Long distance riding advice?

[alanbstard4]

get an old R series BMW. Twins the best regardless of brand for touring. BMW R series low centre of gravity, lightweight and the company has spare parts that go between models over a number of years, and BMW caters well for the tourer re accessories

[pcfix33]

Nice suzuki. I had a 80 GS1000 as my first bike. I always loved the sound of that 4 cylinder engine.

[seekinsoul]

@pcfix33 Thanks! I love Suzuki's GS series.

[thm4855]

if you want to teach anybody you have to talk so people can understand what you are saying - your waving bike and sound is just noncense.

[WillieLopez22]

where to? And from where?

[seekinsoul]

@WillieLopez22 From north central PA to Deals Gap and back. About 700 miles one way, done over 2 days. 1800 miles total for the trip down and back, and the week I was there. I would do it again and more in a heartbeat.

[NashDragger]

Hi what bike are you riding? Suzuki?

[seekinsoul]

@NashDragger 1982 Suzuki GS550L

[WillieLopez22]

So, did you do it? The long ride...I could tell that we are the same type of rider, nothing to hurry about, & taking frequent breaks...'hope we can ride together...

[seekinsoul]

@WillieLopez22 Yep, and doing it again this year :)

[seekinsoul]

@thebipolarpolarbear Haha, yeah I know. I do put the ear buds in occasionally for some tunes. It's nice for long boring stretches of road.

[seekinsoul]

@thebipolarpolarbear

1) A camelback - Good idea

2) Marijuana - Illegal

3) Ipod - Illegal to use while riding in Pennsylvania (and other states)

I definitely don't have that kind of trip distance under my belt. I'll have to work on that :)

[Reduxalicious]

@seekinsoul Having an Ipod in your ear is Illegal in Penn? That SUCKS

[seekinsoul]

@Reduxalicious Yes, it sucks big time. PA is one of a handful of states that prohibit it. A comm system in one ear is allowed though.

[AfterMidnightRider2]

I'd say, a windshield (I like mine low), ear plugs, kidney belt (the kind stockboys use, i put mine on really tite), jacket and if it's cool chaps. Sit up strate. Move forward or back on the seat after a while, just to change positions. Try different foot positions on the pigs. Stay relaxed...don't hunch your shoulders, keep them down or your shoulder blades will be burning in no time. And don't have a death grip on the bars.

[Flosailor]

Well, did you make the DG3, seekinsoul? My advice, fwiw, is do things that'll put your mind at ease-double bag your kit to keep the rain out, top up with fuel every time you stop, don't go more than 3/4 of a tank without filling up, take an easy pace and enjoy yourself!

[seekinsoul]

@Flosailor Yeah, I made it.

[lrjalrjalrjalrja]

The proper bike and seat make the world of difference.

I hooked up a plug in for my cell phone.

MP3 plauer with rubber earplug earphones keep you entertained as well as from going deaf, and a good rythem and beat can help keep you awake.

Know how far you can go on a tank of fuel.

Many love to put seat beads on if they have a problem with swetty butt.

The more upright you can sit the easier it will be on your back wrists and neck.

If your eyes get heavey stop.

Bring a camera & use it.

[lrjalrjalrjalrja]

I use a flap that goes on my throttle, others use a throttle lock.

Water proof you stuff and pack rain gear. I double garbage bag my tent and sleepingbag, bunjy net them to the back seat.

Big windscreens rock.

Pack bugspray & lots of water.

Boxer briefs work good.

Change your socks every day.

Bring a tire plug kit and small air pump.

Lower back brace helps.

Make sure oil, tire condition & air pressure, chain lube & tension are good.

you can buy walmart clothes along the way to pack lite

[Wilks89]

Wilsonryder69 and Suburanryder are the first ones that comes to mind when thinking of long distance riding. Wilson did that Iron Butt 1000 and Suburban did that long tour last summer. I shoot them an message and see what they can offer.

[dprider02]

I don't generally ride very long distances, but I did manage 1000 miles or so inside of 3 days last summer. No big deal. My only problem, and I know this sounds silly, was that my tighty whiteys caused some serious chaffing around the seams. Aren't you glad you asked? Next time I'm gonna be wearing flannel boxers!

Also, save a little room in your luggage for water and snacks. Then you won't have to search out a convenience store every time you feel like a short break.

[seekinsoul]

Thanks dp! A little too much info, LOL, but I hadn't thought about that. Snacks are a good idea, too. I'm all about snack food.

[britex3186]

1. Make a list of what you will need.

2. If not used to long distances, then stop often for stretch breaks. At least a 5 minute break every hour.

3. Drink lots of water. Camel backs work well.

[seekinsoul]

Thanks britex! I'll definitely be making a list. The max I can get on a tank is about 145-150 miles because the tank is so small, so I'd be stopping fairly frequently anyway. I'll have drinks, too.