Riding the GS500E long distances.....

[jamesmcb]

Hey guy's, I have a 2000 GS500E with about 20K miles on it.  I also drive a nissan pickup truck which I make a trip from Raleigh, NC to Atlanta, GA about every other weekend in (around a 500 mile trip one way, 1000 both ways).  I ride my GS500E a lot but was wondering how it was to take on trips.  I would love to take the bike on this trip one weekend but I dont know if I would totally hate it and regret it once I was halfway there and want to turn around.  The bike would definately be way way better on gas, and on a nice sunny weekend i'd love to drive it.  Have any of you driven your GS500 that far?  What was the longest trip you have taken in the GS and how did it go?  Do you think it would overheat or something might break if I took it that far?  I'm just trying to weigh the options and see if its a totally stupid idea or if I should give it a try just to say i've done it.  Let me know what you think please!!

[ashman]

I'm sure Kerry will chime in hes done some long trips. I'm planning a 2500 mile trip for the begginning of Oct right now. I'm getting a cruiser style windshield more relaxed handlebars and some saddle bags to better equip my bike. I read somewhere on a m/c touring site they reccomended nothing smaller then 650cc displacement for that purpose. The gs is standard/ sport so it can do hwy travel, Its more a matter of equiping the bike for comfort.

-ash

[conradvr]

Yeh! do the Ride.  We have taken the GS for a 3 week, 6,000km+ trip and it handled it fine - it won't break.  All you need to consider is:

1. Oil consumption - take some to top her up.
2. For comfort, fit a little F-16 fairing to reduce the wind load on your chest
3. Plan to take a short rest about every hour - the bum does get numb
4. Make sure your maintenance schedule is on track
5. Take some chain lube
6. I need ear plugs on long hauls to handle helmet noise

If the trip is just long and straight - maybe take the truck. if there are more 'scenic' parts of the trip        

[davipu]

the bike will be fine, just stop and streeeeeeeeeech more often than if you were driving a cage.   you may want to get some kind of back soupport before you go too.   I did a 7000 mile CCC run this summer and the bike ran fine, only burned 2 qts of oil.

[TheGoodGuy]

the car is so much more comfy.

I drove the GS 400 miles to sacramento, when i left last fall for school, this spring i towed it back down.

Cars are so much more comfy on a straight road.

[johncam4]

ear plugs
ipod
i stop every 2 hours or so to fill up and rest
or stop and read the historical marker on the sides of the road.
ill stand up for a couple miles every now and then
dump some candy out in your tank bag and snack on it as you go
 :kiss:

[bigdaub]

for me, stop and stretch more often than i want to and the ride would be enjoyable.  make sure you suit up properly, that you won't be cold during the ride especially.

i don't need music or ear plugs... enjoy my rides au natural.

damn i miss riding from here to vegas.

[Kerry]

I'm sure Kerry will chime in hes done some long trips.

Seems like it's getting to be "old hat" now though.  :dunno:   If you're interested, I have chronicled most of my longer rides in the Trips section on my home page.  Follow the link in my signature below.

The glaring exception is my first (and longest) ride from UT to AL and back.  What can I say?  I didn't have a camera at the time and I wasn't keeping a journal yet.    But I think I still have all of my gas receipts!  

I'm planning a 2500 mile trip for the begginning of Oct right now.

I'm anxious to hear how it goes. Good Luck!  

[danci1973]

Long trips are no problem for our little GS!

I find that regular refueling stops are more than enough for my butt, but if you're not used to long riding yet, you may need to stop more often.

Also don't forget to take oil and chain lube with you - I need to add oil on a regular basis (1/2 liter / 1000km). You will want to lube your chain like you usually do or more often (if you get caught by rain or drive on some dirt).

Don't forget your rain gear (at least I always have my rain overall with me - I don't stop for rain!).

D. who just got back from 1000km trip.

[photog]

Work your way up to it. Try shorter trips at first.

When you do go on your long trip, break it up into smaller chunks. Even when you are able to do 1000 mile days, it helps to make it a nicer trip by simply stopping before you get tired or sore. It's not a race.

Don't eat heavy foods and avoid junk food. Hydrate often. Get off the bike when you need to. I often stop at rest stops and stretch out on picnic tables. Noone bothers me (probably too weird-looking in all my gear).

Don't get caught up in making time.

Take care of the bike. When you take breaks, check out the chain and tires. Carry a basic tool kit (you can buy a tool wrap and fill it with what you need). Plan on topping up the oil.

Carry a cell phone and list of emergency numbers.

Dress for the worst weather (heat, rain, cold, etc) you think you'll encounter. Have a place to stash the extra stuff.

Don't skimp on boots or gloves.

[ghettorigged]

For a long highway trip I would get a windscreen.  

I do 300+ mile days on my GS almost every weekend now, but it  started by doing trips that were only 80 miles. If you are ok with distances, I say go for it, but don't get in a hurry, just cruise and enjoy.

If you do it, be sure to take some pics to post!