- This topic has 6 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 9 months ago by megaspaz.
Road Trip
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June 6, 2008 at 4:41 pm #1485shagglesParticipant
I haven’t made any vacation plans yet this year and just yesterday I started thinking a motorcycle road trip would be fun. I was thinking of riding down to visit my sisters in the Bay Area (I live in Seattle.) The thing is my bike is a little Virago 250. I’ve taken it on the freeway a few times and it’s been OK. It can do 80+ mph but it’s really working hard at anything over 60. Is my little bike going to be able to make the 1600 mile round trip? I worry that working the engine so hard for so long is going kill it. Any suggestions on routes other than I-5 the whole way?
June 6, 2008 at 4:57 pm #7096BenParticipantI’ve heard of people taking Ninja 250’s on pretty long roadtrips, I bet the Virago could handle it. Unfortunately I don’t know many twisty roads in washington or oregon, but I’m sure if you google them then you might be able to find some fun ones.
Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles AdminJune 6, 2008 at 5:06 pm #7097megaspazParticipantMy buddy just came back from a road trip from campbell, ca. to spokane on his ninja 250. you’ll be fine. but if you do come down, let us know and we could plan out a meetup… (-:
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…June 7, 2008 at 5:07 am #7105RabParticipantOne guy did an Iron Butt Rally (lasts for 11 days and the total ground covered is roughly 11,000 miles) on a 250 c.c. Honda Helix Scooter, so you should be okay I would think.
Take your time (60-65 mph as traffic allows), make regular rest stops, as much for yourself as for the bike.
If the bike’s near to needing a service, then get it done before you go. Also ensure that your tires have plenty of meat on them. Remember to lube the chain every 200-300 miles and also carry some spare engine oil in case you’re burning any.
Towing insurance and a cell phone should be pre-requisites too; just in case.
June 7, 2008 at 1:28 pm #7111MattParticipantWashington and Oregon resource for motorcycle touring (well, everywhere really)
If you are going to do the trip, I’d say plan to take roads that do not require speeds above 60mph (don’t plan for interstates). The reason is two fold: On an interstate you experience very little of the world around you, and you’ll be more stressed dealing with the antics of drivers around you.
Rab’s comment for allowing frequent stops is a damned good idea.
I always think of riding a motorcycle as driving a car, but it isn’t. It is physically and (more significantly) mentally exhausting in ways cars simply are not. I’ve found a 200mile day on back country roads is a very very long day on a motorcycle. I expect that it’ll get easier as time goes on, but a 200 mile day trip pushes me right to the edge (I can of drive 600miles in a day without issue).June 10, 2008 at 7:47 pm #7189shagglesParticipantI’m thinking maybe the Pacific Coast Highway might be the way to go.
June 11, 2008 at 4:40 am #7199megaspazParticipantYeh, that definately sounds like a cool route to take. Be aware, my buddy says that ninja250 loses 1/2 its horsepower going up mountains around 6000 ft. He was redlining and barely pulling 50 mph… I’m assuming that I remember correctly that you’ve got a ninja 250.
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If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now… -
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