I'm thinking of driving from Washington DC to Ft Lauderdale, Floria on August 13th. It's about 1000 miles each way - and i've got plenty of time to make the trip - planning on doing 500ish miles each day. I haven't done any long trips on the GS yet - so I'm not sure how do-able it is. I'm planning on riding out to West Virginia this weekend to do some gambling and get a feel for longer trips.
So if I decide to take this trip down to florida on my bike is there anything I should know? Anything I should do to the bike before I go? I know that I should definately change the oil before/after I go, but what else? Do i need to check valve clearances? balance the carbs ( I am getting some vibes when the RPM's reach 5K)? Get a windshield? What's the best way to deal with luggage?
Oh - btw - my bike is a 1994 GS500 with 14K miles. I've upgraded to progressive springs and 15w fork oil - but haven't done anything else to the bike yet.
pm Kerry, he's the ultimate luggage guy. as far as other tips check out ironbutt.com
The best thing I can suggest is to do a GStwin search for "luggage". Yeah, you'll get more than a page worth of hits, but it will be well worth your time to read the ones that sound interesting.
For example, in addition to "luggage talk" you'll find threads with titles like:
Long ride check list
and
Advice for planned east coast trip.
Much of your preparation depends on whether you plan to camp vs "motel it", cook vs "fast food it", etc.
Be sure to post any specific questions you can think of.
Haven't done any long trips like that myself, but I'd say a windshield is a must. The bigger the better. I'm gonna pick up a National Cycle Plexistar 2 to use on longish rides.
Another thing to consider is your seat. I don't know about you, but my rear is ready for a break after about an hour. I'd be wishing for death after 7-8 hours. There's the Suzuki gel seat, a corbin seat, and various seat pads (the "Airhawk" pad gets good reviews) available.
jeff
A GS is more than capable of making the trip. I would recomend a couple of things.
gradually ramp up your distances per day. 2 or 300 the first day, 400 the next, etc. to give your body (butt) a chance to get used to it. This will also give you more time to enjoy the trip and see the sights instead of a mad dash thru the countryside at a full tuck.
Avoid the interstate. Yeah it would be quicker, but its not much fun on a GS. Find a route on smaller highways or backroads. Not only will it be easier on the bike and you, but you may find some turns that will keep you entertained.
If you'd like some directions or suggestions on things to do in Florida if you don't already have plans, I can come up with something for you.
Keep in mind that in the middle of August in South Florida it will be stupid hot. Get/Bring a mesh jacket.
hehe, how far south into florida you coming?
Pretty far south into Florida - Ft. Lauderdale. It looks like i'll be spending friday night in Savannah.
Well i'm off to go do first long(ish) trip - going to play the ponies and slots in West Virginia - 1 1/2 hours each way. We'll see how i feel afterwards
woo00ooooT let me know when you get down, Ft. Lickerdale is only 15 mins east of me.