Topic: June USA trip --- which bike?

[Sgt.Pinback]

Hi my friends

we are planning a 8 day Colorado trip end of June.

Here is the trip, starting at Denver:

http://www.eaglerider.com/motorcycle-tours/self-drive-motorcycle-tour/colorado-motorcycle-tour


We, this are two dentist, a tax consultant, a business consultant and a banker -- honks just like in "wild hogs".
Moreover, three of them didn't even sit on a bike since 30 years..


However, we have to sort out our bikes.

Here is the list:

http://www.eaglerider.com/motorcycle-rental

So questions are

.. does it has to be Harley for an USA trip like this?

-- if so, which one?

Any other good advices are wellcome!

[madmtnmotors]

Sounds like a blast! 

There is nothing that says it "has to be" a Harley. For touring, the Eaglerider site you linked to has some incredible touring bikes. If the Goldwing is too big, then my short list would be (in no particular order):

>Honda ST 1300
>BMW R1200 RT
>BMW 1200 RT WC
>Honda Valkyrie
>BMW K1600 GTL
>BMW K1600 GT
>BMW K1200 GT
>BMW K1300 GT
>Kawasaki 1400 Concourse
>Yamaha FJR 1300

All very capable bikes. For me, I would be leaning towards the Honda ST 1300 or the BMW K1600 GT. The Honda Valkyrie pictured does not have a fairing, but I've always liked the idea of a "hot rod" Goldwing. If you decide to rent Harleys, anything with a fairing should do fine. For the less experienced riders I might suggest the smaller 1200cc or 1300cc, maybe even as small as the 800cc BMW's. The larger displacement bikes won't have to work as hard at highway speed (anything 1200cc and above), and they certainly don't have to be ridden "wide open"...

but of course they could be! 

[madmtnmotors]

>BMW K1600 GTL - A Beast of a bike, huge and heavy, would not be my choice for Colorado
>BMW K1600 GT - A Beast of a bike, huge and heavy, would not be my choice for Colorado

LOL 

Yeah, the 1600 BMW's might rank up there with the Goldwings and Road Kings as far as long haul heavy cruisers. I would agree that the 1600cc BMW's might not be the best choice for those that have not ridden lately and whose skills might not be as sharp. I included them more out of personal preference since they are something I personally would like to try at least once. 

Just about any modern motorcycle will get you there without much drama... 

as long as you can regulate the wick!     

[Stev-o]

Sounds like a great trip, Sgt.   Too bad the Z1 is not available! That would be my choice.

I did a similar trip to Colorado years ago, 5 of us.  I was on a Kaw 1000 LTD, good bike to tour on, very comfortable and plenty of power.  CO 550 is a spectacular highway!

[Sgt.Pinback]

What is the expected weather normally in late June in Colorado, what clothes would you suggest?
We have ltf. space on the bikes and no car following us.

[70CB750]

Are you saying you will skip Madrid?   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madrid,_New_Mexico

Sounds like a great trip.

[Stev-o]

What is the expected weather normally in late June in Colorado, what clothes would you suggest?
We have ltf. space on the bikes and no car following us.

Although June is summer here, weather in the mountains is unpredictable.  Depending on the elevation of where you are, daytime highs average 70-85F and lows 45-65F.

We had snow in June on my trip!  Be prepared.....

[70CB750]

Compare to Europe, the weather on North American continent goes to bigger extremes.

[madmtnmotors]

What is the expected weather normally in late June in Colorado, what clothes would you suggest?
We have ltf. space on the bikes and no car following us.

You will need to be prepared for cold weather since you will be at higher elevations. You can always shed layers, but if you get too cold then you can't add layers you don't have. That's why most of my recommendations included fairings and hard bags. Storage capacity might be a consideration when you are selecting the bikes. Hard bags can be supplemented with soft bags as well. Electric vests, electric glove liners, and electric boot liners could go a long way towards reducing bulk and help overcome any unusually cold extremes.

[70CB750]

Also remember the altitude, Denver is 1700 metres above the sea and thats where you start.  It may take you some time to get used to it. 

In 2007 I flew to Denver to meet my family and the next day we drove up to Trail Ridge Road - from about 100 m to 3600 m in 24 hours, I was not feeling that great, haha.

[jeffg]

I lived in Eagle county Colorado for 17 years.  Vail is were I lived. You can get great deals in the summer in Beaver creek it is a 4 star but now 5 star because they added air conditioning.  A must do road you will love it, we would take off work to ride it back and forth all day.  From Minturn to (redcliff), or to Leadville highway 24

you might be able to find some KTM super Dukes to rent

http://www.motorcycleroads.com/75/1325/Colorado/Leadville-to-Minturn-on-US-24.html
tons of this and better









I have seen older gents on sv1000's and dr 600's take the jeep tail to this spot. That is my bike in the background, that is beaver creek also in the background.


you do see the SNOW, that will tell you riding temp can be cold

you see the traffic that why we used to go middle of day middle of week. I used to ride that on my gsxr1000 you if you hit full lean you'd be doing 80mph in those turns.

that's me that was my house, most of those were my bikes

[Kevin D]

Sgt...

Last time I was in Colorado on my CB it was 45F at noon in Leadville (10,000ft) on a sunny day, and I didnt have enough warm gear. I beat it back to I-25 and it was 87F, same day.

I'd advise your pals to do a little riding before the trip to polish/refresh their skills, do you have MSF or equivalent there. It is easier to stay out of trouble, and get out of trouble on the smaller bikes. Or maybe you could do a two looper, say to Estes Park, Peak to Peak highway on the smaller bikes, then return to Denver and swap for bigger bikes and head for Durango. Just an off the wall idea.

Sounds like a fun trip!

[Sgt.Pinback]

What is the expected weather normally in late June in Colorado, what clothes would you suggest?
We have ltf. space on the bikes and no car following us.

Although June is summer here, weather in the mountains is unpredictable.  Depending on the elevation of where you are, daytime highs average 70-85F and lows 45-65F.

We had snow in June on my trip!  Be prepared.....

I bet my friends will not believe this. ......... any pics?

[Sgt.Pinback]

.... maybe better to take Lotus elises ......

[jeffg]

What is the expected weather normally in late June in Colorado, what clothes would you suggest?
We have ltf. space on the bikes and no car following us.

Although June is summer here, weather in the mountains is unpredictable.  Depending on the elevation of where you are, daytime highs average 70-85F and lows 45-65F.

We had snow in June on my trip!  Be prepared.....

I bet my friends will not believe this. ......... any pics?

you can see the photo I just gave, with my dirt bike. In the background their is snow, that was June-July the photo in my driveway is 8500' elevation. Leadville is 10,000'

[madmtnmotors]

Maybe turn over a few rocks while you're out there:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/clues-to-a-hidden-treasure/

[jeffg]

you can have some rain every day for a short time. you see the photo, if you bring you mini skirt don't cry that your Pu$$y ack's 8 = days varied conditions. I wouldn't suggest perforated leathers, I would use your heavy jacket. My regular riding gloves were fine always, leather gantlet.



I hope your planning motels???

[Duke McDukiedook]

Maybe turn over a few rocks while you're out there:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/clues-to-a-hidden-treasure/

Pure bunk and hokum to sell a book. The only treasure is in that dude's mind.

[754]

 Dress like you are riding thru the Alps in late May or June.
 And remember Denver. At 1700 meter is one of the lowest spots.. I rode thru 6 passes in 2 days that were about 3300 meters.. Have fun , hope you dont get too much rain..
 Do you buy from Louis. The big bike parts catalogue?

[Sgt.Pinback]

Bought my "Carese/Torno" goretex jacket/trouser directly from HELD.

This here

http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fm7p8CVfhHr4%2Fmaxresdefault.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dm7p8CVfhHr4&h=1080&w=1920&tbnid=kwhoS8YnCEs0LM%3A&docid=NjbEM8bcsDyF5M&ei=U4uzVrHwDYPEPa-3pdgJ&tbm=isch&iact=rc&uact=3&dur=345&page=2&start=18&ndsp=24&ved=0ahUKEwjx5bqF0t7KAhUDYg8KHa9bCZsQrQMIazAY

But, to be honest, not the stuff I wanted to bring with for a once-in-a-lifetime- USA- road- trip.

[jeffg]

that looks great, you'll have a blast. I'll look for more of my photos, to get you some road names. You could take highway six right out of Denver. You would not be disappointed, their is a great biker bar right in the canyon on 6

[Sgt.Pinback]

I hope your planning motels???

WTF ... when did you make that pic?

[jeffg]

this kind of stuff will usually happen early fall late spring.
 You could have Fantastic weather, but you just never know in the mountains.
Are you planning to camp?

[Sgt.Pinback]

Hotels are booked by eagle rider.
Check link in my first post.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

What is the expected weather normally in late June in Colorado, what clothes would you suggest?
We have ltf. space on the bikes and no car following us.

You'll get chilly at the least at altitude. Bring layers and waterproof clothes. I wouldn't worry TOO much about snow but it's not out of the question. Looks like you'll have plenty of time between daily stops to enjoy yourselves. You should watch the weather and plan accordingly each day. When it gets closer and you've updated your plans get in touch and I can help. Select whatever bike you're comfortable with. Enjoy!!   

[scottly]

Lot's of nice riding in Colorado, but the proposed route seems like it circles much of it?

[Stev-o]

Lot's of nice riding in Colorado, but the proposed route seems like it circles much of it?

I would object to riding I-70....

[Kevin D]

Sgt.

I didn't know that EagleRider was running tours. Are you obligated to strictly follow the route, or can you take 100 mile detours, finishing each day at your reserved hotel?

If you do get chilled, there are hot springs for warming.

I think I'd get one bike of each, beemer, connie, ST, FJR, Harley... swap rides daily and compare notes. 
feeling like a kid at a candy store.
(ride swapping probably verboten )

[ofreen]

Lot's of nice riding in Colorado, but the proposed route seems like it circles much of it?

yep

[jeffg]

Lot's of nice riding in Colorado, but the proposed route seems like it circles much of it?

 their purposed route, won't totally suck, but it does look to mostly skirt all the good stuff,. Just racking up miles, I was owner of an outfitter camp, in Colorado, saw lots of types of folks.  I spent hours, weeks making tour plans, using maps. Some guest like a zip line tour veg and relax, some like raw  hard core adventure.  Denver to vail is hwy 6 or int 70, 6 is good. From Vail to Alamosa we used to ride to go ski at Taos New Mexico, it is allot of wide open valleys, it's pretty. Alamosa to cortez is kinda flat.  cortez to montros your skirting the west and that's pretty flat to.
glen wood to Denver has a couple routes 70, or through kremling. through kremling I used to drive to the wood pellet factory; Kinda of a utility route. You should really do some work on you own and tell them what you want. if they are not willing they should be providing night time adult entertainment for their lack of work on their part.

[Duanob]

I'd probably be interested in renting the bonnie or the scout for the cool factor! There was a polish girl that toured the entire USA on a rented bonnie. If I can find the ride report on ADVrider I will post it up here. It was a good read.

[Sgt.Pinback]

Sgt.

I didn't know that EagleRider was running tours. Are you obligated to strictly follow the route, or can you take 100 mile detours, finishing each day at your reserved hotel?

If you do get chilled, there are hot springs for warming.

I think I'd get one bike of each, beemer, connie, ST, FJR, Harley... swap rides daily and compare notes. 
feeling like a kid at a candy store.
(ride swapping probably verboten )

Good idea!

Actually, I'm thinking about a Bonnie. I'm not the Harley fan and BMW's are boring.

Yes, we can do whatever we want but don't want to look for rooms every day so we will have to go to the reserved Hotels.

[ofreen]

and BMW's are boring.

I'm one of modern BMW's bigger critics, but I'd never accuse them of being boring.  Ever ridden one?

[Sgt.Pinback]

and BMW's are boring.

I'm one of modern BMW's bigger critics, but I'd never accuse them of being boring.  Ever ridden one?

To be honest -- none of the modern ones.
Only airheads and an old car.

Just booked the R 1200 GS  .....

[ofreen]

To be honest -- none of the modern ones.
Only airheads and an old car.

Just booked the R 1200 GS  .....

That won't remind you much of the old airheads you've ridden. Great bikes in every way as long as you don't have to pay for something that broke that shouldn't have in something that cost so much.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

You might also want to look into Motoquest, who offers rentals (wide range of makes and models) and tours.

[Stev-o]

You might also want to look into Motoquest, who offers rentals (wide range of makes and models) and tours.

May be too late, sounds like he booked it.