I had to go to Missouri for a work-related meeting that would occur all day Wednesday and a partial day on Thursday. I usually fly but decided I would ride my bike. I had been longing to do a longer ride this year and, as of this time, hadn't been able to do anything more than some 300 mile day loops. So, I rode my S10 from DFW to Warrensburg, MO on Tuesday. The total miles were 653. I ended up skirting up eastern Oklahoma then headed into Arkansas and rode up 23. I then headed into Missouri and took 13 to Warrensburg. The temps were nice and enjoyable until I got into Missouri. It was HOT. Luckily I had a water hydration pack with me and I was able to stay hydrated. It took me 12 hours and I was worn out. I was glad I got a rest day on Wednesday.
Here's a pic I took on a gas stop/water break. My route included, unbeknownst to me, a county road that turned into gravel. The bike tracked fine even weighed down so much.
I got done early on Thursday and got on the road at 10:30a. My destination was to see my aunt and uncle in Louisville, KY. Total distance was 477 miles. I slabbed it in order to get there since dinner and cold beer would be waiting. ::008:: The ride was uneventful until I neared Louisville. Scattered thunderstorms were in the area and I could tell I would probably be getting wet. I decided not to don my rain suit since I was rather hot and hoped the rain would cool me down. My wish was answered. I rode in a downpour for about 15 minutes. It felt good and the S10 behaved predictably. Luckily, the visibility remained good and there was no standing water on the interstate. I took it easy and the rain subsided as I crossed the border into Kentucky. By the time I got to the house, I was almost dried out. Here's a pic of the bike in the driveway. It is nice and clean now.
The next morning I headed down to the family farm which was 122 miles southeast of Louisville in Casey County. I was able to relax and enjoy the scenery and enjoyed a few more beers (I mean coca-colas since it is a dry county). My aunt and uncle came down later in the day and we did more of the same. It is now Friday.
Saturday I got up and got on the road by 8am CST. I had planned on making it to Little Rock and spend the night. I slabbed it this day, too. The temps were enjoyable until I got into Memphis. The temps soared and I was drinking plenty from my hydration pack. It was Memphis that I decided I would just go ahead and head on home. So, that's what I did. I arrived home at 9:30pm. 863 miles was the total. This was by far the most miles I have done in one day. I felt fine when I got home although the heat definitely took its toll. Again, thank goodness for the hydration system.
A few observations and things I need to remedy about the S10:
The vibration in the right handlebar sucks at speed. My hand would not go numb but I had to move it around a lot to ensure that it didn't. The vibration in the left handlebar is practically none.
I need a cruise control/throttle lock, etc when doing long stretches of slab to give my right hand/wrist a break.
I will probably start looking for an aftermarket seat. Truthfully, the seat was okay but I know there's better out there. This is a lower priority.
I need more leg room. Either the aftermarket seat I buy will be taller or I'll look at aftermarket pegs. I don't want to sacrifice cornering clearance however. The research has begun.
Other things unrelated to the S10 that I need to remedy for long distance riding are:
I need custom earplugs. The soft foam plugs actually become slightly uncomfortable after being in the ears for 12 hours.
My Shoei X-11 is a great sport helmet and vents very well. However, it is loud and my ears actually get a little sore from the ear cutouts after wearing it for so long. I'm going to wear this helmet for weekend rides but will get something else for multi-day rides.
All in all I had a very enjoyable time on the bike and it performed flawlessly. According to the instrument panel, I averaged 40 mpg. This wasn't bad considering I was running at 80 mph quite a bit on Thursday and yesterday. The speed limit in parts of Texas is 75 so going 80+ is not a big deal.
The luggage setup is:
Givi V46 on the rear with a SW-Motech alu-rack and Givi adapter plate. The side boxes are Givi E360s (with liner bags) with the Givi quick-disconnect racks. The tank bag is the Yamaha OEM bag. I put the rain cover on in preparation for the rain on Thursday and the bag remained completely dry. FYI.
Total mileage was:
Day 1: 653 miles
Day 2: 0 miles - got a ride to work
Day 3: 12 miles (commute) + 477 miles
Day 4: 122 miles
Day 5: 863 miles
Total: 2127 miles
Here's a pic I took on a gas stop/water break. My route included, unbeknownst to me, a county road that turned into gravel. The bike tracked fine even weighed down so much.
I got done early on Thursday and got on the road at 10:30a. My destination was to see my aunt and uncle in Louisville, KY. Total distance was 477 miles. I slabbed it in order to get there since dinner and cold beer would be waiting. ::008:: The ride was uneventful until I neared Louisville. Scattered thunderstorms were in the area and I could tell I would probably be getting wet. I decided not to don my rain suit since I was rather hot and hoped the rain would cool me down. My wish was answered. I rode in a downpour for about 15 minutes. It felt good and the S10 behaved predictably. Luckily, the visibility remained good and there was no standing water on the interstate. I took it easy and the rain subsided as I crossed the border into Kentucky. By the time I got to the house, I was almost dried out. Here's a pic of the bike in the driveway. It is nice and clean now.
The next morning I headed down to the family farm which was 122 miles southeast of Louisville in Casey County. I was able to relax and enjoy the scenery and enjoyed a few more beers (I mean coca-colas since it is a dry county). My aunt and uncle came down later in the day and we did more of the same. It is now Friday.
Saturday I got up and got on the road by 8am CST. I had planned on making it to Little Rock and spend the night. I slabbed it this day, too. The temps were enjoyable until I got into Memphis. The temps soared and I was drinking plenty from my hydration pack. It was Memphis that I decided I would just go ahead and head on home. So, that's what I did. I arrived home at 9:30pm. 863 miles was the total. This was by far the most miles I have done in one day. I felt fine when I got home although the heat definitely took its toll. Again, thank goodness for the hydration system.
A few observations and things I need to remedy about the S10:
The vibration in the right handlebar sucks at speed. My hand would not go numb but I had to move it around a lot to ensure that it didn't. The vibration in the left handlebar is practically none.
I need a cruise control/throttle lock, etc when doing long stretches of slab to give my right hand/wrist a break.
I will probably start looking for an aftermarket seat. Truthfully, the seat was okay but I know there's better out there. This is a lower priority.
I need more leg room. Either the aftermarket seat I buy will be taller or I'll look at aftermarket pegs. I don't want to sacrifice cornering clearance however. The research has begun.
Other things unrelated to the S10 that I need to remedy for long distance riding are:
I need custom earplugs. The soft foam plugs actually become slightly uncomfortable after being in the ears for 12 hours.
My Shoei X-11 is a great sport helmet and vents very well. However, it is loud and my ears actually get a little sore from the ear cutouts after wearing it for so long. I'm going to wear this helmet for weekend rides but will get something else for multi-day rides.
All in all I had a very enjoyable time on the bike and it performed flawlessly. According to the instrument panel, I averaged 40 mpg. This wasn't bad considering I was running at 80 mph quite a bit on Thursday and yesterday. The speed limit in parts of Texas is 75 so going 80+ is not a big deal.
The luggage setup is:
Givi V46 on the rear with a SW-Motech alu-rack and Givi adapter plate. The side boxes are Givi E360s (with liner bags) with the Givi quick-disconnect racks. The tank bag is the Yamaha OEM bag. I put the rain cover on in preparation for the rain on Thursday and the bag remained completely dry. FYI.
Total mileage was:
Day 1: 653 miles
Day 2: 0 miles - got a ride to work
Day 3: 12 miles (commute) + 477 miles
Day 4: 122 miles
Day 5: 863 miles
Total: 2127 miles
