Long Trip, Car or Bike? - Yamaha FZ6 Forums - International FZ6 Motorcycle Community Forum

afpreppie04 · 03-04-2008, 01:21 PM

I have a trip planned out for 10 days at the end of this month, and I really want to take the bike, only thing is getting there...13 hours according to mapquest (I'm sure I can cut that down some, the road from El Paso to San Antonio is very open and barren). I haven't gone more than 3 hours yet at a span, but that wasn't any problem. I still have the stock seat though, think 13ish is doable or should I take the car?

Fred · 03-04-2008, 01:30 PM

Well, your ass will hurt at the end of the trip.

I'd suggest buying a camelback so you don't dehydrate.

Your tires will square off with that much flat and straight riding, so budget for a new set of tires when you get home.

I'm doing a trip from Austin to the Keys this week. I'm going to haul the bike in the truck for two days, drop it at a friend's house and then ride the rest of the way. The truck burns more gas, but I'll save money overall since I won't wear the bike's tires all the way down on I-10.

Fred

madmanmaigret · 03-04-2008, 01:31 PM

Take the bike and plan 14 hrs.... that way you can take a couple of breaks on the way. That is if you can carry all of your gear on the bike.

madmanmaigret · 03-04-2008, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred

I'd suggest buying a camelback so you don't dehydrate.

Your tires will square off with that much flat and straight riding, so budget for a new set of tires when you get home.

Fred

Great idea on the camelback Fred!

I neglected to think of the tires....hmmmm.......you could swerve back and forth for the whole ride.....J/K

shaggystyle · 03-04-2008, 01:38 PM

It's doable, but expect it to take about 15% longer. My butt starts to get really sore (in the stock saddle) after about 7-8 hours. The longest I've ever done was 10 hours with lots of breaks (about 20 minutes for every 2 hours). You can get some padded bicycling shorts from your local sporting goods store or even pick up a seat pad at the local bike shop if you want. I've tried bike shorts, but mine went flat after about 2 hours, so they weren't much help. How long are you going to be at your destination? If you're going to be there for a few days and have time to recuperate it might not be too bad. But if you are going turn around and come back the next day you might want to reconsider. Good luck....take pictures.....be safe.

4fun · 03-04-2008, 01:47 PM

Its a longer ride then it sounds, but could be fun. Watch out for the scopions in the road. A friend of mine got a flat tire from one. (at least thats what he said). Plan your gas stops. a car can go further then the bike.

afpreppie04 · 03-04-2008, 01:59 PM

That's a good idea about the camelback/bike shorts. I hadn't thought of the tires squaring off. Gearwise, I have a friend taking a car there I can have haul my stuff

. I'll be outside Houston for 3 days then Dallas for 7 more, so I should have plenty of time to recuperate before I head back.

Scorphonic · 03-04-2008, 02:01 PM

If your unsure, take the car. At least then you have someplace to sleep if things dont go to plan! Unless you want to bring a tent when you on the bike, thats the other option.

I dont know what you guys think about your stock seat..but mine is as comfy as hell...never get a sore ass any more!

**Hellgate** · 03-04-2008, 02:32 PM

My butt hurts in my car when I drive from Austin to Tucson. I'd suggest towing or hauling if you are able too.

If you do decide to ride: +1 on the Camelback. They look crazy and dorky, but a fake sheepskin seat cover is a life saver. I'd also recommend ear plugs so your not ringing at the end of the day, also motorcycle boots. They have a firmer sole so your feet don't ache. Nikes are way too soft to support your foot on the peg.

Regardless, good luck and have fun!!!!!

**Doorag** · 03-04-2008, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afpreppie04

I have a trip planned out for 10 days at the end of this month, and I really want to take the bike, only thing is getting there...13 hours according to mapquest (I'm sure I can cut that down some, the road from El Paso to San Antonio is very open and barren). I haven't gone more than 3 hours yet at a span, but that wasn't any problem. I still have the stock seat though, think 13ish is doable or should I take the car?

I've driven that road before and it's a long journey. Should be more interesting on a bike than in a car though. I'd make sure and take a bit of extra time at each fill-up. Make sure and walk around a bit each time as well. Dunno, that's all I could suggest.

03-04-2008, 01:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
afpreppie04 Not a Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Bike: 04 FZ6, faster blue Posts: 45 Rep Power: 4 Member #1118	Long Trip, Car or Bike? I have a trip planned out for 10 days at the end of this month, and I really want to take the bike, only thing is getting there...13 hours according to mapquest (I'm sure I can cut that down some, the road from El Paso to San Antonio is very open and barren). I haven't gone more than 3 hours yet at a span, but that wasn't any problem. I still have the stock seat though, think 13ish is doable or should I take the car?

03-04-2008, 01:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
Fred M em b er e d Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Austin, TX Bike: See Signature Posts: 887 Rep Power: 26 Member #872	Re: Long Trip, Car or Bike? Well, your ass will hurt at the end of the trip. I'd suggest buying a camelback so you don't dehydrate. Your tires will square off with that much flat and straight riding, so budget for a new set of tires when you get home. I'm doing a trip from Austin to the Keys this week. I'm going to haul the bike in the truck for two days, drop it at a friend's house and then ride the rest of the way. The truck burns more gas, but I'll save money overall since I won't wear the bike's tires all the way down on I-10. Fred __________________ I don't know anything about motorcycles, but I just love little kittens. 1990 BMW K75 Turbo (Eternal project bike) 2007 Yamaha FZ6 (Modifications: Stebel Nautilus horn, Valentine 1 hardwired with remote display and audio, Mix-It sound mixer modified for hidden installation, Mayer saddle, true dual high/low headlights. Relay, fuse panel and lockdown blocks for all additional wiring.) Pocketchop. (There are no words to describe it.)

03-04-2008, 01:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
madmanmaigret Mad like crazy not angry Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sarasota, FL Bike: 08 FZ6 Cobalt Blue (fastest color from FZ1) Posts: 1,750 Rep Power: 983 Member #1085	Re: Long Trip, Car or Bike? Take the bike and plan 14 hrs.... that way you can take a couple of breaks on the way. That is if you can carry all of your gear on the bike. __________________ 2008 Cobalt Blue FZ6: Purchased October 31st, 2007 Mods:Painted: radiator covers, exhaust covers, and rear footpegs. FAZR6 Fender Eliminator. FS6 Sliders W/Motovation Hardware. Minor Airbox Mod. Sticker removal. To Be Continued... GO RED SOX!!!!!!

03-04-2008, 01:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
shaggystyle Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 552 Rep Power: 23 Member #134	Re: Long Trip, Car or Bike? It's doable, but expect it to take about 15% longer. My butt starts to get really sore (in the stock saddle) after about 7-8 hours. The longest I've ever done was 10 hours with lots of breaks (about 20 minutes for every 2 hours). You can get some padded bicycling shorts from your local sporting goods store or even pick up a seat pad at the local bike shop if you want. I've tried bike shorts, but mine went flat after about 2 hours, so they weren't much help. How long are you going to be at your destination? If you're going to be there for a few days and have time to recuperate it might not be too bad. But if you are going turn around and come back the next day you might want to reconsider. Good luck....take pictures.....be safe.

03-04-2008, 01:47 PM	#6 (permalink)
4fun Member #1360 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Long Valley, NJ Bike: 07 FZ6 Blue Posts: 518 Rep Power: 10 Member #1360	Re: Long Trip, Car or Bike? Its a longer ride then it sounds, but could be fun. Watch out for the scopions in the road. A friend of mine got a flat tire from one. (at least thats what he said). Plan your gas stops. a car can go further then the bike.

03-04-2008, 01:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
afpreppie04 Not a Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico Bike: 04 FZ6, faster blue Posts: 45 Rep Power: 4 Member #1118	Re: Long Trip, Car or Bike? That's a good idea about the camelback/bike shorts. I hadn't thought of the tires squaring off. Gearwise, I have a friend taking a car there I can have haul my stuff . I'll be outside Houston for 3 days then Dallas for 7 more, so I should have plenty of time to recuperate before I head back.

03-04-2008, 02:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
Scorphonic No Man is an Ireland. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Republic Of Ireland Bike: 2007 RED FZ6 S2 Posts: 552 Rep Power: 12 Member #352	Re: Long Trip, Car or Bike? If your unsure, take the car. At least then you have someplace to sleep if things dont go to plan! Unless you want to bring a tent when you on the bike, thats the other option. I dont know what you guys think about your stock seat..but mine is as comfy as hell...never get a sore ass any more! __________________ British officer: You're seven minutes late, Mr. Collins. Michael Collins: You've kept us waiting 700 years. You can have your seven minutes. Mods to date: K&N filter, Oxford Heated Grips, Puig Touring Windscreen, Dual Headlights, Meta Alarm....em...soon to have Two Brothers (once money isn't an issue!!)...o and i suppose a PCIII will be required.

03-04-2008, 02:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
Hellgate Super Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Bike: 2007 FZ6 Posts: 3,313 Rep Power: 60 Member #1191	Re: Long Trip, Car or Bike? My butt hurts in my car when I drive from Austin to Tucson. I'd suggest towing or hauling if you are able too. If you do decide to ride: +1 on the Camelback. They look crazy and dorky, but a fake sheepskin seat cover is a life saver. I'd also recommend ear plugs so your not ringing at the end of the day, also motorcycle boots. They have a firmer sole so your feet don't ache. Nikes are way too soft to support your foot on the peg. Regardless, good luck and have fun!!!!! __________________ Pete Mods: Akrapovic, Ohlins Remote, R6 Fork, RyanK Fender Mounts, Cobin with Backrest, Motovation Sliders, Yamaha Cowl, Stickers Removed, Galfers, Pazzo Shorties, Rizoma FE, Fredlight, Hugger Trimmed, ConvertiBar Clip-Ons, Acculign Top Clamp, OSO2K Setbacks, PC III w/ Custom AF1 Racing Map. Up Coming Mods: All Balls Headset Last edited by Hellgate; 03-04-2008 at 02:35 PM..

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