

I actually turned around at NC border and went back a few miles and came 68 south to 60 in Mineral Buff, GA

60 : Mineral Bluff to Dahlonega, GA (its always been one of my favorite roadss...again lots of twisties and views)

All in all, it was a super day!

My @$$ hurts but not as bad as I thought. I finally bit the bullet and bought/installed the Twisted Throttle Rack and a nice box. Size of the box is perfect for my commuting needs but today I had a small cooler, snacks, towel, rain gear, and other misc items in there which made my ride so much nicer.

Anyway, just thought I would share the routes in case others in this area needed/wanted some ride ideas. Also wanted to prove that the Ninja COULD in fact be a sort of touring little bike. My only complaints I am having right now are the "marshmellowness" of the front forks. Makes braking quickly a little scary sometimes BUT I have learned to push the little Ninja around. I could hear the little red Ninja just a grinning the whole ride.

IMG_0775.jpg IMG_0820.jpg IMG_0826.jpg IMG_0895.jpg IMG_0898.jpg IMG_0911.jpg IMG_0924.jpg

vman1313 · June 23rd, 2012, 05:45 PM

BtW - the pic with the LITTLE sign that says State Line Barn was the only Welcome to TN sign I could find. What up TN? Why dont you be liking people knowing what state they be coming into

....HAHAHA! Anyway, I finally found one on the BIG ROAD!

PS.....MORE MISC PICS OF THE RIDE:::

IMG_0797.jpg IMG_0807.jpg IMG_0851.jpg IMG_0905.jpg IMG_0874.jpg

lgk · June 23rd, 2012, 05:46 PM

cool ride.
how was your gas mileage?

vman1313 · June 23rd, 2012, 06:03 PM

@lgk...cant believe I forgot to include that because that was another part of my experiment...

First fill up was at 210 miles and I put in 3.25 gallons so around 64MPG! ($10)

Second fill up was at 227 miles and I put in 3.45 gallons so around 65MPG! ($11)

I figured up I spent about $17 in gas since my tank was half full (100 miles) the first time I put in gas and I put in another 20 sometimes miles from gas station to my house. Cant believe I can go to beach and come back on $35!!! HAHAHA!! It would be $125 for the same trip in my Grand Cherokee!?!?!?

xSean13 · June 23rd, 2012, 06:22 PM

Dang, it was hot today, sounds like a pretty scenic ride though...and you definitely can't beat the gas mileage! I wish my first vehicle was a motorcycle instead of my truck...I would have saved so much on gas $$

Snake · June 23rd, 2012, 08:14 PM

Very cool ride.

Alex · June 23rd, 2012, 08:19 PM

Goom · June 25th, 2012, 06:37 AM

I usually know I'm in Tennessee when I hear a banjo.

Mocha Man · June 25th, 2012, 07:56 AM

Sounds like a great trip! Too bad I'm on the other side of the country or else I'd be taking that trip in a heartbeat!

rmorse · June 25th, 2012, 12:33 PM

Cool pics! What is that bag on the fuel tank?

Stingray1000 · June 26th, 2012, 09:29 AM

That's awesome. How long did your hands vibrate after the ride was over? LOL After replacing my seat, my butt doesn't get so sore anymore...

nycsteve · June 26th, 2012, 09:48 AM

Looks like a really nice ride. And some mighty good pics bro. I can't wait to finish planning my next trip as it will be my longest! It might be to the 250 Rally too!

vman1313 · June 26th, 2012, 05:36 PM

@xSean13 - yeah - it was a "hair" warm...HAHAHAHA! BUT 60 plus MPG is pretty sweet!

@Snake & @Alex - Thanks guys

@Goom - I swear I kept hearing them!! HAHAHAHA! Just messing - I like TN!

@Mocha Man - Lets make a trip and meet in the middle!!

@rmorse - Thanks

The bag is a Joe Rocket Hammer Head...LOVE IT!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JOE-ROCKET-H...f7a0eb&vxp=mtr

@Stingray1000 - HAHAHAHA!

Hey what kinda seat did you get? Can i see a pic? Dont tell nobody

BUT I put a seat cushion on the seat and every time I stopped, I put it up or took it out - mixing it up really helped!! BUT would love suggestions on a better feeling more comfortable seat.

@nycsteve - been looking at that 250 Rally...Im only a few hours from Asheville and contemplating a ride up. Even if for just one day!

Stingray1000 · June 26th, 2012, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vman1313

@xSean13 - yeah - it was a "hair" warm...HAHAHAHA! BUT 60 plus MPG is pretty sweet!

@Snake & @Alex - Thanks guys

@Goom - I swear I kept hearing them!! HAHAHAHA! Just messing - I like TN!

@Mocha Man - Lets make a trip and meet in the middle!!

@rmorse - Thanks

The bag is a Joe Rocket Hammer Head...LOVE IT!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JOE-ROCKET-H...f7a0eb&vxp=mtr

@Stingray1000 - HAHAHAHA!

Hey what kinda seat did you get? Can i see a pic? Dont tell nobody

BUT I put a seat cushion on the seat and every time I stopped, I put it up or took it out - mixing it up really helped!! BUT would love suggestions on a better feeling more comfortable seat.

@nycsteve - been looking at that 250 Rally...Im only a few hours from Asheville and contemplating a ride up. Even if for just one day!

Just actually got a seat from a guy on here! lol

highpsiguy · June 27th, 2012, 07:38 PM

I live one hour from Gainsville in Athens. My 2002 averages from 50-55mpg. Wish I could get 65! Another good ride is to head down to Jeckyl Island/St. Simons. Of course being in Gainsville you are closer to the N. GA mountains and the fun twisties than me. Helen is about an hour and 1/2 from me.

vman1313 · June 27th, 2012, 07:46 PM

@highpsiguy - Obviously I am a pretty easy rider if I am getting 60plusMPG. I am in Monroe alot because my folks live there so if you ever wanna ride, I am in - just PM me! Love riding in the mountains, I know a few nice rides up towards Hartwell, but I am IN to ride to Jeckyl.

FrugalNinja250 · June 28th, 2012, 10:33 AM

I was just up that way last week, in Chickamauga. Yeah, it's lots of fun to ride up that way. The little Ninja tours just fine with a little prep. I've got a Corbin saddle and changed my gearing to reduce cruising RPM. I tend to do most of my miles on interstates, though, typically averaging over 75mph. It's hard on chains (I think I killed my latest chain on the 850 mile ride down from Chattanooga area to Houston last Friday) but if you keep your speeds slower and don't run full saddlebags (air resistance) it's not too bad at all.

Next time you're up in Chattanooga check out W Road, it's on the north side of town, and it's a trip.

SmithSwede · August 5th, 2012, 07:58 PM

deleted--wrong thread!

Reph · August 7th, 2012, 03:19 AM

I absolutely love those roads.

One day you should run up to Suches and hit SR 180 (Wolf Pen Gap). It is a pretty good road, although not long enough.

azn77 · August 7th, 2012, 06:04 PM

Ninja can make it

Cool trip

lgk · August 7th, 2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrugalNinja250

I tend to do most of my miles on interstates, though, typically averaging over 75mph. It's hard on chains (I think I killed my latest chain on the 850 mile ride

thats what i did on my last trip.
lubed my chain before, during and after.

the sprocket wear still accelerated no matter what.

im not sure the 15 tooth front, 43 back is helped chain life.

FrugalNinja250 · August 8th, 2012, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lgk

thats what i did on my last trip.
lubed my chain before, during and after.

the sprocket wear still accelerated no matter what.

im not sure the 15 tooth front, 43 back is helped chain life.

I think it's a function of power throughput. When I was running full bags at 80+ into a slight headwind I was nearly at max throttle, so I was putting about the most power through the chain that the engine could make. Without the bags I'm using noticeably less throttle. I've been contemplating converting to a 530 chain to see if I could get more life out of the chain, I'm not concerned with performance at all. It's all about low maintenance and long life on parts for me.

Mountain Dew · August 8th, 2012, 03:35 PM

631 more miles in no more than 15 more hours and you could've been an iron butt rider :P

nycsteve · August 9th, 2012, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrugalNinja250

... I'm not concerned with performance at all. It's all about low maintenance and long life on parts for me.

Same here! I really like to hear these long trip stories and what not. I've been getting that feeling recently as well! The most I've done in 1 day was probably around 500-600 miles. My butt wasn't thrilled, but wasn't completely sore. I really would like to do more but I feel bad for my bike as I'm not mechanically inclined and really would hate to put soo much wear and tear on her. I've only put a little less than 7,000 miles since I've got her in January of this year.

CZroe · August 10th, 2012, 03:53 PM

I hate to rain on your parade, but I love to brag. I'm so conflicted!

Friday, August 1st, 2008: Finished MSF course in Newnan, Georgia. 1st time on a motorcycle. Saturday, August 2nd, 2008: Purchased EX250J8F in Virginia. Rode in the rain 12 miles to stay with family in West Virginia. 1st time on the street. Sunday, August 3rd, 2008: Rode home to Newnan, GA, 30263.

1: West Virgnia
2: Virginia
3: North Carolina
4: South Carolina
5: Georgia

680 miles

You got beat by a noob!*

*a crazy idiot noob with a death wish and no regard for proper engine care (Worst. Break-in. EVER.)

I didn't live near a cluster of state borders either

(South Greater Atlanta Metro Area) It sounds like you had a LOT more fun though. I was just trying to get back in time for work!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mountain Dew

631 more miles in no more than 15 more hours and you could've been an iron butt rider :P

I did this too but I didn't register or document. I rode from San Diego to Atlanta in 44 hours just trying to get to beat my dog to the airport. :P I really need tio go on a ride "for fun" one of these days!

vman1313 · August 11th, 2012, 05:19 AM

@CZroe...NICE! Thats a heck of a way to not just break in your bike but break in your BUTT!!!

June 23rd, 2012, 05:34 PM	#1
vman1313 ninjette.org sage Name: Tony Location: Buford, GA Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '14 Honda NC700X; '14 Honda CRF250L; '07 Lifan 200 Posts: 623	359 Miles - 9 Hours - 4 States!! Today I went for the longest ride I have ever been on!!! Yes...359 Miles...9 hours...and I was able to visit 4 states!!! I live near Gainesville in Northeast Georgia and lately I have been having some longish rides...a 260 and a few 200 milers and have been contemplating riding the Ninja to the beach which is about 350 miles from me. I had also wondered how many states I could see in one day. The two ideas kinda came together and I took off. Here are the towns/cities and states I visited and some of the roads in case some of you are looking for a nice ride: 53 : Gainesville to Dawsonville 136 : Dawsonville all the way to Alabama (awesome road - twisties - views - mountains - a bit of everything) 73 : AL/GA border to AL/TN border (pretty nice but nothing crazy) 156/64 : AL/TN to Chattanooga (beautiful views of Nickajack Lake and TN River and lots of twisties) 64 : thru Chattanooga (should of taken interstate around Chatt to Cleveland - city traffic not all that fun) 64 : Cleveland, TN to TN/NC border (WOW is ALL I CAN SAY! Twisties, Lake Views, Mountain Views, White Water Rapids - gets a little boring closer to NC border) I actually turned around at NC border and went back a few miles and came 68 south to 60 in Mineral Buff, GA 60 : Mineral Bluff to Dahlonega, GA (its always been one of my favorite roadss...again lots of twisties and views) All in all, it was a super day! My @$$ hurts but not as bad as I thought. I finally bit the bullet and bought/installed the Twisted Throttle Rack and a nice box. Size of the box is perfect for my commuting needs but today I had a small cooler, snacks, towel, rain gear, and other misc items in there which made my ride so much nicer. Anyway, just thought I would share the routes in case others in this area needed/wanted some ride ideas. Also wanted to prove that the Ninja COULD in fact be a sort of touring little bike. My only complaints I am having right now are the "marshmellowness" of the front forks. Makes braking quickly a little scary sometimes BUT I have learned to push the little Ninja around. I could hear the little red Ninja just a grinning the whole ride. IMG_0775.jpg IMG_0820.jpg IMG_0826.jpg IMG_0895.jpg IMG_0898.jpg IMG_0911.jpg IMG_0924.jpg __________________________________________________ www.northgariders.com NuBe4Life!!!

June 23rd, 2012, 05:45 PM	#2
vman1313 ninjette.org sage Name: Tony Location: Buford, GA Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '14 Honda NC700X; '14 Honda CRF250L; '07 Lifan 200 Posts: 623	BtW - the pic with the LITTLE sign that says State Line Barn was the only Welcome to TN sign I could find. What up TN? Why dont you be liking people knowing what state they be coming into ....HAHAHA! Anyway, I finally found one on the BIG ROAD! PS.....MORE MISC PICS OF THE RIDE::: IMG_0797.jpg IMG_0807.jpg IMG_0851.jpg IMG_0905.jpg IMG_0874.jpg __________________________________________________ www.northgariders.com NuBe4Life!!!

June 23rd, 2012, 06:03 PM	#4
vman1313 ninjette.org sage Name: Tony Location: Buford, GA Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '14 Honda NC700X; '14 Honda CRF250L; '07 Lifan 200 Posts: 623	@lgk...cant believe I forgot to include that because that was another part of my experiment... First fill up was at 210 miles and I put in 3.25 gallons so around 64MPG! ($10) Second fill up was at 227 miles and I put in 3.45 gallons so around 65MPG! ($11) I figured up I spent about $17 in gas since my tank was half full (100 miles) the first time I put in gas and I put in another 20 sometimes miles from gas station to my house. Cant believe I can go to beach and come back on $35!!! HAHAHA!! It would be $125 for the same trip in my Grand Cherokee!?!?!? __________________________________________________ www.northgariders.com NuBe4Life!!!

June 23rd, 2012, 08:19 PM	#7
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	__________________________________________________ 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)

June 26th, 2012, 09:29 AM	#11
Stingray1000 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jon Location: Newark, De Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	That's awesome. How long did your hands vibrate after the ride was over? LOL After replacing my seat, my butt doesn't get so sore anymore... __________________________________________________ http://www.facebook.com/groups/DeMdNjPagrouprides/ I live my life a quarter mile at a time! Who is affraid of the big bad jiggles???? LOL

June 23rd, 2012, 05:46 PM	#3
lgk ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Norfolk, VA Join Date: Dec 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 EX250, 2014 EX300 Posts: A lot.	cool ride. how was your gas mileage?

June 23rd, 2012, 06:22 PM	#5
xSean13 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Middle TN Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250r (sold) / '03 CBR 600RR Posts: A lot.	Dang, it was hot today, sounds like a pretty scenic ride though...and you definitely can't beat the gas mileage! I wish my first vehicle was a motorcycle instead of my truck...I would have saved so much on gas $$

June 23rd, 2012, 08:14 PM	#6
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	Very cool ride.

June 25th, 2012, 06:37 AM	#8
Goom ninjette.org guru Name: Eric Location: Concord, NC Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1976 CB550 Cafe, 2011 Ninja 250, 1999 Honda CR125 Posts: 264	I usually know I'm in Tennessee when I hear a banjo.

June 25th, 2012, 07:56 AM	#9
Mocha Man Blue Shell magnet Name: Nolan Location: Northwest Washington Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1997 Ninja 250 Posts: 816	Sounds like a great trip! Too bad I'm on the other side of the country or else I'd be taking that trip in a heartbeat!

June 25th, 2012, 12:33 PM	#10
rmorse ninjette.org guru Name: Bobby Location: Silver Spring, MD Join Date: Apr 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawi Ninja 250R, 2013 Honda CRF450R, 2008 Honda CRF250R, 2001 Honda XR400 Posts: 301	Cool pics! What is that bag on the fuel tank?

June 26th, 2012, 09:48 AM	#12
nycsteve Biker Name: Steve Location: Brooklyn, NY Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 723	Looks like a really nice ride. And some mighty good pics bro. I can't wait to finish planning my next trip as it will be my longest! It might be to the 250 Rally too! __________________________________________________ S*** Happens! Design Stuff \| Tumblr James 1:2-4

June 26th, 2012, 05:36 PM	#13
vman1313 ninjette.org sage Name: Tony Location: Buford, GA Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '14 Honda NC700X; '14 Honda CRF250L; '07 Lifan 200 Posts: 623	@xSean13 - yeah - it was a "hair" warm...HAHAHAHA! BUT 60 plus MPG is pretty sweet! @Snake & @Alex - Thanks guys @Goom - I swear I kept hearing them!! HAHAHAHA! Just messing - I like TN! @Mocha Man - Lets make a trip and meet in the middle!! @rmorse - Thanks The bag is a Joe Rocket Hammer Head...LOVE IT! http://www.ebay.com/itm/JOE-ROCKET-H...f7a0eb&vxp=mtr @Stingray1000 - HAHAHAHA! Hey what kinda seat did you get? Can i see a pic? Dont tell nobody BUT I put a seat cushion on the seat and every time I stopped, I put it up or took it out - mixing it up really helped!! BUT would love suggestions on a better feeling more comfortable seat. @nycsteve - been looking at that 250 Rally...Im only a few hours from Asheville and contemplating a ride up. Even if for just one day! __________________________________________________ www.northgariders.com NuBe4Life!!!

June 27th, 2012, 07:38 PM	#15
highpsiguy ninjette.org guru Name: Kevin Location: Athens Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): 1981 Honda Cx500 Custom, 2002 Ninja 250 Posts: 289 Blog Entries: 1	I live one hour from Gainsville in Athens. My 2002 averages from 50-55mpg. Wish I could get 65! Another good ride is to head down to Jeckyl Island/St. Simons. Of course being in Gainsville you are closer to the N. GA mountains and the fun twisties than me. Helen is about an hour and 1/2 from me. __________________________________________________ "Rudeness is a weak persons attempt at strength."

June 27th, 2012, 07:46 PM	#16
vman1313 ninjette.org sage Name: Tony Location: Buford, GA Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '14 Honda NC700X; '14 Honda CRF250L; '07 Lifan 200 Posts: 623	@highpsiguy - Obviously I am a pretty easy rider if I am getting 60plusMPG. I am in Monroe alot because my folks live there so if you ever wanna ride, I am in - just PM me! Love riding in the mountains, I know a few nice rides up towards Hartwell, but I am IN to ride to Jeckyl. __________________________________________________ www.northgariders.com NuBe4Life!!!

June 28th, 2012, 10:33 AM	#17
FrugalNinja250 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Frugal Location: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Join Date: Mar 2010 Motorcycle(s): Several Posts: A lot.	I was just up that way last week, in Chickamauga. Yeah, it's lots of fun to ride up that way. The little Ninja tours just fine with a little prep. I've got a Corbin saddle and changed my gearing to reduce cruising RPM. I tend to do most of my miles on interstates, though, typically averaging over 75mph. It's hard on chains (I think I killed my latest chain on the 850 mile ride down from Chattanooga area to Houston last Friday) but if you keep your speeds slower and don't run full saddlebags (air resistance) it's not too bad at all. Next time you're up in Chattanooga check out W Road, it's on the north side of town, and it's a trip.

August 5th, 2012, 07:58 PM	#18
SmithSwede ninjette.org member Name: Prescott Location: Terrell, Texas Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 BMW F800S; 2012 Ninja 250; 2013 Moto Guzzi V7 Stone, 2016 Triumph Street Triple Rx; 1996 Ducati 900 SS CR Posts: 77	deleted--wrong thread! Last futzed with by SmithSwede; August 6th, 2012 at 08:55 AM. Reason: posted in wrong thread

August 7th, 2012, 03:19 AM	#19
Reph ninjette.org member Name: Nate Location: BIloxi Join Date: Nov 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 12	I absolutely love those roads. One day you should run up to Suches and hit SR 180 (Wolf Pen Gap). It is a pretty good road, although not long enough.

August 7th, 2012, 06:04 PM	#20
azn77 ninjette.org member Name: Dean Location: Mass Join Date: May 2012 Motorcycle(s): ex 2009 ninja 250r and now 2012 zx6r Posts: 38	Ninja can make it Cool trip

August 8th, 2012, 03:35 PM	#23
Mountain Dew Ambrosia. Name: Jaymie Location: Oahu, Hawaii Join Date: Aug 2011 Motorcycle(s): 1974 Honda CB550K0 W.I.P. Posts: A lot.	631 more miles in no more than 15 more hours and you could've been an iron butt rider :P __________________________________________________ Life's better on the Mountain.

August 11th, 2012, 05:19 AM	#26
vman1313 ninjette.org sage Name: Tony Location: Buford, GA Join Date: Mar 2012 Motorcycle(s): '14 Honda NC700X; '14 Honda CRF250L; '07 Lifan 200 Posts: 623	@CZroe...NICE! Thats a heck of a way to not just break in your bike but break in your BUTT!!! __________________________________________________ www.northgariders.com NuBe4Life!!!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[motorcycle.com] - 1000 Miles In 24 Hours, Condensed To 6 Minutes + Video	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	September 19th, 2014 01:40 PM
Six states, seven days, 2000+ miles	ninjamunky85	Ride Reports	64	May 27th, 2014 05:14 PM
2012 Utah 1088 rally - 570 miles in <12 hours	hnewman	Ride Reports	6	November 12th, 2012 12:37 PM
1000 miles in 24 hours on a ninja 250?	Nickds7	General Motorcycling Discussion	37	October 5th, 2011 02:07 AM
3201 miles, 13 states, 2 motorcycles, 1 extended weekend	TheDuck	Ride Reports	22	September 25th, 2009 03:21 PM