Motorcycle trip

[markgm]

Since I picked up my Yamaha FZ6 last September I've managed to put 6107 miles on it. Maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself. Ever since I was a senior in high school I wanted to go on a cross country road trip, but I could never find anyone else who wanted to go on one. On the off chance I found a group who was interested in going, something would come up to cancel it at the last minute.

Last fall the seeds were planted for a fall trip across the country and the plans haven't changed much since the January International Motorcycle Convention in Washington DC where the trip was planned out over dinner with a good friend I went to college with. The route will take both of us, and a coworker through 24 states: Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas.

The trip alone will take 7050 miles, which I'm sure will end up being a higher after spending some time at the Grand Canyon and camping at many of the other National Parks out there. I'll be gone 8/24-9/11, and with any luck, I'll be planning where to ride to next year in a few months! Wish us luck!!

 

[BoberFett]

I can't imagine myself taking a trip on a sport bike, but if your wrists can handle it more power to ya. Personally I like kicking back on a cruiser with a saddle like an easy chair.

My bike trips have been some of the best times of my life, you'll have a great time. Keep the shiny side up. :thumbsup:

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: BoberFett
I can't imagine myself taking a trip on a sport bike, but if your wrists can handle it more power to ya. Personally I like kicking back on a cruiser with a saddle like an easy chair.

You don't put your weight on your wrists, you hold yourself up with your back muscles. It's actually much better for your back than an upright cruiser, all of the bumps in the road don't go straight up your spine rather than having your back *spring* when you're leaned forward.

I tried the upright position on my BMW, hated it. I went back to sport bikes. Yesterday I rode my ZZR600 330 miles and felt better afterwards than 200 miles on the BMW. You just have to get your muscles used to it after a few good rides, but the benefits are worth it.

And the FZ6 isn't even a sporty riding position!

 

[piasabird]

It depends if your object is to go 80 miles an hour down the interstate or cruise a little slower down country roads where you might actually be able to see some sights.

P.S. I wonder if they have any recumbrant motorcycles?

 

[GalvanizedYankee]

piasabird,
Google images of "feet forward motorcycles."

markgm,
You will prolly not do 1000 mile days but do look this site over well. They offer some very good tips re. endurance. http://www.ironbutt.com/ > Tech House > Archive of Wisdom is a good start.

Register over at http://www.pashnit.com/ if you want to avoid the super-slab. Great bunch of guys/gals over there.

Tip: Pack your tank bag so that you can rest a forearm on it from time to time. Get and used a throttle lock to give the right hand a rest. Stay hydrated! Have fun.

 

[userman]

Party in St Louis when you roll through!
Ill bring Betty

 

[Johnlee]

Sounds fun. Good luck man.

 

[markgm]

I can't wait to meet Betty on this trip!!

 

[ballmode]

My SV is good for long trips as long as you got a fairing to deflect wind.

Have fun and be careful!

 

[Turin39789]

We're going to Texas for thanksgiving this year. I'm ludicrously thinking about riding my bike down. Ludicrous I tell you. I just got it, my first bike, back in May/June. I ride it daily, but I'd have to clean it up some to make the trip, and I think there is a chance it will be cold.

 

[markgm]

Originally posted by: Turin39789
We're going to Texas for thanksgiving this year. I'm ludicrously thinking about riding my bike down. Ludicrous I tell you. I just got it, my first bike, back in May/June. I ride it daily, but I'd have to clean it up some to make the trip, and I think there is a chance it will be cold.

Do it, do it, do it...