Long distance ride

[Saftie]

Hi,

Probably a silly question but what are your experiences with long distance rides?
Reading a lot about over heating, I was wondering how you schedule your stops to let the bike rest and cool down? (Besides giving your body a break)
Lets say I wanted to go 300 miles in one day and could manage physically to ride for hours, how well would the bike handle it? Talking highway at maybe 60-70.

Thanks,
G

[oh9bolt]

I rode from Washington DC to Indianapolis in one day a couple months ago 555 miles averaging 70-80mph, stopping only for gas

[nazark_18]

I rode 820 miles over 3 days this summer. We stopped every 80-100 miles bc one of the guys we were with had a sportster w a small tank. On our way home we rode 320 miles stopping for gas and food. The bike will handle it just fine.

[user_deleted]

I rode from Washington DC to Indianapolis in one day a couple months ago 555 miles averaging 70-80mph, stopping only for gas

one hell of a day in the saddle, jesse!
saftie: i find that on a buell in particular i'm ready to get off the bike and take a break when i need to fuel it up. you mentioned 60-70mph and these bikes will run forever at those speeds with no heating, rpm, or other mechanical issues. EARPLUGS will be your friend along with a quality helmet and riding gear, heated grips and heated vest for cooler weather.

[christianmb]

I was averaging about 80 between Indy and Huntsville and back about a year and a half ago. No issues other than I developed the dreaded fuel pump always on problem. I was quite ready to be off of her when I got back to Indy. Other than that no problems at all.

[firefighter1c57]

I rode my XBR, yea, I know, it's got a bit more wind protection, 900.9 miles from Columbus IAP to my house in Chouteau Oklahoma in 17 hours.

[Saftie]

Great, thanks.
Yes, earplugs will be on top of my list.
Wanted to look into new headphones anyway and maybe the noise canceling ear plugs will work. Set iPhone to "shuffle on shake" and I'm good to go. Will look stupid if I keep hitting my jacket whenever I want to change a song but oh well... :)

[Miami78]

Couple months ago I rode from Vegas to Denver, 760 miles in one day averaging 90mph. The bike does not need rest, it will be fine. Your ass will need rest though...I had to stop every 100-120 miles just to stretch my legs and get some circulation going. Rode back to Vegas over the next 2 days with some scenic detours through the air force academy in Colorado Springs and Moab, Utah, total of about 1800 miles over 3 days. Worst thing was the numbness/weakness in my right hand from all the vibration, took about a week to get back to full strength in my hand. Getting rained and hailed on sucked, too. Both directions.

More recently rode from Vegas to near Salt Lake City, Utah...400 miles each way. That was a much more manageable distance. And it didn't rain.

[deathandtexas]

Longest ride on the Buell so far was 250 miles from Cinci to Cleveland. I wouldn't want to go much farther to be honest. But maybe I'm spoiled because most of my touring has been done on big HDs (Road King and Road Glide). On those I've gone from San Jose, CA to St. Louis and back up to Vancouver Island on one trip and from San Jose, CA to Cleveland, Ohio and back on another (not in one day mind you). Tip: be careful riding through the Southwest in the summer, apparently it's called Monsoon season and it sucks to ride through. ;)

[freak2180]

I did 750-800 on "Baby Girl" in one day when she was fully dressed. Now that she's wearing a bit less clothing I haven't had the opurtunity to challenge those numbers. All I stopped for was to feed her and myself. This was in the early summer time also.

[Zeroflat24]

damn you guys ride a long way. I am usually tired of riding after 150 miles. My ass just cant go much longer than it takes to run through a tank of gas.

[freak2180]

I like long rides. Even if I'm just cruzing DFW I can burn 2 tanks.

[captain chaos]

Assuming the bike is in good running order to begin with it will have NO problems going farther than any rational human being will ever take it. I rode mine 1500mi. over a 3 day period before I sold it (went from Kokomo, in to the dragon to the Barber Motorsports Museum than back home). I went from Birmingham, Al to Kokomo, In in one shot. The temps were in the high 90's/ low 100's all day (not to mention HUMID!) and average speed in the souther 1/2 of that leg was 85-90mph (those southern-ers are CRAZY!). I had absolutely no issues with heat other than myself as I always ride in FF helmet, gloves and Jacket. I needed a break every 120mi or so to cool off and get a drink which was fine as that was a good "gas-stop" distance" anyway.

[Zeroflat24]

I just dont get how you guys can physically stand sitting on our bikes that long. I switched over to an S tail on my xb12r but i still couldnt ride 300+ miles.

[rtrac1]

did 1350 miles over 5 days this past summer. longest day was around 350miles

overheating isnt an issue unless your stuck in traffic

[oh9bolt]

Just a bit of info for ear buds, I bought jvc marshmallows (if you get these buy them with the remote control so you can swith the track, iphone shake to switch track doesnt work well when on a bike and moving around) and they are awesome, or ear plugs and some helmet speakers work good.

[05Bueller]

I put over 200 miles on my bike in one day this summer, felt great, legs didn't hurt at all really. I'm always down for a long ride, I think the closest guy on here to me is oh9bolt. It's a little cool out right now though ;)

[oh9bolt]

Where are you located 05Bueller?

[Saftie]

Great info oh9bolt. I will check them out.
Glad to hear that there are no issues and have to agree with other posts: damn, you guys take long trips. But hey, so many cool places to see and such a short life.

Now I will try to find the other thread about saddle bags again. :)

[05Bueller]

@ oh9bolt, PM'd.

[glenn r]

rode 06 ulysses from huntley illinois to Knoxville tenn only stopping for gas no issues throttle lock would have been a plus would also wear earplugs

[captain chaos]

rode 06 ulysses from huntley illinois to Knoxville tenn only stopping for gas no issues throttle lock would have been a plus would also wear earplugs

I did end up buying a crampbuster at Deals Gap on my trip because my thumb on my right hand was cramping pretty bad. Worth EVERY bit of the $10 I paid and then some. So, +1 on a throttle lock or similar aid.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/0000_CrampBuster_Wide_Motorcycle_Cruise_Assist.jpg

[bfletcher]

05bueller and oh9bolt, I know it just turned a bit cool today but I'm down to ride almost anytime....after work or weekends. If y'all get out, hit me up.

[lithiumion]

i haven't found ear buds that can compete with highway noise plus the jardine. earplugs are safer for your hearing in later years of life lol

[SilveradoTX]

I've done several 300+ miles trips without any issues, only stopping to fill up and hydrate. Did do a couple 700+ mile trips only stopping for fuel and food/drink. The bike has handled every bit of it without any issues.

The key, at least for me, to distance riding is really about paying attention to your body and knowing when you need to stretch, eat, drink, etc.

[dannenvance]

A couple months back I did just a hair under 300 miles with my wife on the back of our 12scg. We were both fine with zero complaints. Granted, I don't want to do that every day but the bike can certainly take it. I agree with everyone else; earbuds/earplugs/earphones + stop, stretch & re-hydrate frequently.

[SilveradoTX]

A couple months back I did just a hair under 300 miles with my wife on the back of our 12scg. We were both fine with zero complaints.

Nice. [up]

My wife and I have done a couple lengthy rides on my Scg. One was around 300 miles, the first one she rode was 500+ miles with me. I managed over a 140 miles before my low fuel light came on with that trip.
The lengthy trips make 30-45 minute rides seem almost like nothing.

[05Bueller]

I need to get one of those throttle buddy things. My cousin has one on his Sportster, he loves it. bfletcher, where are you located?

[snrusnak]

No issues if you stay at a reasonable speed. If you cruise at 80+ for long long periods I would suspect the heat could lead to shortening engine life.

I rode ~600 miles in less than 48 hours last summer in AR and it was between 105-110 deg F most of the time. We cruised mostly at about 60mph ish sometimes a little slower, sometimes a little faster, and for one sprint we cruised more like 100mph for about 10 minutes or so and the bike did just fine. Only time the fan ran was on the 100mph sprint, in fact, and when shutting off(as it almost always does).

[Theycallmecrash]

I do the 400mile run to vegas from san diego cali few times a year, mosty this last summer in 120deg f temps and booking it often hitting over 100 and some full all outs, no issues but i do change my oil before i go and after i get back.

It looks like ill be moving to NC near Raleigh in some months from now (least thats the talk) and ill be shipping my stuff over but riding from coast to coast with detours so around 3000 miles. Im a little worried and plan to pace it.

[SilveradoTX]

ill be shipping my stuff over but riding from coast to coast with detours so around 3000 miles. Im a little worried and plan to pace it.

If you make your way through Texas, let us know. Maybe we could get a small group together and get some food. Just a thought.

[Theycallmecrash]

That was more or less what i meant by detours, catch some buellers along the way, maybe even work my way to the dragon!

[cb750]

I rode six hundred some miles from my house to the Dragon in a day, I stuck to the speed limit in Ohio, but as soon as I crossed over to Kentucky I wicked it up to 75-80. I took a break each time I stopped for gas, I needed it m,ore than the bike did. I found that ion my stock lightning once I got to 70 mph there was a lot of wind pushing on my helmet. By the time I got to Deal's Gap I had a headache, neckache, and sore knees. At one point during the trip I stopped and took a nap.

I've ridden several bikes on 500+ mile trips, and the XB was easily the most uncomfortable for me. Add highway pegs, more padding to the seat, (I have the Scg seat) and keep the speed down It would be a fine ride.

[snrusnak]

Personally the xb is the most comfortable bike I have ridden. Everyone is different though...

[Squeadlies]

I ride my 1125r a crap-ton. In october she had 3500 miles on her, now I'm at 9800. About to hit the big 10K!
Only thing serious so far was the clutch weep. that and she is a fuel boiler! Get's hot on this god-forsaken rock of an island.

[bfletcher]

05bueller, you've been pm'ed.

[Saftie]

Coast to coast is awesome. You gonna turn it into a straight a to b trip or do you add a few days and take the scenic routes once in a while?

[Theycallmecrash]

I could end up on the other coast sane if i went straight, ill prob bounce through the middle drop to east texas then straight from there. Maybe i kinda wanna avoid the "south" those people sound mean.

[freak2180]

Southerner's ain't mean... Just protective. I'm east of Dallas...

[NSEGE]

OK, I'll put in my 2cents worth.... last summer I did two 650 mile days within a week of each other, in temps from over 100 to 60 or so. Desert and mountain, Freeway and back roads...... on a CityX, with luggage and a gel pad on the seat.

All with no ill effects on my 65-year-old body.

In a younger day I did a couple of 850-mile days similarly on a Norton Commando (Dunstallized).

Cheers!

[mtnmason]

If you cruise at 80+ for long long periods I would suspect the heat could lead to shortening engine life.

I'm no expert, but I would tend to disagree. Our motors (12s) will spin at about 4k in top gear around 80 which isnt breathing too awfully hard. The force of the air hitting the motor at a sustained 80 mph is obviously gonna cool the motor much better than, say, 60 mph wind. I would almost infer that sustained 80 mph cruising at 4k would prolong engine life compared to sustained 50 mph cruising even at lower rpms. But- i could be wrong.

The 'bolt isnt the most comfortable ride in the world but I once pulled off 850 miles over two days of sun-up to sun-down riding on WVa. backroads. Butt and knees were the only thing bothering me. Drop pegs helped immensely. Hope to find one of those cushy seats one day.

[snrusnak]

I'm no expert, but I would tend to disagree.Â* Our motors (12s) will spin at about 4k in top gear around 80 which isnt breathing too awfully hard.Â* The force of the air hitting the motor at a sustained 80 mph is obviously gonna cool the motor much better than, say, 60 mph wind.Â* I would almost infer that sustained 80 mph cruising at 4k would prolong engine life compared to sustained 50 mph cruising even at lower rpms.Â* But- i could be wrong.

heat is a big enemy to engine life. I am just speaking from my experiences. I know I have a 9, not a 12, so it's a little different, and I'm in an extremely hot climate, but if I cruise at over say 80mph for any real time the bike gets very hot(even with the fan running).

[go cytocis]

My experience is similar to many other poster's here. I have done several 800-1000 Km (500-600 mi) days back to back in 40c (100F) heat at speeds over 150km/h (90mph) without incident.

As long as you are moving, air cooling is more than adequate, especially with the supplementary fans. Contrary to popular belief, air cooling is disappearing due to increasingly stringent regulation on smog emissions & noise levels. Water cooled engines run more efficiently because they actually run hotter temperatures more consistently than air cooled engines.

Your ass will break before the XB's motor will!

[mtnmason]

Snrusnak-

Agreed. Climate prob has more to do with it than anything. Theres not much difference b/t 80 and 60 mph wind when the ambient temp is near three digits.

Sorry to digress. Carry on.

[50W]

I did a trip last summer (12Scg) with no problems, put on around 2000 miles, my longest day was just over 700 miles, my first few stops were just fuel and go and at about half way I wasted 2 hours relaxing and then finished off, bike was awesome but my butt was very sore.
Would like to modify the seat with extra padding for this summer, and make some new brackets for my bags so I can mount a spare fuel can on the back (some of the gas stations were 130 - 140 miles apart).
You mentioned looking for bags for your bike, check out my post on the Uly bags I mounted, they worked perfectly and made the trip so much easier not having to worry about straps failing and stuff falling off. In fact most of the time I forgot the bags were there and I pushed the corners as hard as I wanted (I'm curious how it looked from behind as far as bag to road clearance was).

[Stillonit]

I rode to Florida from Chicago the only problem I had was on the Florida turnpike it was 100+ and I got stuck in long line in the tollbooth. She did not like that . the motor was knocking really bad when I paid and took off.I thought oh oh their goes my motor.but being easy on the throttle for a mile or so the motor cooled and the problem went away,, Try not to get stuck in stop and go traffic..throttle lock and earplugs.YES and a drink holder
Chicago to Tifton ga in 1 day.
Over 900 mile according to mapquest my speedo said 1000 .80 mph. fuel and go fuel and go.

[Stillonit]

If I just could have had some air circulation under my ass it would have been sooooo much better.

[Saftie]

Thanks 50W, looks great.
i think thats the route i am going: figure out where/ how to attach on the bike and worry about the bags later.

...and +1 on air circulation

You rode 1000 miles in one day? Dude, that's impressive.