So i am planning to ride from Baltimore to Kansas city, Mo this early summer which is about 1200miles. I may do this with a friend or i may go it alone, haven't decided yet. I will mostly be taking highway slab, and probably split it into to days. Aside from taking breaks every 100-150miles and refuel. Is there any advice you all have on such trips. I have never ridden 500-600miles in a day (300 max on the twisties), and wonder if there is anything mechanically i should do to the bike since this would be a constant rpm for many hours.
Any advice is appreciated, i would really like to here from those that have done this on a monster before.
thanks,
RB
No info to offer, but when are you coming to KC and for how long???
Upgrade your seat, it's gonna be a brutal trip. Straight slab runs will take their toll...
Did 400 on the highway twice last summer and yes, upgrade your seat.
I love the original Ducati gel seat...I think 8 hours was the longest day and I was totally fine.
And don't forget your iPod [moto]
I don't think any particular bike prep is necessary, other than making sure it's in good shape and the chain and tires are too. Those are the only two items that have given me problems on long trips and it was all my fault for being optimistic before I left. As long as it's well broken in the motor won't care at all about long stretches at the same speed.
Don't know what your schedule is but it would be more fun if you can stretch it out for a few more days and take longer breaks and some side trips. And it's always better to stick to daylight riding.
On the other hand if you just want to get there of course the slab is best for that.
Get a wrist saver. Not sure if that is the right name or not but is an inexpensive little piece of plastic that goes on your throttle grip and the base of your hand rests in it. It helps with wrist fatigue on those long trips.
i noticed today my hand was going numb also. that was only a few hours. i think i'm gonna look for one of those too.
Plus 1 on the seat and the wrist saver. Longest I've done is 5 hours with only a few stops here and there and the vibrations are one of the worst parts. I got a pair of padded gloves that help immensely with the bar vibrations too. Let me know if you need a stop through mid-missouri.
Quote from: needtorque on March 01, 2009, 09:40:22 AM
Get a wrist saver. Not sure if that is the right name or not but is an inexpensive little piece of plastic that goes on your throttle grip and the base of your hand rests in it. It helps with wrist fatigue on those long trips.
i believe the product name is 'cramp buster' The ThrottleMiester might be something to look at. It's a friction based 'cruise control' device. Nice part is you can adjust the level of friction and the trottle can close if you hand comes off the tube.
My longest is just shy of 600 in a day. Probably the best advice so far is the iPod. I didn't have one, but I did have a little FM radio ... didn't get signal a lot of the time, but when I did it was a welcome relief.
Go tail bag over back pack. I've got a good pack, a Kriega 25, but man I was tired of that thing after 1600 miles in 4 days, especially at the end of the 600 mile home sprint.
As far as prep - I'd say just give your bike a good going over, and make sure all the maintenance is up to date - and you'll have enough tire for the trip. I'm assuming you're planning on changing the oil before you go, just use the good stuff and that should be fine.
I'll recommend you pack a tool kit. Nothing fancy, but the allens you need, crecent wrench, zip ties etc. On my trip allens were needed to a couple mirrors that went wobbly and other little adjustments. Nothing critical, but good to have the tools to take care of it when needed.
Other thoughts...
- in the weeks before the trip, work on your core muscles. It's such a little thing, but it'll make for a more pleasant trip. You'll be able to last longer in the saddle, and won't feel as beat up at the end of the day.
- Easy packed snacks, like trail mix and some water.
Quote from: yuu on March 01, 2009, 11:40:46 AM
i believe the product name is 'cramp buster' The ThrottleMiester might be something to look at. It's a friction based 'cruise control' device. Nice part is you can adjust the level of friction and the trottle can close if you hand comes off the tube.
There you go. I knew someone with a better memory than me would chime in. Worst part is the s4r I just bought has one on it lol.
rain suit. something that packs small, and keeps the water from seeping into your gear.
something to clean your visor (or clean it every time you stop for gas. Don't use the squeegee at the pumps. I put a 6" scrape across my visor last year [bang].) Damp paper towles in a ziploc bag is good.
copy your information. license, registration, medical insurance (god forbid), motorcycle insurance, important #s.
somewhere you can get to it quick (in case you're stopped by a cop). ziploc under the seat is good.
+1 on rain gear you never know whats gonna happen where. I did a 1200miler and ended up underneath an over pass for an hour since it start pouring. it was moving west-east and as soon as i found an open spot i just gunned out of it.
Aside from that
Be prepared to purchase 1 quart of whatever oil to fill top of on your way. Or just bring it with you if you have the space. if you get stuck with no oil at all, pick up diesel oil over car oil unless you run a dry clutch then it doenst matter.
I would get some sort of throttle device, like a throttle rocket for cheap, or a throttlemeister if you have a larger budget.
buy a finger tip squeegy and just throw it on ur left index in case it rains.
and everything laura monster said, ESPECIALLY if your gonna be riding alone. if your riding with someone, exchange copies. you know just in case.
as for the seat goes. GEL SEAT!!!! i custom shaped my seat before i hit the trip and im very glad i did. it would of been 10x better if i had a gel seat. Some people have bad luck, if your one of them, id bring a tire patch kit.
as for cargoing stuff, try to stay away from book bags. and if you must, get a moto specific one like the kriega. otherwise your shoulders are gonna be in a shitload of pain.
other then that, have fun! me and a friend are looking to ride a trip in the summer, from nyc to somewhere west. maybe we can meet up and do part of it together!
1200 miles eh? What are ya gonna do on the second day?
My best so far is 850, and it was not on a Monster. If you slab it, music is must have. Do not put new tires on before a long haul on the slab, they just get flat. If you are going to hit some riding when you get there, make arrangements to get some new tires then, don't ruin them on the way out.
In addition to the cramp buster (they work!) get some sort of throttle lock, I have Throttle Meister, but there are other, way less expensive options. Sometimes it just helps to be able to take a hand off for a few moments, and not have to slow, down gear, or even stop.
In addition to some sort of comfortable seat, look at Bead Rider. The wood beads are not much for keeping you butt stuck to the seat in a corner, but they are fantastic for a long hot day in the saddle. I did my 850 mile day on a day that hit near 100 degrees, it really does work.
And last, swing south on your way out, ride The Dragon. You will never regret it.
Installing a throttle control device appears to be excellent advice for a long slab trip like yours. I have a Throttlemeister on my VFR (works well) and used a mechanical throttle lock on a KLR 650 (cost 25% of the TM). I wonder what would work best on a Monster (750, like mine). I recently heard about the Manic Salamander, a device similar to the Throttlemeister. What device worked well for others on a Monster?
Backpacks are fine, you've just got to get one with a waist belt.
I used an L.L. Bean Bigelow (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=57614&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr) last year when I rode to Nova Scotia (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=8553.0). The plastic frame was nice too as it actually lessened the strain on my core muscles, and it has a place for a CamelBack. It also has a pocket on the waist strap that I keep some Windex wipes in.
Otherwise, yeah, gel seat and a throttle helper will make the ride a lot easier.
UnderArmor pants/shorts or something similar and some Gold Bond will help fend off the inevitable monkey butt.
Also, don't forget to stretch at the end of the day. Nothing worse than waking up stiff and having to throw a leg over and ride another 500 miles.
Quote from: Obsessed? on March 01, 2009, 04:42:56 PM
<snip> Nothing worse than waking up stiff ....
There will come a time in your life when that will be welcome. ;D
I wanna be a dirty old man when I grow up. [evil]
Will you teach me?
Quote from: Obsessed? on March 01, 2009, 05:12:38 PM
I wanna be a dirty old man when I grow up. [evil]
Will you teach me?
I have all the qualifications.
Quote from: Obsessed? on March 01, 2009, 04:42:56 PM
UnderArmor pants/shorts or something similar and some Gold Bond will help fend off the inevitable monkey butt.
is monkey butt like jubgle rot?
Not quite as grim as that. Monkey butt gets it's name from the fact that if you spend a lot of time in the saddle, you'll get a red butt. It's part the constant small scale rubbing, and the lack of breathing for that skin that adds up to the irritation.
+1 to keeping the weight of the gear/stuff ON the motorcycle and not you. You will kick a tail-bag when getting on/off the bike so be prepared for that, but they make it easier to fuel the bike as opposed to a tank bag.
4mm, 5mm & 6mm allen wrenches
couple of screwdrivers
zip-ties
duct-tape
safety-wire (& pliers if you have 'em)
a Multi-tool
I've found that if you bring the tools.....you're far less likely to actually need them.
BTW, I did 440 in one day on my Cafe-Racer with clip-ons, rear-sets and no windscreen. So, 1200 in two days with proper preparation should be easy!
Most I've managed in a day was around 600 or so. It was sub 40 though, and in the rain, so whenever it got dark, it got cold, so I was limited.
I know Jammen has done 1,000+ in a day, but his sanity is questionable.
thanks a ton everyone for some great advice. I have the gel seat, and ipod.
i plan on riding during the daylight, and have been thinking about swinging south to the dragon. Any one around the Kentucky, Indiana,Ohio area, that has a free couch for the night? Still not sure if i am going early summer/late spring or late summer/early fall.
Yes she will be getting a fresh lube before the journey.
AAA or similar roadside insurance
Throttle control:
currently i have been using the choke(which isn't a choke but a throttle cable to warm up the bike) but this isn't going to cut it for highway slab, so it is going to get modified in order to raise the throttle for cruising speed.
Cargo:
I have a friend lending me tank and tail bags, no back-packing. I will be using a camel-back.
rain Gear:
i have gortex gear i use for camping, packs small, and with some lashing down (so it doesn't snap at speed) it fits nicely over my armor.
Documentation:
Great suggestion, and it will be utilized Medical insurance, Blood type, emergency #s, Moto Insurance, Registration
Muscles:
This never crossed my mind, but i will be spending more time in the coming months preparing my core muscles for this trip...great advice. gold-bond to reduce monkey but (i seriously hate it), and lots of stretching.
Earplugs...i have custom Westone ear plugs, i play in a rock band, so good ear protection is a must.
tire Patch:
A patch kit will require removing the tire which isn't going to happen on the side of the road. What if i use a tire plug to limp it to safety?
Tools:
Piers, Safety wire, crescent wrench, zipties, allen keys, duct tape, multi-tool (i have leather man...any suggestions on something more moto specific?)
Visor:
I will get a finger squeegee as suggested, and the damp paper towels is a great idea also. I plan on taking my clear visor freshly rain-x'd and a new tinted when clear. My current tinted visor was cleaned with windex....once....ouch!
Snacks:
LaraBars, cliff bars, trail mix, and a camel back
Quote from: RB on March 02, 2009, 07:32:03 AM
tire Patch:
A patch kit will require removing the tire which isn't going to happen on the side of the road. What if i use a tire plug to limp it to safety?
Plug kit is fine.
You will need to get air into it after-some people bring a small container of compressed air/CO2/whatever, I prefer a bicycle pump. It may take way longer, but if you have a slow leak and a long way to go, it does not get empty.
Quote from: RB on March 02, 2009, 07:32:03 AM
Throttle control:
currently i have been using the choke(which isn't a choke but a throttle cable to warm up the bike) but this isn't going to cut it for highway slab, so it is going to get modified in order to raise the throttle for cruising speed.
i think this is a bad idea. this is how i had a parking lot accident with my old monster.
Quote from: RB on March 02, 2009, 07:32:03 AM
Documentation:
Great suggestion, and it will be utilized Medical insurance, Blood type, emergency #s, Moto Insurance, Registration
Visor:
I will get a finger squeegee as suggested, and the damp paper towels is a great idea also. I plan on taking my clear visor freshly rain-x'd and a new tinted when clear. My current tinted visor was cleaned with windex....once....ouch!
Perhaps look into the AAA services. For a bike, you need to get the more expensive RV+ plan, but it gets you 100mi of free towing and some other extra goodies.
Visor - most moto stores stock small bottles of Plexus. They are about 2/3 the length of my thumb and about the same size around. I like some plexus and a micro fiber cloth. Target sells colths in their car section for about $12 a dozen. They are light and packk in small.
oh and stock up on thoughts casue theres nothing more boring then superslabbing 700 miles
isn't plexus like honda polish? i know they don't make it in small cans, honda polish that is.
throttle control:
i have NEVER used the high idle control on anything lower then highway cruising, and don't see it as a problem. thanks for the tip.
mind numbing slab will definitely require some Jedi mind focus!
Quote from: RB on March 02, 2009, 01:22:48 PM
isn't plexus like honda polish? i know they don't make it in small cans, honda polish that is.
Don't know about honda polish (you mean S100?)... but Plexus is for visors, plastic lenses etc. It can be used on lots of surfaces, like paint. But it originally came from aviation and was used for the plastic windshields of planes.
Quote from: yuu on March 02, 2009, 01:28:32 PM
Don't know about honda polish (you mean S100?)... but Plexus is for visors, plastic lenses etc. It can be used on lots of surfaces, like paint. But it originally came from aviation and was used for the plastic windshields of planes.
thanks yuu!
A good solution for a cheap, effective throttle control: Buy an O-ring that will fit on your bar-end, when you want to "set the cruise" roll the O-ring off the bar-end towards the throttle tube/grip. The O-ring drops inbetween the bar-end and the throttle tube. It will provide just enough resistance to hold the throttle where you have set it, but you can still roll the throttle off if you need to. Buy a few different thicknesses of O-rings and experiment to get the proper drag on the throttle. If you don't have enough friction, move the whole throttle assembly towards the bar-end.
thanks i will give the o-ring a test. I had actually moved my bar end mirror in too far once and created enough friction to stay in place, but eventually would return to idle, but i don't like this since it is on all the time.
Quote from: RB on March 02, 2009, 07:32:03 AM
Throttle control:
currently i have been using the choke(which isn't a choke but a throttle cable to warm up the bike) but this isn't going to cut it for highway slab, so it is going to get modified in order to raise the throttle for cruising speed.
This doesn't sound like a good idea, Just get one of these http://www.throttlerocker.com and be done with it. I rode 650 miles from Death Valley to Northern California a week and a half ago and had no problems.
Here's a pic of it on my bike, I also have an iPod remote control taped to the other side of the bars.
(http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh92/ducaccia/Death%20Valley/IMG_0067.jpg)
Quote from: RB on March 02, 2009, 07:32:03 AM
tire Patch:
A patch kit will require removing the tire which isn't going to happen on the side of the road. What if i use a tire plug to limp it to safety?
Heres a few options for tire plugs with CO2 that comes with some kits http://www.pashnit.com/product/stopngo.html
Quote from: RB on March 02, 2009, 07:32:03 AM
Visor:
I will get a finger squeegee as suggested, and the damp paper towels is a great idea also. I plan on taking my clear visor freshly rain-x'd and a new tinted when clear. My current tinted visor was cleaned with windex....once....ouch!
Just buy some plexus. They sell it in a very small 7 oz. bottles and clean your visor very well. You can fit it in your pocket.
Quote from: 2 Wheel Wanderer on March 02, 2009, 07:11:20 PM
This doesn't sound like a good idea, Just get one of these http://www.throttlerocker.com and be done with it. I rode 650 miles from Death Valley to Northern California a week and a half ago and had no problems.
Heres a few options for tire plugs with CO2 that comes with some kits http://www.pashnit.com/product/stopngo.html
Just buy some plexus. They sell it in a very small 7 oz. bottles and clean your visor very well. You can fit it in your pocket.
Thanks for the concern, i have used a throttle rocket and it doesn't allow me to move my wrist into different locations/angles because of the heel pad, and the throttle miester is out because of my mirrors.
I have a tire plug kit already, and think i will take a couple of CO2s as suggested and a small bike pump from my mountain bike.
And yes i plan on buying some plexus....which won't harm an iridium shield....right?
thanks
Quote from: 2 Wheel Wanderer on March 02, 2009, 07:11:20 PM
Just buy some plexus. They sell it in a very small 7 oz. bottles and clean your visor very well. You can fit it in your pocket.
I was thinking even smaller - like this:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VAMFK0JFL._SS500_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Plexus-Pocket-Spray/dp/B000F8EV5W (http://www.amazon.com/Plexus-Pocket-Spray/dp/B000F8EV5W)
A 0.42 oz (just looked at mine) pressurized metered spray. One or two shots takes care of pretty much any mess. Not sure how many you get in that bottle. I lost my 1st one before it ran out.
Quote from: yuu on March 02, 2009, 07:21:35 PM
I was thinking even smaller - like this:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41VAMFK0JFL._SS500_.jpg)
http://www.amazon.com/Plexus-Pocket-Spray/dp/B000F8EV5W (http://www.amazon.com/Plexus-Pocket-Spray/dp/B000F8EV5W)
A 0.42 oz (just looked at mine) pressurized metered spray. One or two shots takes care of pretty much any mess. Not sure how many you get in that bottle. I lost my 1st one before it ran out.
Yup I've got a couple of those as well. They're great but for the price you pay it's not much more for the bigger bottle. That's just my preference cause I ride with a backpack all the time, even on long trips. I carry everything with me on long trips, tools, oil, tire plugs, automatic tire pump (you connect it to your battery), chain lube, everything and anything just in case you need it.
Here's a link to a super cheap RF iPod remote. It works very well. Shove you iPod in you jacket strap the controller to your handlebars and you good to go. The only other thing I do is put it in a small Ziploc bag before I tape it to the bars just to keep it dry if it rains.
http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-AirClick-Remote-Control-iPod/dp/B0007NWM10 (http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-AirClick-Remote-Control-iPod/dp/B0007NWM10)
I just upgraded to AAA +RV. It's silly that a motorcycle costs as much as a winnebego for AAA coverage. They don't see motorcycles as primary transportation vehicles. I found this out when I needed AAA to help me out roadside. [bang]
But now I know and now I'm covered.
Quote from: ducpainter on March 01, 2009, 05:07:11 PM
There will come a time in your life when that will be welcome. ;D
+2 Dolph ;D
Quote from: RB on March 02, 2009, 07:32:03 AM
thanks a ton everyone for some great advice. I have the gel seat, and ipod.
i plan on riding during the daylight, and have been thinking about swinging south to the dragon. Any one around the Kentucky, Indiana,Ohio area, that has a free couch for the night? Still not sure if i am going early summer/late spring or late summer/early fall.
Yes she will be getting a fresh lube before the journey.
AAA or similar roadside insurance
Throttle control:
currently i have been using the choke(which isn't a choke but a throttle cable to warm up the bike) but this isn't going to cut it for highway slab, so it is going to get modified in order to raise the throttle for cruising speed.
Cargo:
I have a friend lending me tank and tail bags, no back-packing. I will be using a camel-back.
rain Gear:
i have gortex gear i use for camping, packs small, and with some lashing down (so it doesn't snap at speed) it fits nicely over my armor.
Documentation:
Great suggestion, and it will be utilized Medical insurance, Blood type, emergency #s, Moto Insurance, Registration
Muscles:
This never crossed my mind, but i will be spending more time in the coming months preparing my core muscles for this trip...great advice. gold-bond to reduce monkey but (i seriously hate it), and lots of stretching.
tire Patch:
A patch kit will require removing the tire which isn't going to happen on the side of the road. What if i use a tire plug to limp it to safety?
Tools:
Piers, Safety wire, crescent wrench, zipties, allen keys, duct tape, multi-tool (i have leather man...any suggestions on something more moto specific?)
Visor:
I will get a finger squeegee as suggested, and the damp paper towels is a great idea also. I plan on taking my clear visor freshly rain-x'd and a new tinted when clear. My current tinted visor was cleaned with windex....once....ouch!
Snacks:
LaraBars, cliff bars, trail mix, and a camel back
Don't forget and Ipod or most definitely Earplugs . Try some different ones to see which work best for you. I use a Microfiber towel that is about 12" X 12" . It is great for not scratching my Mirrored Visors . Also you can get the small 3" container of Plexus with 325 measured sprays to clean and polish your Visor . Most any bike shop carries it.
With the Microfiber cloth, water works just fine. It can be washed in the Washing Machine when it gets dirty.
Be sure to stay hydrated. That will help you fight cramps and fatigue.
One other thing. With the poor Economy , [leo] will be writing more tickets to bring in money for cities that have no other way to generate revenue so they say [leo]. Dolph ;)
ipod control...great idea, i actaully had one of those for my ipod-mini
Earplugs...i have custom Westone ear plugs, i play in a rock band, so good ear protection is a must.
thanks for the Po-Po info, i hadn't thought about that.
one local PD recently put out a memo telling their patrolmen to write more tickets. They got hammered in the local papers for it, cause they got wind of it.
I did about 2000 miles in four days last summer, and yes the superslab sections sucked. I had the gel seat which was a life saver, so you're good to go there. The absolute best item I purchased for that trip was a set of Etymotic Research ER6i ear phones for my ipod. They work like ear plugs, so they totally block wind noise and allow you to listen to your music without blaring it. Think they go for about $70 on amazon. I love the things.
Most of all, be safe and have a good time!!!
On the "be safe" side, when you're tired, or the weather sucks, just pull over and rest.
As the saying goes, "Sometimes the fastest way to get there is to stop for the night."
stopping when i am tired is going to be my biggest challenge, i get bull-headed with my self at times to just push on, just a little further.
I have the Sennheiser earphones that should fit my westone earplugs since they have removable db filters.
keep the advice coming
thanks
RB