Advice for long trip

Need advice. A buddy and I will be riding from Central Missouri down to Daytona Bike week here in another month and a half and I am wondering what else I should do to the bike to get ready. I haven't made a ride over 500 miles at a time on the 03 VFR I bought last summer yet so the 1150 mile trek should be a good one. I just serviced the bike including changing all fluids, adjusting everything I could. I will look over the bike again before the trip. I am looking for comfort ideas. I am thinking about a butt buffer and possible a taller wind screen. I will also be touring around Florida all week once there. So far I have installed a Sargent seat, Vista Cruise, Gen Mar bar risers, GPS, I have a magnetic tank bag that will also have a map in it. We will have our wives in a car so I don't need to carry much on the bike. Since adding the PCIII and Leo Carbon cans the fuel distance has fallen to ~170 miles so we will be stopping about every 150 miles for fuel. We will ride approx. 11-12 hours the first day then the final 6-7 the next. Also what additional tools do you guys carry for something like this? Thanks, Josh

 

Oh I got so many things to dig out of my head, I hope I can remember them all.

Sounds like your bike is in order. Here's some thoughts:

I've done a few cross countries without a touring screen, but I'd suggest adding a laminar lip or getting a double-bubble ZG screen. They don't seem like much visually, but they make the difference even for me at 6'3".

Normal car travel time doesn't count. Bike travel goes by fuel stops... Your trip is actually 2300 miles, 14 fuel stops, 4 lunches, 2 dinners (probably 4).

Here's a sample itinerary (70mph on the freeway with chicks in tow).


You may think you can do that quicker, with shorter breaks, etc. But if you try, you won't make it past dinner. Every other fuel stop needs to be a real break. So you time it with lunch and dinner. The in between major stops, don't rush cuz you'll end up having to do between fuel stops. As the day progresses, expect a mid-tank break either to stretch for a minute or quick hose.

The only way to get more travel in is speed. On my trip, 90mph was a slow cruise, 110-125 was the fast pace. Our breaks were seriously that long, but our time between fuel stops was about an 1.5 hour in the areas we could keep up the cruise speed. A 13 hour day for us yielded between 500-960 miles. Between California and New York, there's a lot of really long stretches that you can go really fast and no one notices. (Advisable only with good radar detectors and without wives in tow)

Decide on if you and chicks are going to caravan, or if they can hit all the rest areas they need, you guys check in by cellphone on the fuel stops, then everyone meets up on the Lunch/Dinner breaks... The less you guys break your pace, the longer you can ride throughout the day. If you hit too many vista points for photo ops, indian jewelry stops, or jerky stands -- you'll end up riding til 10pm both nights.

Communication/Entertainment: Minimum iPod. Like it or not you've gotta stay entertained or else your endurance goes to shit. First two days of my trip were done without bike to bike communication. That sucked. Picked up a missing cable at FedEx in New Mexico and we had bike to bike for the next 5600 miles... That SAVED the trip. You don't talk to each other a lot, but it's nice to say hi, check bladder status and make fun of other people on the freeway. I think this trip you could make it without it. Especially since you're going to have communication overload on your stops with the chicks in tow.

Gear: Like Reg said, chonies are the key. Better -- underarmour boxer briefs. Best -- bike shorts with gel pad in gooch/butt cheek regions (they run 50-80 bucks though).

FULL protective gear. Even if it's 90 out, wear jacket/pants/boots for protection and to prevent dehydration. it helps. Camelback with water helps too. Even in the winter, slow continuous hydration is a must. If you're a armored jacket and levi's guy normally, get a set of textile pants to throw over your jeans. Knee armor and Sidi boots kept flying chunks of concrete/rocks from construction trucks for really hurting my legs. (Remember it's not just a 1150 mile trip, anything can happen in 2300 miles)

Cheap, ugly rain suits... The weather changes, and it sucks.

Smoked visor for daytime and wear sunglasses under if you can.

Ear plugs if you don't iPod it. Good ear buds that seal down in your ear if you do so they cut down the drone from the road.

Tools: So easy since you've got a chase car. Portable air compressor and a bottle of SLIME or motorcycle patch/plug kit if SLIME isn't sold locally (I think walmart carries it now). Jumper cables. Get a set of metric T-handle hex's. So much easier then dealing with what's in the toolbag. couple of screw drivers.

Spare key for each bike with the chicks. Or each of you have a spare key to each other's bikes. Also a spare key to each other's disc lock that you'll have on your bikes at night with the cable lock that connects the two together.

Tires: somewhat fresh, don't have to be new, but NOT track tires. You're not pushing it with speed, the roads aren't scorching hot and you won't be heavily loaded, so long life will be easy... I think we ran 45psi in the tires and got 6,600 miles out of the rears no problem in the summer, going fast, with 100 pounds of gear each, and some dirt roads around the Smokey Mountains

Like Reg said, Advil every other fuel stop, like it or not and before bedtime. It does keep the joints from aching. Avoid sweets too. Need a Red Bull, drink a sugar free one, etc...

I'll see what other odd stuff I can think of.

Be thinking of more questions.

 

WOW!

SLO covered it!

BZ

 

You guy´s have thougt of every thing, You dont even have to have your wifs on the pillion. :biggrin:
When I take a long trip (and I Do that alot) I take nothing with me. Only a small backpack with the cloths I need for the trip. It is because If somthing breaks down, you are stop anyway, and need someone to help you.
Have fun on your trip.

 

Thanks guys- Man Sloav8r that is an awesome list. It brought up some great ideas that I never thought of. I do wear full riding gear( boots, pants, coat, gloves, helmet) but I had not thought of padded shorts. I race XC atv so I have some I can wear. I do use the ipod alot- forgot about that too. I do have a cheap rainsuit but I had forgotton it as well. Disc lock- another that I had not thought about. Would anyone reccomend a good one? Also what are other ideas for securring 2 bikes- aside from putting them in the condo with us as night. I am worried about theft at Bike Week. Any ideas?

 

In my not so humble opinion; Freeways Suck, they are dangerous and boring on a motorcycle. Make the trip an adventure; add two days to the trip and take two lane highways wherever possible. They are much more twisty, scenic and enjoyable. Oh and once you get down to Florida watch out for sand in the corners; very slippery and more difficult to see than gravel. Don't forget your camera.

 

Well SLOav8r pretty much covered it :wink:

I'm a little more hard core than him & have a strong bladder, so I push it a little more & I get 220-240 between tank fill ups.
When my friends & I used to run to bike week, (2527 miles) we did it in 3 day's usually running about 1000 miles a day the 1st 2 day's because we were going through the open west & open lower Midwest were we could move @ a pretty good click.
Also so we would be fresher by riding less miles on the 3rd day when we got there.
We always got rooms on the 1st floor to park our bikes inside.
When riding around & parking in Daytona & abouts, we always had 3 chains, one to run through the wheels, 1 for the frames & the 3rd to chain to a unmovable object.
So from 1 bike to 3 it's always best to lock a bike to a unmovable object because Disc locks or a chain/cable through the wheels & frame still can be lifted up & tossed in a van/truck in about 15 seconds or less

Along with the compression shorts, get some Monkey butt powder, sold almost everywhere dirt bike dealers are or you can order it through Rocky Mountain bikes/ATV & that will keep the moisture & rash away common on long rides on your ass.

Make sure you stretch @ every stop & use your leg muscles not your hands, arms & back so you don't cramp up & get sore.

I also look up & know alternative routes (in case of construction & or weather damage of roads) as well as having my fuel stops & back up fuel stops prearranged.
If having a chase vehicle like your having, I p/u a sealed can of 95 octane race gas to be in the chase vehicle for either the bike or chase vehicle to have in case of a miss calculation or extra consumption due to headwinds & can't quit make it to a fuel stop.

Have fun & be safe (Oh & be careful of new bike laws in FL, "DON"T SHOW OFF"! :wink: ).

 

When I tour, I pack only the essential items I will need and never more.

One thing you want to consider is how much swag and purchases that you will be bringing back. Allow yourself extra stowage room. Pack with just a couple change of clothes, and wash them more frequently. Use plastic bags inside your saddle bags, tank bag, and rear bag to help keep everything dry. Double wrap it if you have to.

Another must have when touring is Honda Riders Club membership. This is like a AAA car club with benefits that will give you help if shall the need present its self (Out of gas, break down).

Carry a tire repair kit and be familar on how to do a repair.

A rain suit is a must as well, but I find that it is important to use one that will allow your body to breathe so you feel like you are wearing a plastic trash bag. My favorite rain suit so far is Frog Toggs and it works quite well in sticky humid weather.

For bike security, if possible park your bike near a place where it can be observe continously (i.e. ticket offices, security posts) and use a few locking devices. Do Not just rely on you steering lock as your sole source of security (it doesn't stop bike theives at all). Use a good quality cable lock that can lock both of your wheels together or lock to a stationary object like a light post or guard rail. A security system helps ward off potential bike theives, but if they want your bike, they can get around electrical securtiy devices. At hotelor where ever you lodge, use a plain bike cover that completely covers your bike. This will help to not attract attention to your bike.

Another thing to consider, is tire wear. Riding 2 up or heavily loaded will accelerate your tire wear.

I have toured quite a bit and most of us that have tour have develop our own systems of things to follow. Plan your route and then an alternative route just in case of weather. Caculate your expeditures before you go. It can get expensive quickly if you don't think about your spending.

Have fun and take plently of pictures so you can share your adventures with all of us.

 

Thanks guys-
Now I am contemplating adding some Givi V35 hard bags for the day rides once we are there. I couldn't find any info on whether or not a passenger con still ride with these bags on. I will want someplace to throw my Tankbag, helmet, coat, gloves when we get off of the bikes. Any advice on a certain lock anyone is using?

 

My 600-700 miles days are very similar to SLOav8rs, except after 350-400 mile mark, I start pulling off every 80 miles and take about a 10 minute break to get the feeling back in my 230 lb ass. Even with the Sargent seat, seems like my butt starts going to sleep after a hour on the saddle once I get past 400 miles...

 

I've not done the long tours like the folks from the West Coast do :wink:, so I apologize if these questions seem obvious to you but inquiring minds want to know...
Do you still include dirty hotel sex in your schedule if the chicks aren't along?
How do you carry all the chains to chain the wheels, frames, and large objects?
Are these chains also for use with the bikes or chicks in the hotel room? :redface:
What kind of thieves would be interested in stealing a bike if it is not a 25th anniversary RWB 6th generation V-TEC beauty?

thanks for clarifying. :smile:

 

When I rode from SoCal to the honda homecoming last year I learned what to bring and what to leave behind. Bring LOTS of plastic bags because after riding in the wet even waterproof things get soaked. Bring 2 pairs of gloves and make sure you keep an eye on your chain and tire pressure. And most importantly,load up the Ipod,cuz there is nothing like taking a new backroad and listening to your favorite tunes to match. But just remember it is a motorcycle ride so get lost a time or two dozen.

 

I now am not taking the wife so the Hotel sex will be gone for me- my buddy's wife is going still in the car and might bring a friend so maybe I can watch them.
I hope the chains are for the bikes

Everyone wants a 03 silver VFR from missouri- why wouldn't they:biggrin:

 

Well I didn't learn about the gel padded shorts til Ohio. Prior to that, I usually made fun of dudes that wear compression shorts regularly, sorry Reggie.

And if no wives are available for dirty hotel room sex, I got some great advise from a trucker in Flagstaff, "Cocaine and fat chicks! That'll get you across the country NO problem."

I'm still haunted by that...

 

"Cocaine and Fat Chicks" sound like a good strip club name. I decided to add the Givi V35 bags, and a Zero Gravity double bubble windscreen. I am also going to go back up to the stock front sprocket. I am replacing my chain and sprockets any way and I hate the speedo being off. Anyone have any lock suggestions. I have been looking at chains and disc locks.

 

That thief is hilarious.