From Los Angeles to Portland via Highway 1

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N3RB

N3RB

Joined
Jun 21, 2013
Messages
136
Location
SF
So, I need some advice.

I'm taking my first long trip ever starting from LA and heading to Portland, staying a few days then heading straight back by only taking highway 1 and the fun roads. I have only about 1200 miles on her. Is there anything I need to prep for? I have full leathers of corse, two gopros and a RAM MOUNT for the steering stem for GPS/Phone/GoPro mount.

Any tank/tail bag or even backpack recommendations?

Also any mechanical I should be worried about with the bike?

Its 1,211 miles one way

Stoked for it!
 
For such a long journey it has to be a Kreiga backpack IMO.... You decide what size but the Quadlock system is awesome....
 
Holy hell, my dream backpack. I was about to buy a $300 for work, but that can wait :)

Oh man, I didn't even think of cruise control. Does anyone use one? I wouldn't dream of using it in the twistys, thats about my whole trip though :O
 
I second STW's recommendation for a Kreiga backpack.

I have the Kreiga R25 and have been using it for about 6 months now. To put it bluntly, it is great for commuting and everyday use.

I'm not sure if the R25 will be big enough for you needs. Perhaps the R30 or R35 is more appropriate.
 
Yeah, I was thinking I might actually get a bit worn down by a backpack, But I would use it more than a Tank/tail bag combo. How does it rest on your shoulders?
 
With no intention of thread-jacking; I, too, am looking to a do a first-time long trip and appreciate the feedback from yous-guys.

Seattle - Chicago. 2,326 miles the way I'd take, with 3,000 miles on the clock and counting every day. Tires and oil for one thing, anything else?

Perhaps Antihero can chime in a bit here if he's not too busy in Milan.

----

Good luck, N3RB - If the timing is right perhaps we all could manage a PNW meet in Portland.
 
sounds like an awesome trip, wish i have the luxuary to do the same.

a moto mechanic use to tell me, if want to ride a honda from san diego to alaska, you map out all your motels and gas stations. if you want to ride a ducati from san diego to alaska, you map out all the ducati dealers along the way

I think Antihero would be the best person to chime in on adventure planning.
 
N3RB said:
Yeah, I was thinking I might actually get a bit worn down by a backpack, But I would use it more than a Tank/tail bag combo. How does it rest on your shoulders?
Click to expand...

It doesnt...This is the beauty of it.....
 
N3RB said:
So, I need some advice.

I'm taking my first long trip ever starting from LA and heading to Portland, staying a few days then heading straight back by only taking highway 1 and the fun roads. I have only about 1200 miles on her. Is there anything I need to prep for? I have full leathers of corse, two gopros and a RAM MOUNT for the steering stem for GPS/Phone/GoPro mount.

Any tank/tail bag or even backpack recommendations?

Also any mechanical I should be worried about with the bike?

Its 1,211 miles one way

Stoked for it!
Click to expand...

When are planning to arrived in PDX? Let me know I might be able to meet with you and show you some nice roads in the area!!
 
jyli19 said:
sounds like an awesome trip, wish i have the luxuary to do the same.

a moto mechanic use to tell me, if want to ride a honda from san diego to alaska, you map out all your motels and gas stations. if you want to ride a ducati from san diego to alaska, you map out all the ducati dealers along the way

I think Antihero would be the best person to chime in on adventure planning.
Click to expand...

I would say map out the gas stops along the way, and travel light.
 
Again, STW is right on the money. :D

The Quad Lock system that is used on Kriega backpacks is ingenious. It distributes the weight of the pack throughout your shoulders, back, and hips. You hardly feel anything in the shoulders.

In addition, the "pull-down" cinching mechanism used on all 4 straps makes it very easy to put on even with a full leather jacket and gloves on.

Again, highly recommended...
 
That would be great to meet up with some PNX riders. I don't have a set date yet, I just have to let my shoulder heal up before I leave. Gotta buy some new leather track pants, aiming towards dainese :D

looks like i'm getting the Kriega with all the positive reviews and possibly some new Dainese gloves. My Astars 3/4 gauntlet's are a touch loose in the palm :/
 
Noting gas stations along the way is essential as there will be spots where stations will be spread out, especially if you're wringing the throttle.

I've got the Kriega R25 that I've used on trips and for commuting. Excellent bag and never had problems with feeling the weight. Check out the R30—might be worth the extra room. Also, there's the tail bag from Kriega that's pretty good—not sure if they have the straps sorted out yet...

In NorCal there are a number of side roads just off HWY 1 that are worth their time — if you have the time that is.

(in order North to South)
- HWY 128
- Skaggs Springs
- HWY 116
- HWY84
- HWY 9

Many, many more...have fun and speed safe!
 
In LA and riding to Monterey on Thursday and will report back. Dennis is the man for any long distance advice and all I recommend is some padded Dainese shorts under your leather and good attitude......have a great trip and let's ride when you are back in So Cal!
 
I'll also chime in with a recommend on the Kreiga R-25. Have had it for a year. I use it for all those 3-4 day weekend getaway rides. Works really well. Very comfortable.
And for extra room their US10 drypack is made to attach to the R-25 for when you need to carry some extra.

Kriega makes great stuff. A little expensive. But worth it, imho.
 

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marky mark said:
I use Sw Motech saddle bags and a Ducati tail pack for the long trips, they work graet and no monkey on my back which I hate.
Click to expand...

I've looked at these before. Actually their version for Triumph Street Triple (I'm considering trading my Triumph Sprint but need a bag setup).

If you have the time, I would like to see more pics of your setup. Particularly any shots from underneath the tail section. Interest is in the clearance and how far the bags extend. My concern is clearing rear turn signals. Doesn't show it clearly on the web page and the pics they have show aftermarket tail/signals. Could you post some closeups of the rear of your setup. Would be appreciated.

Also, are the rear passenger hangers required to be on? It looks like the frame mounts/stabilizers/whatever are bolted on top of them - at least at the rearward bolt mount.
 
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As far as storage for such a trip, the DP tail bag might not be the most aesthetically pleasing addition to the bike, but it is totally unobtrusive, and holds quite a lot. I have used mine on longer trips for a couple of years on my 2012 Tricolore, and am very satisfied with it. It has never marred the finish on the tailpiece by the way. Concerning the cruise control, the TuneBoy system with cruise control is what I use, and it is incredible. Totally electronic, and absolutely no wires or buttons (it uses your starter button and the up and down menu buttons for all functions), it works flawlessly. As an added bonus, it will allow you to custom tune the bike either through Wayne's program trim files, or via more serious dyno work. A great system, easy to install (no added components - it just reprograms your OEM ECU), and saves the right hand from hours on end of holding the throttle open. Cancels when you touch either brake lever, or the clutch. The nudge buttons (the aforementioned menu buttons) allow one mph adjustments to your set speed easily. You will be happy with it I am sure. Have a great ride.
 
BTW, if you're riding HWY1 there won't be be much in terms of straights for you to rest your throttle hand-even if you're taking it easy.
 

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