My first 450 mile trip

[Burque73]

What the heck happened to that last post? Half of what I typed wound up in the quote.

[Burque73]

Good looking machine. I bought a black and red '83 GS GS850G that looked a lot like it. That is the later 1100 engine that has a bit more power than the '82. My '80 GS1000G in Maine has that engine in it too.

I see in your sig you're selling your RD400. That was the first bike I ever rode. My friend said it wouldn't start and if I could get it started, I could ride it. I had push started many cars before so why not a bike. I got a quick explanation of how to shift, accelerate, and stop and away I went. I ran with it down the street in neutral and hopped on, it bump started right away. What a fun experience that was. The following week I bought a Honda Rebel 250.

Your bike looks pretty well set up for a good time. Watch those crazy on ramps. They should not be like that.

Thanks. Im pretty stoked to have it. I have a set of hard vetter bags to put on when I get around to it. Sure am excited for the longer trips in the future.

[850 Combat]

Good looking machine. I bought a black and red '83 GS GS850G that looked a lot like it. That is the later 1100 engine that has a bit more power than the '82. My '80 GS1000G in Maine has that engine in it too.

Your bike looks pretty well set up for a good time. Watch those crazy on ramps. They should not be like that.

[Burque73]

Yes, I did mistkenly turn it to prime. Sure thought I wrote that but totally forgot to mention it. I usually type, edit, erase, rewrite, and sometimes just delete everything and say forget it! Other times in my rewrite important details get left out.

Think I'll move to another part of the forum and continue this topic.

Great to get a big ride out under your belt and prove the bike is what you thought it was. Nice one, Burque.

That smug, self satisfaction feeling after a long ride is nice to enjoy with a drink.

[dorkburger]

Reserve shouldn't flood the carbs. Did you mistakenly put it into prime?

I find it ironic that as my years of riding pile up some of the most memorable trips don't always involve great weather, great roads, etc. Quite the opposite. The trips that include foul weather, breakdowns, etc seem to be the ones recalled when trekking down memory lane with friends.

In 2008 my stator burned up 200 miles from home and stranded me (and the group) on the interstate.
A lot of cursing on my part (f'n hot rod was muttered by me a lot as i had the only old bike) and a AAA tow truck drivers' bending of the rules got me home for free.

My friend said it was one of his most memorable rides...

[Burque73]

Very well put, make it the best you can, and take the leap of faith. I am not complacent to the possibility of mechanical failure, or operator failure for that matter. Just try my best to minimize the likelihood.

I was fortunate not to have needed any of the tools for sure.

However, coming off the interstate the engine sputtered and I switched to reserve for the last couple of miles. I usually fill up right away when that happens but figured I'd wait till the next ride for fuel. Pulled in and unloaded, lights out and off to a busy day on Friday. This morning I went into the garage at 6 am ready for a sunrise ride and was smacked in the face with gas fumes. You guessed it, I flooded the carbs, and started to fill the crank case. I changed the oil, cleaned the mess, and am still waiting for a chance at that sunrise ride. That has to be in the newbie mistake thread somewhere!

[GSXR7ED]

I took that leap of faith with my "T" in Alamogordo. Rode lots of times with MrBill and pushed my bike to the limits. It's great fun, as you know.


Ed

[dorkburger]

I've never fully trusted any old machine ive owned. To me it's a matter of making it the best I can and taking that leap of faith. And yes, hedging ones bet is good.

[Redman]

Thanks for posting.

I see your story mentions tools only when deciding which tools to bring. Doesnt mention any need to use them during your trip. Good.

.

[wyly]

I think we can all relate...my GS hadn't run in 30yrs my cbx in 35yrs, with both I spent a lot time just cruising in and around the city before I was confident enough to leave civilization. And even then starting with short runs to nearby towns. Now I'm good and ride them like they were new on multi hour excursions...but I take a lot of tools water and food with me in a messenger bag.

"After months of tweaking, repairing, adjusting, and syncing the bike was finally ready for a longer trip. I had ridden for a hundred miles or so a couple of times but always seemed to notice something that needed attention on the bike before going on any longer rides. Today was the day. I packed up what seemed like a useful tool kit and a few supplies for the road. "

That is where I'm at. Still waiting to trust my 30 something year old machine.
Great story and I admire the guts it takes to venture into this more than 100 mile territory.
I want to ride the Ohio side of the Ohio River next spring starting at the east and going to Cincinnati.
That sounds like a blast.

[Burque73]

Thanks for the comments.

I wasnt crazy about the windjammer either at first and planned to remove it like i did with my 82 1100 GL. Function is winning over fashion though. Its nice not to worry about dive bombing birds and to have somewhere to put stuff.

Glen,
I felt pretty good actually. The dogs didn't get a walk when I got home I'll say that much though, and my neck was a little sore from the wind but otherwise not bad at all. The corbin seat isn't terribly uncomfortable either. I was however under the influence of red bull so not very fatigued.

[dorkburger]

Roger, how did you feel after the trip? My 1150 isnt exactly a touring rig, and after a 500 mile day im pretty shot- or at least need to recoup for a couple or 3 hours.

[alke46]

Good write-up of your 1st successful road trip. As you know, many on this forum dislike the windjammer but I have sat behind them previously and for keeping the elements away, especially this time of the year, they really do a good job. They extend the riding season very late into the year and also let one get out earlier in the spring. But then you reside in Albuquerque so no need to tell you all this . Your non-riding days due to snow and cold is probably in the single digits.