I think I last posted about bikes on the old thing about the time I bought my 05 BMW F650 GS. It is a fine, if small, bike. I got it with a little over 11K on it, and just crossed 20k today. 9,000 miles in a bit over a year, while in assorted lockdowns and remote work are the norm feels pretty good.

Earlier this week I took it in for service and an experienced 'once over' before a long trip. I had them install a larger front and smaller rear sprocket- effectively up-gearing the bike. I've put on 250 miles in the last 2 days, and it has been a much more pleasant ride. Wish I had done this sooner.

On July 22 I'm heading out on a trip back to ND- trying to stick to the smaller highways. Should be around 3500 miles all told. Very excited. My dad lives in Fargo now, so will be there for a few days, and hopefully headed up to GF to see a few of the old crew there.

That sounds awesome Chris. I have often thought about long trips on my motorcycle(s), but the only one I ever did was NYC to DC in May of 1996. Not anywhere near as far as your trip. I did it all in one day. My wrists were sore and I was cold. I feel like now I would like to take longer trips, but I would need some hard luggage and a fairing for wind protection.

Have fun, be safe!

motorbike guy wrote: Fri Jul 09, 2021 7:35 am That sounds awesome Chris. I have often thought about long trips on my motorcycle(s), but the only one I ever did was NYC to DC in May of 1996. Not anywhere near as far as your trip. I did it all in one day. My wrists were sore and I was cold. I feel like now I would like to take longer trips, but I would need some hard luggage and a fairing for wind protection.

Have fun, be safe!

Yeah- the little BMW has a windscreen- no fairing, but keeps the bulk of the wind off my head and chest. I found a set of the 'dry bag' style saddlebags at a thrift store for $20, and got a tank bag off ebay for about the same.

Trip looks like it'll be around 400 miles/day. I routinely do 100-150/day for my commute. Not sure how it'll be for my old body to try to do 8+ hours sustained time day after day...but I figure starting early, lots of breaks, lower-speed secondary highways should be workable.

you sound ready. I did it on my Hawk GT with a tank bag and a backpack. That was it. Have a great trip.

Rather than start a new thread, just thought I'd revive this one.

I have sold off my BMW and an older triumph that I was sure would be fun, but really kinda didn't work for me. And purchased a 2013 Honda nc700x, which might be the perfect old man commuter bike. Could not be less cool. has 10,000 on it, looks to have been babied it's whole life. The 70 mile trip home was very pleasant. stock photo: