My first long trip - some observations
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 49
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From: New Jersey
My first long trip - some observations
Just got back from my first long trip on my first harley. Bought the bike a few weeks ago. Took it for a spin - Central NJ - Niagra Falls - Toronto and back. 1200 miles total. Day 1 - riding, Day 2 - Toronto, Day 3 - Riding
Some observations:
- Get some cushions/ gels/ sheepskin ,etc. My wife was a great companion on the trip but it was a shame to see her suffer
- My '06 with stage 1 has no trouble with getting to 95-100 mph 2up
- Cruising at a consistent 85mph is not an issue even with a passenger
- Cruise control is very convenient but i feel a slight loss of control when I put on cruise
- Riding in the rain requires a lot of extra attention, but is not so bad
- Scala G4 was awesome and my best buy for the bike so far
- Scorpion EXO-900 was awesome - Use the FF all the time and used the small sun shield quite a bit as well. No need to stop to put on sunglasses etc.
- Knee hurt a bit due to awkward position of feet due to stage 1 (extender and Kuryakyn extended brake pedal delivered today)
- My new Timberland pro's were very comfortable
- Mesh jacket was the right decision for summer
- Some motorcycle luggage would help
- Slow, look, lean, roll (from MSF course) may not work too well. Had my floorboard scrape the ground once..not a good feeling
- The one time I passed a truck on the right (after 1000 miles) he decided to change lanes into my path. Luckily i downshifted, twisted the throttle and was off...made a mental note never to do this again
More to come...
Some observations:
- Get some cushions/ gels/ sheepskin ,etc. My wife was a great companion on the trip but it was a shame to see her suffer
- My '06 with stage 1 has no trouble with getting to 95-100 mph 2up
- Cruising at a consistent 85mph is not an issue even with a passenger
- Cruise control is very convenient but i feel a slight loss of control when I put on cruise
- Riding in the rain requires a lot of extra attention, but is not so bad
- Scala G4 was awesome and my best buy for the bike so far
- Scorpion EXO-900 was awesome - Use the FF all the time and used the small sun shield quite a bit as well. No need to stop to put on sunglasses etc.
- Knee hurt a bit due to awkward position of feet due to stage 1 (extender and Kuryakyn extended brake pedal delivered today)
- My new Timberland pro's were very comfortable
- Mesh jacket was the right decision for summer
- Some motorcycle luggage would help
- Slow, look, lean, roll (from MSF course) may not work too well. Had my floorboard scrape the ground once..not a good feeling
- The one time I passed a truck on the right (after 1000 miles) he decided to change lanes into my path. Luckily i downshifted, twisted the throttle and was off...made a mental note never to do this again
More to come...
Last edited by NJhdnewbie; Jul 6, 2011 at 11:57 PM.
Sounds like you had a good trip!
Check out the airhawk seat cushion...best I've found and the wife and I have tried a bunch over the years.
Kevin
Check out the airhawk seat cushion...best I've found and the wife and I have tried a bunch over the years.
Kevin
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
I just got back from Niagara Falls (Bike trip from PA) we took the long way through the finger lakes (stopped at some winery's on the way) and came home via PA rte 6. This was my first long trip on my HD as well.
When were you there?
When were you there?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 4
From: Fennario
Sounds like you two had a great trip. Start planning the next one...
Good observations. I do need to get a seat pad before my CO trip next month - hear lots of good about Airhawk.
I really like my Timberland Pros too. Durable and comfortable, on & off the scoot.
Good observations. I do need to get a seat pad before my CO trip next month - hear lots of good about Airhawk.
I really like my Timberland Pros too. Durable and comfortable, on & off the scoot.
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 358
Likes: 1
Just wanted to throw out another positive mark for the AirHawk!
It literally doubled my daily saddle time.
It literally doubled my daily saddle time.
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Agreed...good to see a riding thread....My little group started doing long rides 3 years ago, typically 2500-3000 miles round trip...and needless to say we have all learned alot and seen some great country. I prefer the subdowner seat for long tours...comfortable for me and the wife, I never pass on the right, cruise control has the same effect on my as I don't feel I have the control but I am adjusting to it, rain is annoying but fine if you take proper precautions, G4 is awesome, get some highway pegs to allow yourself some different riding positions, luggage is a must, mesh jackets are great, slow look lean roll works if you execute it correctly.....see you out there!
