Need some advice (Long distance ride)

[scotty]

So here in a month, I will be riding my bike from Dayton ohio to San Diego Ca. Its going to be 2300 miles.

Am I crazy? lol Looking for people who have done long traveling on bikes to give me advice. I know I will need to check over the bike real well to make sure eveything will be okay. I will also be changing the oil. I plan on completeing this trip in 3-4 days. What should/can I do to make this trip more enjoyable and nonpainful as can be?

I just ordered and installed a new sproket to help with high way riding. I will be traveling light. Only a back pack with some clothes. Using my phone as my GPS, though it's a fairly easy trip, high way wise. Any pointers will be awsome! Thanks!

[CC Cowboy]

Put some miles/hours on your body before you go. It will be easier to ride long distances if you are used to it.

Make sure everything is tight (nuts/bolts on everything). Make sure tires in good shape (for the entire trip).

Plan out a route that takes you to some great places so you have something to look forward to everyday.

Make sure you talk to everyone along the way (it's fun to make new friends).

Eat well and drink every night.

[revstriker]

I would ditch the backpack and get yourself either a tail bag, or a large tank bag. Don't forget rain gear.

[Sailariel]

I'll second that. A tailbag and a tankbag will make your trip more comfortable. I also have saddlebags. Allowing three days is pushing it. Allow time for weather and avoid travelling at night. Carry a quart of oil with you. On a trip that long at sustained higher speeds, you may need to add. Try not to run on a schedule and take your time. There is a lot to see and you will be safer at a more liesurely pace.

[road_rascal]

Here's a few tips to make your journey more enjoyable:

http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aowprintout.cfm

Some may apply indirectly to your trip, as some are mainly for LD (long distance) competition rides.

[M]

The IBA link above is a good resource.

• Don't ignore your chain
• Carry tools that you might need
• Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE! Get a camel bak
• Make sure your tires aren't near the wear indicators
• If you get sleepy, get off the road!

Here's a link to a 2,000 mile ride I did on my 250 back in 2008:
http://www.ironbutt.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2500

[dubojr1]

Originally Posted by M

The IBA link above is a good resource.

• Don't ignore your chain
• Carry tools that you might need
• Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE! Get a camel bak
• Make sure your tires are near the wear indicators
• If you get sleepy, get off the road!

Here's a link to a 2,000 mile ride I did on my 250 back in 2008:
http://www.ironbutt.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2500

I'm sure he meant to say "Make sure your tires are not near the wear indicators"

[M]

Doh! Fixed!!!

[revstriker]

Also... Pick up and use some of this. It works really well:

[scotty]

Originally Posted by dubojr1

I'm sure he meant to say "Make sure your tires are not near the wear indicators"

Lol damn I need to do some burnouts to wear my tires down!!!!!!
That website was very informal, and had a lot of good advice. Thank you all for your information. I'm looking forward for my trip!
Posted via Mobile Device

[scotty]

Originally Posted by M

The IBA link above is a good resource.

• Don't ignore your chain
• Carry tools that you might need
• Hydrate, hydrate, HYDRATE! Get a camel bak
• Make sure your tires aren't near the wear indicators
• If you get sleepy, get off the road!

Here's a link to a 2,000 mile ride I did on my 250 back in 2008:
http://www.ironbutt.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2500

I haven't been able to check out your link to your trip yet. Ive been living at work this past week, but I will check it out tonight. Did you travel by yourself?
Posted via Mobile Device

[scotty]

Originally Posted by revstriker

Also... Pick up and use some of this. It works really well:

Probably not a bad idea. I'm sure I will be getting sore.
Posted via Mobile Device

[M]

Scotty,

I travel alone about 95% of the time. I usually get in about 25-30k per year, with most of the riding being 800-1200 mile days. The weakest link to touring on the 250 is the rider.

Now, there is a lot you can do to make the 250 more comfortable. I have both a Corbin and a Rick Mayer seat to switch between. I also have a tall touring windscreen, handlebar risers, and a throttlemeister throttle lock.

[M]

A better choice over monkey butt powder is high quality shorts, such as bicycle shorts or LD Comfort shorts. LD Comfort shorts are THE way to go, IMHO. I carry two pair, and can wash them out in the sink in 3 minutes. They also have shirts, etc. but I haven't tried those yet.

[CC Cowboy]

Don't forget Advil!

[scotty]

Originally Posted by M

Scotty,

I travel alone about 95% of the time. I usually get in about 25-30k per year, with most of the riding being 800-1200 mile days. The weakest link to touring on the 250 is the rider.

Now, there is a lot you can do to make the 250 more comfortable. I have both a Corbin and a Rick Mayer seat to switch between. I also have a tall touring windscreen, handlebar risers, and a throttlemeister throttle lock.

I have a double bubble windscreen on mine. Works fairly well on the highway. Where did you get the throttle lock? I didn't even know that was available.
Posted via Mobile Device

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by M

A better choice over monkey butt powder is high quality shorts, such as bicycle shorts or LD Comfort shorts. LD Comfort shorts are THE way to go, IMHO. I carry two pair, and can wash them out in the sink in 3 minutes. They also have shirts, etc. but I haven't tried those yet.

Very good suggestion. Although, I would combine the two.

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by scotty

Where did you get the throttle lock? I didn't even know that was available.
Posted via Mobile Device

Most motorcycle retailers carry them. I have a "CrampBuster". It's not exactly a "lock", but it works pretty well. It just clips on and off of the throttle.

[Dano]

I would get a list of the dealerships on the way if you won't have internet access incase you need something. Also I would add a day or two to your plan as you will want to not ride as long of days to start out. The tail bag is a good idea a backpack will make your back sore especially if its loaded down.Rain gear is also a good suggestion, if you don't have moto specific one anything is better than nothing.

Good luck and have a safe good trip.

[revstriker]

Should probably pack a simple tool kit and a tire plug kit (with either a small compressor or those CO2 cartridges). As for the plug kit, I have a Stop and Go kit which I almost always take with me if I'm going to be gone for more than a half hour or so.

[billybobjoeiv]

ill second, third, and fourth what everyone else has said. especially with the backpack. on my 1100 mile trip i refused to take a backpack. bungied a small duffel, pillow, and tent to the back instead. course thats on the old 250. not sure exactly if it would work on the newer one.
also, id take earplugs. my hearing wasnt the same for a few days after that much highway riding

[welcome2thedawn]

if you can't get the throttlemeister, the crampbuster is a must...also, i can't believe how much less my hands hurt having the pazzo adjustable levers! have a safe trip

[M]

You can find out more about Throttlemeister at http://www.throttlemeister.com/

[Seattle_Chris]

I recently got back from a long trip. My tank bag was a last minute purchase, but totally invaluable. I got the Cortech mini tank bag. I put water bottles in it, warmer gloves, sunglasses, wallet at times, a pistol, my camera, spare batteries, just all sorts of stuff. I can't recommend a tank bag enough.

I've read around the net about backpacks, though I have no personal experience, but "They" say backpacks are horrid on long trips. They're murder on the back. A pair of sport saddle bags and a tail bag would keep ALL the stress off of you, and onto the bike. Not to mention keeping all your gear lower, which is a good thing.

Other than what everyone else has said, just remember to get off your bike often, even if it's just for a couple minutes. It'll really help in keeping your circulation going. Also change your seating position a LOT. Tuck way in, lay way back and drive with your finger tips, sit up really straight, stand on the pegs, etc. etc.

Have a good trip! 2,300 miles shouldn't be bad at all.

[scotty]

Thanks guys! I have today off of work, o I am going to go to a local Kawasaki shop to buy the throttle lock and tank bag. I have changed my planed trip for 3 to 4 days to get to Ca. That way if I should run into any problems on the way I wont be stressed out about lost time. I do have internet on my cell phone. Also that will be my GPS too. I have made a mount for my cell phone behind my windscreen and wired in a charger for it too. With about 4 weeks to go, i'm getting really excited to go!

[FrugalNinja250]

http://www.newenough.com/parts/closeouts/luggage is closing out their Nelson-Rigg luggage, that's some real top line stuff. Here's the tank bag I got last month, it's nice and only $40 now.

http://www.newenough.com/parts/close..._tank_bag.html

I've also got the CL-150 Expandable tail bag, it's huge and holds a lot.
http://www.newenough.com/parts/close...tail_pack.html

Newenough ships fast, too, and are really easy to deal with.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by FrugalNinja250

http://www.newenough.com/parts/closeouts/luggage is closing out their Nelson-Rigg luggage, that's some real top line stuff. Here's the tank bag I got last month, it's nice and only $40 now.

http://www.newenough.com/parts/close..._tank_bag.html

I've also got the CL-150 Expandable tail bag, it's huge and holds a lot.
http://www.newenough.com/parts/close...tail_pack.html

Newenough ships fast, too, and are really easy to deal with.

Thats a really good deal! I will most likely be buying one from that website.

I bought a cramp buster also. Was really cheap.

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by scotty

Thats a really good deal! I will most likely be buying one from that website.

I bought a cramp buster also. Was really cheap.

They are a good company. I've ordered quite a bit from them. Certainly cheaper than what you would pay at a dealer.

Crampbuster works very well. I've not used it for a very long trip, but I would imagine it should hold up nicely. Maybe not a good as a true throttle lock, but you can't beat the price. When you go to put it on, don't be afraid to use a little muscle to get the grip to open in order to install it. It won't break.

[DRivero]

Scotty, I haven't taken real long trips (well, they were long to me), and I don't know how far you've ever traveled on a trip, but if I were to share what I've learned so far, it would be this: it is FAR more physically demanding to travel long distance by motorcycle than I ever thought possible, and my first trip I was NOT prepared for that. I pushed myself more than I should have, and things did not go well as a result. I've since learned to govern myself accordingly, i.e.: get lots of rest before a trip (not to mention "don't leave after a full day of working"....duh), eat full meals the day before (usually I don't eat much), walk around and stretch during, and most importantly, WHEN I'M DONE, I'M DONE.

A piece of advice I got from someone: ride until you feel like you need a cup of coffee or a soda, BUT DON'T GET ONE.....pull over instead. And sleep. Whether it's for a full night, a long nap or a short power nap, if you're tired, get some.

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by DRivero

Scotty, I haven't taken real long trips (well, they were long to me), and I don't know how far you've ever traveled on a trip, but if I were to share what I've learned so far, it would be this: it is FAR more physically demanding to travel long distance by motorcycle than I ever thought possible, and my first trip I was NOT prepared for that. I pushed myself more than I should have, and things did not go well as a result. I've since learned to govern myself accordingly, i.e.: get lots of rest before a trip (not to mention "don't leave after a full day of working"....duh), eat full meals the day before (usually I don't eat much), walk around and stretch during, and most importantly, WHEN I'M DONE, I'M DONE.

A piece of advice I got from someone: ride until you feel like you need a cup of coffee or a soda, BUT DON'T GET ONE.....pull over instead. And sleep. Whether it's for a full night, a long nap or a short power nap, if you're tired, get some.

Pretty good advice. I used to drive a truck so I've had to drive when I was tired many times. Scared myself a few times. But the attention you need when riding a bike is 10 times what you need in a car or a truck. I think there is a difference between pushing yourself to keep going in a car than on a bike.

[KJohnson21]

I didn't see it if someone else said this.

Make sure you start each riding day by doing a walk around of your bike. Check the obvious stuff: tires, tire pressure, chain & oil. Look for other stuff too: loose or missing screws, cable adjustments, fluid levels, etc. Once you've done it a few times and gotten familiar with all of the assorted details, it'll seem like second nature and you can spot potential problems quickly and easily.

Make a check list if you think it'll help.

[road_rascal]

FrugalNinja250: would you mind posting a close-up photo of the tailbag mounted on your bike? I'd like to see how the large the bungee hooks are. Thanks.

[welcome2thedawn]

another benefit of a full tank bag...you can tuck down and rest on it

[FrugalNinja250]

Originally Posted by road_rascal

FrugalNinja250: would you mind posting a close-up photo of the tailbag mounted on your bike? I'd like to see how the large the bungee hooks are. Thanks.

The bungee hooks seem to be big enough to grab various bike features. Here are a couple of pics with the tail bag:

[spooph]

Damn, great advice, must have quite a few IBA'ers here.... Can't wait for the report....

I would just like to re-emphasize the chain. Every stop, give it a LIGHT spray... Nothing like coming down a mountain pass with a bad chain jerking you back and forth, slowing you down at times, etc, and making it very difficult to be safe at any sort of speed.

[road_rascal]

Thanks for posting the pictures. I ended up ordering and Ogio tailbag from Bike Bandit that was on sale. This one uses straps that mount under the seat. All the seat/tail bags I've looked at have huge bungee hooks that don't quite fit the flip-up hooks on the tail.

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by road_rascal

Thanks for posting the pictures. I ended up ordering and Ogio tailbag from Bike Bandit that was on sale. This one uses straps that mount under the seat. All the seat/tail bags I've looked at have huge bungee hooks that don't quite fit the flip-up hooks on the tail.

I don't think I would ride with a bag that just mounted to the seat. I'd be too worried the rear seat would come off.

Don't use the helmet hooks on your tail. Use the loop in the passenger peg.

[road_rascal]

I used a seat mounted bag on my 750 Nighthawk for 2 years before getting Givi luggage. I never had a problem with the bag or the seat coming off. My '04 250 has 4 bungee hooks (2 on each side on the rear plastic panels) that currently holds an Eclipse seat bag. After 13 years the bag is starting to fall apart.

[CZroe]

I did Newnan, GA to San Diego, CA back in 2008. New Mexico/Arizona was rough on the bike (wind/altitude; could barely get up to speed) but the rest was smooth sailing.

[revstriker]

Originally Posted by CZroe

I did Newnan, GA to San Diego, CA back in 2008. New Mexico/Arizona was rough on the bike (wind/altitude; could barely get up to speed) but the rest was smooth sailing.

New Mexico/Arizona is quite a long stretch.