Author Topic: Ok...which bike would you take? (Read 4948 times)

masonryman · « **Reply #25 on:** July 18, 2007, 08:05:02 PM »

Just north of Indianapolis IN.....I have a friend trying to talk me into a trip to alaska next year, I would love too but I think that will be a trip for when , if, the kids ever leave.

Good luck........ oh......CB 750

Mark

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #26 on:** July 18, 2007, 08:40:37 PM »

I would take the 750 if for no other reson than it will be more comfortable. Get a good sheepskin seat cover and a kidney belt, too. Take your time and stretch often. Take a nap when you need to. Yes- you can easily fall asleep on a motorcycle. After some time, you'll enter "the zone" and you'll forget what day it is. Bring merino wool socks- they wash out and dry in a couple of hours. You'll figure a lot of it out along the way.

BTW- the first time I ever saw a 750 AND a 500 (or was it a 550?) was 2 guys who rode out to San Francisco from Brooklyn. They had a good time. I hope you're REALLY good friends with your riding buddy. (You'll know what I mean after a couple of days.)

edbikerii · « **Reply #27 on:** July 19, 2007, 04:55:15 AM »

Obviously, the CB will be more comfortable than the CBR.

Based on that Alaska ride report, I would not ride that gravel road on any motorcycle. Doesn't really seem like fun at all. Maybe more pleasant on a dual sport, but what fun is hundreds of miles of desolate, flat gravel, where you don't see another living person for days on end? If I didn't know it would be like that, then maybe I'd give it a try, but we've seen the ride report.

These days I'd rather enjoy riding rather than enduring it.

Good luck

medic09 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 19, 2007, 05:47:33 AM »

Quote from: jbailey on July 17, 2007, 04:21:10 PM

If you are seriously considering this trip I would have to say neither bike is "preferable". I have a 1975 CB550K, but I have a 2005 Kawasaki Concours for "serious" riding. The Honda is great fun and I love the classic looks, but the suspension, tires, engine, seat and most everything else on these old bikes were not designed for transcontinental driving. A 100-200 mile spin on a nice summer day is nothing like what you will encounter once you get 500 miles down the road from Orlando. Earlier this spring I tool a five day 2000 mile ride on the Concours. If I had taken the Honda, I would probably be just being released from the Hospital.

With all due respect, these bikes *were most definately* designed with cross-country riding in mind. When Mr. Honda asked for a bike that would cruise at 100 mph all day, that's what he was describing (unless that oft-repeated story is apocryphal). The only caveat is they were designed 40 years ago with 40 year old technology. And, of course, it all depends on what you are/can be comfortable with. Based on my regular commute, I guestimate that I could ride cross-country pretty happily on my CB; and would have 30 years ago. OTOH, your comfort level might mean that 30 years ago you wouldn't have considered such a trip because the suitable bike hadn't been built yet.

If I had the opportunity, I would ride around the NA continent on my K8 for sure. Ah, if only....

medic09 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 19, 2007, 05:55:17 AM »

Quote from: jbailey on July 18, 2007, 04:54:43 PM

There was a thing on the news the other day about a guy going cross country in a horse drawn wagon (one horse). Does that mean everyone that goes with a car or winnebago (or motrocycle) is taking the "comfy" way?

To misquote Andy750, "Riding an old wagon gives you an adventure no modern comfy cruiser ever will." Anything with a padded seat is the way pansies travel.

This poor guy is about to ride from Florida to Alaska. Has anyone here ever attempted that? Has anyone even come close? My advice is to be prepared with the best equipment you can for any situation. This trip is NOT a trip to be taken lightly. It is NOT a ride across Europe, or anywhere else. There ar NO dealers of any kind once you get very far north of Montana. Telling him that it's a good idea to take off on either of his choices for bikes is BAD advice from people who sit at home and have never had the balls to try such a ride.

Well, no.

But I did get to know the roads pretty intimately from Vancouver, BC through Calgary, down into the US and across to Massachussetts pretty intimately when we moved that way. And Israel north to south (4 climate zones in a country the size of Rhode Island!).

IF I had the time and few dollars to ensure that my K8 were in tip-top repair, I think I'd do the ride. If I took my modern Triumph, I'd be afraid to try and fix *anything* by the side of the road; never mind all the electronically controlled stuff. Like someone said, if you know your older bike well, you could fix it with all sorts stuff. If only I had Ted Simon's gumption...

canyon750 · « **Reply #30 on:** July 19, 2007, 05:24:14 PM »

Quote from: edbikerii on July 19, 2007, 04:55:15 AM

Based on that Alaska ride report, I would not ride that gravel road on any motorcycle. Doesn't really seem like fun at all. Maybe more pleasant on a dual sport, but what fun is hundreds of miles of desolate, flat gravel, where you don't see another living person for days on end?
Good luck

I seem to remember a well known motorcycle magazine writter taking that trip about 2 decades ago on a CB750... "North by 750" i think the article was called... I think his name was Mitch Bohem from Motorcyclist. It's been done before it can be done again. If I had the guts, no family depending on me and the time I'd take the trip on MY 750!!

edbikerii · « **Reply #31 on:** July 19, 2007, 05:55:56 PM »

Yeah, it can be done. Anybody can do it if they wish to torture themselves (and their motorcycle) needlessly. The real question is, "why?"

Quote from: canyon750 on July 19, 2007, 05:24:14 PM

Quote from: edbikerii on July 19, 2007, 04:55:15 AM

Based on that Alaska ride report, I would not ride that gravel road on any motorcycle. Doesn't really seem like fun at all. Maybe more pleasant on a dual sport, but what fun is hundreds of miles of desolate, flat gravel, where you don't see another living person for days on end?
Good luck

I seem to remember a well known motorcycle magazine writter taking that trip about 2 decades ago on a CB750... "North by 750" i think the article was called... I think his name was Mitch Bohem from Motorcyclist. It's been done before it can be done again. If I had the guts, no family depending on me and the time I'd take the trip on MY 750!!

andy750 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 19, 2007, 06:47:39 PM »

" Anybody can do it if they wish to torture themselves (and their motorcycle) needlessly. The real question is, "why?""

Thats like asking "why" climb a mountain? Or why take a chance and ride round a track at high speed on a motorcycle? Why risk death and bungee jump? Why jump out of a plane at 14,000ft?!

See previous posts from people who have done it and you might find an answer........

And then ask yourself...what are motorcycles for? To polish and make pretty and ride around town on a sunny afternoon? To get from A to B? As a tool to be used in an adventure such as long distance rides and have memories for a lifetime? If body and bike are up to it then "why not"? What is life without adventure?

cheers
Andy

jbailey · « **Reply #33 on:** July 19, 2007, 07:28:46 PM »

That's MY point.

Thats like asking "why" climb a mountain? Or why take a chance and ride round a track at high speed on a motorcycle? Why risk death and bungee jump? Why jump out of a plane at 14,000ft?!

If a person asked me about any of these activities, I would recommend getting the best equipment and researching beforehand. I would not skydive with my uncles parachute from World War II even if a bunch of clowns told me it would be OK. I would not bungee jump unless I was sure the bungee was in good shape. I would not climb a mountain without proper equipment. AND I would not race around a track or ride through wilderness on a 35 year old motorcycle if there was better equipment available.

I didn't tell this guy not to try it. I would love to ride to Alaska some day when I get the time. BUT, I would not do it on my 1975 Honda 550 OR my 2005 Kawasaki Concours. I would probably buy or rent a KLR 650 or a Suzuki Vstrom. Then I would get as much advice as possible from people who have done it.

This is not a trip to be taken lightly.

Has anyone watched "Long way round"? Would you attempt that on a CB750?

edbikerii · « **Reply #34 on:** July 19, 2007, 07:42:29 PM »

Well, racing around a track at high speed, jumping out of an airplane and climbing a mountain all involve meaningful challenges and rewards.

There is no real challenge or accomplishment in enduring a bunch of gravel and nothingness for hundreds of miles. That's like sticking needles in your eyes just to prove you can endure the pain. What's the point? Nobody is giving away awards for gravel travel.

Hey, you know what? Maybe that particular stretch of road is just not my cup of tea. If it is your idea of fun, then by all means enjoy, brother.

Good luck to you.

Roach Carver · « **Reply #35 on:** July 19, 2007, 08:11:21 PM »

Quote from: techy5025 on July 17, 2007, 01:19:00 AM

So, given the two choices, which would you take?

Jim

I did not realize that this was a thread on practicality. i thought he wanted opinions on whether to take his cb or or his cbr and i thought he stated that he would not be buying another bike. now that I understand, I suggest that you take a ~~car~~ truck, preferably four wheel drive. two spare tires, extra gas, enough food to sustain you for at least a week, a pint of o negative, and a can of mosquito repelant.

CrisPDuk · « **Reply #36 on:** July 19, 2007, 08:45:28 PM »

Quote from: jbailey on July 19, 2007, 07:28:46 PM

I would not skydive with my uncles parachute from World War II even if a bunch of clowns told me it would be OK.

But what if you'd been told it was OK by a group of people who'd actually used it

Chronic vertigo aside, I personally would have no problem

CrisPDuk · « **Reply #37 on:** July 19, 2007, 08:48:42 PM »

PS: If everybody listened to people like you jbailey, we'd all still be living in caves

medic09 · « **Reply #38 on:** July 19, 2007, 10:05:12 PM »

Quote from: CrisPDuk on July 19, 2007, 08:48:42 PM

PS: If everybody listened to people like you jbailey, we'd all still be living in caves

Great! NOW you're going to get the Geico Caveman coming after us?!!!

Jugghead · « **Reply #39 on:** July 19, 2007, 10:41:17 PM »

Quote from: medic09 on July 19, 2007, 10:05:12 PM

Quote from: CrisPDuk on July 19, 2007, 08:48:42 PM
PS: If everybody listened to people like you jbailey, we'd all still be living in caves

Great! NOW you're going to get the Geico Caveman coming after us?!!!

I think I hear my mommy calling...I 'll put her on speaker phone.

To answer the topic of the post, take the CB, it will be more comfortable. I am only 28, and even so, I would much rather ride sitting upright instead of hunched forward over my tank. If you know the mechanical limitations of the bike (following distance required for proper braking safety, and the tune-up/service schedule) just go for it! There are many of us along the way, and like SeaWeb says, if you run into trouble you will meet a lot of people willing to help you get back on your way safely.
Just read the story on adventure rider dot com's website about Mikki from Japan, a Japanese woman who has crossed the globe and met untold number of people willing to help her achieve her goal.
From your photos, your CB looks in great shape and I bet you, like most of us, you have returned the bike to manufacturer's specs, and then maintained the bike mechanically. There is no reason that if it could do it 30- 40 years ago, the bike can't do it now.
Just search out the "most miles on a CB" thread that testifies that these bikes can turn over the odometer WITHOUT having to rebuild the engine. Properly maintained, this bike will take on anything you throw at it.
Despite modern displacement numbers, the 750 is a HUGE bike. It was the biggest, baddest thing on the road when it hit the scene in 1969. Hell, 38 years after the fact, people (us) are still singing its praises.
Take the CB, have an amazing adventure, and keep us updated whenever you can. Gravel roads or not it will be the adventure of a lifetime. I wish you a safe journey and look forward to your progress reports.

andy750 · « **Reply #40 on:** July 20, 2007, 05:28:20 AM »

JBailey, the fact you didnt mention any of YOUR long dstance trips shows us you have no idea what you are talking about..... Many of us CLOWNS on this topic have given their opinion based on EXPERIENCE on SOHC bikes which counts for a lot more than a "I might do it if I had the time" type attitude.

Regarding my previous examples there are plenty of people who race vintage bikes on tracks (why? because its a lot of fun), how do you think bungee jumping was invented - think Papua New Guinea and indigenous people hurling themselves off platforms with a vine tied around their ankle (oooh too scary for you right?), or how do you think Mt Everest was climbed in 1953?? Did they have Goretex back then? I guess according to you they should have waited until it was safe and comfortable to do so?

And why did Thor Heyerdahl (and in 2006 his nephew as well) cross the Pacific ocean in a raft made of balsa wood when he could have gone by ocean liner?? Crazy guy right? So unsafe!! Why take any risk at all? There are countless examples of this but Im guessing that people like yourself just dont get it. However dont criticize the rest of us for doing something we enjoy or when we give our experience to others.

"Has anyone watched "Long way round"? Would you attempt that on a CB750?"

If Ted Simon can do it on his 70s Triumph (as stated before in this post) anyone can irrespective of the age of the bike. Guys have done it on Royal Enfields, Harleys, etc etc.... Doing it on a brand new BMW with a support car is not the same thing.

cheers
Andy

Chris Schneiter · « **Reply #41 on:** July 20, 2007, 01:45:03 PM »

I think all of us has from time to time thought about just blasting off on an extended trip. For me the most important thing is defining comfort. There's no question that the bike will make it! I think it's important to take some long rides and tweak your bike so that you know that you'll be comfortable. Right after I got my bike, I went out an rode a long distance with a bunch of friends (several hundred miles)..when I got back, I was exhausted and my legs were so cramped up that I had a hard time walking. By the next spring, I had put new tires, a winshield and highway pegs on. Now I can ride all day and feel fine.
As far as bikes go...I have no doubt that I could go anywhere on my K6 and be just fine...BUT...and I know it's not as adventurous, when I ride with my friends with cruisers, when we arrive at our destination, I feel pretty beat up, and they're ready for more...it may be my fragile nature, but I think it's actually that my CB cruises at 5-6000 RPM, while theirs barely break 4000. My feet are below me and I sit up straight, and my engine gets really hot...while they sit down behind their tanks and big windshields with their feet out in front of them with a more relaxed bike...It's not the age of the bike, but what it's designed for...Our bikes CAN tour, but the new cruisers are MADE for it....

techy5025 · « **Reply #42 on:** July 20, 2007, 08:25:19 PM »

Wow....thanks for all the great replies! Just about what I thought the answer would be....the CB is a lot more
comfortable and that is probably the deciding factor. In terms of reliability, I personally think either would make
it with no problems. It might be quicker to fix (plug?) a flat tire then change a tube on the CB.

I spend a lot of time on the advrider.com forum checking out the ride reports (Alaska and elsewhere) and all manner
of bikes go there. One guy just came back on a mid '70's CB750 loaded with stuff....looked like something out of the
Beverly Hillbillies!

If you want to see someone who really pushes the limits check out this ride.....Key West to Prudoe Bay in less than
5 days. Not my style but makes for a great read.

http://www.beadrider.com/shop/custom.asp?recid=28

Andy750...I've read all your reports...great stuff!

Jim

andy750 · « **Reply #43 on:** July 20, 2007, 09:02:30 PM »

Jim,
Excellent link and if that dosent inspire you then nothing will! ;-) What a ride!!

Good luck with you own trip preparations and keep us posted on progress!! And if you need anything let us all know and we`ll be sure to help!

cheers
Andy

techy5025 · « **Reply #44 on:** July 20, 2007, 09:22:49 PM »

That guy was something else. Can you imagine riding all the way from the Canadian border...or beyond.... and then just "deciding" to ride the Dalton Highway before you rest. Most people prepare for days for that one leg.

Jim

andy750 · « **Reply #45 on:** July 21, 2007, 07:22:29 AM »

I liked his writing style - very carefree lets-try-it attitude. I liked the part about the bear and almost running out of gas. While I havent had a bear experience I have had the running out of gas in the middle of nowhere a few times.

cheers
Andy

jbailey · « **Reply #46 on:** September 21, 2007, 07:00:24 PM »

Well, How did the trip go?

techy5025 · « **Reply #47 on:** September 22, 2007, 07:39:13 PM »

This is a "next" year trip. I have to have a few warm up trips first.

After reading a lot of the threads on the advrider forum, I think I would take the old 750 before a new beemer. At least if it broke, I could probably fix it and not depend on a dealer at 80 bucks an hour...or more.

Jim

jbailey · « **Reply #48 on:** September 23, 2007, 01:54:19 PM »

my mistake! Let us know how it goes next year. I don't get enough vacation time, but one of these years I plan to do an Alaskan ride. Aerostitch has an organised ride that supplies the bike and all, but it's expensive.

http://www.aerostichtours.com/

I like this one: http://www.aerostichtours.com/inuvik-canada-tour-2008

Good Luck.

ttr400 · « **Reply #49 on:** September 24, 2007, 10:36:32 AM »

Well getting in on this one a bit late, don't know how I missed it. Andy and a few others here have got the right idea....It's all about adventure be it on an old bike or new bike.

The long way round on a CB750? yeah sure why not..!
I drove through Africa in a 1958 series 1 swb Land Rover, in what was to be a 6 month trip from South Africa to the UK....well it took me 18 months to the day and many thousands of kilometers, why? "adventure" In fact I just couldn't stop, and 2.5 million km's, 120 or so country's in nearly 10 years, I decided to head Home......but that adventure is another story that I just can't fit in here.....! how about mount everest and Tibet on an XL250 Honda.

Kevin

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Author Topic: Ok...which bike would you take? (Read 4948 times)

masonryman