Hey Folks,
Wanted to share a few pics from a ride I took recently.
My firm makes me take 10 business days off annually just to make sure we're not part of any financial shenanigans. I had to move it around a bit due to various scheduling conflicts, and therefore wasn't able to plan a more formal trip.
I decided to basically jump on the bike with a few essentials(tools & clothes) and make a go of it solo. I basically just wanted to hit some major destinations like The Air Force Museum in Dayton, Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Pikes Peak, Blue Ridge Parkway etc...
Unfortunately I lost most of my pics when my phone was destroyed in a bad thunderstorm while in New Mexico. Had to navigate the interstate via a $5 pocket Almanac throughout the rest of the trip b/c it was my only GPS. Poor planning on my part. Still got to salvage a few pics that I liked.
Quick & dirty AAR:
1. Sport bikes are great, but obviously get uncomfortable(for me atleast) after about 100 miles of straight riding. This was roughly the distance I could ride until my fuel light came on so that was that.
2. Tuneboy electronic cruise control was a real wrist saver and made all the difference.
3. The DP Comfort seat was also a life saver. I couldn't imagine doing this on the OEM.
4. SW-Motech Blaze Panniers were awesome, and reliable but I did manage to rub a bit of paint off the tail of the bike due to friction. Should have installed the provided protectors.
5. Most aloof drivers(I'm gonna go 71 in a 70 and just hang out in the left lane) - Tennessee.
6. Most insane drivers(The speed limit is 120 right? Right?) - New Jersey.
7. Best drivers(all around pleasant) - South Dakota
8. Most likely place to "theoretically" hit your max speed - Wyoming
9. Bike made it through with no show stoppers but I did have a slight oil leak from the top of the clutch from what I assume was a improperly installed ducabike clear clutch cover. Not the bikes fault, but my own. Also, 350 miles into this 6000+ trip, the turn signal button fell off. I could actuate the signals, but I couldn't kill them so they would stay on for a bit. Hand and arm signals were the order of the day for some time.
10. Although I don't think I could live out West, I'm a sucker for scenery and some of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever laid eyes on are in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, & South Dakota.
11. Illinois should write me a check for killing atleast 50% of it's bug population with my face.
Enjoy!
Rough outline of my route:
Thanks Illinois:
Waze/Google Maps apparently thinking I own a dirt bike:
Wanted to share a few pics from a ride I took recently.
My firm makes me take 10 business days off annually just to make sure we're not part of any financial shenanigans. I had to move it around a bit due to various scheduling conflicts, and therefore wasn't able to plan a more formal trip.
I decided to basically jump on the bike with a few essentials(tools & clothes) and make a go of it solo. I basically just wanted to hit some major destinations like The Air Force Museum in Dayton, Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Pikes Peak, Blue Ridge Parkway etc...
Unfortunately I lost most of my pics when my phone was destroyed in a bad thunderstorm while in New Mexico. Had to navigate the interstate via a $5 pocket Almanac throughout the rest of the trip b/c it was my only GPS. Poor planning on my part. Still got to salvage a few pics that I liked.
Quick & dirty AAR:
1. Sport bikes are great, but obviously get uncomfortable(for me atleast) after about 100 miles of straight riding. This was roughly the distance I could ride until my fuel light came on so that was that.
2. Tuneboy electronic cruise control was a real wrist saver and made all the difference.
3. The DP Comfort seat was also a life saver. I couldn't imagine doing this on the OEM.
4. SW-Motech Blaze Panniers were awesome, and reliable but I did manage to rub a bit of paint off the tail of the bike due to friction. Should have installed the provided protectors.
5. Most aloof drivers(I'm gonna go 71 in a 70 and just hang out in the left lane) - Tennessee.
6. Most insane drivers(The speed limit is 120 right? Right?) - New Jersey.
7. Best drivers(all around pleasant) - South Dakota
8. Most likely place to "theoretically" hit your max speed - Wyoming
9. Bike made it through with no show stoppers but I did have a slight oil leak from the top of the clutch from what I assume was a improperly installed ducabike clear clutch cover. Not the bikes fault, but my own. Also, 350 miles into this 6000+ trip, the turn signal button fell off. I could actuate the signals, but I couldn't kill them so they would stay on for a bit. Hand and arm signals were the order of the day for some time.
10. Although I don't think I could live out West, I'm a sucker for scenery and some of the most beautiful landscapes I've ever laid eyes on are in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, & South Dakota.
11. Illinois should write me a check for killing atleast 50% of it's bug population with my face.
Enjoy!
Rough outline of my route:
Thanks Illinois:
Waze/Google Maps apparently thinking I own a dirt bike:
Last edited:
