I did something similar back in the 90s... but MOST of it was on Route 66 (or what sections still exist and the roads that were laid over it) and when I got to CA I turned around and came back to PA.

Oh, and I did it on a Harley RK, so I betcha I was a tad more comfortable.

Gonna do it again someday, once our kids are old enough.

There's nothing like some of the beautiful country out west.

Glad you had such a fantastic trip!

what was your avarage speed? I was worried that my s2r800 would be too high strung at 85-90 for an extreemly long trip like this, did you use a different sprocket? how was the factory seat?

Nice pics and a great report.

Quote from: Kev M on February 05, 2015, 11:57:20 AM
I did something similar back in the 90s... but MOST of it was on Route 66 (or what sections still exist and the roads that were laid over it) and when I got to CA I turned around and came back to PA.

Oh, and I did it on a Harley RK, so I betcha I was a tad more comfortable.

Gonna do it again someday, once our kids are old enough.

There's nothing like some of the beautiful country out west.

Glad you had such a fantastic trip!

That sounds wonderful. I already can't wait to do something similar again. Maybe the northwest?!

Quote from: reverus on February 05, 2015, 12:01:44 PM
what was your avarage speed? I was worried that my s2r800 would be too high strung at 85-90 for an extreemly long trip like this, did you use a different sprocket? how was the factory seat?

Average speed was probably 70 or so. I had a 14-tooth sprocket in the front. Honestly, I just wanted to go fast enough so I wasn't being overtaken by the tractor trailers on the interstates and that's it. The wind would tire me out after a whole day of riding so any faster would probably be even worse.

Factory seat I decided would be horrible so I bought a Sargent beforehand. I'm very glad I did. 

Quote from: reverus on February 05, 2015, 12:01:44 PM
what was your avarage speed? I was worried that my s2r800 would be too high strung at 85-90 for an extreemly long trip like this, did you use a different sprocket? how was the factory seat?

If you have made the mods to make your 800 responsive, I suggest you not try to exceed 100 miles per gas stop.

I average 60mph on long rides... Like 700 miles in a day... The worst gas mileage was Gallup to st. John's... The light came on at 105, but I had a firm grip on the loud handle.

That's funny, im actually near gallup, albuquerque. thanks for the heads up, I might try a sergent or corbin but that's pretty far down on the list of things i need soon. i've got quite a few mods on the 800, air filter, full arrow exhaust, ECU race flash.. okay so i have 3 mods. tomarrow will be my first long ride i'll see how she does.
thanks for the info

That was great, thanks for sharing. 

Re: the 6th pic in your post (riders POV looking straight down the road).

A life size poster of that pic would sell. Well... at least one to me.
It would help daydream away my current outdoor reality.

EPIC ! 

Quote from: Dirty Duc on February 05, 2015, 08:25:40 PM

I average 60mph on long rides... Like 700 miles in a day...

I'm impressed. I could use a referral to the chiropractor who works on your lower back 

Quote from: eric on February 06, 2015, 11:01:10 AM
I'm impressed. I could use a referral to the chiropractor who works on your lower back 

Chronic lower back pain.  It hurts if I ride, it hurts if I drive, it hurts if I stay home.  It hurts less if I can adopt a posture that reinforces the muscles... knees are also an issue, but they also hurt regardless of my activity choices.

Aleve is my friend.

I also ride with purpose... not saying the journey isn't the goal, just that long rides in my world always have a destination and usually a timeframe in mind.

I can't do back to back 700 mile days... that requires a younger body than I have.

What were you using for your pictures? GoPro?

Awesome trip and great write-up!

Great blog, and awesome trip!  I would love to do something like that someday!!

Quote from: Ducatamount on February 06, 2015, 02:44:04 AM
That was great, thanks for sharing. 

Re: the 6th pic in your post (riders POV looking straight down the road).

A life size poster of that pic would sell. Well... at least one to me.
It would help daydream away my current outdoor reality.

Thanks Ducatamount,

Unfortunately that is a screenshot of the video from my Sony Action Cam so I don't have a higher resolution version. I can send you that file regardless since you like it.

Quote from: JTP on February 07, 2015, 11:54:08 AM
What were you using for your pictures? GoPro?

Awesome trip and great write-up!

Thanks! Most of the photos are just screenshots of the video I recorded with my Sony Action Cam (the HDR-AS100V model). I had a helmet mount, a handlebar mount, and a chest mount for it.