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Message started by RykorSavage on 05/11/19 at 20:44:16

Title: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by RykorSavage on 05/11/19 at 20:44:16

Long time lurker here! I bought a 2007 S40 with just under 5k miles last year and immediately found this site and it's been crazy helpful since then. The petcock had gone bad and a quick search here saved me time and money so kudos to all ya'll about that fix.

Anyways, I decided that I needed to just, get away from the all the crap with work and life around here and I came up with going on a road trip to visit friends all over the states. Which means I need to prep the S40 for a long, looong trip, at the very least 6k miles.

I did already do some regular maintenance, oil change, new tires (they were the original tires holy crap), new petcock, carb was cleaned, have new brake pads I'm about to put on.

It already has a windscreen, but it's too small for alot of highway riding. I've looked up a few options for bigger windscreens but has anyone had experience with the SlipStreamer brand?

Or if anyone has touring tips on an S40 in general they would be much appreciated.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by jcstokes on 05/11/19 at 23:18:42

You probably need some sort of carrier on which you can mount a back pack, this option is, I believe, better than saddle bags. You should be able to turn the back pack, so it will sit on the pillion seat. It will form a sort of back rest as you ride say 300 miles plus in a day. Remember your gasoline range is safe for about 120 miles, using reserve after 110 miles. If you go 130 miles on a tank full, start praying hard. Some years ago I posted a photo of a tool kit I carried, It consisted of a 750 ml drink bottle which held spanners a 3/8" drive ratchet and extensions and a couple of pill bottles which held sockets and screw bits a 1/4 inch socket fits the bits. Most importantly get self sealing plastic bags from the supermarket and put your clothes in these, the clothes stay dry even if rain penetrates your carrier bag, have an old plastic bag for dirty laundry. A cell phone plus charger. Ear plugs can help cut noise although I don't use them riding. Check your oil every two or thre days. Maybe carry some insect sting relief. You may also wish to consider an Airhawk seat pad, and a spare couple of fuses. Never mind "cool" or biker stuff, wear a little or ,a lot of high vis gear

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by VortecCPI on 05/12/19 at 03:56:55

I have done long road trips on a 2002 Road King and on a 2007 Electraglide and they were great bikes. The S40, in my opinion, will at least need a lot of bags to make it viable for any sort of long road trip. The Suzuki windscreen is okay at low speeds but is not enough for long-term high-speed rides like interstates.

Also... The stock seat and suspension are not very comfy and the gas tank is tiny so be prepared to make a lot of stops, especially if you are increasing elevation.

Bikes like my SRX600 and my wife's LS650 are great for short trips but they get tedious for long rides.

I really miss my Road King...

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by badwolf on 05/12/19 at 06:29:39

BAGGAGE! At least a hard box on the back you can lock. If you mount it over the rear seat you can lean back against it. I have a National Cycles windshield that is pretty big and cuts alot of air, not cheap, but very well made. (your legs will still get wet thou)
Go to the local boat place and get a waterproof bag or 2.
As for touring, I have geared my bike up and put on a 4.5 gallon tank and sprung solo seat so it is comfy on the Interstates all day. On a stock bike, try to stay off the expressways and stick to the state roads, slower but much better on the psyche!

Oh yea, if you are in Georgia and hear banjos, haul butt out of there!

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by ohiomoto on 05/12/19 at 07:53:08

My buddy used to ride a Fatboy like a touring bike. One day he went to the dealership for a battery and left with an Ultra Classic. That was about 20 years ago and he still rides touring bikes.

I don't see any reason you can't get 6000 trouble free miles out of the 650. I would try to plan the trip using as little freeway as possible. It's just not the bikes strong suit.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by Dave on 05/12/19 at 08:12:15

When run for extended periods on the interstate, the engine oil level can drop - so be sure to carry some extra oil and check the level periodically.

Take some Lemon pledge and a couple microfiber cloths to clean the windshield and your helmet visor. (You can also buy Plexus that works a bit better and it far more expensive).

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by Armen on 05/12/19 at 08:25:09

Kawasaki front pulley for the highway miles.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by hotrod on 05/12/19 at 08:59:06

Soft saddlebags , if mounted high, can serve as a platform with the rear seat. This can be a base to support a duffle type bag to be mounted across it. Whenever you stop to eat, or rest, do so standing up. Give your rear a rest. Wear gel padded gloves, easy to get off so as not to be a hassle at toll booths. Don't put anything in your rear pants pockets. Wait until you're tired before looking for a hotel. You don't want to check into a hotel and find you could have ridden another 5 hours. Adjust your clutch so finding neutral is easy. Make sure your rain gear is easy to get to. Good luck. Be safe.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by hotrod on 05/12/19 at 09:22:30

I no longer measure a long motorcycle trip in miles traveled. Now, it's how many ibuprofens will it take. They sure help.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by RykorSavage on 05/12/19 at 12:11:30

Thanks ya'll for all the tips! The plan is to take this trip in August, so I'll have more than enough time to get exactly what I need ready. And bonus is that I just heard from my buddy down in Texas that he'll be tagging along with me on his own '96 Savage once I get there. I'll need to get on him about getting his ready too.

I do have a soft saddlebag, the Dowco Iron Rider Rumble tail bag, had it on for quite a while and it's solid on the passenger seat, but having a sissy bar would be FANTASTIC. I'll look around for options there but that might be a stock option I'll need to cough up some dough for lol I'll likely pick up a tank bag for all the small crap.

I am curious about a tank swap, but I like the idea of having to stop and see the area and resting the butt. A seat pad is gonna be a must regardless. A toolkit too, just in case.

For the trip itself it'll probably be a mix of interstate and state roads, I need to make some time, but yeah the droning on and on of the interstate will be hella boring.

Thanks again guys!

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by verslagen1 on 05/12/19 at 12:15:37

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1546732281

https://freecampsites.net/

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by badwolf on 05/12/19 at 13:26:01

You will NOT regret spending the bucks for a GOOD M/C rain suit. Unless you strap it on sloppy and it gets chew'ed up by the rear wheel! (Don't ask how I know that.) My current fav is a 2 piece by Frog Toggs, good water proffing and it still breaths. No rainsuit is 100% waterproof at 60mph for 3 hours in a downpour. (Oh how do I know, I live in S. Fla. it rains every day in the summer, and we have these things called HURRICANES!)
Maybe you will get lucky, last Aug. I rode out to Salt Lake City for opening day of Speedweek on the Salt Flats, then back to 2 stops in Mich. and home, only hit rain once! The Dragon at dawn in the rain is something I NEVER want to do again. But I also put the rainsuit on in Wy. riding overnight. Don't get fooled by summer in the east, take one set of WARM clothes and gloves. In the mountains it freezes every night, just a matter of how low the frost goes.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by Dave on 05/12/19 at 17:50:40

I suppose I really don't qualify as a "long road trip' rider yet, as most of my rides are done within 100 miles of home, and I have not ridden many days that are in excess of 300 miles. When we go to the rides down in TN/NC/GA we can be gone for 10 hours - but a lot of the roads are slow going and it is hard to get more than 200 miles in a day when you add in stops for fuel/food/scenery. So far 570 miles in a day was my longest ride, and my fannie was fatigued at the end of the day.

I will advise you that you need to get some long riding days in before you start your trip. You need to get your body (and butt) used to sitting in the saddle for longs stretches. You may find that a sheep skin seat cover or Airhawk seat will help to make the seat more comfortable.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by springman on 05/12/19 at 18:30:34

My longest one day ride was 450-500 miles and I definitely recommend the air hawk seat cushion. Could not have done that mileage without the air hawk. A sissy bar will be most helpful. I have a sissy bar bag that also acts as a nice bike rest. The plastic bag or bags to keep your clothes dry are a must. I do not have a windshield on my S40 but I do suspect it would make the long ride less tiring. All the other guys have given good advice. Have fun. I think I am jealous! 8-)

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by jcstokes on 05/14/19 at 00:21:03

Rykor Savage, the tool kit idea I used was posted on 12/08/13 under the topic Tool Kit Idea, the photo was p1010468.jpg

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by MMRanch on 05/14/19 at 21:38:23

Have ya ever noticed :

most road bikes have FLOOR-BOARDS ?

most road bikes have Nice Wide Seats ?

most road bikes have a Tall Top Gear ?

most road bikes have Lots of Luggage ?

and last but not least ....

most road bikes have Large Fuel Tanks ?

.............................

You can convert a Savage to a Road bike ... but they certainly don't come that way from the factory ! ;D

The Fuel tank is the hardest in my experience

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by madmikesmech on 05/16/19 at 14:11:12

Good lookin bike MMRanch!
I am digging this thread, as I to am planning the longest ride of my riding "career:! This summer I plan to ride the Grand Army Republic highway of PA. (RT6) I live in the southern tier of N.Y. state, plan to pick up rt6 in Port Allegany PA. Then head East to the state border.
Here is a link
http://www.motorcycleroads.com/75/475/Pennsylvania/Grand-Army-of-the-Republic-Highway---Route-6-(PA).html?tab=3#t3

https://pawilds.com/journey/scenic-route-6/

Here is my planned route
http://https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1K5oHzquYs/XN3PZzYTWaI/AAAAAAAAW88/FDIcbOVEJDcN_8c_YRmqM4LapkQvPsKmgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20190516-165819_Maps.jpg
only 230 miles each way, I plan to sightsee and camp at least one overnight. Solo ride
From what I have read, some of the bestscenario, and riding roads north Pennsylvania has to offer!,

Here is my trusty steed
http://https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PxsjE5HfRI4/W3FsMlR2-GI/AAAAAAAATxA/END0zjU3n6EbPJWhDU9S3SuVGsTIW6BuwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180811_110449.jpg

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by RykorSavage on 05/16/19 at 17:51:28

I'm glad this thread is being helpful to others, it's nice to have every sort of tip and tricks in one place.

Just ordered the OEM backrest, hopefully it gets here quick, want to see if the Dowco bag will fit with it.

The tentative plan for the road trip!
Michigan to Dallas, TX to San Francisco, CA to Portland, OR, a hop up to Seattle then back home. Will definitely be a mix of highway and state roads, but man oh man I'm excited to see everything along the way.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by madmikesmech on 05/16/19 at 18:06:28

0F2436322F0E3C2B3C3A385D0 wrote:

RykorSavage, your absolutely right you are going to have such a great time, the memories of a continental USA ride like that will be amazing... to say the least.
I am envious! Maybe you'll start a thread when you depart, and keep it on going throughout your whole trip!
Just a thought... did you wire up a 12 volt power outlet of some type to charge your cel phone, I remember, if not in this thread a different one here in.the forum there were a number of ways to have a way to charge your cel.
Have the time of your life, thanks for starting this thread!!
Mike

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by madmikesmech on 05/16/19 at 19:14:03

Here is a usb charger I am interested in. Connects to the sae tender plug I already have in place on my bike
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F142916228425

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by ohiomoto on 05/17/19 at 06:36:52

I give you guys credit. I take me just under an hour when I take the long way home from work. I'm usually done with riding at that point. I'm old. LOL

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/17/19 at 07:03:23

I'm in east Texas and I, too , am prepping for a trip.
To Seattle, by way of the Grand Canyon one way and Yellowstone the other.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by Dave on 05/20/19 at 06:20:01

The windscreen on my F800GT directs a lot of air at my helmet at speeds over 60mph - interstate riding is very noisy as the wind that comes off the top of the windscreen hits directly on helmet at chin level.

I just ordered this and I can adjust it to keep the wind off my helmet when I am on the highway - and removed it when riding local.

I have not yet installed it - but others who have used it say it works well for them. You can adjust it to suit the weather.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071FJV4CW/ref=pe_2640190_232586610_TE_dp_i1

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by madmikesmech on 05/27/19 at 01:30:27

514E484F52556454645C4E42093B0 wrote:

I'm in east Texas and I, too , am prepping for a trip.
To Seattle, by way of the Grand Canyon one way and Yellowstone the other.

Wow! That sounds like it will be a very scenic ride!

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/27/19 at 07:02:47

It better be..

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by hotrod on 05/27/19 at 10:38:32

In September I'm riding the Savage from Belhaven NC to Montauk NY. About 600 miles each way. No windshield, will only stop for gas or eating. Need good weather and cold beer when I arrive.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/27/19 at 18:25:51

About 300a day is all I can manage. That's pushing eight hours, with the gas stops being so regular.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by jcstokes on 05/28/19 at 02:11:10

hotrod 11 hours at average 55, 5, 5 minute gas stops plus forty minutes eating time. You must be tough.

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by hotrod on 05/28/19 at 10:30:30

Tough ? Maybe dumb. Not sure. I'm thinking about 13 hours in good weather. I've done that distance before, but not on a Savage, and not 67 years old. :o :o

Title: Re: Prepping for a long road trip
Post by sjaskow - FSO on 05/28/19 at 10:52:39

The most I ever did on my S40 was 300 miles on 4-lane interstate equivalents in KY and WV. If you can time butt-breaks with the 100 mile gas stops, it's not as bad as you think.

I have done a couple of 600 mile days on the Vision. For this one, my butt gives out before my tank does.