| Author | Message | ||
     Kesselrunner |
Hi everyone, this is an awesome site! 2nd season rider here, the 2000 Blast is my first bike, currently in the shop but soon I'll be thumping around again - last season was way too short! I use the Blast as a commuter around my small college town. My dream is to ride it 480 miles up to my hometown around Minneapolis (I go to school in KS). After getting around Kansas City and the traffic, etc. It's an uneventful stretch of 35W (no offense to Des Moines, lol). It's a solid 6.5 hours of driving @ 75ish MPH +/- eating, stretching, and bath-rooming breaks. Would I make it, would it be as fun as I think it will be? What's the farthest you trekked on a Blast and any advice would be great : ) KR | ||
| Ezblast |
Better question - did your bike have the pulley recall done? Rocker cover box gaskets done? EZ By the way - Welcome! EZ | ||
| Ezblast |
Doable - I visited my sister up 5 SF to Redding first few years three times a year - that shortened tire life - EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Good questions EZ. KR: 480 is a long day and about average if your were 'touring'. I figure in about 50 miles of travel per hour. 480 miles just going down the highway is very, very boring. I'd recommend the backroads, but that will probably add another 75 miles to the trip. Doable, yes. You're young (?) so the seat may not be that bad. It will be a test of what you need to do to your bike (and you) to make it more comfortable (maybe a lot, maybe nothing). You should be fine to make it. Your first long trip is usually a challenge, so I'd take it that way. You may find it very enjoyable, you may find it grueling, but you've got to do it to find out. Enjoy the experience. Personally, I find traveling (or touring) very addictive. But I find there is a difference between traveling 400-500 miles a day for days on end and doing 500 miles just to get someplace and then go back again. The days on end is far more enjoyable, imho, even though its the same mileage per day. Try the highways first. Then on another trip take the backroads. If I wind up in rain, I take the highways. When it stops I get on the backroads again. Rain is not enjoyable, so I find its best just to make time on the highway (I also thinks its safer). Dont forget rain gear, a snack, water and oil. Sometimes you need food, water or oil and you're miles away from anything! Rain gear can also double as cold weather gear, if you find its colder than you thought it'd be. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
PS DONT use a back pack unless you plan on strapping it to your bike. Hauling gear on your back for 6.5+ hours can be very detrimental to your physical and mental well being. | ||
| Ezblast |
Hey - I resemble that - done it for years - you get used to it. EZ | ||
| Kesselrunner |
Thanks! Yeah once I saw the Iron Butt thread I kicked myself a little for kinda double posting. EZ: Pulley recall yes, Rocker cover box gaskets, idk what that is but I'll research it and call Harley later today and see what the deal is (My bike is at the local shop for spring cleaning, new ignition module and new front tire). Gearhead: I was thinking of getting the strap-on tank pack for the ride. I really don't want anything but a t-shirt and my uncles old handed-down hein gericke. I'm young and I've driven the route a million times. I long to drive my hometown roads, the roads I grew up on ya know? Lawrence is alright, but full of potholes, hippies on bikes, and a perpetual 30-mph speedlimit. MN has lakes, curves, forests, etc... I should add that I have not actually, technically been on any freeway or highway with the bike, yet... I figured with 500 up there, 500 around town for a week, 500 back, I'd get some solid experience in a short time. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
EZ-I knew you'd say that! Still not a good idea (and you know I've been preaching that for years)! KR-You'll definitely get some solid experience! Expect some sore muscles. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
 | ||
| Kesselrunner |
Sweet pic. That's what I want. The back load is just bungeed right, or is there a rear bracket that you installed? Ummmm, do I even want to ask why there is a hole through the middle of your bike where your air filter should be? I'm going to see about taking some summer classes (I'm trying to graduate before I turn 30), so I'm not sure this will be the season to take the trip, also have to save up some $ for the tank pack. | ||
| Sycho |
His airfilter blew off cuz he wuz goin too fast. Lol, jk, Erik have you ever been able to bungee stuff on with the saddlebags on? | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
The rear bag (backpack) is just bungee'd on. No brackets needed! I currently have the saddlebags on and I use bungees to hold my cooler on (so, yes you can bungee w/saddlebags). Stock airbox is gone, replaced at that time with the Pro Series air filter. | ||
| Ezblast |
 My wife is coming as chaiser, so the backpack will be light, but I'll have it with me. Water for me , oil, a few basics. All the heavy duty stuff will be in the car. What intake are you using now - pictures? Both bikes are coming - so you'll finally get to hear that Force. Should be a fun time had by all! Look out Mo's - they moved and are on the same street as the hotel! Where to meet for dinner the first night is always up for grabs - any suggestions? EZ | ||
| Rigidbuell |
EZ I sent you a pm concerning flattrackers and XBBlast's, did you get it? any info would be appreciated. thanx John | ||
| Kesselrunner |
I like this sleek little bag (the MCM Stealth) http://www.americansportbike.com/shoponline/ccp0-p rodshow/5764.html Just to keep sunglasses, wallet, phone in. I'm gonna just bungee a backpack on for oil, maybe some basic tools, air pressure gauge. Any basic tools you would recommend for a long road trip? | ||
| Dummkauf |
Just an FYI - I know my Blast will not hold 80 MPH driving into a strong wind unless I am tucked down as close to the tank as possible and have the throttle rolled back as far as it'll go. I also just made a trek back from Aimes IA to Minneapolis this afternoon(in my car) and there is plenty of wind in Iowa....you'll notice all the windmill farms along 35 on your way. You should be able to hold 70 without a problem the whole way but as I'm sure you're aware that's the speed limit on 35 so you would just barely be keeping up with traffic. Personally my primary concern would be the stock seat, I've done 8-10 hours in a day on it and my @$$ did NOT appreciate it....but I did get over it. Just keep in mind that you'll need to make the trip twice if you're planning on riding back too  | ||
| Kesselrunner |
Good point Dummkauf, I am not used to driving in the wind and going 70 the whole way is not going to be very fun. I have the V&H exhaust that might help keep the speed up? Well I'm gonna perform a speed test when I get the bike back from the shop, and see how high I can get : ) | ||
| Dummkauf |
That's a good point....that example was when I was running a stock exhaust. Haven't tried it this season yet since I installed the D&D.....EZ might be able to comment on the top speed improvements with just the V&H | ||
| Ezblast |
Dummkauf - sure it will - the D&D Will help that as well - not bad at all - the Bub would also be similar - both roar nicely, are jetted similarly, and aid in getting to the rev limiter faster. A simple group of airbox mods could increase breathing as well. Turn the evap nozzle down and away from the carb - your airbox is now your spit can - open & wipe when you detect oil. EZ | ||
| Dummkauf |
EZ - I'm assuming the evap valve is the little plastic T that is suspended in the air box right in front of the big opening on the carb. And if so, what does pointing it down do other than fill my air box with oil? Also, my note on holding 80 with the stock exhause assumes you are driving "into" the wind. If you aren't driving straight into it then the stocker should hold 80, and maybe higher, just fine. | ||
| Ezblast |
It makes the chances of heavy carbon build up on your valves lessen to a greater degree is one good reason - it is no hassle to wipe out an airbox now and again - and then you would have to be constantly above 5000 rpms. for serious oil to show, As for the stocker - there are tips here for improving the performance characteristics of a stocker, one step at a time and you would be fine. EZ | ||
| Themagster |
How do you get through a 400-500 day and then get up the next morning to do it again? I have a routine. Check in, unpack & cover bike, find bathing suits, pour two bourbons and hit the hot tub. After a good nights sleep, I'm recharged and more than ready to hit the road again. And nothing beats having good gear. I totally agree that the backroad, two lane, Blue Highways make for the most relaxing and enjoyable journey. Most of all - be safe and have fun. That's what it's all about. | ||
| Rainman |
I've taken my bone-stock 2003 up pretty good freeway Blue Ridge Mountain grades at 80 in the wind while leaning forward. It's tough on it, but the bike loves doing 70 all day on the freeway with little lean. Go for a windshield, if the windblast is too tough. As for the seat, my old arse has issues with the stocker after about 40 miles! | ||
| Kesselrunner |
I got my Blast back a few days ago. of course it rained for the next two days straight! But yesterday the gf hopped on back and we cruised for a few hours, it was awesome! First time we've been able to cruise around a long time without the bike dying - i'm soooo happy. However, I did notice that my hands tired out, even more than my butt. And perhaps it was the chill in the air, or the vibration, but my err, lower parts (and I'm not talking feet here), were still vibrating about an hour later  requiring some not altogether unpleasant assessment. I'm gonna like this bike! I even made my first real life motorcycle friend: a CBR 600 dude but beggars can't be choosers.}} | ||
| Kscanuck785 |
EZ, what are THOSE bikes???!! not Blast, are they??!! the tank makes me think they are but some parts make me wonder (the headlights?!) but oh boy!!!! they look sweet!! | ||
| Crackhead |
EZ's blast are just a little modified | ||
| Kesselrunner |
Time to put my butt where my mouth is, wait.... no! Start over: So I have finals on Wednesday ( I now know more about silent film history than anyone really needs). On Friday morning I'm Blasting up to Apple Valley MN, 580 miles from Lawrence KS!!! The only thing I kinda wish I had were better grips and gloves, so I might try to get those before I go, or before I come back. The trip is just for a long weekend to see the family and all the female motorcycle enthusiasts that wanna thump  Wish me luck, it's my first big road trip. Question: I got 92.8 miles before hitting my res tank. Is the reserve tank .8 gal? Thanks BWB! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Reserve is supposed to be .55. How far you fill up in the tank will vary that and if you are doing all highway, you should get better mpg. Good luck and have fun! | ||
| Krjoseph |
You'll get better mileage on the superslab... IF you ride the speed limit!  On my last run to the Dragon, I got 35 mpg on I-40 cruising all the way at 75-80. | ||
| Ezblast |
Crackhead - LOL - Jim Nance refers to my bikes as the Buells that used to be Blasts - lol - still they hold the heart of Blasts. EZ |
