Getting Started
Comfort is big factor in traveling by motorcycle and at some point in your life, everyone needs to take a big (or medium) sized solo trip. This year was that year. Every since jumping into the world of motorcycles, taking a longer , multiday trip was on my list. Just where to go in this great big ole country.
I had taken short /day trips on every bike I’ve owned so far. The big ride across Kansas that ended in the bed of a truck, was my first attempt. Taking a 40 year old 550 cc motorcycle across the state of Kansas was a mix of some fun, some panic, and some self reflection.
The Second Chapter
Jumping forward to my next bike, the big and beastly Kawasaki Concours was an entirely different one. This bike was remarkably smooth and stable even at speeds >80-90 mph. The wind protection was great and the only gripe was the seat felt like it was grafting to my skin after a few hours. I could not see sitting on this thing for multiple days without upgrading the seat .
After 5 years of riding and testing out bikes, I found myself jumping onto my next adventure. An all American touring classic. The Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic.
This was a dramatically different bike. Relaxed, big, and much heavier than the other bikes. I was chilling and surrounded by comfort. Time was ticking away and it was time for a quick trip. My Destination was Mt Rushmore. A ride across Kansas and then straight up for another stretch. Simple , easy to plan out. Taking 4 days and averaging 300 miles per day.
The Big Trip
After the first day, it occurred to me that there were things I MUST do to improve this trip and more important, the comfort. The bike was nowhere near as stable as the Concours at high speed. The wind buffeted my head like being hit with pillows for hours at t time (when speeds were >70). My BUTT tolerated sitting much better than the Sport Touring bike which was a plus. The seating posture on the bike caused a hunch in my back and neck. Changes were needed. Once I made these adjustments, the bike was a completely different machine. No wobbling in the wind, no head shaking, and limited shoulder /neck pain. Being exposed for hours on end is all about stimulation and comfort. All told, I rode 1700 miles on this adventure and saw Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and some of the spectacle of Sturgis traffic.
The Comfort List
- Handlebar Adjustment: I had STOCK bars that were pulled down. Being over 6 foot tall, I had not taken the time to improve the resting position of my arms. After searching for new bars and tips from online forums, the fix was simple. ROLL THE BARS FORWARD. No cost and no major tear down. The end result was better handling, better resting posture and comfort, and even more smiles.
- Windshield: I had a STOCK windshield that was “OK” at 50 mph, but at speeds above 60 and in stronger winds, created a miserable experience. No hesitation on this one. I needed a better option. Enter KLOCK WERKS. Problem solved. Not only did the head pounding go away but the bike was immediately more stable at higher speeds. Bring on the fun!
- USE YOUR EAR PLUGS: HOURS on the road , even if you don’t “mind it” or think its a big deal, cause your body to wear down. The engine, the wind, the road. It all adds up. When I was smart enough to leave those plugs in, I was able to relax and ride longer and happier.
At the end of the day, you have to RIDE YOUR OWN RIDE, but taking time to work out some basic comforts will ensure you schedule your next trip sooner than later.
Ride safe. Share your adventures.