Touring Question

[xl1200r]

I'm loosly planning a trip to visit a friend that moved out to Kansas, and I live in upstate New York. I have alot of family and friends along the way, so there are pleny of stops. But some of the legs might have to be as many as 8 hours long. Is this too long to ride continuously? I have 1 2004 1200. I can usually do very long distances in a car no problem (I've done 8 hours straight more than once, with only a 30 minute stop to eat, pee, and gas up). What do you think?

[Wardog]

I have done 300 miles in one day but did not take enough breaks. I would recommend a 15 minute break every 100 miles.

[waterboy]

My longest day was 900 mi in 11 hours, Vegas to San Jose. I honestly don't think I could have got up the next day and rode again. Try and pace yourself. On the way back you can sprint cause your movin towards home and rest.

On that trip I wasn't diligent about shifting positions, kinda hunkered down and went for it. When I got home my back was in knots. When I went to Laughlin I made sure I changed hands often, (not just when it hurt) and moved around as much as I could, it made a difference.

[waterboy]

umm I think that was 600 mi, sorry

[Jimbo999]

The Question has been asked before and most agree. Frequent rest stops and stretch breaks can extend a days total mileage. Have water and snacks handy. Don't forget to eyeball the Bike and check fluids and tire pressure. I saw a sheeps skin wool pad for the seat...Looked good for longer rides.
You might feel like a wuss but a back brace can help also. Gott'a have tools, fresh plugs and a cell phone....etc.

Just my $.02 worth


... -----> Makes the scenery more interesting

[skooter]

I agree with jimbo about the backbrace especially. When I do long trips I always tie down my stuff to the passenger seat in such away that I can lean against it while I'm riding. It really makes a huge difference to the distance that I can travel if my lower back is supported. Don't forget your sporty has a limited range with the smaller tank compared to the bikes set up for touring. Your butt will usually last as long as the tank. I always took a break for a while at every fill up it helped.

[Ole]

The one thing that I've found for my comfort level is that, riding style and conditions dependant, it isn't the miles in the saddle but the time in the saddle. The longest I've spent in my saddle so far is about 12 hours, but my scooter is set up almost exactly the way that I want it for comfort. I have a Mustang seat, ape hangers, an engine guard with highway pegs on it and a T-Bag to lean back against. When I was done with those 12 hours I honestly was not sore in the least bit...I was wet (150 miles of the ride was in rain), but not sore.

I'd say that the biggest thing to REALLY pay attention to on the road is your physical and mental state. If you find yourself daydreaming or it starts to feel good to blink your eyes then GET OFF OF THE ROAD...that way you can come back and tell us how your trip went.

Good luck with your trip and make sure to update us!

[Gone]

I just ordered the HD Sportster touring seat with the drivers back rest on it, talked to a few people who had and said it was great. I have a 03 883 sportster and put over 6000 miles this summer on it, plan on a lot more in 05 and longer trips. Will let you know how the seat works out.

[Gone]

You HAVE to do these things no matter how strange they look to most people -- When I was 30 my girlfiend and I took off for six weeks one summer to circumnavigate the United States in a 100 hp 1500 pound airplane -- now I'm old and I find that most people my age have never had an adventure in thier lives -- I have stories and a smile and a certain amount of wisdom and self confidence that is gained from pushing the envelope -- they are just old, I have a brand new Sportster -- and they are just getting older. Have fun on your trip!! You will find it is more fun to live reality TV than watch it.

[skooter]

Right on exboyracer!