Buying first BMW tues!! some questions for the pros..

[2weelz4me]

picking up a 2005 R1200GS 23K miles. How hard would it be to take it on a 800 mile trip from New York to Chicago at the end of october? Am I crazy to even try?should I invest in a heated vest or suit? How hard is it to put 12hrs. in one day? any comments would be welcome. I have to make the trip there in one day, then stay one full day, then drive back on the third day. how is the wind protection on that bike for alot of highway driving? Any absolute must have farkles?

Thanks

[BrianM]

Even though your going to try 800 miles in one day you should probably read this, (lifted from the Ironbutt association)....then you decide if your up to it.

Tips
Even if you're not going for IBA certification, visit http://ironbutt.com/tech/aowprintout.cfm and read the 29 tips for safe long distance motorcycling.
Practice fast fuel stops. You should be able to get out of a gas station in 10 minutes. This may seem minor, but if your bike has a typical fuel range, you'll be stopping quite a few times. Develop a routine that you follow each time so you can do a fuel stop automatically without forgetting where you put your gloves.
Think about riding alone or with others. The more people you're with, the harder it is to synchronize fuel and bathroom breaks. You'll be stopping more frequently, and for longer periods. On the other hand, you may feel more secure having someone watching your back, and it's fun to share the experience with a buddy. Make an informed decision.
Daylight is your friend. Plan to ride during the summer when the days are longest. Try to time your ride so you do most of your riding during daylight, especially the last few hours, when you are most at risk due to fatigue. Some Iron Butt riders are so efficient that they can log the whole thousand miles between sunrise and sunset.
One approach is to depart around sunset and ride until the wee hours, then stop at a motel and grab a few hours of real sleep. Get up early, eat a quick breakfast, and head out to finish your ride. Sure, the sleep could cost you your shot at 1,000 miles -- but not sleeping could cost you much more. Besides, riding when you are bleary-eyed and yawning isn't much fun.
If you plan to do much long-distance riding, invest in a custom saddle and a good windscreen. If not, or if your bike isn't very comfortable, think about renting a bike instead. Minor discomfort can become excruciating pain over a thousand miles, and you will avoid racking up miles on your own motorcycle.
Plan your eating carefully. Small amounts of high-protein, low-fat foods can help to keep your body's energy levels even; sugary snacks and large hot meals are probably best saved for your post-ride celebration.
Try a 300- or 500-mile ride first. It's far less dangerous and you will learn what works for you and what doesn't.


[edit]Warnings
A rider's level of physical and mental readiness declines geometrically during long rides. A thousand miles in one day can be a dangerous undertaking. If you must do it, manage your risk by training for the event (see the Iron Butt site). Although the motorcycle does most of the work, a long ride is an endurance event -- and losing can cost you your life.
Don't speed. You can do this ride by obeying posted speed limits. The added stress of speeding will make you more fatigued. This sounds funny but it's true. High speeds also decrease your fuel efficiency.
Stay away from stimulants, even caffeine. If you find yourself getting drowsy, stop and nap for 15 minutes or a half hour. You'll be amazed at how well that recharges you. Drugs impair your judgment.
No ride is worth injury or death, just to meet a goal. If your ride is not going well, abort the mission and grab a hotel room.
Reschedule your trip if the weather is poor or if you're not feeling your best. Extreme temperatures or illness impair your riding ability -- not a good recipe for a successful thousand-mile ride..

[BobFV1]

picking up a 2005 R1200GS 23K miles. How hard would it be to take it on a 800 mile trip from New York to Chicago at the end of october? Am I crazy to even try?should I invest in a heated vest or suit? How hard is it to put 12hrs. in one day? any comments would be welcome. I have to make the trip there in one day, then stay one full day, then drive back on the third day. how is the wind protection on that bike for alot of highway driving? Any absolute must have farkles?

Thanks

In principal your proposed trip should not be a real problem. I would make sure to have proper gear, including an electric jacket liner. Also, you will need to watch the weather and be prepared to "lay-by" and wait it out if a storm comes up - that's pretty early for a major winter storm but it is not out of the realm of the possible.

Weather protection on a "regular" GS is pretty good, but it is no RT. Depends on your height, too - if you are taller you will stick up higher above the top of the windscreen into the windflow - but it shouldn't be too bad.

Oh - one last thing - the days will be pretty short by then with Standard Time back in effect and the time of year. You will need to leave early and ride until after sunset, so you need to be comfortable with the cold darkness, have plenty of reflective gear, and aux lighting on the bike would help but is not necessary.

2 400 mile days should be "Plan B" for you in case of inclemency, mechanical issue, etc. When you try to rush trips like this, sometimes you run into problems. I picked up a bike in Albuquerque in early April and rode it to DC. In the pre-dawn hours outside of ABQ the little "snowflake" frost indicator on my RID started blinking at me and was on for several hours. My electric jacket heat controller stopped working. It was a long ride to Little Rock, where I bought a new one!

You will need those heated handgrips working, a good, waterproof suit and boots, electric gear, and you should have a nice ride. 12 hours is not a problem on this bike, IMO.

[snoone]

It's always nice to have lights, lights and more lights.. Motolites, PIAA's and Hella are some of the solutions!

[jcpuckett]

picking up a 2005 R1200GS 23K miles. How hard would it be to take it on a 800 mile trip from New York to Chicago at the end of october? Am I crazy to even try?should I invest in a heated vest or suit? How hard is it to put 12hrs. in one day? any comments would be welcome. I have to make the trip there in one day, then stay one full day, then drive back on the third day. how is the wind protection on that bike for alot of highway driving? Any absolute must have farkles?

Thanks

1. watch the weather
2. get a Gerbing's heated jacket liner http://www.gerbing.com/Products/Liners/heatedJacketLiner.html
3. rember that heated grips do not heat the outside (non palm side) of your hands. this can be a problem for extended riding time in cold weather
4. 1200 GS has very limited powerlet amps available because of canbus limit on 2005 1200GS (first hand knowledge)
5. wire Gerbing's battery harness directly to your battery. it comes with a 15 amp fuse, battery terminal lugs, and female Gerbings coax connector
6. have fun

[lenrt1200st]

picking up a 2005 R1200GS 23K miles. How hard would it be to take it on a 800 mile trip from New York to Chicago at the end of october? Am I crazy to even try?should I invest in a heated vest or suit? How hard is it to put 12hrs. in one day? any comments would be welcome. I have to make the trip there in one day, then stay one full day, then drive back on the third day. how is the wind protection on that bike for alot of highway driving? Any absolute must have farkles?

Thanks

The most important farkle is you! "What is your riding experience?"

How long have you been riding motorcycles? I ask this not trying to be ugly, but I've seen alot of folks around here returning to, re-entering the sport, or new to riding and they don't have much experience.:gerg

I believe a man's reach should exceed his grasp, in life. But, in regard to motorcycle riding, it's best to error on the side of safety. It's very important to ride w/in your limits.:deal That includes your technical level, mental attitude, and proper gear; bike and systems, ATGATT, etc.

So, don't be crazy, approach this wisely. Enjoy the ride long or short. Sometimes it nice to ride w/ out a destination or ride just to get lost.

Len

[osbornk]

The most important farkle is you! "What is your riding experience?"

How long have you been riding motorcycles? I ask this not trying to be ugly, but I've seen alot of folks around here returning to, re-entering the sport, or new to riding and they don't have much experience.:gerg

I believe a man's reach should exceed his grasp, in life. But, in regard to motorcycle riding, it's best to error on the side of safety. It's very important to ride w/in your limits.:deal That includes your technical level, mental attitude, and proper gear; bike and systems, ATGATT, etc.

So, don't be crazy, approach this wisely. Enjoy the ride long or short. Sometimes it nice to ride w/ out a destination or ride just to get lost.

Len

I agree. You need to know your limitations. I can ride 500 miles in a day but after about 6 hours, my alertness and reflexes diminish. I consider myself to be a hazard to me and others. The bike I am riding, the weather as well as traffic conditions will change the point where I become a hazard. If you're not accustomed to longer rides, a 300 mile day might be as much as you can safely handle.

Ken

[jaherbst]

It sounds as if you have little experiance or you would not be asking this question.
What is the most miles you have done in one day? I would make two 400 mile days. The last 3-400 miles of an 800 mile day can become hazardous to your well being etc. Safety should always be your number one concern when planning a trip.

[MrGrocer]

picking up a 2005 R1200GS 23K miles. How hard would it be to take it on a 800 mile trip from New York to Chicago at the end of october? Am I crazy to even try?should I invest in a heated vest or suit? How hard is it to put 12hrs. in one day? any comments would be welcome. I have to make the trip there in one day, then stay one full day, then drive back on the third day. how is the wind protection on that bike for alot of highway driving? Any absolute must have farkles?

Thanks

In practice, this appears to be an easy trip. I have hand protection on my GS and with the heated grips, use summer gloves althe way into the 50's. I personally don't enjoy the heated gear but do use a nice combo of microfleece and windproof gear to stay wind free, warm and dry. Don't go cheap here or you could live to regret it. Wind protection is surprisingly good on the GS, fatigue may not play a factor. Wear earplugs. Follow the advice from the IBA posted above.

I'm a lifelong midwesterner; the weather shouldn't play a factor. I would, however, break this into two days and enjoy the scenery on the Lincoln highway this time of year.

[RJM2096]

Custome earplugs a must. Full face helmet with a neck and face covering. Under 40 face shield fogging is an issue. Over 40 works. I finally gave up on just heated grips and added heated gloves to my equipment. I have battery operated ones so they are limited in time without recharging. Available daylight is the real issue. I think you need to stop before it gets dark.

[2weelz4me]

I'm a lifelong on and off rider, but don't have much exp in long trips. sounds like 800 miles in one day might be a bit much for my first long trip. I'd love to try breaking it up, though lifes respondibilities may make that impossible. still wondering about that heated gear. maybe gloves and jacket will do. anyone else have trouble with comfort of their heated gear?

[nortonrt]

Great advice has been given here - and worth serious consideration. I, too, am guessing that you're new to long distance riding, as we all were at one time. The key, for me anyway, is to monitor not only the bike, but also how I'm feeling. Hypothermia alters response time and it can do you in on a motorcycle. If you feel cold, stop to layer more clothing or put on the heated vest/liner, change to thermal gloves, warm your feet, hydrate and drink some hot tea or coffee. If you feel tired, forget the miles, pull off and refresh (I like coffee, but some warn against too much of that) and decide whether you're ready to continue, or bed down for the night. You're also riding a great, but new-to-you bike, and there may be issues with getting used to the way it rides. In any case, you'll be juggling a lot of things. The basics are: realistically plan ahead - including contingencies, stay alert, and ride safe. If it was me, and if three days is an absolute limit, I'd think of traveling another way, or finding a way to add two or three days. It starts to get dangerous when time forces your hand.

Having said all that, such trips are what motorcycling is all about, and great fun, if you’re prepared.

[Mongo]

FWIW 800 Miles is probably going to be closer to 16 hours than 12. So plan on spending some time in the dark that time of year.

[tommcgee]

NYC has 10.5 hours between sun-up and sun-down on October 31.

As an experienced traveller, I'm with Mongo that you should plan for an average travel distance/time of 50 mph on any significant trip. Yeah, I've had much higher averages on some trips, but those speeds are not sustainable over time. You hit construction, traffic, fuel stops, food stops, pee stops, and the occasional detour.

I did a 600 mile day in under 10 hours last month without getting a performance award, but if were aiming for 800 miles in 12 hours, I'd prolly be thrown in jail for speed limit +30.

[kentuvman]

I wouldn't push it because of "life's responsiblities" My grandfather, may he rest in peace, always told me it's better to be Late than The Late.

It's no fun riding until you're so exhausted you can't think straight and making simple decisons seem so laborious.

I'd just break it into two days and be open to three in case of inclimate weather. I've been riding off and on for over 35 years and have done things the hard way and now to prefer to doing things the safe and sane way.

Sounds like a nice bike - good luck!

[DarkCloud]

Be safe, think about it. You have no control over the weather that time of the year. I'd want the GS to have a tall aeroflow, large tank panniers, and foot flaps below the heads. A Daylong saddle and a throttle lock at a minimum. Heated handgrips are a selling feature. Give me a pair of insulated or heated gloves with gauntlets any day over heated grips. Riding a new bike especially if its a different brand and model has its own stress in it. Then you'll need a good riding suit and wet weather gear. You're riding in a straight line, if you have to ride around any weather it will add to your mileage.

800 miles, 12 hours, 67mph on the average five or six gas stops thrown in. You'll have to run 75 to 80 to do it. Coming out of the traffic you will be in realistically you'll be on the road 16 to 17 hours. Factor in a meal or two, a rest break, riding into the sun. It all adds up.

Why not catch a flight out of Chicago as soon as possible, about noon on a Friday, pick up the bike, get out of NYC get a good nights rest, get up at dawn, have a nice breakfast, ride, learn the bike. Have a good ride. When it stops being fun or it gets dark, find a room. You'll be home on the second day.

[dancogan]

There's an awful lot of good advice here, particularly on the effects of an 800 mile day. Safety should be your first concern - it's up to you to listen to the advice.

For heated gear it's pretty hard to beat Gerbings. The jacket has heat all the way up to the collar. The gloves will plug in to the jacket. You'll want the variable heat controller. If you get cold on a ride you'll find yourself doing stupid stuff in a couple of hours. Keeping warm is essential over the long term to a safe ride.

I wouldn't plan an 800 mile day first day out on a new to me bike.

[TourNut]

I in 1979 went from Utica, NY. to Des Moines , Iowa in one ride without sleep , about 1200 miles, have done 700, & 816 miles only a few years ago. Summer months only on Goldwings with full fairings. Being older now, 55, I am cutting back a lot because of fatigue factor isn't worth it. Also a minimally faired bike will cause much more fatigue, I wouldn't consider that long a trip on that type of bike in one setting. The other big factor is that time of year the DEER are running all over the place rutting, etc. starting usually at dusk to dawn. And they can be really stupid , and erratic then when the hormones are a flowing ! My vote is for daytime riding only , especially that time of year.

[eeferber]

just a quick comment re: heated gear. I've tried several brands of heated gloves, but they were all too bulky - little or no feel of the grip at all. That is until I bought these: http://www.warmnsafe.com/orderform_ultimate_heated_gloves.php

Great glove, nice quality pre-formed leather with a thin leather palm that are perfect for use with heated grips.

[47512]

I rode the Saddle sore 1000, and the bun burner 1500, events from 82 thru 92, and 1 three flag classic, These events took place in the summer months so cold weather was not an issue, but fatigue certinly can be. Add cold weather, and darkness, can spoil a good ride. Durring that time I rode 30,000 to 50,000 miles a year on a motorcycle, I was used to sitting on a bike for hours at a time. And I had been doing this nonsense for 20 years. All of the advise in the posts above are right on the money. 800 miles the first time out as a reentry rider is going to be a long ride, 400 miles is going to be a long ride. Thats 14 to 16 hours in the saddle, Think about it.

Ken G.

[2weelz4me]

You guys are really great! With all this great advice, I think my decision is to either break it down into more days or just take a plane. I particularly like grandpa's advice about being late rather then being The Late.....
The advice about the deer is also something that I have been thinking alot about. I think I'll shoot for a few 300 mile days first, and then work my way up.

[tommcgee]

I think I'll shoot for a few 300 mile days first, and then work my way up.

300 miles is easy and a good way to get acquainted with the bike. Once you know the bike is set up to be comfortable for you, take it from there.

On a comfortable bike, I hit my personal wall at about 600 miles for the day. If the seat or bars or something is bothering me, the limit could be 75 miles.

[Mongo]

I've done 800+ days and they weren't as much fun as I would have liked. For me the fun factor starts sliding south pretty quick after 500 miles.

My trip to TN next month will be 400 m/day for 2-1/2 days going down and probably 500m/day for two days coming home. For me these are very realistic goals. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. I'll still need to leave predawn to have an enjoyable pace with stops to take pics and smell the roses a bit. I'll have full electrics with me (gloves, jacket liner, pants and socks), full rain protection that hopefully I won't need. I'm planning on average 40mph for the day because of the stops and route I want to make going down. Coming back I'll slab it and get 50.

All this on a bike I know well. For me these are very attainable. I think you are on track if you plan say 350 for the first day and see how you feel on the second. For me the second day of touring is the toughest. Strange bed along with the aches and pains of adjustment make day 2 the most challenging day.

[soffiler]

Mongo - those are exactly the mileage estimates I use when planning, too. 40mph overall on sweet secondary roads - you're generally moving faster than that when you're moving, but on the overall average it accounts for stops to smell the roses. 50mph on the slab, yup. Accounts for fairly leisurely gas/pee/food stops.

On that trip you mention next month, you are doing 10-hour days, then. Again, a good target that I also use when planning.

[The_Veg]

Here's another idea for keeping hands warm. Instead of wrapping them up with lots of bulky insulation adn adding a few wires, you might get better results keeping the cold air at a distance to begin with. Hippo Hands ( http://www.hippohands.com/ ) do just that. With Hippo Hands, you can wear as light a glove as you could wear standing still since they create a pocket of isolated air around your hands. This means much better control-feel and a lot less bulk. Combine Hippo Hands with heated grips and you'll never have a chilly digit.

[47512]

Amazing, I had a pair of Hippohands 30 years ago, I didn't know the company was still around. A pair of those with heated grips would be the hot tip in cold weather.

Ken G.

[jsoque]

Not really Doc,

But, please tell us how your first ride on the new GS was, from NY to Chicago!

I'll be you had some good and early foliage thru Western PA, and into OH.

Ride Safe!

Jim

[Rich]

My GS is the most "fun to ride" bike I have ever owned and ever ridden. But to do 800 miles on it in one day would be stretching it. I did the SS1000 on a R1150RT with no problems whatsoever, but the GS would not be my choice at all for that kind of riding. You want to do 800 miles. Is it possible? Sure it is, but I hope you have an aftermarket shield and aftermarket seat on the bike.

You are going to love the bike. But I'd sure do some shorter rides before to get too gung ho. You'll soon have a feel for what kind of day you want to put in riding your new bike.

Good luck!



(Edit) Oops, just noticed this is an old thread! Hope the ride went well, and like Jim mentioned, tell us about your ride!

[aaaaaa]

FWIW 800 Miles is probably going to be closer to 16 hours than 12. So plan on spending some time in the dark that time of year.

+1 I usually average 50mph and roll for 20 hours for a 1K day. On a new to you bike, I wish you well for anything over 12 hours.
robert