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cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 6:03 pm
by lambretta1us
Hello. I'm new to KLR's, about 6 months with an `05, and I've been lurking here for awhile. I'm planning on riding cross country, Upstate South Carolina to Portland, Oregon the last week of July. My wife and kids will fly out for a week at the Oregon coast, and I'm planning to arrive around the time they do. I've made arrangements to ship the KLR back by Forward Air, and I'll fly back with the family. Anyhow, I've ridden motorcycles for 30 years: dirt bikes, sportbikes, trackdays and currently a super motard, but I've never done any long distance like this. I've done all the suggested mods to my KLR doohickey, fork springs, brakes, tires, pipe, pegs, lights, Corbin, hard bags, etc. I love the bike, but I've never done over 280 miles at a time on it. So .. Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm planning 5-6 days), routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be staying in motels), or anything else of relevance would be a huge help. Better yet, anybody want to join me? Thanks for your advice. Mike

cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 8:52 pm
by Steve Palmer
If I was doing that trip I would look for 2 lane roads, they let you slow down and really see the country. People on this list should be a great resource. Let me know if you would like some routing help through Oregon, there are great roads here if you know where to look. Steve Hello. I'm new to KLR's, about 6 months with an `05, and I've been lurking here for awhile. I'm planning on riding cross country, Upstate South Carolina to Portland, Oregon the last week of July. My wife and kids will fly out for a week at the Oregon coast, and I'm planning to arrive around the time they do. I've made arrangements to ship the KLR back by Forward Air, and I'll fly back with the family. Anyhow, I've ridden motorcycles for 30 years: dirt bikes, sportbikes, trackdays and currently a super motard, but I've never done any long distance like this. I've done all the suggested mods to my KLR.doohickey, fork springs, brakes, tires, pipe, pegs, lights, Corbin, hard bags, etc. I love the bike, but I've never done over 280 miles at a time on it. So... Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm planning 5-6 days), routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be staying in motels), or anything else of relevance would be a huge help. Better yet, anybody want to join me? Thanks for your advice. Mike Archive Quicksearch at: http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: www.dualsportnews.com List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html Yahoo! Groups Links

cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:59 pm
by W.V. Doran
2 things that will help...CamelBack Hydration system and Sheep skin cover for your corbin.
> So... Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm planning > 5-6 days), > routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be > staying in motels), > or anything else of relevance would be a huge help. > Better yet, > anybody want to join me? > > Thanks for your advice. > Mike
WVDoran Scottsdale, AZ __________________________________ Yahoo! Mail Mobile Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/learn/mail

cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:19 am
by matteeanne@yahoo.com
Sounds like a wonderful trip. I'd look for all backroads myself, period. Dont even use a map, get a cheap GPS and head W-NW. What a wonderful way to see America. I'd opt of SHeepskin under your rear. Your gonna be hot, period, so just go with it. Wear Armor, period. Drink plenty, but not just water, get gatoraid, and juice too. Break frequently, dont be in a hurry at all, but rather put in 12-14 hours on the road, but an hour or two at a time, then take 15 minutes at various roadside atractions, a creek, a valley, the worlds largest ball of string. Stand up on the KLR often. You workout, great to give your rump a break, and it's fun too. Don't just dive into this ride either. Take a 300 miler, and a 500 miler before you tackle this all at once, you'll be glad you did. If you dont have a good list of road side emergency stuff to carry, get one. Cell Phone and CB, even a walky talky are mandatory. Personally i'd carry a handgun, but at very least take some pepper spray. I have 4 teens now, so my cross country days are few and far between. But I have been in every state in these great united states, mostly on bikes, and I can assure you that you will have some rather fond memories. Please be careful, dont let your guard down, dont let your tank ever hit reserve. Just a tip for gatting 4 more hours out of a day on the road, (some will hate me for this) Beer. After 8 hours you'll think your done. But pull in to a tavern, have a cold one, maybe two if you ate well, and climb back on. Youll be surprised at how much you'll yearn for more miles. When it gets dark, the day is done, no exception, so get up early every day. God Speed, Sean A-18. Big, Fat and Red. So is my bike.... --- Steve Palmer wrote:
> If I was doing that trip I would look for 2 lane > roads, they let you slow > down and really see the country. People on this list > should be a great > resource. Let me know if you would like some routing > help through Oregon, > there are great roads here if you know where to > look. > Steve > > > Hello. I'm new to KLR's, about 6 months with an > `05, and I've been > lurking here for awhile. I'm planning on riding > cross country, > Upstate South Carolina to Portland, Oregon the last > week of July. My > wife and kids will fly out for a week at the Oregon > coast, and I'm > planning to arrive around the time they do. I've > made arrangements > to ship the KLR back by Forward Air, and I'll fly > back with the > family. Anyhow, I've ridden motorcycles for 30 > years: dirt bikes, > sportbikes, trackdays and currently a super motard, > but I've never > done any long distance like this. I've done all the > suggested mods > to my KLR.doohickey, fork springs, brakes, tires, > pipe, pegs, > lights, Corbin, hard bags, etc. I love the bike, but > I've never done > over 280 miles at a time on it. > > So... Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm planning > 5-6 days), > routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be > staying in motels), > or anything else of relevance would be a huge help. > Better yet, > anybody want to join me? > > Thanks for your advice. > Mike > > > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: >
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: > www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: > www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: >
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: > www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: > www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > DSN_KLR650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > > >
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cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:20 am
by Keith Saltzer
I've been to La (from SanFrancisco), Pittsburgh Pa, Eugen Oregon, and all over the state of Ca. Tips for riding: Keep the stock 15-43 gearing (trust me on this one) Get a sheepskin seat cover, then use it at night for a pillow. Pack EVERYTHING that you want to use during the day in your tankbag like sunglasses, wallet, cigarettes, lighter, munchies, tools, oil, camera blah blah. Don't put any time restraints on your riding days if you can help it. If you see an interesting road while your riding, take it. Stay away from big trucks, when passing them, do it quickly. MrMoose A8 (Barbie and Ken special) being torn down and rebuilt --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "lambretta1us" wrote:
> Hello. I'm new to KLR's, about 6 months with an `05, and I've
been
> lurking here for awhile. I'm planning on riding cross country, > Upstate South Carolina to Portland, Oregon the last week of July.
My
> wife and kids will fly out for a week at the Oregon coast, and I'm > planning to arrive around the time they do. I've made arrangements > to ship the KLR back by Forward Air, and I'll fly back with the > family. Anyhow, I've ridden motorcycles for 30 years: dirt bikes, > sportbikes, trackdays and currently a super motard, but I've never > done any long distance like this. I've done all the suggested mods > to my KLR doohickey, fork springs, brakes, tires, pipe, pegs, > lights, Corbin, hard bags, etc. I love the bike, but I've never
done
> over 280 miles at a time on it. > > So .. Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm planning 5-6 days), > routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be staying in motels), > or anything else of relevance would be a huge help. Better yet, > anybody want to join me? > > Thanks for your advice. > Mike

cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:56 am
by dspuffer
Last year I went from Arizona to Alabama and back. The three things important to me were Taller windshield 2 lane roads As I went through the smaller towns that force you to drop your speed to 40 MPH of less, I stood up on the pegs. You will get some looks from others but it is a good way to stretch without stopping. Puffer --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "lambretta1us" wrote:
> Hello. I'm new to KLR's, about 6 months with an `05, and I've
been
> lurking here for awhile. I'm planning on riding cross country, > Upstate South Carolina to Portland, Oregon the last week of July.
My
> wife and kids will fly out for a week at the Oregon coast, and I'm > planning to arrive around the time they do. I've made arrangements > to ship the KLR back by Forward Air, and I'll fly back with the > family. Anyhow, I've ridden motorcycles for 30 years: dirt bikes, > sportbikes, trackdays and currently a super motard, but I've never > done any long distance like this. I've done all the suggested mods > to my KLR doohickey, fork springs, brakes, tires, pipe, pegs, > lights, Corbin, hard bags, etc. I love the bike, but I've never
done
> over 280 miles at a time on it. > > So .. Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm planning 5-6 days), > routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be staying in motels), > or anything else of relevance would be a huge help. Better yet, > anybody want to join me? > > Thanks for your advice. > Mike

cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:41 am
by Arden Kysely
Don't forget sunscreen for your face. You can get a bad burn through a helmet visor. Get a throttle rocker or some kind of cruise control to give your arm a break. Bring tire fixin's (tube, pump, tire irons), a flashlight, and don't ride at night. If you're strapped for time, I'd blast through the stuff close to home so you can take a more leisurely ride through the new turf. Most of all, keep a good attitude and have fun! __Arden
--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "W.V. Doran" wrote: > 2 things that will help...CamelBack Hydration system > and Sheep skin cover for your corbin. > > > So... Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm planning > > 5-6 days), > > routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be > > staying in motels), > > or anything else of relevance would be a huge help. > > Better yet, > > anybody want to join me? > > > > Thanks for your advice. > > Mike > > > WVDoran > Scottsdale, AZ > > > > __________________________________ > Yahoo! Mail Mobile > Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone. > http://mobile.yahoo.com/learn/mail

cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 5:49 pm
by thotchi
Arden: I inadvertently replied to you previously. Sorry about that. Note about the sunscreen: if you sweat, it'll get in your eyes and sting. I found that application on your face from beneath the eyes downward works since my helmet blocks the sun on my forehead. Probably goes without saying, but make sure you know how to use your emergency gear. It's a pain to figure this out when you need it. I don't know if this applies to you or not, but I signed up with Honda Rider's Club of America with roadside assistance. They will tow you to the nearest Honda dealer for free which could be a 100 miles away. Yeah, yeah, I know it's a Honda dealer but it'll likely mean getting a free tow to the nearest town. Also, if it's just gas that you need (and that would mean POOR fuel management), you'd get that service. -Tosh --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "Arden Kysely" wrote:
> Don't forget sunscreen for your face. You can get a bad burn
through
> a helmet visor. Get a throttle rocker or some kind of cruise
control
> to give your arm a break. Bring tire fixin's (tube, pump, tire > irons), a flashlight, and don't ride at night. If you're strapped
for
> time, I'd blast through the stuff close to home so you can take a > more leisurely ride through the new turf. Most of all, keep a good > attitude and have fun! > > __Arden > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "W.V. Doran"
wrote:
> > 2 things that will help...CamelBack Hydration system > > and Sheep skin cover for your corbin. > > > > > So... Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm planning > > > 5-6 days), > > > routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be > > > staying in motels), > > > or anything else of relevance would be a huge help. > > > Better yet, > > > anybody want to join me? > > > > > > Thanks for your advice. > > > Mike > > > > > > WVDoran > > Scottsdale, AZ > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > > Yahoo! Mail Mobile > > Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone. > > http://mobile.yahoo.com/learn/mail

cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:59 pm
by Analog Aardvark
Stay off freeways 100%, except when you're forced to circumvent major cities. I would imagine that's obvious, BUT... I would also suggest a cruise control like the vista cruise, but NOT a throttle rocker. I like my vista, but I find the throttle rocker dangerous and more frustrating than useful. Have the bike packed and ready to go at least a day in advance, preferably two. Hard to do in reality, but really helps you get out the door on time. If you can afford it, leave the night before you currently plan on leaving and just bomb off a few hundred highway miles after work (this is the exception to the no freeway rule). That way you won't waste vacation travel doing the roads you ride on day rides anyway. My understanding is that HRCA (honda club) won't tow a non-honda street bike, but I could be wrong. I dropped HRCA and joined AMA when I bought the KLR, as they'll cover any bike. Almost never worth it, but once in a while HRCA saved me well more than the cost. If you're giving yourself 5 or 6 days to cross the country diagonally you'll be driving all day, more or less. Take short breaks every 100 miles or so, BEFORE your body tells you you need one, and the tiredness/soreness won't accumulate. Waiting until your ass cries will be hard to get over. Stretch each morning, like if you were playing sports. oh, and don't do any radical changes to the bike before you go. -Luke ugly duckling a17
> --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "lambretta1us" > > wrote: > > Hello. I'm new to KLR's, about 6 months with an > `05, and I've > been > > lurking here for awhile. I'm planning on riding > cross country, > > Upstate South Carolina to Portland, Oregon the > last week of July. > My > > wife and kids will fly out for a week at the > Oregon coast, and I'm > > planning to arrive around the time they do. I've > made arrangements > > to ship the KLR back by Forward Air, and I'll fly > back with the > > family. Anyhow, I've ridden motorcycles for 30 > years: dirt bikes, > > sportbikes, trackdays and currently a super > motard, but I've never > > done any long distance like this. I've done all > the suggested mods > > to my KLR doohickey, fork springs, brakes, tires, > pipe, pegs, > > lights, Corbin, hard bags, etc. I love the bike, > but I've never > done > > over 280 miles at a time on it. > > > > So .. Any suggestions on trip strategy (I'm > planning 5-6 days), > > routes, gearing, additional equipment (I'll be > staying in motels), > > or anything else of relevance would be a huge > help. Better yet, > > anybody want to join me? > > > > Thanks for your advice. > > Mike > > > > > Archive Quicksearch at: >
http://www.angelfire.com/ut/moab/klr650_data_search.html
> List sponsored by Dual Sport News at: > www.dualsportnews.com > List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: > www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > > > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > DSN_KLR650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com > > > > >
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cross country trip on klr late july....advice?

Posted: Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:14 pm
by John Kokola
I believe you have to be riding a Honda in order for them to assist you. --John Kokola -----Original Message----- From: thotchi I don't know if this applies to you or not, but I signed up with Honda Rider's Club of America with roadside assistance. They will tow you to the nearest Honda dealer for free which could be a 100 miles away. Yeah, yeah, I know it's a Honda dealer but it'll likely mean getting a free tow to the nearest town.