[shaggles]

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?

[Ben]

I’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 Admin

[megaspaz]

My 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… (-:

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[Rab]

One 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.

[Matt]

Washington and Oregon resource for motorcycle touring (well, everywhere really)

http://www.canyonchasers.net/

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).

[shaggles]

I’m thinking maybe the Pacific Coast Highway might be the way to go.

[megaspaz]

Yeh, 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.

—
If there’s anything more important than my ego
around, I want it caught and shot now…

[Author]

Posts