the road has always gone west.

[nathan12]

I am in the first stages of planning a cross country motorcycle trip. Northern New York state to the pacific coast. It will be my girlfriend and myself, and two of my other friends who will both be riding there own bikes. I ride a 1982 gs 1100. only has 11,000 miles on it. I will be spending the rest of this summer and next winter preparing it the best I can for such a long trip, and I plan on bringing an extra stator and regulator with me just in case. so far this particular bike has been amazing, we have been on a few moderately long trips on it to camp and go to the lake george "americade" touring rally. Yesterday, I rode with my friend, who also has an 82 gs 1100, up through the foothills of the adirondacks into tupper lake. but anyways,i digress.
So I was wondering if anyone has ridden their gs on a 6000 mile round trip like this and if there are any tips that you could give me that might help me out on this journey west. thanks!!
nathan.

 

[80GS750]

lots of guys on the forum have done this...

a bunch should chime in with tips and what to take along with you.

 

[dpep]

Is your bike an 1100E or an 1100G? How much time do you have alloted to the trip?

 

[p_s]

Gel seat pad, throttle rest, kidney belt, rain suit including booties. I wouldn't pack an RR and stator personally. I would install a modern RR and go over every electrical connection in the bike.

 

[Craiger]

Is your bike an 1100E or an 1100G? How much time do you have alloted to the trip?

He has an 1100GL model in his album pics. But since I haven an E, can you explain the differences between the two? I'll be planning some short trips soon to get prepared for a semi-long trip.

 

[Steve]

He has an 1100GL model in his album pics. But since I haven an E, can you explain the differences between the two? I'll be planning some short trips soon to get prepared for a semi-long trip.

The 1100E is chain-driven, has a 16-valve engine and is a basically upright bike.
It had some rather nice-looking body work that looked more modern than its predecessors.

The 1100G is shaft-driven, has an 8-valve engine and is a basically upright bike.
With no more than the usual body work, it looked just like all the other Universal Japanese Motorcycles that came before it.

The 1100GL is shaft-driven, has an 8-valve engine and is the cruiser-style bike.
It had a stepped seat, higher, pull-back handle bars, chrome fenders and shorter mufflers, which gave it a slightly different sound.

Any of these bikes will make decent long-distance mounts, but personally, I prefer shaft driven bikes. Yes, they are a bit heavier and may not handle quite as well, but they are a bit quieter as you don't hear the chain singing all the time and I have some not-so-fond memories of chain maintenance and the problems due to lack of same.

All the bikes pictured here are from the 1982 page of the Gallery.
1100E:

1100G

1100GL

.

 

[TheCafeKid]

I have an 82 1100G, and while i cant say that ive done a 6000 mile trip on it, ...yet... I have done some 1000 plus mile weekends, and some 500 plus mile days (and by day i mean 24 hour period, havent done 500 mile sitting) Ive had the bike since April 28th, bought it with a tick or two over 34k on it, and im about 600 miles away from turning over 40K. So ive racked up some good miles on it in just a few months. I can tell you that the G is VERY comfortable on long trips. I usually get about 160-180 miles out of one tank (ive never tested the reserve to its extent, so i am not quite sure how much a COMPLETE tank will get you) There is plenty of room for me, and im not a small guy (6'4 260lbs) to manuver my behind around to get more miles before discomfort sets in. I have taken a tank bag and a backpack, and im sure i could have piled on more and it has NO lack for power. And as far as handling goes, it does so willingly, and has capabilities likely beyond my current comfort zone. Frankly, aside from the GK, and perhaps the 850G (tho i would likely find an 850 wanting for more power having ridden the 1100) I dont think there is a better long distance bike in the GS line. That is not to say that the others arent capable mind you.

 

[Craiger]

Thanks guys. I guess I should have explained my question a bit better. I know the difference in styles and both of you hit on a bit of what I was getting at, but I was looking for more of a difference in how each handles on long trips. With my E, I have a bit more of a forward lean than that of my 850G. How will this play into the course of a long trip? Will I get really tired quickly? To be honest, I've never paid much attention to chain noise. Unfortunately, I might now. (Thanks Steve....LOL!)

Granted, the 850G isn't even remotely close to being ridden, so that's not an option. But I will be riding my E and very close to the same size of TCK (I'm 6'3" and about 250lbs)....so I'm looking for tips. Perhaps I should start another thread instead of hijacking nathan's (my apologies, dude).

However, I'll be wanting to see what it is those with experience have taken along with them on these trips as well.....so perhaps this is the thread to keep.

Like Nathan, I won't be doing this anytime soon (likely next spring)....but you can never start preparing too early. My intention is to start with some smaller trips closer to home and building from there. P_S lives relatively close (160 miles) from me, so maybe I could start with something like that (if he doesn't mind ). The destination trip will likely be about 1000 miles "round-trip" (planning to see mriddle and any other forum members willing to meet me along the way).

 

[lurch12_2000]

I am in the first stages of planning a cross country motorcycle trip. Northern New York state to the pacific coast. It will be my girlfriend and myself, and two of my other friends who will both be riding there own bikes. I ride a 1982 gs 1100. only has 11,000 miles on it. I will be spending the rest of this summer and next winter preparing it the best I can for such a long trip, and I plan on bringing an extra stator and regulator with me just in case. so far this particular bike has been amazing, we have been on a few moderately long trips on it to camp and go to the lake george "americade" touring rally. Yesterday, I rode with my friend, who also has an 82 gs 1100, up through the foothills of the adirondacks into tupper lake. but anyways,i digress.
So I was wondering if anyone has ridden their gs on a 6000 mile round trip like this and if there are any tips that you could give me that might help me out on this journey west. thanks!!
nathan.

I am presently doing more of the 200 mile trips with my G but still would apply some of the same prep ideas to your long haul:

Replacing the r/r w/Duaneage's $45 upgrade sounds worthwhile especially if still the original OEM part is in.
Any maintenance or replacements should be done at least a few weeks ahead and put 100-200 miles on the bike to make sure you didn't mess things up before embarking on your trip and double checking fluid levels.
I would load up the bike with your girlfriend(not implying she's heavy) and 50+ lbs of gear or something that similates that to test the rear wheel splines of your shaft drive under quick starts to see if any slipping issues may surface that wouldn't under normal local driving. At 11k miles you should be ok unless it was beat on.
Your 4 gallon(120-140 miles? and switching to reserve) tank on the L may cause some unexpected stops because of trying to plan distances between gas pumps in remote areas. Some 200+ mile gaps between pumps in those big north western states when I went cross country years ago!
I like the NEP ($15) throttle lock to be able to pull my right hand off for a couple of minutes periodically....and a windshield ($100), new tires if borderline?
Good rain gear(test before you leave), extra layers of clothing, quart of oil, water bottles, etc....but I let someone else list those items.

 

[lurch12_2000]

.... With my E, I have a bit more of a forward lean than that of my 850G. How will this play into the course of a long trip? Will I get really tired quickly? To be honest, I've never paid much attention to chain noise. Unfortunately, I might now.... (Thanks Steve....LOL!)

I think the slight forward lean on my ES is a better riding postion and a little less tiring at 70-80mph than the straight up of my G, and a better feel for the road in the twisties. I find it dispurses the jolts from my back to the arms and shoulders, too, on unexpected bumps and some back roads. But over time this may tire the neck, wrists and shoulders. I can slide back when solo riding on my G to achieve the same riding position, but not an option with a passenger.

 

[aruyle79]

heres a thought, find a route to where you can meet other gs riders along the way, and they can ride for a bit with you? good way to meet the people, and see the country at the same time.

 

[p_s]

heres a thought, find a route to where you can meet other gs riders along the way, and they can ride for a bit with you? good way to meet the people, and see the country at the same time.

Actually that is the most important tip. Once you have a rough plan you'll be inundated with friendly people who want to ride with you, feed you, help you wrench on your bike, and put you up. You won't get that treatment touring on a new bike.

 

[Craiger]

My intention is to start with some smaller trips closer to home and building from there. P_S lives relatively close (160 miles) from me, so maybe I could start with something like that (if he doesn't mind ). The destination trip will likely be about 1000 miles "round-trip" (planning to see mriddle and any other forum members willing to meet me along the way).

Actually that is the most important tip. Once you have a rough plan you'll be inundated with friendly people who want to ride with you, feed you, help you wrench on your bike, and put you up. You won't get that treatment touring on a new bike.

That's exactly what I have in mind, P_S. See my quote above. Not asking for handouts, mind you, but a friendly welcome along the way from those that know their area better than I. I think that makes the trip so much more adventurous....breaking it into segments.

 

[p_s]

That's exactly what I have in mind, P_S. See my quote above. Not asking for handouts, mind you, but a friendly welcome along the way from those that know their area better than I. I think that makes the trip so much more adventurous....breaking it into segments.

Hah! Totally missed that. Yeah, absolutely. I am still in Seattle for 4 1/2 more weeks but anytime after that. There is not much good riding right around Champaign, but 40 miles east in Indiana it gets much better. Heck, maybe I should go down to Brighton instead---roads look much better on a map at least.

 

[Craiger]

PM sent, p s.

 

[TheCafeKid]

Craiger, I, and possibly one Mr MRiddle, have been cooking up a wonderfull plan to ride from the start of US 1 to the end of it. Basicly, from north of Bangor Maine, to Key West, Florida next summer. Right now, its still in loose planning stages. Its about 1900 miles, and I was planning to do it in about 2 weeks. It could be done in MUCH less time, were one simply to ride it out, but there are pleanty of places in the New England area i have NEVER seen. Actually, ALL OF IT...hehe. This, and Louisianna, are the only states in the continental US I have never seen. So, my plans are dual. If you've any interest in such an excursion, let me know!

 

[lurch12_2000]

Craiger, I, and possibly one Mr MRiddle, have been cooking up a wonderfull plan to ride from the start of US 1 to the end of it. Basicly, from north of Bangor Maine, to Key West, Florida next summer. Right now, its still in loose planning stages. Its about 1900 miles, and I was planning to do it in about 2 weeks. It could be done in MUCH less time, were one simply to ride it out, but there are pleanty of places in the New England area i have NEVER seen. Actually, ALL OF IT...hehe. This, and Louisianna, are the only states in the continental US I have never seen. So, my plans are dual. If you've any interest in such an excursion, let me know!

Now, now don't lump New England as state when there are really 6 states up here!
If you need a place to stop at my place on your first leg, you can PM me to ask for details, as I would be approx 250 miles from the start of your 1st leg of the trip.
I can suggest a beautiful route through NH that would be right on the way and then on through southern VT.
Rt 1 may be the coastal route but can be very tedious and non descriptive through coastal Maine, Boston area, etc....
At times it will be 75 and beautiful inland and crappy along the shore.
It is not scenic like the coastal highway out west for the most part.

 

[Craiger]

Craiger, I, and possibly one Mr MRiddle, have been cooking up a wonderfull plan to ride from the start of US 1 to the end of it. Basicly, from north of Bangor Maine, to Key West, Florida next summer. Right now, its still in loose planning stages. Its about 1900 miles, and I was planning to do it in about 2 weeks. It could be done in MUCH less time, were one simply to ride it out, but there are pleanty of places in the New England area i have NEVER seen. Actually, ALL OF IT...hehe. This, and Louisianna, are the only states in the continental US I have never seen. So, my plans are dual. If you've any interest in such an excursion, let me know!

As much as I appreciate the offer, that type of trip is entirely out of my league right now. For starters, I'd never be ever to wrestle the amount of vacation time needed just to get to Bangor, Maine and back (I think it would likely do me in, too).

It's 1435 miles from here to Bangor and 1404 to Key West. To plop a 1900 mile trip in between would create about a 3700 mile trip. With my back in the condition it's in, I'm thinking a 1,000 mile trip for me is going to have to be max for a while....at least until I'm conditioned.

Once again, I really appreciate the offer. It sounds amazing....and like the trip of a lifetime. Perhaps someday.

 

[nathan12]

wow thanks for all of the info. I am going to spend this summer and fall repairing and replacing things, tires, brakes, etc. I have replaced the regulator and rectifier this summer. I have been through all the grounds and connections, the only thing making me nervous still is a little excess heat the wires where the new stator is wired into the new r/r. who knows?? still working through some things. the bile only has about 11000 miles on it, so barely even broke in! anyway, thanks!
nathan

 

[nathan12]

trip

trip

yeah, when the time gets closer I would like to get in touch with a few people on here to meet up with etc, but I have a while until im ready, next summer hopefully.
thanks.
nathan