a windshield keeps the wind off your chest and face and makes the ride so much more enjoyable... when I was young I rode 300 to 400 miles a day some times more... now that I've been riding 55 plus yrs. I don't care how far I ride in a day, when I'm on the road I never tell anyone when I'm going to make a destination... I just tell them I'm be there when I get there... Some days I'll ride 300 miles other days I'll only ride 50 or a 100 miles depending how I feel.... I've got more miles behind me than I do in front of me so I'm in no hurry.... I promised my kids I'd stop riding when I turned 95.... So I still have a couple of more yrs. and miles to go. So until then it'll be Jesus and me 1 mile at a time... :0)
Im totally blown away by that road and sky. You Americans are so lucky to have such a diverse country. Go out and explore it for us in smaller countries! High five from ye olde England
Nice little video. I'm a long distance rider myself riding often 10 - 12 hours a day on tour (usually 8 - 14 days). When I'm riding alone, I schedule my day of riding by the tank; run out a tank (400km), rest for 15-20 minutes, run our 3/4 second tank (300km), rest 20-30 minutes, Run our a 1/2 tank (200km), rest for 30-40 minutes and finally run out the last 1/2 full tank (200km) and find a place to relax and enjoy a few cold brews. That's a total of 1100 km in 12 hours @ 110km/hr - give-or-take (I don't smoke,so that's a big advantage as well). I'm a bit spoiled, riding an Electra Glide (I call her my Big Blue Sofa-Glide) with cruise but, the suspension is all Progressive Hi-performance so, it's a bit of a hot rod ride and keeps me alert. Happy trails and safe riding! Thanks for sharing.
Stand up at traffic stops and stretch forward. Throttle locks help relieve your right hand. Forward footrest help stretch your legs. Gas up every 100 miles. Get off your bike if even for just a few minutes.
Most importantly is the spine. Fluid and energy needs to flow freely. Arch forward and back and side to side occasionally. Excessive heat or cold as well as even minor dehydration and hunger impairs action, judgement, consciousness, etc. Ear plugs are an absolute must. Without protection you WILL lose hearing from wind noise alone not to mention other loud sounds. All it takes is one exposure such as a nearby gun shot or straight pipes revving to cause permanent damage and a lifetime of annoying ringing in the ears.
Great tips. Definitely on the ear plugs. The first time I used them, I was totally amazed that I could hear myself think at 75mph. And even a cheapy WalMart hydration pack is better than nothing.
Good advice, ive done everything you talk about but switched to an FLH, no more bugs all over my jacket and face. And also have full bags, an Aerostich one piece suit and in crazy hot weather it goes in my right saddle bag. I too am kind of minamalist, i look at a map in the morning and know what highways to look for and just ride. Also, Cruise control or throttle lock is a must.
I don't have a ton of miles under me but I too noticed a few things you mentioned that have helped me a ton, for me stopping every couple hours for at least 10-15 minutes and walking around helps my ars and lower back, and ear plugs! I never thought ear plugs would make any difference but tried them once and now going to use them all the time.
Great tips, I've been touring for about 2 years now done about 4-5 big trips and totally love it! I was the same way my first trip I tried to push myself and barely stop and I paid for it with my arse the next day! Def. gotta take your time and make it an experience. I think the most miles I've done in a single day way a little over 700, I probably could've pushed more miles out buy I was at my destination =)
also I find keeping your visor or windshield CLEAN gives me a soothing feeling. as my windscreen gets dirty / bugs guts etc.. your eyes keep focusing on the objects on the screen instead of the road/scenery ahead. Also having a nice tinted visor on my helmet helps alot.
Thank you for your Video. out of all the videos that I searched so far yours is the most informative. I used some of your tips for a trip for waldorf MD to Memphis Tenn. Now I am planning to ride cross country in 2015 and your advice will be more utilized.
I’ve been riding 3 yrs. I ride a 2009 Heritage. I typically ride 8 to 10 hrs a day. I agree with your points. I do use a Bluetooth speaker system with iPod. Chewing gum helps believe it or not. Wearing sunglasses and tinted visor on a full face helmet prevents eye strain and fatigue. Just a few points. Ride safe.
Visiting your channel for the first time. I live in Calcutta, riding a Yamaha YZF R15 V.2. Its been 3 months and 2 days since I started riding and this is my first bike. Its my daily office commute bike and also my highway bike. Have taken one long distance ride till now . Went to a a neighbouring state's beach called Puri, a total of 1100km in 3 days including the return journey. But that was in a group of 30 bikers!.. Planning a solo 400km ride (to-fro) next month as a warm up for a 1400km (to-fro) solo ride in the month next, as a way of assuring family that its safe :D so was searching for some tips and your video came up! Subscribed
+neerajan saha Thanks:) 30 bikes... !! That's allot. I like groups of 2 or 3 :) There's something really great about riding solo though. especially on long trips. Such a feeling of freedom! Hope you 1400km ride goes / went well!
At age 78, I generally try to limit my days to 5 or 6 hours (250 to300 miles). I leave about 9. Relax over a very lite lunch mid day. Then put in another 3 hrs afternoon, aiming to get to my overnight stop NLT 5PM. Shower, eat, sleep, repeat. Of course, it doesn't always go that smoothly; on a recent Charlotte to St Louis run, I put in 11 hard hours of very hard going in fire-hose rain and lived to tell the tale. You're spot on about hydration!
Stephen Richie Sounds like an enjoyable routine! Yep, the other day, we had to race a fast oncoming hailstorm to a highway interchange to get headed in a sunny direction! We just made it and only had to dip through pea-sized hail for a minute. I know how grueling it is though when you have to tunnel through a large rain system going in the same direction it's going! The feeling in the first rays of sun on the other side are worth it all though! Also, it's a luxury to read a comment with punctuation for a change:) Thanks.
I thought that intersection looked familiar! Drove up there in early November from Utah through West Yellowstone and turned right at same intersection toward Bozeman. Our riding style is very similar. I like to start my day before dawn and put in 200 miles before breakfast. Granola bars and soda pop and one hot meal and then a tent camp unless the trip is ultra long. (800 to 1000 miles). In 2018 it was Ogden Utah to Radium Hot Springs, BC. A motel room saves about an hour or more of upacking- packing and I sleep a little better in a bed than the 3/4" foam pad under the tent. No highway pegs on my 2013 Honda NC700X but I stand up and do squats every half hour or so. I have the stock small wind deflector but the wind doesn't seem to bother me.
When I am on a longer run, I carry the attitude my bike needs to eat, but I don't necessarily have to. On a run from North Carolina to Sturgis, SD I made a detour in northwest Ohio to stop at an Amish bakery I was familiar with. A little bit of their bread and some apple butter carried me for about 1,000 miles after. The rest spots had nice thick grass, and with a surplus green wool blanket made for a nice spot to rest and recharge. Be aware of how much fluid you have put in as well. That little headache you thought was a helmet headache, might be one telling you that you are behind the power curve on fluid intake instead.
Thanks for the video! I'm taking my 84 Nighthawk 700S on a ~2500 mile trip in 3 weeks from now. Riding from SC to the Ozarks in AR, then through KY, TN, and NC (hitting the Dragon) on my way home. Can't wait!
Great advice for long distance. Don't forget about interchangeable visors on your full face helmet, In my experience in the desert, it's a must. And you get more uses out of a good tarp than a cheap tent. Great video and scenery
I am the same kind of rider as you. When I go for a bike ride, riding is what I do :) . I eventually upgraded my 600cc Yamaha FZ6R to a FJR1300 with a big windscreen.
windscreens are very helpful. also one of the biggest things I've found that will fatigue you quickly is dehydration. drinking a liter of water every two hours isn't going to help, it will just make you have to pee a lot. what you need is a camelback or some kind of hydratrion system where you can just take a sip or two every fifteen minutes.
I'm getting ready to go on my first 'tour'. Got the camelbak but putting it in my tank bag. My hb will be adding the outlet so I can charge stuff. Got all the gear & have made the seat comfortable. So ready to go. Those clouds were awesome! Thanks for the great tips!!
Exciting! Yeah, I usually put my water pouch in the tank bag too. Many of them are made for that. Are you going solo, or with your hb? I won't ask where you're going... I'll wait for the video:) I wish you the best adventure!
drienkm Wow, thanks for the response! It will be with my brother, on a GW, my nephew, on a Shadow, and me, on my fz6r. We'll be taking 2 weeks, from San Diego to Golden, CO, covering approx 300 miles per day, and going through 8 national parks. I am really nervous because I get fatigued really easily (not a youngster any more) and have to be super careful about what I eat / don't eat...wow, I sound hi maintenance! Anyway, we'll be taking breaks to stretch often and taking all back roads. I am just trying to set my mental attitude that I can do it! The FZ6r is not the most comfortable bike but, hey, you make do w/ what ya got, right?
Michael Roth I wore those thick, padded bicycle shorts *and* I bought a thick piece of sheepskin to put on the seat. Worked really well plus even when the sheepskin got wet, it dried out, no problem.
Michael Roth This is the best trick I've found so far on my long trips...we're talking 3K plus is an odd suggestions. And it's going to sound odd, but it really works. You know those neck pillows that look a bit like a horseshoe? www.amazon.com/Travelmate-Memory-Pillow-Manufacturer-Available/dp/B004UB056E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422412173&sr=8-1&keywords=neck+pillow That's what I sit on. I've tried all sorts of stuff, shorts under the riding pants,baby powder, seat cushions (the expensive ones) etc. It always comes back to the neck pillow. It can be moved forward to reduce pressure on the tailbone area or moved back to give your inside thigh area a break. You can turn it 180 degrees and it provides a whole different sense of relief. Crazy, but it takes some of the pain out of a 700 mile day, not all of the pain, but I get 200 more miles ridden when I use it....plus at night when camping...instant pillow!
One of the biggest aids to a riders comfort is the road conditions. I know that's pretty obvious, but when you live in the (antiquated infrastructure) northeast, I look at the pavement your on with such envy. Oh what a treat that is for me when I get out to the "Great Southwest" ! I love the scenery and all that. But I'm almost obsessed with the smooth pavement. It really makes the ride for me.
Very true! It's hit or miss in most of the western states, but they gererally do a good job. But yeah, the southwest and especially CA (out in the country) have a lot of silky smooth road surfaces. Combined with curves and hills, it's moto heaven... And then there's Mattole Rd, Caliente Bodfish Rd, or Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd... not smooth, but also moto heaven:)
Riding on a bike postured "leaning forward" as opposed to riding a Cruiser-style, has a direct effect on fatigue, as well, but I've not decided yet, which is more relaxing.
ear plugs give me ear - headache, I love cliff bars but I gotta stop & eat + chat to the local people, who knows you may even make friends with people? wow how about that! Great vid thanks for posting.
Great tips. I stop at least every 2 hours, and do the walk around check over bike get a drink, use restroom. I also ride with tankbag. I also wear a bandana, use when chilly, raining, or wet it when it is really warm. I wear a 3/4 helmet with a flip up faceshield. eyes are important, and there is alot of eye hazards on a bike. Ride it, and be safe first.
+Dave Clair I had a pair of sunglasses that got taken off my face by a bug. I was going 50 MPH. Knocked the lens out and then pulled them off my face. Scared the shit out of me.
I found this video because i recently purchased a Honda Nighthawk. Thanks for all the useful advice! I'm planning a long distance trip from Wisconsin to Florida next summer.
view is so beautiful omg. thanks for the tips, first year riding and me and my friend are talking about tripping from ohio to california for a couple weeks. we talked about just hop on the road for 3 hrs chill for 30-an hr hop back on for 3 sleep wake up and do it again. glad to have these extra tips to utilize i=on the way . (:
Last summer (2013) I rode 40,000 km (25,000 mi) on three long trips and a lot of shorter day rides. Some of my preferences : windshield is a great benefit in bad weather ; start early, good breakfast 2 hrs later, ride until ~ 5 pm & stop for the day ; stay off 4-lane hwys except passing thru urbanized areas ; don't forget to check fluids and air pressure regularly ; talk to the locals ; do check out pts. of interest if you will not return ; STOP if you are tired. Enjoy your ride.
I use the cheap little memory foam plugs that you just roll between your fingers and stick in. If you have clean ears, and you're gentle with them, one pair will last a few days. If not, they last about a day. They are super cheap and you can get them at a hardware store or anywhere that sells guns or chainsaws. They don't really stick out of your ear much if you have them in right... they don't move when you slip your helmet on. Get the softest ones you can find and you can wear them all day!
Maybe this goes without saying, but for two up riding or listening to music, something like a Sena Bluetooth communicator is fantastic for the long haul.
drienkm Great vid and great tips, thanks for posting this because long distance can really wear you out as you said!! I'm currently on a Harley with 14 inch apes, no windscreen... so I am all too familiar with wind fatigue! I think when I'm ready to head out on my cross-country trip I'll be trading the Harley for an adventure bike, or something a little better suited. I'm planning a ride for about three years from this upcoming summer, so about 3 1/2 years out. I would like to get from Connecticut to the west coast via the Dakotas and Montana. I'll be keeping your tips in mind while I prepare over the next few years... along with multiple weekend trips up and down the East Coast to really figure out where my ideal endurance level is. Thanks again man, I think I'll check out some of your other vids as well. Ride safe!
Sounds like a plan! I spent the summer in Montana with only my motorcycle. It was awesome! Make sure you include the Bear Tooth highway in your route. It's one of the two most stunning roads I've ever ridden.
drienkm bro you got some cool vids my buddy has a 2009 sv650s im going to try to get one like yours this year then I want to do some cross country the sv will be my first bike to you should put a Yoshi pipe on your bike the triangle one it sounds good
This should be labeled long distance on a naked sport bike. I ride a HD Road King and a lot of this is not really relevant. I do agree with a lot of what you had to say, finding your daily distance, getting off at gas stops, hydrating, and ear plugs (don't laugh because I drive a Harley). I wear ear plugs not because of the noise but because of the oscillating air pressure. I wear a 3/4 helmet and use a windshield. I don't know how you can do so many miles without one. A windshield at the right height can give you a bug free vision and can keep the rain off your glasses. Gerry in Calgary
Haha. What exactly did you find to be "naked sport bike specific"? I do use a small windscreen for long days at high speed... I'll be in Banff in a few weeks! Cheers:)
Bout time you uploaded! Words of wisdom right there. Hard to wear out a Camelback but I'm on my second one now. I do enjoy a taller windscreen myself. Ride safe, post more vids 8-)
Nice video, just some really great tips that seem common sense once you've explained them and talked about the why's. Keep it up and I look forward to more insights a solo trips and tips, especially when riding alone.
Thanks! There will be many more, don't worry. I have allot of plans for long rides in the future. The past few months I have been doing allot of major bike work:)
When I was around 21, on my first street bike, a 1978 GS550 I rode from New Orleans to Long Island, New York.. Never, even gave any of these common issues a second thought...although it was cold up north and nearly ran into a large Buck, it was a breeze... decades later after not riding, I am riding again and man all those little things that never mattered are staring me in the face and it's really strange, like a whole new experience... Now I am slowly building up the skills again.. I had no idea how good I was as a kid... hmph...
Trondyne I would agree, after not riding & getting older riding long distances is not as easy as it once was. Like right now in a few weeks I plan on riding to Missouri a 650+ miles ride one way one way, so I've been trying to get in better shape by riding the twisty for hours, also bought another bike other then my K6 sv650n, a dl650 with 3 hard bags for my junk, it has a better seat and a windscreen stock. Funny how we start getting softer in our old age, at least I have. lol >>>>Oh to be 21 again
***** Not just long distance.. I am still getting used to the highway... Whatever machine I had in my head as a kid with lots of bike riding experience starting at around 12, was all but gone after around 27 years of no bike riding... Now I am comfy on regular streets but on busy windy and winding highways I am still not 100% comfy... Still working on it...
Hey, at least your out there, regaining the experience needed to go even further. To me there is nothing like it, except maybe flying small aircraft, that has been way to many years back too, but would love to get a ultralight and have some new experiences, it never hurts to keep dreams alive even going slow. Right now riding a motorcycle is the closes thing to flying, that is why I like the naked bikes so much, it's worth the effort & risks too in my book, I don't take it lightly by doing my best to minimizes the risks while riding, seems like the smart thing to do, I also pray before going. Sounds like that's just what your doing as well going at a pace you can live with, and still enjoy the time out and about. Ride safe. yl
In 2015 I visited nearly every capital city in Canada and the US. Three I missed - Honolulu, Iqaluit, and a rock slide kept me from Juneau, so 62 of 65. 43,000 km (26,000 mi) in 80 days. I took camping gear but not cooking equipment. Two meals / day - ~10:30 a.m. and the end of the day's ride. I have a small gas tank so every two hours I would stop for gas & be able to stretch, pee and buy a drink. My bike, Suzuki C90, is extremely comfortable and I could go long dist. if I wanted to. Longest day 1200 km in just over 16 hours, Whitehorse to Hazelton, BC. I took many side trips which I recommend. There is no point is travelling if not to see what other places have to offer. I did that trip solo but I recommend that having another biker is better. Company at the end of the day and available help if required. In 2016 I took my bike to Europe for 70 days. Fly the bike over, don't send it by boat. Spent my 70th B-Day sleeping on a bench in the Paris airport with the French army on patrol. Some things are fun. Some less so.
i recommend people to go to nepal if you want to have long highway bike ride ... lotsss of beautiful scenic curves and turns and no plain boring straight roads everywhere everytime..i've been there twice and am going there again this august. :) i do long highway bike trips everytime and this time i've planned to travel the whole country,,beautiful, cheap, fkn paradise! EDIT: awesome vid, and thanks for the tip :)
ripcord93 Wow! Nepal? Ive never thought of Nepal as a place with lots of great highways (curvy or not:). Still would be an astounding place to explore on two wheels!! I spent a month in Pokhara and the Mustang Valley... but without a bike. The people of Nepal are wonderful! And yeah, food is pretty much the most expensive thing and it's still cheaper than in the west.
I just got to the part where you tell people to consider their daily mileage limit. I'm not so sure I agree with this. As someone that earned a living riding bikes for nearly 10 years long distance and then moving to the USA and riding from ATL to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska (13000 mile round trip in 3.5 weeks) as well as trips to MOAB, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, British Columbia and just about everywhere else I would offer a different advice. It is this, consider your "riding time" not your "millage". You will never travel as far in bad weather, bad roads, traffic and such as you would crossing the plains on open roads. When people fixate on mileage the still drive them selves into the ground because it may take 18hrs to cover something that only took you 10 the day before due to changing conditions. It's seat time not mileage. Do a Facebook Search for "The BB Tour 2011 - ATL to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska" This was my Alaska ride for reference.
+Jason Halls I'll buy that. I think both have their place in forming a good trip plan. Like you say, the unexpected can cause big delays, tiring the rider out before covering the same distance. But I'm sure I'm you'll also admit, some 12 hour days are easier than others. I like initially thinking in miles because they are more fundamental and don't depend on anything. When planning a trip, I consider seat time by thinking about how "hard" the miles are and allowing a realistic buffer. Lots of towns, slow roads, bad forecast, or a complex route are hard miles and I can't cover as many. I totally agree that it is foolish to doggedly force your way to a "mileage goal" when the unexpected strikes, but planning in seat hours still doesn't do a better job of allowing for the unexpected... that just requires flexibility. In short, I think good decisions can be made based on the mileage, what the route/ conditions are like, and how you are feeling. The consideration of seat time is implicit in that process for me. Thanks for you comment Jason! You seem to have a wealth of experience. BTW, how did you get paid to ride long distance?!? sign me up:)
Great video with very useful tips! Just don't forget to watch out for your bike battery if you leave a device to charge while the bike is not running. A voltage display is very handy for that. You can get a cheap one and stick it anywhere on the bike.
+Georgi Bonchev That's true, but it would take fully charging a small camera or a cell phone 5 or 6 times between rides to drain a motorcycle battery. Practically speaking it's never something you need to worry about, unless you're charging all your friends stuff at once!
Hell at my age (70) I'm lucky if I do 35 miles 1 way. Got no riding buddies left to ride with. Most of the younger riders that I know want to bar hop no matter we we go. I'm not into that anymore, but to each their own. Lost a couple of friends by drunken car drivers. I could drink almost all day and still go 50 miles 1 way just to get another beer. Have drank way to may beers over my YOUNG life, at this age the fun has basically worn off.
I'm 69 1/2 and plan on going on a 10-11 hour trip to New Orleans. Plan on cycling maybe 2-3 more years, maybe.It's always good to ride even if you do it solo.
Ron Norris turning 63 tomorrow can still cover four hundred a day but not day after day after day it takes it's toll I end up sleeping alot more but honestly I like trips about two hundred a day.Hope your able to ride into your ninteys be safe and ride forever
I turn 61 next month, just returned from an 11 day, 3400 mile trip through 12 states. Wore a t-shirt for 2 days and my arms got burned. Rode 2 days without gloves, my hands got burned. Sunscreen, long sleeves and ventilated gloves are on the list for the next trip! “You don’t stop riding because you get old , you get old because you stop riding “.
I just got a '05 Yamaha 1700 with all the bells and whistles I can't wait to go on a long trip. I'm in mobile,Al planning a trip to the Florida keys ( after the hurricane of course) and iv always wanted to go to Colorado.
Something I don't think you mentioned, but I know is an issue when riding West to East or vice versa. Dat Sun! On a day long ride there's a good chance you'll be riding into a sunset or sunrise, and something to reduce strain on your eyes, (sunvisor, sunglasses) would be helpful in that department.
Yes! Good point. I wear a lightly tinted visor and carry a clear one too for extended night riding. I think people vary quite a bit physiologically here. Some are less sensitive to bright sun in the eyes than others. It would also apply to any mode of travel.
Yep, those foam ones are what I have. I just wondered if they'd fall out when putting on my helmet but you answered that question. :) One of my other friends also suggested the wax type, as the mold to your ear shape and don't stick out. Probably not real great for re-using, though!
Stop before you get sore, rather than after. Once you get sore even a long stop will only buy you a little time, but prevent it and you'll be fine. And think in terms of hours rather than miles as roads vary.
Thank you, i am new at long distance, planning a trip with my nephew across Oregon State. So appreciate the advice. Good to hear about the back pack, i was wondering about that. Sincerely Rick, oh yes praying to be riding a v-strom 650
drienkm The Camelback is a great pack for a motorcycle. I fill mine with ice, toss in a packet of flavoring or a squirt of flavor drops and I'm good for most of the day. It keeps your refreshed, hydrated, and your back stays cool even when wearing the full protective coat. Riding at 60-70 MPH all day can really dry you out and keeping hydrated is a key to staying alert especially at about mile 400.
BIG BIG BIG difference -- like night and day: when I ran 200-220 miles between gas stops and then got right back on and kept driving thinking I was going to push it to cover more miles, by the time I was hitting 700 miles, my butt was really sore to the point of hurting, and THAT causes a lot of fatigue that didn't NEED to be there. However, if I FULLY RECUPERATED my butt every 100 miles (like 25-30 min walking around, even when it felt like I didn't need to after the first 300 miles), I could go 1200+ miles in a day without getting too fatigued. (Mind you, if I had THAT many miles to cover, SOME of those "rests" would be accomplished by standing up while driving. Isometric exercises of those muscles also helps a great deal. Agreed regarding wind hitting you. So much so that riding with a "wind breaker" flapping on your skin is known in the long-distance-rider community as a BIG NO NO. Reason: it absolutely DRAINS your energy.
I've reading several articles on wearing earplugs and fact is, plugs don't block out noise, just wind. I don't listen to music with my ipod unless I am in the middle of nowhere.
M.C. Atty Hmm... I think we need better definitions here. "noise" or sound is pressure waves in the air that move at 650-ish mph. "wind" is moving air which doesn't directly make noise. "wind noise" is sound created by wind moving quickly around/ through an object, causing turbulence, vibration of the object, and oscillations on a wide range of scales and frequencies. You hear wind noise exactly the same way you hear bike or ambient noise. Foam ear plugs are basically dampers. They take allot of energy (or amplitude) out of the pressure waves reaching your ear canal. The density and memory properties of the foam affect the frequencies that get damped the most. Ear plugs do block some of all types of noises, but maybe some more than others.
Not sure why I watched that but I loved this video. I watch the whole entire thing to hear what you had to say. Great information. I subscribed to you. Where you from?
While I was living up there I actually found a remote undeveloped hillside covered in clean, smooth ribbons of asphalt. Then I brought my friend there who had a longboard. He made a bunch of runs and I even started towing him back up with the grab rail on my bike!.. Just going about 10 mph:) That was a fun day.
Excellent tips since I used already ;-) I don't use any camel back just hell of maintenance, and weight on your back. Ear plugs is a must and a pain for ears, always have rain suit handy on the tank bag, anyway great video cheers.
Sore rump, yes varies with bike, seat and individual. A good sheepskin pad like from Aerostich works most of the time for me. www.aerostich.com/a-to-b-utilities/rider-comfort/saddle-pads/aerostich-sheepskin-saddle-pads.html The Airhawk cushion is absolutely amazing when you get the air volume right. Another thing is to take some weight off the rump; press down on your feet from a little to a lot, to lifting your butt off the seat, to standing on the pegs. The primary issue is circulation of blood, fluid, and energy in soft tissue and throughout the vertebrae.
+Interestingly Interested Absolutely! Going to see if a windshield will tame the I-90 ride across S Dakota. Sturgis is the excuse but a few days camping in the Badlands is this year's main event. Maybe a round-about route back to Indiana.
When it comes to earplugs i highly recommend the Surfire models. Their about 10 bucks but are THE most comfortable I have ever worn. I used them on missions in Iraq and never had to take them out. In most cases I could carry on a normal conversation, and then fire my weapon. Most of the time I forgot they were in. Heres a link, you'll love'em. www.surefire.com/tactical-equipment/hearing-protection.html
awesome man, Im gonna start traveling right now cross country in my car, aint got no bike... too dangerous to ride one in my country... awesome video brw
Thanks! I used to roadtrip all the time in my truck before I started riding. It can be really fun too. It was easier to enjoy the outdoor destinations that way. I could bring hiking gear and clothing and not have to worry about someone stealing my riding gear or bike, or a marmot eating the liner out of my helmet while I'm out... Lol! What country do you live in?
I live in colombia but I think I'm going to live in the states again thats for sure ^^ btw its nice to travel across country in colombia, the thing is that sometimes things might get complicated :(
I ride a Fury. No screen. 150 miles is the bikes fuel limit...easy to deal with wind for that long. Ciro3d phone holder/with charger...gps beats a piece of paper. Cup holder for H2O bottle with straw lol. Saddlebags or luggage rack negates uncomfortable backpack.
Shoulder pain can be wicked. Old Will Whitsruck (RIP) helped me with that, said "Be like a limp noodle". Relax, light grip on the bars, do shoulder rolls. Intense sharp pain is often from the Supraspinatus m. and/or the Infraspinatus m., under the Trapezius m., which usually just gets sore. The two smaller muscles can get over stressed and this is often on the left side because of the need to pressure the bars to keep the bike going straight on most roads as they are domed to the right and that deflects the tires making the bike want to drift off course. The rider has to correct almost constantly. Those little muscles and tendons are under a layer of larger and thicker tissue making them hard to access for massage. Counter clockwise shoulder rolls helps. Anatomy images: www.netterimages.com/product/9781929007875/10-372.htm
Great video! I like your gas, bathroom, cliff bar and water breaks idea. I'll remember that on my next long ride. I use earplug-earbuds. All the comfort of noise reduction with the bonus of listening to music. On the DC outlet I'd advise people to skip the USB port and go for a standard 12V cigarette outlet with an adapter. There are thousands of useful products a motorcyclist could use that require a 12V cigarette receptacle. I've used a camp fan with mine.
drienkm I was out riding tonight and though of this conversation. It's 52° and foggy. Even at 70 mph my helmet lens was still fogged up regardless of how many vents I had open. A good dual lens or a Pinlock lens would be a good idea if a person is riding through a cool wet climate.
***** Totally agree! I recently got a Pinlock and I LOVE it. I actually found a photochromic one on Ebay. it doesn't get that dark, but it still makes the most versatile visor in the world! Keep in mind photochromic stuff is expensive and only lasts about 2 years.
+1 on the ear plugs. Noise doesn't bother me too much on my own bike, but if I'm riding with my husband on his Harley, ear plugs are a must. Not that I don't like the sound of a Harley engine, but I don't know how Harley riders stand the noise for hours on end. But then again I've never liked sustained loud noise. I even wear ear plugs to rock concerts. What kind of ear plugs work best with a full face helmet?
I actually use a Platypus water bladder. You can get them by themselves for about $20-$30 and stick them in any backpack or your tankbag. Try REI or the like.
Just found your channel and got hooked right away. I'm getting my licence later this year after I complete a training course. For the first season I'll be riding a Ninja 250r to gain experience and confidence but next season I'd like to get a bike that I could do weekend trips on (around 500mi), like an adventure type bike. I'm leaning towards a Honda CB500x. I see though that you have a SV650 and I've always liked those bikes. Do you have any videos or descriptions of what you've equipped or modified to make it more comfortable or better suited to long distance travel? I've been soaking in information like a sponge lately and I'm glad I found your channel.
Glad you found it! If you've seen my recent video "Washington Summer" you'll notice my friend Hannah riding her blue '09 Ninja250. It's done great for her and she takes it on long rides all the time. One day she did over 600 miles on it. She's looking to move up mainly to have more passing power. You won't need to do anything to your 250 to be ready for trips. You may notice things as you get to know it that you want to change. All Hannah has done is add a lead for a heated vest. Long trips were a secondary goal at best for most of the things I've done to the SV (except the temporary windscreen and maybe gearing). My goals were mostly control, feel, and asthetic and convenience.
+drienkm Thank you for the timely response. I'll definitely check out the video you mentioned. I guess it goes to show you don't need an elaborate set up to tour. Thanks!
The video is beautiful. What camera are you using? And is the colouring of the video edited? It looks HDR or some similar post-processing to reduce the contrast between the light sky and the darker foreground.
great video in 2013 (at age 61 y/o) i road my 96 Honda 600 f3 from south bend In. to Abilene tx. to Greenville s.c. across n.c. moonshine alley up the tail of the dragon back to Indiana 3,350 miles 14 days I did mostly interstates till s.c. backroads till Knoxville tn. goin to va. in may to run the snake and dragon plus a few others I will post some video from my gopro 3 thanks for your video
good video but 2 things i must disagree with you on. !) the full face helmet ( unless it super cold outside) it is too hot and it blocks part of my side vision.( i prefer the 1/4 helmet 2) the back pack if it is secured to your passenger seat it makes a good back rest if your bike does not have a good lumbar support
Thanks. It sounds like both differences arise from you and I riding very different bikes. To each his own regarding helmets. Mine (Shoei RF1100) has excellent ventilation on my sport bike (and Texas gets HOT), but would probably get hot if I was on a cruiser with a large windscreen. Side vision has also never been a problem for me. Different heads maybe? Lol! I'm leaned forward a bit on my bike, so I don't need a back rest. But yeah, the passenger seat is a great place to put a pack... better than on your back IMHO :) Sound like we agree on that. Thanks for the comments!
![เปิดบ้าน พี่ตูน Bodyslam หลังใหม่คนแรก ที่ภูเก็ต l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/flFwcmyDQSk/mqdefault.jpg)
a windshield keeps the wind off your chest and face and makes the ride so much more enjoyable... when I was young I rode 300 to 400 miles a day some times more... now that I've been riding 55 plus yrs. I don't care how far I ride in a day, when I'm on the road I never tell anyone when I'm going to make a destination... I just tell them I'm be there when I get there... Some days I'll ride 300 miles other days I'll only ride 50 or a 100 miles depending how I feel.... I've got more miles behind me than I do in front of me so I'm in no hurry.... I promised my kids I'd stop riding when I turned 95.... So I still have a couple of more yrs. and miles to go. So until then it'll be Jesus and me 1 mile at a time... :0)
Yeah, not having to stick to an itinerary is really nice.
+Bobby Baldeagle Amen! Ride on brother!
:D
one of the best comments ive ever seen , thank you sir
respect
Im totally blown away by that road and sky. You Americans are so lucky to have such a diverse country. Go out and explore it for us in smaller countries! High five from ye olde England
Thank you and you're absolutely right. We are very lucky here. Take a flight and rent a Harley at the airport.
Nice little video. I'm a long distance rider myself riding often 10 - 12 hours a day on tour (usually 8 - 14 days). When I'm riding alone, I schedule my day of riding by the tank; run out a tank (400km), rest for 15-20 minutes, run our 3/4 second tank (300km), rest 20-30 minutes, Run our a 1/2 tank (200km), rest for 30-40 minutes and finally run out the last 1/2 full tank (200km) and find a place to relax and enjoy a few cold brews. That's a total of 1100 km in 12 hours @ 110km/hr - give-or-take (I don't smoke,so that's a big advantage as well). I'm a bit spoiled, riding an Electra Glide (I call her my Big Blue Sofa-Glide) with cruise but, the suspension is all Progressive Hi-performance so, it's a bit of a hot rod ride and keeps me alert. Happy trails and safe riding! Thanks for sharing.
Stand up at traffic stops and stretch forward. Throttle locks help relieve your right hand. Forward footrest help stretch your legs. Gas up every 100 miles. Get off your bike if even for just a few minutes.
Most importantly is the spine. Fluid and energy needs to flow freely. Arch forward and back and side to side occasionally.
Excessive heat or cold as well as even minor dehydration and hunger impairs action, judgement, consciousness, etc.
Ear plugs are an absolute must. Without protection you WILL lose hearing from wind noise alone not to mention other loud sounds. All it takes is one exposure such as a nearby gun shot or straight pipes revving to cause permanent damage and a lifetime of annoying ringing in the ears.
Great tips. Definitely on the ear plugs. The first time I used them, I was totally amazed that I could hear myself think at 75mph. And even a cheapy WalMart hydration pack is better than nothing.
+1 on the earplugs thing... it's amazing how suddenly chill riding is with the addition of earplugs.
Good advice, ive done everything you talk about but switched to an FLH, no more bugs all over my jacket and face. And also have full bags, an Aerostich one piece suit and in crazy hot weather it goes in my right saddle bag. I too am kind of minamalist, i look at a map in the morning and know what highways to look for and just ride. Also, Cruise control or throttle lock is a must.
I don't have a ton of miles under me but I too noticed a few things you mentioned that have helped me a ton, for me stopping every couple hours for at least 10-15 minutes and walking around helps my ars and lower back, and ear plugs! I never thought ear plugs would make any difference but tried them once and now going to use them all the time.
Yeah, those things really help. Have fun out there.
Great tips, I've been touring for about 2 years now done about 4-5 big trips and totally love it! I was the same way my first trip I tried to push myself and barely stop and I paid for it with my arse the next day! Def. gotta take your time and make it an experience. I think the most miles I've done in a single day way a little over 700, I probably could've pushed more miles out buy I was at my destination =)
also I find keeping your visor or windshield CLEAN gives me a soothing feeling. as my windscreen gets dirty / bugs guts etc.. your eyes keep focusing on the objects on the screen instead of the road/scenery ahead. Also having a nice tinted visor on my helmet helps alot.
That's really true! The fresh clean visor feeling is the best:)
I'm getting ready to take my first two-day motorcycle trip, so this is very timely!
Thank you for your Video. out of all the videos that I searched so far yours is the most informative. I used some of your tips for a trip for waldorf MD to Memphis Tenn. Now I am planning to ride cross country in 2015 and your advice will be more utilized.
This kind of feedback is so awesome to read! I'm really glad it helped. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been riding 3 yrs. I ride a 2009 Heritage. I typically ride 8 to 10 hrs a day. I agree with your points. I do use a Bluetooth speaker system with iPod. Chewing gum helps believe it or not. Wearing sunglasses and tinted visor on a full face helmet prevents eye strain and fatigue. Just a few points. Ride safe.
Visiting your channel for the first time. I live in Calcutta, riding a Yamaha YZF R15 V.2. Its been 3 months and 2 days since I started riding and this is my first bike. Its my daily office commute bike and also my highway bike. Have taken one long distance ride till now . Went to a a neighbouring state's beach called Puri, a total of 1100km in 3 days including the return journey. But that was in a group of 30 bikers!.. Planning a solo 400km ride (to-fro) next month as a warm up for a 1400km (to-fro) solo ride in the month next, as a way of assuring family that its safe :D so was searching for some tips and your video came up! Subscribed
+neerajan saha Thanks:)
30 bikes... !! That's allot. I like groups of 2 or 3 :) There's something really great about riding solo though. especially on long trips. Such a feeling of freedom! Hope you 1400km ride goes / went well!
I'm into eating. I do it every day. I enjoy doing it when I ride.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
nahh i personally dont like eating it just feels like a waste of time to me
On long rides, I stop about every 2 hours. Five minutes in an air-conditioned convenience store and a long drink of cold water make a new man of me.
Yep. Me too!
Fuel, walk, pee, drink, nibble - some of those simultaneously. I feel like a million bucks accelerating down that on-ramp😄
At age 78, I generally try to limit my days to 5 or 6 hours (250 to300 miles). I leave about 9. Relax over a very lite lunch mid day. Then put in another 3 hrs afternoon, aiming to get to my overnight stop NLT 5PM. Shower, eat, sleep, repeat. Of course, it doesn't always go that smoothly; on a recent Charlotte to St Louis run, I put in 11 hard hours of very hard going in fire-hose rain and lived to tell the tale. You're spot on about hydration!
Stephen Richie Sounds like an enjoyable routine!
Yep, the other day, we had to race a fast oncoming hailstorm to a highway interchange to get headed in a sunny direction! We just made it and only had to dip through pea-sized hail for a minute. I know how grueling it is though when you have to tunnel through a large rain system going in the same direction it's going! The feeling in the first rays of sun on the other side are worth it all though!
Also, it's a luxury to read a comment with punctuation for a change:) Thanks.
Good old 'getthereitis'. That malady wherein you're trying to persuade yourself you HAVE to arrive there by a certain time.
I'm getting into biking so it's nice getting experience from other riders 👍
Welcome! I try to pass on what I'm learning.
I thought that intersection looked familiar! Drove up there in early November from Utah through West Yellowstone and turned right at same intersection toward Bozeman. Our riding style is very similar. I like to start my day before dawn and put in 200 miles before breakfast. Granola bars and soda pop and one hot meal and then a tent camp unless the trip is ultra long. (800 to 1000 miles). In 2018 it was Ogden Utah to Radium Hot Springs, BC. A motel room saves about an hour or more of upacking- packing and I sleep a little better in a bed than the 3/4" foam pad under the tent. No highway pegs on my 2013 Honda NC700X but I stand up and do squats every half hour or so. I have the stock small wind deflector but the wind doesn't seem to bother me.
When I am on a longer run, I carry the attitude my bike needs to eat, but I don't necessarily have to. On a run from North Carolina to Sturgis, SD I made a detour in northwest Ohio to stop at an Amish bakery I was familiar with. A little bit of their bread and some apple butter carried me for about 1,000 miles after. The rest spots had nice thick grass, and with a surplus green wool blanket made for a nice spot to rest and recharge. Be aware of how much fluid you have put in as well. That little headache you thought was a helmet headache, might be one telling you that you are behind the power curve on fluid intake instead.
Thanks for the video! I'm taking my 84 Nighthawk 700S on a ~2500 mile trip in 3 weeks from now. Riding from SC to the Ozarks in AR, then through KY, TN, and NC (hitting the Dragon) on my way home. Can't wait!
Sound's fun! I just (literally) got home from riding dirt bikes in the Ozarks for 4 days... Spring will be in full swing!
Thanks for the ride, much appreciated.
Great advice for long distance. Don't forget about interchangeable visors on your full face helmet, In my experience in the desert, it's a must. And you get more uses out of a good tarp than a cheap tent. Great video and scenery
Yup. I ride with two visors.
Good observation about the tarp! very true.
I am the same kind of rider as you. When I go for a bike ride, riding is what I do :) .
I eventually upgraded my 600cc Yamaha FZ6R to a FJR1300 with a big windscreen.
windscreens are very helpful. also one of the biggest things I've found that will fatigue you quickly is dehydration. drinking a liter of water every two hours isn't going to help, it will just make you have to pee a lot. what you need is a camelback or some kind of hydratrion system where you can just take a sip or two every fifteen minutes.
+David Allemang Couldn't agree more. Staying hydrated on a long ride actually takes a little practice.
I'm getting ready to go on my first 'tour'.
Got the camelbak but putting it in my tank bag.
My hb will be adding the outlet so I can charge stuff.
Got all the gear & have made the seat comfortable. So ready to go.
Those clouds were awesome!
Thanks for the great tips!!
Exciting! Yeah, I usually put my water pouch in the tank bag too. Many of them are made for that. Are you going solo, or with your hb? I won't ask where you're going... I'll wait for the video:)
I wish you the best adventure!
drienkm
Wow, thanks for the response!
It will be with my brother, on a GW, my nephew, on a Shadow, and me, on my fz6r. We'll be taking 2 weeks, from San Diego to Golden, CO, covering approx 300 miles per day, and going through 8 national parks. I am really nervous because I get fatigued really easily (not a youngster any more) and have to be super careful about what I eat / don't eat...wow, I sound hi maintenance! Anyway, we'll be taking breaks to stretch often and taking all back roads. I am just trying to set my mental attitude that I can do it! The FZ6r is not the most comfortable bike but, hey, you make do w/ what ya got, right?
Michael Roth I wore those thick, padded bicycle shorts *and* I bought a thick piece of sheepskin to put on the seat. Worked really well plus even when the sheepskin got wet, it dried out, no problem.
Michael Roth This is the best trick I've found so far on my long trips...we're talking 3K plus is an odd suggestions. And it's going to sound odd, but it really works. You know those neck pillows that look a bit like a horseshoe? www.amazon.com/Travelmate-Memory-Pillow-Manufacturer-Available/dp/B004UB056E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422412173&sr=8-1&keywords=neck+pillow That's what I sit on. I've tried all sorts of stuff, shorts under the riding pants,baby powder, seat cushions (the expensive ones) etc. It always comes back to the neck pillow. It can be moved forward to reduce pressure on the tailbone area or moved back to give your inside thigh area a break. You can turn it 180 degrees and it provides a whole different sense of relief. Crazy, but it takes some of the pain out of a 700 mile day, not all of the pain, but I get 200 more miles ridden when I use it....plus at night when camping...instant pillow!
Guy RIZOORT Haha! Cool idea..."provides a whole different sense of relief" you're a genius ;)
One of the biggest aids to a riders comfort is the road conditions. I know that's pretty obvious, but when you live in the (antiquated infrastructure) northeast, I look at the pavement your on with such envy. Oh what a treat that is for me when I get out to the "Great Southwest" ! I love the scenery and all that. But I'm almost obsessed with the smooth pavement. It really makes the ride for me.
Very true! It's hit or miss in most of the western states, but they gererally do a good job. But yeah, the southwest and especially CA (out in the country) have a lot of silky smooth road surfaces. Combined with curves and hills, it's moto heaven... And then there's Mattole Rd, Caliente Bodfish Rd, or Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd... not smooth, but also moto heaven:)
Riding on a bike postured "leaning forward" as opposed to riding a Cruiser-style, has a direct effect on fatigue, as well, but I've not decided yet, which is more relaxing.
ear plugs give me ear - headache, I love cliff bars but I gotta stop & eat + chat to the local people, who knows you may even make friends with people? wow how about that!
Great vid thanks for posting.
Yeah! It took me a few trips of not wearing them to really appreciate the difference they make at the end of the day.
Great tips. I stop at least every 2 hours, and do the walk around check over bike get a drink, use restroom. I also ride with tankbag. I also wear a bandana, use when chilly, raining, or wet it when it is really warm. I wear a 3/4 helmet with a flip up faceshield. eyes are important, and there is alot of eye hazards on a bike. Ride it, and be safe first.
+Dave Clair I had a pair of sunglasses that got taken off my face by a bug. I was going 50 MPH. Knocked the lens out and then pulled them off my face. Scared the shit out of me.
Great advice.
I found this video because i recently purchased a Honda Nighthawk. Thanks for all the useful advice! I'm planning a long distance trip from Wisconsin to Florida next summer.
Cool! Best of luck. You'll be passing through my neck of the woods... get ready to sweat! Lol. Just get to the water as fast as you can:)
view is so beautiful omg. thanks for the tips, first year riding and me and my friend are talking about tripping from ohio to california for a couple weeks. we talked about just hop on the road for 3 hrs chill for 30-an hr hop back on for 3 sleep wake up and do it again. glad to have these extra tips to utilize i=on the way . (:
Last summer (2013) I rode 40,000 km (25,000 mi) on three long trips and a lot of shorter day rides. Some of my preferences : windshield is a great benefit in bad weather ; start early, good breakfast 2 hrs later, ride until ~ 5 pm & stop for the day ; stay off 4-lane hwys except passing thru urbanized areas ; don't forget to check fluids and air pressure regularly ; talk to the locals ; do check out pts. of interest if you will not return ; STOP if you are tired.
Enjoy your ride.
I use the cheap little memory foam plugs that you just roll between your fingers and stick in. If you have clean ears, and you're gentle with them, one pair will last a few days. If not, they last about a day. They are super cheap and you can get them at a hardware store or anywhere that sells guns or chainsaws.
They don't really stick out of your ear much if you have them in right... they don't move when you slip your helmet on. Get the softest ones you can find and you can wear them all day!
Maybe this goes without saying, but for two up riding or listening to music, something like a Sena Bluetooth communicator is fantastic for the long haul.
+gvente87 Absolutely! This was before I had one:)
drienkm Great vid and great tips, thanks for posting this because long distance can really wear you out as you said!! I'm currently on a Harley with 14 inch apes, no windscreen... so I am all too familiar with wind fatigue! I think when I'm ready to head out on my cross-country trip I'll be trading the Harley for an adventure bike, or something a little better suited. I'm planning a ride for about three years from this upcoming summer, so about 3 1/2 years out. I would like to get from Connecticut to the west coast via the Dakotas and Montana. I'll be keeping your tips in mind while I prepare over the next few years... along with multiple weekend trips up and down the East Coast to really figure out where my ideal endurance level is. Thanks again man, I think I'll check out some of your other vids as well. Ride safe!
Sounds like a plan! I spent the summer in Montana with only my motorcycle. It was awesome!
Make sure you include the Bear Tooth highway in your route. It's one of the two most stunning roads I've ever ridden.
drienkm bro you got some cool vids my buddy has a 2009 sv650s im going to try to get one like yours this year then I want to do some cross country the sv will be my first bike to you should put a Yoshi pipe on your bike the triangle one it sounds good
This should be labeled long distance on a naked sport bike. I ride a HD Road King and a lot of this is not really relevant. I do agree with a lot of what you had to say, finding your daily distance, getting off at gas stops, hydrating, and ear plugs (don't laugh because I drive a Harley). I wear ear plugs not because of the noise but because of the oscillating air pressure. I wear a 3/4 helmet and use a windshield. I don't know how you can do so many miles without one. A windshield at the right height can give you a bug free vision and can keep the rain off your glasses. Gerry in Calgary
Haha. What exactly did you find to be "naked sport bike specific"?
I do use a small windscreen for long days at high speed...
I'll be in Banff in a few weeks!
Cheers:)
Bout time you uploaded!
Words of wisdom right there. Hard to wear out a Camelback but I'm on my second one now. I do enjoy a taller windscreen myself. Ride safe, post more vids 8-)
Beautiful landscape bro, ...
Nice video, just some really great tips that seem common sense once you've explained them and talked about the why's. Keep it up and I look forward to more insights a solo trips and tips, especially when riding alone.
Thanks! There will be many more, don't worry. I have allot of plans for long rides in the future. The past few months I have been doing allot of major bike work:)
When I was around 21, on my first street bike, a 1978 GS550 I rode from New Orleans to Long Island, New York.. Never, even gave any of these common issues a second thought...although it was cold up north and nearly ran into a large Buck, it was a breeze... decades later after not riding, I am riding again and man all those little things that never mattered are staring me in the face and it's really strange, like a whole new experience... Now I am slowly building up the skills again.. I had no idea how good I was as a kid... hmph...
Trondyne I would agree, after not riding & getting older riding long distances is not as easy as it once was. Like right now in a few weeks I plan on riding to Missouri a 650+ miles ride one way one way, so I've been trying to get in better shape by riding the twisty for hours, also bought another bike other then my K6 sv650n, a dl650 with 3 hard bags for my junk, it has a better seat and a windscreen stock. Funny how we start getting softer in our old age, at least I have. lol >>>>Oh to be 21 again
***** Not just long distance.. I am still getting used to the highway... Whatever machine I had in my head as a kid with lots of bike riding experience starting at around 12, was all but gone after around 27 years of no bike riding... Now I am comfy on regular streets but on busy windy and winding highways I am still not 100% comfy... Still working on it...
Hey, at least your out there, regaining the experience needed to go even further.
To me there is nothing like it, except maybe flying small aircraft, that has been way to many years back too, but would love to get a ultralight and have some new experiences, it never hurts to keep dreams alive even going slow.
Right now riding a motorcycle is the closes thing to flying, that is why I like the naked bikes so much, it's worth the effort & risks too in my book, I don't take it lightly by doing my best to minimizes the risks while riding, seems like the smart thing to do, I also pray before going.
Sounds like that's just what your doing as well going at a pace you can live with, and still enjoy the time out and about. Ride safe. yl
In 2015 I visited nearly every capital city in Canada and the US. Three I missed - Honolulu, Iqaluit, and a rock slide kept me from Juneau, so 62 of 65. 43,000 km (26,000 mi) in 80 days. I took camping gear but not cooking equipment. Two meals / day - ~10:30 a.m. and the end of the day's ride. I have a small gas tank so every two hours I would stop for gas & be able to stretch, pee and buy a drink. My bike, Suzuki C90, is extremely comfortable and I could go long dist. if I wanted to. Longest day 1200 km in just over 16 hours, Whitehorse to Hazelton, BC. I took many side trips which I recommend. There is no point is travelling if not to see what other places have to offer. I did that trip solo but I recommend that having another biker is better. Company at the end of the day and available help if required. In 2016 I took my bike to Europe for 70 days. Fly the bike over, don't send it by boat. Spent my 70th B-Day sleeping on a bench in the Paris airport with the French army on patrol. Some things are fun. Some less so.
thanks for the tips mate, going to Scotland and Germany from cheshire England this year so all tips are welcome thanks.
Excellent suggestions in this video.
i recommend people to go to nepal if you want to have long highway bike ride ... lotsss of beautiful scenic curves and turns and no plain boring straight roads everywhere everytime..i've been there twice and am going there again this august. :) i do long highway bike trips everytime and this time i've planned to travel the whole country,,beautiful, cheap, fkn paradise!
EDIT: awesome vid, and thanks for the tip :)
ripcord93 Wow! Nepal? Ive never thought of Nepal as a place with lots of great highways (curvy or not:). Still would be an astounding place to explore on two wheels!! I spent a month in Pokhara and the Mustang Valley... but without a bike. The people of Nepal are wonderful! And yeah, food is pretty much the most expensive thing and it's still cheaper than in the west.
I just got to the part where you tell people to consider their daily mileage limit. I'm not so sure I agree with this. As someone that earned a living riding bikes for nearly 10 years long distance and then moving to the USA and riding from ATL to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska (13000 mile round trip in 3.5 weeks) as well as trips to MOAB, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, British Columbia and just about everywhere else I would offer a different advice. It is this, consider your "riding time" not your "millage". You will never travel as far in bad weather, bad roads, traffic and such as you would crossing the plains on open roads. When people fixate on mileage the still drive them selves into the ground because it may take 18hrs to cover something that only took you 10 the day before due to changing conditions. It's seat time not mileage. Do a Facebook Search for "The BB Tour 2011 - ATL to Prudhoe Bay in Alaska" This was my Alaska ride for reference.
+Jason Halls I'll buy that. I think both have their place in forming a good trip plan. Like you say, the unexpected can cause big delays, tiring the rider out before covering the same distance. But I'm sure I'm you'll also admit, some 12 hour days are easier than others.
I like initially thinking in miles because they are more fundamental and don't depend on anything. When planning a trip, I consider seat time by thinking about how "hard" the miles are and allowing a realistic buffer. Lots of towns, slow roads, bad forecast, or a complex route are hard miles and I can't cover as many. I totally agree that it is foolish to doggedly force your way to a "mileage goal" when the unexpected strikes, but planning in seat hours still doesn't do a better job of allowing for the unexpected... that just requires flexibility.
In short, I think good decisions can be made based on the mileage, what the route/ conditions are like, and how you are feeling. The consideration of seat time is implicit in that process for me.
Thanks for you comment Jason! You seem to have a wealth of experience. BTW, how did you get paid to ride long distance?!? sign me up:)
I been riding my whole life.....this is great advice
Great video with very useful tips! Just don't forget to watch out for your bike battery if you leave a device to charge while the bike is not running. A voltage display is very handy for that. You can get a cheap one and stick it anywhere on the bike.
+Georgi Bonchev That's true, but it would take fully charging a small camera or a cell phone 5 or 6 times between rides to drain a motorcycle battery. Practically speaking it's never something you need to worry about, unless you're charging all your friends stuff at once!
Hell at my age (70) I'm lucky if I do 35 miles 1 way. Got no riding buddies left to ride with. Most of the younger riders that I know want to bar hop no matter we we go. I'm not into that anymore, but to each their own. Lost a couple of friends by drunken car drivers. I could drink almost all day and still go 50 miles 1 way just to get another beer. Have drank way to may beers over my YOUNG life, at this age the fun has basically worn off.
I'm 69 1/2 and plan on going on a 10-11 hour trip to New Orleans. Plan on cycling maybe 2-3 more years, maybe.It's always good to ride even if you do it solo.
Ron Norris turning 63 tomorrow can still cover four hundred a day but not day after day after day it takes it's toll I end up sleeping alot more but honestly I like trips about two hundred a day.Hope your able to ride into your ninteys be safe and ride forever
I turn 61 next month, just returned from an 11 day, 3400 mile trip through 12 states. Wore a t-shirt for 2 days and my arms got burned. Rode 2 days without gloves, my hands got burned. Sunscreen, long sleeves and ventilated gloves are on the list for the next trip!
“You don’t stop riding because you get old , you get old because you stop riding “.
@@keithjohnston8629 in another eight years you may sing a different tune, if you're still singing.
I just got a '05 Yamaha 1700 with all the bells and whistles I can't wait to go on a long trip. I'm in mobile,Al planning a trip to the Florida keys ( after the hurricane of course) and iv always wanted to go to Colorado.
Ben Rhea Nice:) Do it!
Something I don't think you mentioned, but I know is an issue when riding West to East or vice versa. Dat Sun! On a day long ride there's a good chance you'll be riding into a sunset or sunrise, and something to reduce strain on your eyes, (sunvisor, sunglasses) would be helpful in that department.
Yes! Good point. I wear a lightly tinted visor and carry a clear one too for extended night riding. I think people vary quite a bit physiologically here. Some are less sensitive to bright sun in the eyes than others. It would also apply to any mode of travel.
CamelBaks are amazing!!
I am headed to Sturgis SD on a Burgman 650. I am headed west to CA through 66 then up north, then east. 22 Days Bike ride.
Sounds like quite a trip! Ride safe and enjoy it:)
Wow the view is just great.
That's Montana in the Summer for ya! It's paradise.
Great video and some good tips. Thanks !!
Yep, those foam ones are what I have. I just wondered if they'd fall out when putting on my helmet but you answered that question. :) One of my other friends also suggested the wax type, as the mold to your ear shape and don't stick out. Probably not real great for re-using, though!
Stop before you get sore, rather than after. Once you get sore even a long stop will only buy you a little time, but prevent it and you'll be fine. And think in terms of hours rather than miles as roads vary.
Thank you, i am new at long distance, planning a trip with my nephew across Oregon State. So appreciate the advice. Good to hear about the back pack, i was wondering about that. Sincerely Rick, oh yes praying to be riding a v-strom 650
Cool! I imagine you have to prepare for a wide range of climates crossing Oregon.
drienkm The Camelback is a great pack for a motorcycle. I fill mine with ice, toss in a packet of flavoring or a squirt of flavor drops and I'm good for most of the day. It keeps your refreshed, hydrated, and your back stays cool even when wearing the full protective coat. Riding at 60-70 MPH all day can really dry you out and keeping hydrated is a key to staying alert especially at about mile 400.
Guy RIZOORT True dat!
BIG BIG BIG difference -- like night and day: when I ran 200-220 miles between gas stops and then got right back on and kept driving thinking I was going to push it to cover more miles, by the time I was hitting 700 miles, my butt was really sore to the point of hurting, and THAT causes a lot of fatigue that didn't NEED to be there. However, if I FULLY RECUPERATED my butt every 100 miles (like 25-30 min walking around, even when it felt like I didn't need to after the first 300 miles), I could go 1200+ miles in a day without getting too fatigued. (Mind you, if I had THAT many miles to cover, SOME of those "rests" would be accomplished by standing up while driving. Isometric exercises of those muscles also helps a great deal.
Agreed regarding wind hitting you. So much so that riding with a "wind breaker" flapping on your skin is known in the long-distance-rider community as a BIG NO NO. Reason: it absolutely DRAINS your energy.
Couldn't agree more! Good comment:)
I've reading several articles on wearing earplugs and fact is, plugs don't block out noise, just wind. I don't listen to music with my ipod unless I am in the middle of nowhere.
M.C. Atty Hmm... I think we need better definitions here.
"noise" or sound is pressure waves in the air that move at 650-ish mph.
"wind" is moving air which doesn't directly make noise.
"wind noise" is sound created by wind moving quickly around/ through an object, causing turbulence, vibration of the object, and oscillations on a wide range of scales and frequencies.
You hear wind noise exactly the same way you hear bike or ambient noise.
Foam ear plugs are basically dampers. They take allot of energy (or amplitude) out of the pressure waves reaching your ear canal.
The density and memory properties of the foam affect the frequencies that get damped the most.
Ear plugs do block some of all types of noises, but maybe some more than others.
What kind of camera are you using? Is it in your helmet? Great video too!!!
A Gopro Hero2. Yup, it sits in front of my nose behind the visor on a little rubber mount I made.
Thanks for the awesome tips. =)
Great video and tips. Thanks, for all your hard work!
My pleasure.
Not sure why I watched that but I loved this video. I watch the whole entire thing to hear what you had to say. Great information. I subscribed to you. Where you from?
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. I only put out videos every now and then. I grew up in Gadsden, AL.
wow these roads...!! I would be happy skate-boarding on them, ridings's a bliss...
While I was living up there I actually found a remote undeveloped hillside covered in clean, smooth ribbons of asphalt. Then I brought my friend there who had a longboard. He made a bunch of runs and I even started towing him back up with the grab rail on my bike!.. Just going about 10 mph:) That was a fun day.
This was very informative
Excellent tips since I used already ;-) I don't use any camel back just hell of maintenance, and weight on your back. Ear plugs is a must and a pain for ears, always have rain suit handy on the tank bag, anyway great video cheers.
Great! That's exactly what i'm doing as well. Need a riding buddy lol, cos my dad is a slowmo rider. I have a FZ6, friggin love it.
Sore rump, yes varies with bike, seat and individual. A good sheepskin pad like from Aerostich works most of the time for me. www.aerostich.com/a-to-b-utilities/rider-comfort/saddle-pads/aerostich-sheepskin-saddle-pads.html The Airhawk cushion is absolutely amazing when you get the air volume right. Another thing is to take some weight off the rump; press down on your feet from a little to a lot, to lifting your butt off the seat, to standing on the pegs. The primary issue is circulation of blood, fluid, and energy in soft tissue and throughout the vertebrae.
Anyone else now planning a road trip in the USA after seeing all that beautiful scenery and long straight flat roads?
Hmm... it never occurred to me that "long straight flat roads" is something some riders are starved for. That is true, we have plenty of them!
+Interestingly Interested Absolutely! Going to see if a windshield will tame the I-90 ride across S Dakota. Sturgis is the excuse but a few days camping in the Badlands is this year's main event. Maybe a round-about route back to Indiana.
To each their own. I'm planning to take road trips to places with narrow, twisty mountain roads, for fun... Like The Troll's Path (Trollstigen).
Going 5000+ miles in two weeks from Vegas to Calif and back to pa next week. Doing it on a triumph street twin. Can't wait!
How are you not speeding down that road? I couldn't resist.
DukeOfWellington That wasn't the only time I've ridden it:)
Do you know Darrin Knight AKA Southern Momma? He grew up in Southside AL. He is very famous on Facebook and TH-cam.
When it comes to earplugs i highly recommend the Surfire models. Their about 10 bucks but are THE most comfortable I have ever worn. I used them on missions in Iraq and never had to take them out. In most cases I could carry on a normal conversation, and then fire my weapon. Most of the time I forgot they were in. Heres a link, you'll love'em.
www.surefire.com/tactical-equipment/hearing-protection.html
+lone crusaider THANK YOU for YOUR Service and Sacrifice ! ! ! (and thanks for the earplug tip's!)
It was my pleasure to serve.
awesome man, Im gonna start traveling right now cross country in my car, aint got no bike... too dangerous to ride one in my country... awesome video brw
Thanks! I used to roadtrip all the time in my truck before I started riding. It can be really fun too. It was easier to enjoy the outdoor destinations that way. I could bring hiking gear and clothing and not have to worry about someone stealing my riding gear or bike, or a marmot eating the liner out of my helmet while I'm out... Lol!
What country do you live in?
I live in colombia but I think I'm going to live in the states again thats for sure ^^ btw its nice to travel across country in colombia, the thing is that sometimes things might get complicated :(
Thanks for sharing some really good tips
I ride a Fury. No screen. 150 miles is the bikes fuel limit...easy to deal with wind for that long. Ciro3d phone holder/with charger...gps beats a piece of paper. Cup holder for H2O bottle with straw lol. Saddlebags or luggage rack negates uncomfortable backpack.
Great tips and great footage.
Shoulder pain can be wicked. Old Will Whitsruck (RIP) helped me with that, said "Be like a limp noodle". Relax, light grip on the bars, do shoulder rolls. Intense sharp pain is often from the Supraspinatus m. and/or the Infraspinatus m., under the Trapezius m., which usually just gets sore. The two smaller muscles can get over stressed and this is often on the left side because of the need to pressure the bars to keep the bike going straight on most roads as they are domed to the right and that deflects the tires making the bike want to drift off course. The rider has to correct almost constantly. Those little muscles and tendons are under a layer of larger and thicker tissue making them hard to access for massage. Counter clockwise shoulder rolls helps. Anatomy images: www.netterimages.com/product/9781929007875/10-372.htm
Sylacauga, Al here. I do a lot of long distance rides especially since I added a C14 to the stable.
Great vid!!! Your on my home turf!!! Great ride from Norris into Bozeman!!! Ride safe!
+bernie delvalle Thanks:)
Great video. Hoping to get out to Colorado from Michigan sometime next year.
Very good tips... Awesome ride..
Great video!
I like your gas, bathroom, cliff bar and water breaks idea. I'll remember that on my next long ride.
I use earplug-earbuds. All the comfort of noise reduction with the bonus of listening to music.
On the DC outlet I'd advise people to skip the USB port and go for a standard 12V cigarette outlet with an adapter. There are thousands of useful products a motorcyclist could use that require a 12V cigarette receptacle. I've used a camp fan with mine.
Thanks man!
I have to ask... a fan?!?! Do you spend allot of time in gridlock traffic? Lol
Midwest summer can see 90 degrees at night with 80% humidity. When camping a fan can make all the difference.
Ahh, that makes sense... I was imagining using it while riding. Lol
drienkm I was out riding tonight and though of this conversation. It's 52° and foggy. Even at 70 mph my helmet lens was still fogged up regardless of how many vents I had open. A good dual lens or a Pinlock lens would be a good idea if a person is riding through a cool wet climate.
***** Totally agree! I recently got a Pinlock and I LOVE it. I actually found a photochromic one on Ebay. it doesn't get that dark, but it still makes the most versatile visor in the world! Keep in mind photochromic stuff is expensive and only lasts about 2 years.
I do 600km rides once a month (plus 200 -300 every week) an a backpack is not good for either ride.
Add an Airhawk 2 seat for comfort.
+1 on the ear plugs. Noise doesn't bother me too much on my own bike, but if I'm riding with my husband on his Harley, ear plugs are a must. Not that I don't like the sound of a Harley engine, but I don't know how Harley riders stand the noise for hours on end. But then again I've never liked sustained loud noise. I even wear ear plugs to rock concerts.
What kind of ear plugs work best with a full face helmet?
I actually use a Platypus water bladder. You can get them by themselves for about $20-$30 and stick them in any backpack or your tankbag. Try REI or the like.
Just found your channel and got hooked right away.
I'm getting my licence later this year after I complete a training course. For the first season I'll be riding a Ninja 250r to gain experience and confidence but next season I'd like to get a bike that I could do weekend trips on (around 500mi), like an adventure type bike. I'm leaning towards a Honda CB500x.
I see though that you have a SV650 and I've always liked those bikes. Do you have any videos or descriptions of what you've equipped or modified to make it more comfortable or better suited to long distance travel?
I've been soaking in information like a sponge lately and I'm glad I found your channel.
Glad you found it! If you've seen my recent video "Washington Summer" you'll notice my friend Hannah riding her blue '09 Ninja250. It's done great for her and she takes it on long rides all the time. One day she did over 600 miles on it. She's looking to move up mainly to have more passing power. You won't need to do anything to your 250 to be ready for trips. You may notice things as you get to know it that you want to change. All Hannah has done is add a lead for a heated vest.
Long trips were a secondary goal at best for most of the things I've done to the SV (except the temporary windscreen and maybe gearing). My goals were mostly control, feel, and asthetic and convenience.
+drienkm Thank you for the timely response. I'll definitely check out the video you mentioned. I guess it goes to show you don't need an elaborate set up to tour. Thanks!
+Stan Random K, well I did start on a 650, but 250s are great fun once you've learned that acceleration isn't everything.
The video is beautiful. What camera are you using? And is the colouring of the video edited? It looks HDR or some similar post-processing to reduce the contrast between the light sky and the darker foreground.
Thanks. I was using a GoPro Hero2. I don't think I made any changes to the color... certainly no HDR-type processing.
great video in 2013 (at age 61 y/o) i road my 96 Honda 600 f3 from south bend In. to Abilene tx. to Greenville s.c. across n.c. moonshine alley up the tail of the dragon back to Indiana 3,350 miles 14 days I did mostly interstates till s.c. backroads till Knoxville tn. goin to va. in may to run the snake and dragon plus a few others I will post some video from my gopro 3 thanks for your video
Sound fun. i still haven't ever ridden the Dragon. I've ridden lots of other great roads in that area though.
ear plugs help me get in my head
Good reviews, That's exactly what I'm looking for! :D I'm the #1000 subscriber lol
Hey!!! So you are!! I don't know weather to congratulate you or me! Hahaha!
Thanks man;)
Wow I grew up on n Boaz AL. But now live in Winfield WV.
Wow! Small world!
I live near Yakima, WA now.
Ha, i knew that road looked familiar. Bozangeles, Montucky!
Good advices! great vid.
Thanks for this, great advice, thanks heaps...
CBR1000F Kiwi MotoVlog Glad to help:)
good video but 2 things i must disagree with you on. !) the full face helmet ( unless it super cold outside) it is too hot and it blocks part of my side vision.( i prefer the 1/4 helmet 2) the back pack if it is secured to your passenger seat it makes a good back rest if your bike does not have a good lumbar support
Thanks. It sounds like both differences arise from you and I riding very different bikes. To each his own regarding helmets. Mine (Shoei RF1100) has excellent ventilation on my sport bike (and Texas gets HOT), but would probably get hot if I was on a cruiser with a large windscreen. Side vision has also never been a problem for me. Different heads maybe? Lol!
I'm leaned forward a bit on my bike, so I don't need a back rest. But yeah, the passenger seat is a great place to put a pack... better than on your back IMHO :) Sound like we agree on that.
Thanks for the comments!