Holy Crap boys and girls- that was a long ride.  Miles on paper are nothing compared to miles on the road...

So last week I found a screamin deal on Ebay for a practically new 2004 SV650S for $4700.  Only problem was it was in Chicago.  But everything looked good so, 'click' "Congrats, you have just purchased..."

I knew I was in for it when the flight time was over three hours-

I'll skip the details on the transaction and fast forward to the part where.... we were finally alone.  Just me and the SV.  It was special... a moment I'll never forget- it would be the only time over the 1500 miles where my crotch wouldn't hurt...

First impression:  Good Feel, Good Lines,  Nice weight and balance.  But on the road this bike was far different from the GS500- There is no sluggish 0-4000 rpm blahhh.  There is no hurry up and wait for the 7000 rpm rush.  There is only GO.  Tell it when and how far and GO (my GO limit was satisfied somewhere in Nebraska at 115 mph).

My first stop was the Chicago DMV so I could get a temp permit for the bike.  My worst fear was waiting in some hurendous line- but it would soon change to a big black lady in a Grand AM...  I'm turning left while in the parking lot when I am passed on the left by a black dart doing 30 (IN THE FREAKIN PARKING LOT!!).  I catch a glimpse of this ghost in my mirror and slam on the brakes- She barely misses me but I go down hard.  Fortunately no plastic was harmed in the filming of this event however my clutch lever is now bent and my shifter nob is now broken.  Boys and Girls, can we say "Screwed."

She was a ____ !!  So I threaten to call the cops and start taking her lisence plate number.  Shortly after security comes out ( he used to be a biker, owned a Jesse James Chopper but gave it up after seeing a friend try a Kentucky Fried Chicken, hit a curb and decapitate himself - yeah, don't ask).  He then gets the building engineer and after some drilling and tapping and screwing, the bike is back on line.  The security guard then gets me to the front of the line and 10 minuts later I'm finally on my way.  But by this time I am 5 hours late.

Later that night it got cold, windy, and rainy.  Bottom Line:  I am 400 miles short of day 1 riding goal.  But it all worked out in the end. Obsesive speeding does pay off and 2 days later I was home again with a weird sense of accomplishment and a feeling that I had come to terms with something... just don't know what.

For those of you considering a long road trip may I say a few things:

Buy an MP3 CD player- I only needed two CD's.  
Rock Stars are not an aquired taste.  They still taste like Poo.
If traveling I-80 through NE and IA, plan some time for all the great museums you'll find along the way: All things Chevy, the International Wrestling Museum, the National Deutch Windmill Museum, The Strategic Air Command Museum, the War Vehicle Museum, or the Praire Pioneer Museum... to name a few.
My favorite prayer this trip: "Please don't let that be a cop."
Here's a fun game fo Nebraska- name all the things that have corn as an ingredient.
Treat advil like candy, not a drug.

Good times....

Great write up!

I didn't realize the trip was happening so soon.  I'm glad you made it back OK.

Thanks for the list of museums along I-80.  Maybe I'll consider taking it sometime.... :mrgreen:

Tell me more about the comfort aspects of the trip.  Would you say the SV650S is more of a short-ride machine, or was it a matter of your body not being used to doing all of those miles?

You can't always find one (more's the pity) but my favorite is when an auto zips past me at a speed that I can get up to and maintain.  I give 'em a half mile lead or so and just hang with 'em.  

Did you camp out, or motel it, or what?

Finally ... did you take any pictures?  ("Of what?" you'll probably say.  "Nebraska?")

I just made that trip in a car recently and I wouldn't have wanted to have been out there on a bike!   Anyway, just wanted to add that Lincoln or Omaha is supposed to have a really nice zoo, so while you are stopping at the Windmill museum you might as well stop there.

Chris

As far as the SV being a sports tourer- it can hold it's own.  The overall riding position isn't bad- it's just the harder than average seat that got to me.  The newer styling of the bike has a rounder tank- throw a tank bag on it and just lay down.  I'm sure the naked version would be a little friendlier on riding postition, but I couldn't imagine making a trip like that without a fairing/windscreen.  

With twice the ponies as the GS, I never found myself lacking power.  Most of Wyoming saw 90-95 mph and it never felt taxed.  I know Vtlion has expressed some distaste for the roll on power but I think he may have been spoiled by the r6...

Now, I did take a camera, but sadly it saw no use...  :dunno: I mean Nebraska....

I went the way of the motel- the weather wasn't as friendly as I had hoped.  

Well boys and girls- there you have it.  I'll be lurking around here from time to time but I suppose now it's time to move on   .

Kerry and the rest of the Utah Possee- I'll catch you all later- I ran into Moses last week and he's always up for a ride.  

Hasta la vista