| Author | Message | ||
     Cash |
I was wondering what kind of set ups you run in terms of seats stock or aftermarket? GPS or maps? Stock Footpegs or aftermarket. Also how many miles do you run in a day of road touring? 400? 500? 600+? any tricks for keeping you butt from going numb?? I mostly ride locally 200-300 miles in a day but am heading to Billings with 2 friends on RoadGlides and there talking of doing 600 miles? Thanks in advance for the input | ||
| Gsilvernale |
In the summer, 600 miles is not too bad. Lots of daylight to play with. Buell seat should be good for 600 miles. As long as you can keep the sweat out of your balls. The biggest issue you will face is noise - wear ear plugs - and wind blast on your chest. If you have those figured out, its not a big deal. | ||
| Chrisrogers3 |
Are you doing it on an R or an X??? Either way I would say an aftermarket windscreen and traction grips are the 2 biggest improvements you could make together under 100 bucks. A great helmet with ear plugs will help tremendously with the buffeting and wind noise. If you want to go all out I could line you up with a nice shopping list though! | ||
| Nevrenuf |
one person suggested bicycle shorts to wear and they do make a little difference. i've had a tomtom one with a ram mount but it finally bit the dust and now i have to consider whether i want to just bite the bullet and get the zumo or get another bracket for the tomtom one xl that replaced it. | ||
| Barker |
I have done a few 600 miles per day runs. and plenty of 200-400 mile runs on my muell. i get just as lost with a gps as maps. I try to plan the trip as much as i can. But if ya got the lettuce I recommend a zumo. im 5'10 and I prefer the original tall stock seat for comfort on short and long haul runs. I haven't sit on the 12X corbin for a long hual but I do prefer my corbin on the niner for long hauls. If you do alotta slab look into a sheepskin. I like the stock pegs, except they are slippery when wet. The 09 stockers claim to have fixed that problem. Touratech and areostich have a few nice goodies that could add some comfort and farkle to your scoot. I have the touratech wind spoilers. http://www.touratech-usa.com/ http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html | ||
| Slowride |
Cash I average 400 - 600 miles on random weekends and I do 800 - 1100 mile trips 2up with the wife. My setup: Seat Winter Buell Low Gel Seat (06') Summer Buell Low Foam Seat (07') GPS Magellan 4050 w/Ram Ball mount setup on the bars. Pegs Stock Butt: Biker Shorts w/chammy under my gear. Aerostich Sheepskin seat pad for air circulation Windscreen: Buell Touring Windscreen mounted on Palmer brackets. With this setup, I can run really long trips with no complaints but boredom and hand fatigue. I will soon resolve this issue with a bar end throttle lock. (Message edited by slowride on August 08, 2008) | ||
| Etennuly |
I use the stock '06 seat. I prefer the stock windscreen as I don't have a problem with buffeting or noise in my Buell full face helmet. I do want to get better grips though. Temperatures will likely not be an issue now, but bar heaters are nice as well as heated gear. I have done many 700 mile days. I carry an Air Hawk seat pad. It insulates against heat and it is air adjustable for comfort. Usually I ride until I need it before using it, about 350 miles or so. I like to study my map the day before and write up a chronological schedule. I use a dark colored paper and a big sharpie to list where and when turns will be coming up. The tank bag has a holder that works fine for this. Write big, clear, concise, and for-warned instructions. If I am super-slabbing I time gas stops and personal breaks at about 150 mile intervals, and walk around for about ten minutes or more to stimulate the leg muscles and blood flow. I try not to bother with eating or drinking while riding, it is too distracting and 150 miles on the slab is only a little over two hours anyway. I try to always leave before the sun comes up and get in, wherever, a couple hours before dark. Never had a problem with being sore from one days ride getting into the next days ride. | ||
| Gwis2 |
I just did a solo 600 mile ride last Saturday (all the guys from work backed out!) from Lapeer, MI to the UP and back meandering up 23 then over to 65 and down 33. Left at 6:30am and got back at about 8:30pm that same day. I only stopped twice for a half an hour each (breakfast in Oscoda and lunch in Mackinaw) and misc. stops for gas in between. Ear plugs are a must! An mp3 player and 12v charger helps (I use one ear bud and have to have it pretty loud to hear it with the ear plug in - but it becomes nice background noise over the hum of the engine and the wind noise.) I used compression shorts and they are fantastic (I use those gay ass regular bicycle shorts - work great!) I brought baby powder just in case of swamp ass, but didn't need it. Baby wipes are helpful for cleaning up after using the toilet and help to avoid anal "iching". I wore my sunglasses the whole trip. At red lights I like flipping the shield open and getting a some wind on hot days, and sometimes leave it open at speed - so glasses protect your eyes from bugs and such! Speaking of bugs I got a bee sting in the neck but didn't feel like getting the tweezers and bee sting vile out of my first aid kit. In my first aid kit I packed a few of my wife's maxi pads - those along with the duct tape I brought will make one hell of a band aid! Iodine to clean cuts, scrapes and road rash and some crazy glue if I had to do some repairing on my bike or myself! I brought zip ties, electrical tape, JB weld and a multi tool also just in case. I brought a cell phone with the 12v charger and important numbers. I left a copy of the directions with my wife just in case something happened and she had to retrieve me with the trailer. I have a Slime air compressor and tire plugs along with a tire gauge (I stopped to help two guys on Harleys on the way up there - one had a flat so I got out the compressor and plug kit only to find that he had a hole in the TUBE...oh well, I tried...and he called Harley roadside assistance or something like that anyways.) A wet microfiber washcloth kept in a ziplock bag to clean your face shield of bugs - then a dry one to dry it off. I used a stock seat but I have after market foot pegs purchased from American Sport Bike (the ones that grip like there's no tomorrow!) because my feet would constantly vibrate off the stock pegs. If your ass gets numb or uncomfortable ride at speed while standing on the pegs until the blood get flowing again. I would ride with my feet off the pegs and legs dangling at the sides at times to alleviate knee soreness I get at times. A map case or tank bag map is a must! A disposable camera (they also make waterproof ones) is handy to take pix on the fly. Bring plenty of bottled water and hit it often. Aspirin for soreness, amodium (sp?) A-D and tums or rolaids too. Bring sunscreen even if you think you don't need it, and vasaline for chafing points, and mole skin for blisters or rubbing spots. And of course rain gear! Bring plenty of cash, gas up with a credit card and leave an extra key to your bike in your luggage or give it to a friend for back up just in cased you lose one. | ||
| M_singer |
My longest ride on the Uly so was an 850 mile day from East TN to South Fl. I got rid of the ape hanger handle bars in favor of some lower bars with less pull back. With the exception of the stock bars, I have found the bike to be very comfortable as it came from the factory. For me this is primarily due to the excellent seat and lots of leg room. | ||
| Chas1969 |
My vision for distance work: Palmer bracket wider windscreen and 'maybe' custom seat (Uly standard seat is the best stock seat I have had) Thats it  Chas | ||
| Buelldualsport |
What the other have said about the Seat and Windshield. Take a look at the SPOT personal locator beacon at www.findmespot.com. Adds a degree of comfort for those at home, wanting to know where you are and that you are okay. The Zumo, in our opinion is a so-so purchase for a GPS. It is OK for those who only want to see what they are going and where they have been if it is on the Interstate or Major Highways. The XM and Bluetooth capability are, in our opinion, very overrated and cost way way too much for the return. If you are interested in a GPS, there are several good forums to review, with one being at www.advrider.com/making tracks Ride Safe YRMV Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Dottrz |
When planning long distance, I usually figure on right in the neighborhood of 500 mile days. You don't get so fatigued that you are careless, you don't get so tired that you consider taking the next day off, and it gives time to take breaks to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. I'm going to have to give the biker shorts a try. That sounds like a good idea. I traditionally spruce up the wedding tackle with baby powder anyway, and use the butt wipes, so monkey butt and swamp balls are usually not a factor. (Maybe that's too much information.... but hey, he asked! LOL) I haven't farkled up my Uly yet for long distance, my experience was on my Road King. I did pick up a larger windshield, speakers for my helmet to listen to the iPod, a GPS mount for my Garmin 530HCX, a tank bag that I'm going to set up like Mikef500 (http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/384 2/339295.html?1209667094), but that's about it so far. I'd like to see some of the set up's guys are using, maybe some of the Bueller's at the WV rally will give me some pointer! | ||
| Mainstreamer |
I've done many 600+ mile days on the Uly, but it's gone now. The '06 low seat w/stock pegs was a good fit for me at 5'11" 190lbs. I use maps for setting the general direction and the GPS(Zumo 550) for near in work and exploration. Allowing the GPS to find the shortest route has lead to some interesting rides. The ability to find my way home, where ever that may be(hotel, camp site, etc.)and to find restaurants and/or fuell in the area are the features of most value to me. Being retired with no need for a schedule, route planning is a feature I seldom use. | ||
| Court |
The findmespot is awesome . . . I'm going to add that to the bike just to allow me to see where I have been when I get home each day. I traveled around 500 miles, just wandering, last Monday and haven't a clue where I was. The ZUMO is the top GPS unit for motorcycles. Be mindful that Garmin makes professional navigation systems for aviation, marine use and so forth . . they are not in the business of making personal entertainment systems or telephone. I use the XM on the Garmin (I've never had sat radio before) and enjoy it. It's not the greatest sound but it's a great selection and I like having everything come through my Bose headphones. The best, in my opinion , part of the ZUMO is that it is tougher than nails. I read about the Tom-Tom Riders falling by the wayside. The Garmin can be operated underwater for something like half an hour . . something crazy. I'll also confess that I have done a LOT of long distance riding and some of these things are as much for entertainment on 16 hour days as for functionality. I, when I was doing coast to coast missions, even kept a stop watch velcroed to the panel just to time things . . .and have timed all sorts of random events. It's all fun. The findmespot deal could also be very valuable. Eager to try it. | ||
| Froggy |
Court, your zumo logs everywhere you have been. Mine held about 14k miles before it was almost full, then i took the gpx files off it to free up room so it can keep tracking me. I can open up the files and see where i was, when i was, and even how fast i was. But you use a mac so your on your own. | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Court: Valid statements about the Zumo. We are a bit jaded about th Zumo because we we hyped about the Bluetooth capabilities that unfortunately did not work with the Nolan N Comm system. Give the SPOT a try, and see how much it helps. Seems to have good coverage in the lower 48, and things are getting better in Alaska and the Arctic regions. YRMV Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Double Post Sorry (Message edited by buelldualsport on August 08, 2008) | ||
| Mainstreamer |
"The best, in my opinion , part of the ZUMO is that it is tougher than nails. I read about the Tom-Tom Riders falling by the wayside. The Garmin can be operated underwater for something like half an hour . . something crazy." That it is!!! I've dropped mine more then once on concrete when moving it to another bike and the darn thing just kept on working. Amazing!! Rugged and user friendly! Last month it failed me after riding for 12 hours in a "'frog chocker". Sent it back to Garmin and had a $200.00 refurbish done. I don't blame the failure on Garmin but rather on the owner for dropping it on concrete a number of times. I don't do the XM as Court does but do use the the MP3 capability to take along my roadmusic, jazz, and blues. This thing has changed the way I travel! | ||
| Cash |
Thank you all this is great advice, there will be some things that i'll use on my journey for sure. And to answer the question i'm on a 12XT will the tall 06' seat. | ||
| Buelldualsport |
S.P.O.T The only thing tricky about the SPOT is that is does not like to be in Tracking Mode and then try to send a OK message. We leave our in Tracking all day, and then at the end of the day, on multiple day rides, turn tracking off, and then send a OK message. 85 year old mother still likes to keep track of where we are both on the bike and in the truck. BTW, SPOT works well on the dash of the truck when we are exploring with it and not one of the bikes. YRMV Buells to Alaska ALCAN 5000 2010 | ||
| Court |
>>>This thing has changed the way I travel! That's for darn sure . . . I've been taking one day a week to "simply rack up miles". My "game" is to escape the confines of Manhattan and then hit the backroads. Every time the speed limit exceeds 40MPH, I divert to a "ruraler" road. Having set (and I pick them just kinda in the general direction) a destination . .. I am always headed there and could care less about the rate. My 8:00AM arrival at the race track the other day turned into Noon . . . BFD. When I get to places, like a mountain range, I simply pick an antenna or visible landmark, and keep trying to get to it. I also play a "at 2:17PM I am turning left no matter where I am" game. I used to, traveling through 44 states, accumulate some big miles on Buells. I haven't been able to ride as much the last couple years. That is changing and the ZUMO is making it fun. BONUS: I had occasion to deal with the Garmin Customer Service folks recently. They are impressive beyond description. I explained that in a "total idiot act" I had destroyed the mount to my Nuvi. I asked to pay for and have one overnighted. the guys response. . . "some of our best customers are idiots. It's on us and it'll be in NYC tomorrow". It was. As a result I bought the Zumo the next day. These are the type of folks I want covering my back. | ||
| Buelldualsport |
Court: You are correct in the quality that the Garmin folks display with their Customer Support. Which track did you get to at noon? Thanks | ||
| Court |
>>>>Which track did you get to at noon? I arrived at New Jersey Motorsports where I posted the photos of the 1125R's the other day. Brand spankin new and a gorgeous track. They have two tracks . . . THUNDERBOLT and LIGHTNING. I know nothing. . . . looking for next weeks mystery destination and have PA in the gunsights. (Message edited by court on August 08, 2008) | ||
| Jb2607 |
Just did a 7000 mile trip on the ULY. Last day was a 800 mile sprint home from Branson, MO to North Carolina. Arrived home about 1AM and felt fine... unheard of type of riding on two wheels. I do not use GPS and several hundred of the miles were off road. Helmet was Bell APEX kevlar and used the short windscreen... very little wind noise. | ||
| Skyclad |
The only "special" prep that I make for long rides is to throw the hydration pack on. The Ulysses is plenty comfortable to make 600+ mile days. My three longest days in the saddle so far are 642, 598 and 573 miles. No aches or pains that can be blamed on the bike on any of them. On the Garmin subject, my Zumo 550 fell off the windshield in the cage and hit the gear shift on the way down. Had a nice spiderweb across the screen. I sent it back to Garmin and it was covered under warranty. Actually, I was sent a new unit; arrived about one week after I shipped to them. Yep, Garmin will keep my business with service like that. | ||
| Danger_dave |
I just get on it and ride. Stock '06 everything. | ||
| Danger_dave |
I was offered one of those Garmin (or similar) things for evaluation. Gave it back. Dead certainty detracted from the adventure and it just got in the way for me. Wild spirit - 'pick a direction not a destination' - unexpected discovery - a break for a chat and a look at the map - all got lost (pun intended). If it's business and time is money etc - I can dig it. If it's recreation - I don't WANT to know exactly where I am at all times. (Message edited by danger_dave on August 11, 2008) | ||
| Danger_dave |
>>A great helmet with ear plugs will help tremendously with the buffeting and wind noise.<< Any increase noise is too high a price to pay for me. I've also realised my screen aversion is a rider height issue. In general - the bigger the screen - the more buffeting and wind noise - until it's tall enough so that you are completely within 'the pocket'. With us tall guys that just looks sad and it also means it becomes big enough to catch a cross wind and have an effect on handling. The stock standard screen is small enough not to matter. | ||
| Cityxslicker |
I have been meaning to get a GPS, my current mode of travel is to fill up at my last known chance, chart new areas by flipping a coin at deserted intersections, and then riding until half way out, and then see if the big ol thompson can get me to the next town or its time to back track. for off road days, I carry extra gas on the bike. | ||
| Danger_dave |
Yeah - I can understand that too. Much easier on a big island. Or back in Aus there's not 'that' many roads to choose from in the outback. Seriously outback and the next intersection can be 300 miles away. |
