countersteer
Needs a job
Didn't read the owners manual
Posts: 2207
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posted April 17, 2008 10:28 PM
ZX-14 Road trip - planning a 700mile haul!
OK guys, heres the deal:
im planning out my next trip to visit my parents down in Tennessee in late july, and ive decided to ride down on the zx14. I would be leaving from Riverhead, NY and heading towards Johnson City Tenn. mapquest claims a 710 mile journey.
according to the zx14 mpg estimator, my usual riding indicates about 30mpg or a little less, with the tank holding 5.8g max capacity. i should only have to stop and gas up about five times. to be safe, i am calculating about 30 miles per gallon @ 5.5g capacity, meaning about a 165 mile range between fillups. 165 miles per tank * 5 tank fills = 825 miles, plenty enough to get there.
as far as electronics go, im going to purchase the zumo gps to plot this out, and hardwire a cell phone charger to the battery. im thinking a pouch full of quarters to get me through tolls quick, a backpack full of cigarettes, monster energy drinks, snacks and some cash are really all i need for maybe a 12 hour trip. im going to get some new rubber for the 14, give her an oil change and inspection before i head out.
i have ridden 400+ miles straight before, but just around long island. im a bit concerned about the tractor trailers, cell phone drivers, police and random shit/debris obstructing the roads.
if there is anything i have left out or not thought of, *please* let me know. i think this little trip is either going to kick ass, or kick_my_ass. please post up your experiences in distance riding, and mention any obstacles i may encounter.
thanks.
____________
Scott
Long Island, New York
2006 ZX-14, 2003 ZX-12R
   
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NinjaNick
Needs a job
'08 ZX14 (Blue)
Posts: 4558
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posted April 17, 2008 10:45 PM
Sounds like fun! Wish I could join you on this long trip! I never understood though how someone can fit their shoes, socks, underwear, shirts, jeans, shorts, toothbrush, deoderant, cologne, shampoo, soap, etc...on a bike. Even with bags, they can't hold everything I would need.
Enjoy the trip, it will kick ass "AND" kick your ass. 
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camperjohn64
Parking Attendant
Posts: 13
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posted April 17, 2008 11:28 PM
 Edited By: camperjohn64 on 18 Apr 2008 00:28
Pick up a can of "fix-a-flat" and tie wrap it to the underside of the right frame, just above the rear wheel (to the right).
I put a can there, and I hope to never need it. It is out of the way, and it's a good $8 investment.
Make sure to the the kind with the flexible nozzle.
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Bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted April 18, 2008 05:56 AM
Not sure if you wear a jacket or not when riding. If you don't you should, and if you're not going to Be sure to wear sunscreen. I've seen a lot of people go on a long ride and come back with blisters.
____________
Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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nydhags
Expert Class
Posts: 127
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posted April 18, 2008 08:49 AM
I haven't upgraded to the 14 yet, but its in the works.
I've gone cross country on my ZZR 600 and will be riding down to AL on July 10.
For trips like this I bring just about every tool that I need for my bike and they all fit under the seat, but I put them in my luggage for easy access. I also have a small Slime 12V Air compressor.
Freezer bags for paper work which I put under the seat, so If I get stopped the officer may let me slide after they see all the stuff I have to go through to get to it. I put my clothing in XXL Zip LOCK BAGS b4 I put it in my bike luggage. Sheepskin seat cover as suggested by various touring sites.
Small can of chain lube. Rain Gear, even in the summer.
I also like to leave around 2-4AM, It's hard to sleep the night b4 a big trip so I start it as soon as I get enough sleep and also to make sure I have more day hours on the road than night.
And another thing
Skip the quarters and get a EZPASS and the Bike mount for it.
If you think you need it bring it, better safe than sorry.
I can't afford the ZUMO yet, so I'll be picking up a Quest 2 soon.
____________
To Do List:
CONTINENTAL US DONE
Hawaii - I’ll rent a bike there, MAYBE
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Superman T
Pro
Posts: 1831
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posted April 18, 2008 09:50 AM
damn nydhags, that is totally weighted down
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nydhags
Expert Class
Posts: 127
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posted April 18, 2008 10:51 AM
I wish I had brung some heavier gear for crossing AZ during the night, The temp drop was amazing.
____________
To Do List:
CONTINENTAL US DONE
Hawaii - I’ll rent a bike there, MAYBE
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creeker
Novice Class
Posts: 42
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posted April 18, 2008 01:37 PM
if your straight there ship excess stuff ups ,make alot easier
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BIGZXDADDY
Expert Class
Posts: 270
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posted April 18, 2008 01:56 PM
load your pack full of smokes once you get down south, they are way cheaper.
____________
"never drive faster than you can see, besides it's all in the reflexes"
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KawaBonzai
Zone Head
Leader of the Back.
Posts: 537
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posted April 18, 2008 03:06 PM
quote:
according to the zx14 mpg estimator, my usual riding indicates about 30mpg or a little less, with the tank holding 5.8g max capacity. i should only have to stop and gas up about five times. to be safe, i am calculating about 30 miles per gallon @ 5.5g capacity, meaning about a 165 mile range between fillups. 165 miles per tank * 5 tank fills = 825 miles, plenty enough to get there.
Are those 30mpg readings city riding? On highway figure +8 to +15 depending on your right hand.
I'm getting 44 on the highway, stock bike, 89 octane, 6th gear 4k and under rpm. 240 pound rider.
... Bonzai
____________
PC-III w/USB, Muzzys M14 + Carbon Oval + M10, BMC Race Filter, Flies Out, Buell Pegs, Heli Risers
www.TucsonSportRiders.com - Tucson's Premier SportRider Community
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GTMan
Novice Class
Posts: 33
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posted April 18, 2008 04:31 PM
You should plan the route so you can get a nap at a rest stop. 12hrs in one day is a long time to ride.
Good luck and keep us posted.
____________
GTMan
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1badzx12r
Needs a life
Posts: 8321
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posted April 18, 2008 05:43 PM
quote:
I haven't upgraded to the 14 yet, but its in the works.
I've gone cross country on my ZZR 600 and will be riding down to AL on July 10.
For trips like this I bring just about every tool that I need for my bike and they all fit under the seat, but I put them in my luggage for easy access. I also have a small Slime 12V Air compressor.
Freezer bags for paper work which I put under the seat, so If I get stopped the officer may let me slide after they see all the stuff I have to go through to get to it. I put my clothing in XXL Zip LOCK BAGS b4 I put it in my bike luggage. Sheepskin seat cover as suggested by various touring sites.
Small can of chain lube. Rain Gear, even in the summer.
I also like to leave around 2-4AM, It's hard to sleep the night b4 a big trip so I start it as soon as I get enough sleep and also to make sure I have more day hours on the road than night.
And another thing
Skip the quarters and get a EZPASS and the Bike mount for it.
If you think you need it bring it, better safe than sorry.
I can't afford the ZUMO yet, so I'll be picking up a Quest 2 soon.
man this dude worst than a women...put a trailer hitch on that bike
____________
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S06nIz4scvI
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ninja14
Pro
Posts: 1136
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posted April 18, 2008 05:52 PM
Higher vs. lower tire pressures will help with mileage if you are mostly doing straights - big roads.
____________
2006 Turbo ZX-14.
2005 V-max 20th Anniv.
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stevewfl
Moderator
Posts: 27920
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posted April 18, 2008 06:24 PM
CS, sounds like a great trip. You'll enjoy the ZUMO-
____________
2010 Concours14
'08 R1 YAMAHA
ZX14 gone!
CBR600RR track bike
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himile14
Expert Class
Posts: 424
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posted April 18, 2008 06:36 PM
CS,
Well this is a trip that will build memories and isn't that what life all about? Some quick tips, try to ride with the sun to your back where ever possible. Do not buy a new helmet for the trip, make sure your helmet is well broken in prior to starting your trip...Man was that a mistake. Don't travel too fast you will find roads that are pretty deserted and any speeding bike will get noticed.
I drove pretty easy on trips, I traveled about 8-15 over the limit per GPS, in the countryside. In the cities just keep up with traffic places like Atlanta it's not uncommon traveling 80-90 mph. In Summer it is very common and I'll predict you will hit rain from time to time. In the mountains of Tenn. when it rains fog is common, so have a plan...I always follow Truckers, even though you'll be blasted with wheel mist, the winds are more predictable then on your own, Plus they know the roads very well. Good news will come with MPG. I averaged 42 MPG on most fill ups, the Low fuel did not come on until 190-210 mile point. I once traveled 234 miles on on tank. I always started looking for gas as the range hit 50. Always, Always, Always fill up before you enter a city, I dam near ran out of gas in Washington DC, once on the beltway there are not a lot of gas stations and it's pretty difficult to baby the gas in that town. Enjoy your trip, the sore a$$ ,scary weather will all be forgotten in a short time and before you know it this may turn into a annual trip.
700 miles is not that difficult, I always liked getting a early start 2 am or so. Going like hell in the morning by 2-4 pm I was ready for a little down time, a long lunch worked for me. Normally it's 90+ and this kind of heat really sucks. My trip to Nebraska 2 years ago it was 105 in Nashville and almost 110 in Nebraska, that's freaking hot so make sure you carry water with you at all times.
Have fun, take pictures but most of all stay safe.
Rob
02 VFR 109,415 miles
06 VFR 19,651 miles
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fury
Expert Class
Posts: 427
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posted April 19, 2008 04:42 AM
Watch for wild life... Ground hogs etc... Deer big time...
Get a hotel and crash... Take the bike inside dont leave it outside. Bring a drop cloth plastic for under the bike to u do not damage carpet.
Shut down and sleep. It will only cost u 65-70 bucks. Get anything cheap just off the highway park the bike infront of the door. (prevent someone comming in fast.)
Clear out some of those bags unless you are moving there. U do not need all that shit.
Your parents will have a washer? Bring 3 days of clothes.
Add a 1 litre gas jug to the bike. With all that weight you are not going to get 30mpg as stated above. Make sure you have a Visa card for emergencies. (empty) Maybe full when u get back.
Please get a hotel.
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Bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted April 19, 2008 05:58 AM
Nydhags,
If you get a 14 and i see a sheepskin seat on it i'm going to sock you lol  .
Countersteer,
I believe that someone (rapid transit maybe ?) makes a tank bag that you can buy a bladder for. Not too bad of an idea. Never know when you're going to need a sip of water. I'll be doing a 1500+ mile trip from Paris Tx, to San Diego Ca sometime in june. If i run into any problems i'll be sure to let you know what they are. It's not the best looking thing out there, but you might want to invest in the Sport Touring screen for the 14. The wind protection is MUCH MUCH better than the stock screen is. I can't post pictures on the boards, but if you'd like for me to e-mail you a pic. of what it looks like just shoot me an e-mail at yatesc@ffg37.navy.mil .
____________
Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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bigdtd
Needs a job
Interceptors
Posts: 4209
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posted April 19, 2008 07:58 AM
Edited By: bigdtd on 19 Apr 2008 09:00
just load all your stuff in a garbage bag or two, strap it to the back and ride. that fuzzy seat on the 600 is the lamest thing i've ever seen. it would be popular if you were riding in key west tho.....
i rode from mid florida to north alabama in one day, mostly in the rain on the way up on my 1980 cbx. the 14 is a much more capable ride. just have some decent rain gear, you can always stop along the way if you get tired. i used to ride from atlanta to montgomery all the time on my 400 four honda back in 79 just my wallet in my pocket. that was before cell phones.... the horror....
____________
2006 Black ZX-14,6 inches over,16/42, flies out,BMC Street Filter,Brock's Street Meg,Brock's Radial Mount Strap,PClll with Race map,Dynojet LCD w/Techmount, ZX-14 fender eliminator,Pilot Power2CTs,Speedohealer,Pazzo Levers,Cox Radiator Guard, Garmin Nuvi 265WT
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Bawls
Needs a job
re-learning to ride
Posts: 2701
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posted April 19, 2008 08:49 AM
lol, my grandpa went from NE Texas to Northern Cali and back in 5 days on his GS1000L. I guess that was probably a more comfortable bike to ride on for a lengthy time... but it's about the equivelent of doing it on the CBX.
____________
Best 60ft: 1.42
Best 1/8th: 5.97
Best 1/8th MPH: 119
Brockland Police Badge # 001
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diablozx14
Parking Attendant
Posts: 30
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posted April 19, 2008 11:33 AM
All of these guys have very good suggestions, I live in the chicago area and make my way down to Tn every year to ride deals gap. We have also been down to Myrtle Beach and encountered one of THE WORST rain storms I have ever seen in a car or on a bike. Bring your rain gear and the sun screen as stated above, dont't get in a hurry to get there and enjoy the ride. Good luck and be safe.
____________
07 Diablo Black ZX14 Dead Crawlin!
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countersteer
Needs a job
Didn't read the owners manual
Posts: 2207
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posted April 20, 2008 05:34 PM
thanks for the replies, it is much appreciated.
right now, my biggest concern is getting a good performance tire that will last me longer than 1000 miles. i went through the pirelli III rear so fast that i dont think id buy another, even though i am very confident in its cornering abilities. basically, i need to find a tire to last 3000+ miles, and have plenty cornering and grip capabilities, as i will need it to whoop GUNNERS ass in the corners.
ive got clothes and everything else i need waiting for me down south, so i really only have to pack the materials necessary to get me there. i did not considered the possibility of hitting nasty weather, and spending a night in a motel sounds a bit excessive. fix-a-flat sounds like a good idea, and bikeland wrote up an article on the slime and stop-n-go brands.
http://www.bikeland.org/story.php?storyID=28125.
the mpg indicator shows on average 30, but thats regular balls-to-the-wall WOT high rpm riding, im assuming that ill get better mileage on the highway. regardless, i should probably figure out where the gas stations are every 150-200 miles.
if any Tennessee riders are reading this, ill be game for whatever. staying in johnson city, but ill most definetly be checking out knoxville, deals gap, and cherohala skyway. i may even head down to lynchburg and visit the Jack distillery.
thanks again for the replies.
____________
Scott
Long Island, New York
2006 ZX-14, 2003 ZX-12R
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LeoVinceZX14
Expert Class
Thankfully...its paid for...
Posts: 386
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posted April 21, 2008 10:46 AM
ZX-14 Road trip - planning a 700mile haul!
Countersteer:
1st and foremost,have a safe trip coming and going. That said a few thoughts:
Consider getting on the road early like maybe an hour or so before sunrise. The trade off is you have to careful with potentially damp/slippery road conditions and potential fog, but the plus is you could be well down the road by 9-10 AM before the car traffic really starts to build. I am down in Florida now, but originally am a northeast guy so anything that lets you beat some of the congestion is worth looking at.
1. Ride at a pace that is comfortable for you to maintain and use your gas stops to hydrate, stretch, refresh and snack on whatever you prefer. Take Himile's advice about the most comfortable jacket, gloves, helmet you own.
2. Carry something to clean the bugs off your visor when you stop of gas what ever and take advantage of the roadside rest stops which are available on your route.
3. Rainsuit even if it is the brightest sunny day ever, because it will rain at some point when you are on the road and there is....no bridge, shelter, whatever...trust me.
4. Personally I am a "crack of dawn" departure guy and I shut it down where ever I am at 6-7PM. Eat, rest, relax, recharge, hit it again bright and early if you are not there yet.
5. Never, ever push it if you are tired. Park and live to ride another day.
6. You may want to explore one of the many "cruise control" throttemeister type products out there and experiment with it well before your trip because the wrist can get tired/sore if you are not a long distance jockey like some of us.
Lastly the 14 is great on the road as Himile and others have already chimed in. I personally took mine on a 550 mile day-trip here in Florida to do some good roads across the state and casually did 200-300 mile rides to catch up with other ZX14 guys here in Florida.
Ride Safe.....
____________
'12 14R SE
PC V
Custom map
BMC filter
Leo Vince 4-2-1 w/ carbon can
Sato frame sliders
Supersprox 42T
Cox radiator guard
DID 530 X-ring chain.
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