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Discussion Touring long-distance

Discussion in 'Rides and Events - Clubs and Groups' started by ShaneP, Aug 10, 2017.

  1. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    So, recently I had one of my crazy ideas get into my head. I've never been to Tasmania, and what better way to see it than on a motorbike? I could even go via the motogp. But what bike would be suitable? Now, I should add, Melbourne is about 2000km away from here. So we could be talking 5000km, or I could visit some family in WA, make it about 16,000km... Ok, I couldn't afford the fuel for the long trip, and there's work, but the question is still which bike? Maybe fly to Melbourne and hire a Ninja 250 or such rather than ride down from here? Be interested to hear your thoughts, especially those with back troubles, like me. Thanks.
     
  2. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Fly to Tassie and hire a bike there. Save you the boat fare across and back.
     
  3. 2valve

    2valve Well-Known Member

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    As what Murdo has recommended to do , especially if you have serious back issues. It wouldn't be a pretty sight not being able to get off the bike at all or worse being stuck in a town because of back issues or not being able to walk properly.I'm aware of all of these issues as iv'e had them all happen to me.
     
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  4. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    I did the distinguished gentlemen's ride last month and it wasn't very long, maybe 60-100km, with a few stops. Well the wrists felt it a few ks in, but then there was an elbow and... I'm just getting old. It made me think I need a more neutral position, where I'm not leaning on the bars, like the DR350. I had crazy ideas of changing the wheels and forks to lower the bike for the road, and then realised I only needed to change the tyres. And the gearing, and put a windshield on, hand guards would good, too. But that seat is not suitable for extended use. I road the bike for about an hour or 90 mins each way on the highway to an event, when I got home my hearing was all funny from the noise: wind noise and aftermarket muffler. Maybe a better helmet might have helped, too. But touring on it might not be a good idea. Not that being a bad idea has stopped me from doing anything....
     
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  5. flea

    flea Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    definitely fly to tasie if you have /back,old age probs , airfares are cheap and as already said you would save the cost of the ferry , fly hire might be a lot cheaper than riding there (not to menstion the cost of the pain killers) plus you will be a lot fitter to enjoy your self
     
  6. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    I've done a few long rides (1,000+ per day) and I like to set my bikes up to give me the correct angle for shoulders (bars not too low), back at comfortable angle, hip joints and knees not under pressure (lower pegs) and a seat that I can sit on for long hours. A screen is a must (at nose level and as wide as shoulders) to reduce the wind buffeting and please wear ear plugs to reduce the wind noise as this will make you tired very quickly. I always like to plan to get to my overnight stops a couple of hours before dark to get some rest and feed before bed. I also like early starts (after the sun has risen) as this is the freshest time of day to ride and can usually put a few Km's under the wheels before breakfast. Don't eat big meals on long rides (packets of fruit and nuts are good for snacking) and drink plenty (carry a Litre bottle with you). Flavoured milk is good to keep up the fluids and sugars too. Stop when you start to feel tired and do some stretches (I like to lie flat on a picnic table to get the back straight again.) so you don't cramp up. Don't rush and enjoy the ride (at least until your bum goes to sleep and you have to stop).
     
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  7. Joker

    Joker See "about me" for contact details. Contributing Member

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    I can ride my GSX650F all day and feel relatively nothing. An air hawk will help with the square bum, that's on the list for long rides otherwise I find it relatively comfortable stock.
     
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  8. ZDave

    ZDave Well-Known Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Hire a z300...more upright seating position.
     
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  9. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    There's a Z300? I knew of the Z250, but I apparently haven't been paying enough attention to the ever-growing bike market. We are spoilt for choice.
     
  10. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    Rode the DR350 today, with new 39-tooth rear, so it's not revving as high, but I see what you mean about lower the foot pegs. It would need a massive windshield, though. And a carry rack would be handy, whether I go touring or not. But there are so many things to do, I think this get pushed on to the tiles past the back burner.
     
  11. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    Saw this and thought of this thread:
    Screenshot_20181003-080827.png
     
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  12. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    On really long rides it sometimes feels like that.
     
  13. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    So this has come up again. I'm going to Victoria at the end of Feb and thought I could take some more time off (have a holiday!). Bike hire doesn't look so great, so I was thinking of buying a bike, ride it around Tas, and maybe home. But I'm a QLDer, so rego issues are an obstacle..
     
  14. Joker

    Joker See "about me" for contact details. Contributing Member

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    @Frankster

    Or pm me, I might be able to help.
     
  15. Frankster

    Frankster Grey Pride...Adventure before Dementia Staff Member Premium Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Hi @ShaneP

    So, are you looking to buy a bike in VIC and then catch the ferry across to Tasmania? If that's the case, then you might want to PM @Joker as his club (Club250) can probably organise Victorian Club Reg for any 25YO bike and there's plenty for sale. It's not an expensive option other than getting RWC. You might need to provide a VIC residential address...not sure. But you can ride a VIC Club Reg bike in another state, but the club president/secretary has to be notified or something like that.

    Frank
     
  16. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    I think the only way to do it is buy in Hobart, get an unregistered vehicle permit and ride home, or buy a bike from someone who will trust me with their rego until I get home (I can write a note of agreement saying I have borrowed the bike and am responsible for any infringement or such). Or someone lend me their bike against a deposit equal to its purchase, but that confuses people more than the first 2 options.
     
  17. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    So did you ever do this ride?
    Am interested in what you did about the hire/buy a bike in Tassie.
     
  18. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    No, a few things changed, including my job, and I haven't sold enough bikes... But I was thinking October-ish. Maybe I could plan it for the Christmas break. I do leave things to the last minute. Thanks for the reminder, @Murdo .
     
  19. jimv50

    jimv50 Well-Known Member

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    Honda deauville? plenty available, not expensive,shaft drive, twin cylinder for good fuel consumption, comfortable, built in panniers, not too powerful and you'll easily sell it afterwards
     
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  20. ShaneP

    ShaneP Well-Known Member

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    Ok, so I did a little looking at things, and came to the decision that I won't be going this Christmas/new year. Apart from the bank balance, I am on-call for one of my other jobs (yes, I have more than 2 jobs, I'm the cause of all that unemployment..) and have family visiting. But I might aim for early March, with a bit of planning with work. But still not sure about the mechanism (ride all the way, rent, buy there..)
     

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