I and a couple friends have decided to take a couple weeks off this spring to ride from Chicago to LA. I spent the past 2 weeks planning out the route. Route 80 to Route 76, then to Route 70, then 70 to RT 15 and in to LA.
Since I've ridden my 650 I average 150 -160 miles to a tank highway, far less in the city. Im running stock airbox, exhaust, and stock rear gear. Im thinking of adding new XS PWK performance carbs, open up the exhaust but still run a muffle of some sort, then switch to a rear gear from 34 to a 30 tooth ( or 32 tooth still cant decided).
To get over the problem of carrying too much gear ( clothes, sleeping gear, tools, food). I have found out that shipping everything to each of my 3 stop destinations would be easier. Ship ahead of time, stop change clothes, shower, sleep, and then wash clothes and leave them there for the return journey. On the return trip I will repeat the process and ship my clothes back home. If all goes well, the only items I will plan to carry will be tools, duct tape, rain gear, bungee cords, and a couple replacement parts just in case I have an issue. ( I also hear bringing a roll of picture wire can come in handy)
I am posting this to share what my plan is, I will post my google maps trip planner soon, this way anyone that is on our route we welcome you to either join us, or at least ride with us for a bit.
I am also calling upon anyone who has experience with long cross country rides, what words of wisdom can you give to us.
Since I've ridden my 650 I average 150 -160 miles to a tank highway, far less in the city. Im running stock airbox, exhaust, and stock rear gear. Im thinking of adding new XS PWK performance carbs, open up the exhaust but still run a muffle of some sort, then switch to a rear gear from 34 to a 30 tooth ( or 32 tooth still cant decided).
To get over the problem of carrying too much gear ( clothes, sleeping gear, tools, food). I have found out that shipping everything to each of my 3 stop destinations would be easier. Ship ahead of time, stop change clothes, shower, sleep, and then wash clothes and leave them there for the return journey. On the return trip I will repeat the process and ship my clothes back home. If all goes well, the only items I will plan to carry will be tools, duct tape, rain gear, bungee cords, and a couple replacement parts just in case I have an issue. ( I also hear bringing a roll of picture wire can come in handy)
I am posting this to share what my plan is, I will post my google maps trip planner soon, this way anyone that is on our route we welcome you to either join us, or at least ride with us for a bit.
I am also calling upon anyone who has experience with long cross country rides, what words of wisdom can you give to us.