Triumphrat

billybob235 · 02-26-2007

So, I've been thinking about going cross country on my bike.

Not literally, as it's too far and I just don't have the time. I guess I'm looking for someone to answer a few questions, or if anyone can point me in the direction of a good site that will answer my questions.

I've been riding for about 2 years now, but I never rode for more than a couple of hours at a time. How far can I expect to travel in a day before becoming fatigued? I realize this answer is different for everyone, but just looking for a rough estimate.

Any other advice, tips, cautions?

sweatmachine · 02-26-2007

500 mile days are do-able, but anything more is not very enjoyable, at least several days strung together are not. You won't be able to stop and smell the roses anyway. Also, with the bonnie's cute little gas tank you'll be stopping for gas about every 100-120 miles anyway so figure 5 gas stops in a 500 mile day, plus lunch and pee-pee breaks, and you're going to be riding sunup to sundown.

Sheepdog · 02-26-2007

Sweatmachine is right. Actually, I am happiest if I limit my days to around 350 miles. Even at that, you should plan to make an extended stop every 120 miles, or so. It does you a world of good to get out of your gear and get some blood back into your butt. Hydration is important, too. With the wind blowing all around you, it's easy to get dehydrated and not realize it until it's too late. Drink lots of fluid often and stay ahead of drying out. You'll have to pee a bunch, but it'll save you a nasty headache later when you're trying to sleep. Also, consider using a full-face helmet or at least an open-face with a full face shield. A bare face gets pretty abused at highway speeds with all-day exposure. Hmmm, what else? Oh yeah...keep your tires at recommended pressure (factory says 33 psi front and 38 psi rear), especially if you are toting a passenger or a bunch of luggage. It will prevent dangerous heat build-up in your tires. Thats the high spots...I hope you have fun and return home with lots of smiles.

billybob235 · 02-26-2007

Thanks for the info guys!

Anyone ever carry an extra bottle of fuel with them, or no? They make these special bottles I used to have for my boat.

Also, should I invest in some kind of high quality pants? I usually just wear jeans...

I'm definitely going to get some kind of windshield, I've been thinking about the triumph summer shield or a parabellum sport shield- the latter seems like too much, but I worry that the former might not be enough...

I do have a full face helmet, and even though I don't like wearing it, it would probably be best.

evand · 02-26-2007

I will be going from vegas into Canada this summer. I don't feel as if you need any extra gas, msr fuel bottle http://www.msrcorp.com/stoves/bottles.asp could help. but don't worry there are very very few places that do not have fuel every 100 miles in this country.

Orpheus · 02-26-2007

If you stick to sub-400 mile days, a summer shield should be fine. If you try to go 500+ miles, you'll be beaten up pretty badly. You might be in trouble if you try to keep that up day after day.

I took a trip last October where I averaged about 525-550 miles per day. I have a Parabellum Sport shield and bar risers (I'm 6'2"), Ikon rear shocks with the stock seat. The sub-500 days were great. The 500+ days were kind of grueling. The ~625 mile run from Zion National Park, Utah to Denver was... ugh.

You can carry jerry cans on your bike as long as they are well-secured.

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/wedco/

You really just want to bump your bike up into the 150-180 mile range. It's rare to find gas stations spread out more than that. If you're looking for something a little beefier, check out TourTanks.

http://www.tourtank.com/

bgaz · 02-26-2007

I did 9000 miles in under a month on a 1979 Bonneville special, and the top mileage in one day was likely 700.
It was a solo ride from New Jersey to Seattle Washington,
to San Diego, and back to NJ on RT 40 and the blue ridge parkway and skyline drive.

I was younger then, and used to do a LOT of riding, so I never got tired of riding, just tired, or cold, or dirty, or wet, or hungry, or all of the above.

I used to go about 100 miles a tank on that bike, with about 75 or more in reserve. Before I left on the trip, I extended the non reserve petcock height an inch, so when I went on reserve I actually had close to 1/2 a tank of gas.
I never ran out, but I had a trip tick that told me how far it was to the next stop (roughly).

I camped out the whole time, mostly at KOA type places, and after a days ride, a dip in the pool was real nice, along with a few cold ones.

I know my new bonny black is NOT as comfortable as the old bikes were, the footpegs are to far back and close to the seat, which makes your knees bend more, and puts more weight on the wrists.
The seat is also on the hard side, it should be an inch or two thicker and that would help everything.

Brett

billybob235 · 02-26-2007

I may also invest in some highway pegs, never used them before, but it might be nice to be able to change position a little... Also have a Thruxton Gel seat on order, hoping that it's slightly more comfortable than the stock.