Going for a ride....a long ride

I've been thinking lately. Which is not necessarily a good thing. I been riding sport bikes for 10 years now and I think it's time to mix it up. My rides really just revolved around going out for a blast, commuting, weekend rides for a few hours. That's it. I started off small and now I have a bike most people earn their way to and I'm grateful for that. But now that I'm at the proverbial top, I feel less like the rider I used to be. 10 years ago I wanted to ride anywhere and everywhere. Now I feel like I've cornered myself into the uber sportbike/ racing genre, like most of us here. Which isnt a bad thing. But on the street I been finding myself, less then thrilled on my 1098. I didn't know why, until i thought about it recently. Time for a change and an adventure.

Here's the idea:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...,86.044922&z=4

Start here in CT, then head westward across the country. Hit cali/nevada and head north. Into Canada/Northern BC. Then head eastward back home.

Selling the 1098 for one of these:

Attachment 6428

Take a month off, get the F out of here.

The route isn't settled yet, but thats just a general idea for now.

This is definitely happening. My time frame is late this year, if not this time next year. First thing first is money and the bike. I want to get the bike ASAP, learn every in and out of it, get seat time on it, go over some offroading techniques, if the situation arises.

A complete touring bike would be an idea too, but there are some places I will go to in the trip that might be less than paved, poor roads or just plain no roads. That's why I have the idea of a GS in my head. Also im trying to find a bike with great range. I really want to get into northern canada if possible. Like the beautiful and remote park/reserves...etc.. but the gas there might be far few and in between. So fuel range is VERY important. But Im open to suggestions.

So any suggestions, ideas, comments, tell me im fucking nuts.... This is my first time doing something like this. Its something I always wanted to do. I'm excited as hell just thinking about it. And scared shitless that Im finally gonna do it.

not sure on the Range of the GS but I think they make an extended range fuel tank you can get.... as far as sport touring bikes I still think the FJR1300 has the best range/tank around 300-400 miles depending on how you're riding but i wouldn't take it on many off road trails, unpaved and unimproved roads aren't an issue if you lower the tire pressures a bit

sounds awesome man... i say do it, take plenty of pics, make a journal of it, and post it all up here

Im doing the math on the gas right now as im sitting back and have a few drinks to relax.

The GS gets an est. 47 to 57 mpg. Lets call it 53 on avg. With its 5.3 gallon tank (total). You get 276 miles on a tank.

The FJR is claiming 39mpg out of a 6.6 gallon tank. Netting 257 miles per tank.

Again this is just going by each manufacturers EPA claims.

There is a 5.3 to 8.7 gallon conversion out there. Which would get an estimated 462 miles per tank. Thats something id consider doing and might prove useful up in wild north canada.

I'd be curious to find out the Real world estimates on the GS but I'd spend the extra cash on the 8.7 gallon tank as a must when riding out in the low populated areas.

Those estimates on the FJR are very conservative IMHO.. only time I ever saw that low millage was under hard riding in the Smokies never getting out of 2 or 3rd gear. Normal touring it was around 350miles before the Fuel trip comes on leaving you another Gallon for reserve

If you're seriously looking at back woods adventuring yes I'd definitely go with the GS but if it was mostly paved roads with the occasional 50-100 miles of dirt/unpaved roads I'd still take the FJR.. But make sure you check them both out in person especially if you have a short inseam.. The FJR isn't "tall" by seat hight standards but it IS top heavy and wide in the seat making low speed manuvering a challenge for many. The GS is also a bit top heavy and taller but skinnier and offers better ground clearance of the dirt areas

Yeah, Im going to check out all and any bikes that meet the criteria.

I have thought about a bike like the FJR ot BMW R 1200 RT, Kwak Concourse..etc. They still remain an option, but I just dont know what i'll be up against in some places. Maybe further research will tell me. But I'm guessing 80% of this trip will be on road, which wants me to get a tourer. But the other 20%...I dont know.

On the flip side, once this is done. I feel the GS would be put to more use as a daily.

I'm 6'0 tall and have about a 31" to 32" inseam, so i can flat foot both feet on most bikes. I'd have to see on the GS, i heard its a tall bastard. Tomorrow morning i might take a ride to my dealer who also reps BMW's.

Originally Posted by KazeXIII

If you are hitting up NV and happen to swing by the Reno/Tahoe area, let me know. I'll meet up with ya and go for a ride up to a certain point.

Actually, right now that's my turning point to head up north ( thinking about touring tahoe/Nev/nor cal then head up Oregon). I'd definitely be up to meet up with you and Pecha and get a ride in. Maybe get some co-op GT 5P in the mix.

Sounds awesome. I will do that some day.

You should plan your route thru the cities that R6L members are in. Try to get as many people on here as possible to meet up with you when you're in their city and at least ride thru the city with you. That would make an awesome thread with lots of pics from you and them.

Too bad you're not taking I-10 from Cali or I'd meet up with you too.....If you decide to, I'll ride a few hrs with you.

If you come through Northwest Ohio be sure to give me a shout and you can crash on a couch or spare bed if one's available I'd ride with ya through town but that would only take all of five minutes or I'd just wave at ya as you ride by.. lol