Topic: First Road Trip....

[De La Nooch]

I've had my bike and been riding for less than a year.  I didn't get fully licensed and on the road until the end of last season, so this will be my first full riding season.  Never really gone on much of a cruise or road trip yet.  However, I may have my first opportunity tomorrow!  Ironically not on my 550k1, but on a 95 Nighthawk 250! 

My girlfriend bought a really sharp one on ebay yesterday... only ~3000 miles.  It is located in Troy, Ohio. About 120 miles from us (Indianapolis).  We're going to take advantage of our Spring Break and the good weather forecast for tomorrow and drive out there and ride it home.  Could be fun, but riding a 250 on the interstate for 120 miles? I'm not sure...    Her dad may ride along and take shifts with me on the bike.

[S-Dog]

Doesnt sound too bad.  Although if I got on it, it would look like I am riding a 50cc minibike.(I would still go for the ride anyways) 

[andy750]

It can be done on a 250 on the highway but if I were you Id find a back road to take. It will make the trip so much better. Its really not that much fun riding on the highway on a smaller bike.


Good luck and take some photos for your first "trip report" 

cheers
Andy

[azuredesign]

I second back roads! Have fun!

[Dawdlin Dog]

Hope you have a safe journey and here's wishing you a glorious first full riding season. 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I'll 3rd the back roads. Interstates are for cars. Drive up on the I and take the back roads home. No fun with everyone running 80 to 90 and trying to run over you.

[mmtsquid]

+1 on backroads.
My wife has a 250 hawk, and I took it out for a little spin last spring.
Did 10 whole miles on an interstate, and have never been more terrified in my whole life.

[eldar]

You feel so small on a little bike. I did some I on a 250 rebel but it was an in town interstate so speeds where less.

I can safely say that without seat modification OR a small ass, the rebel is not a long distance bike!

[De La Nooch]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement, guys.

I'm about 6'4" and 200 lbs.  I rode a little Suzuki GZ 250 cruiser for the weekend I took the riders course back in October, and didn't mind it.  Of course the GZ had the forward foot controls so offered more leg room than the hawk I would imagine.  The Hawk's seat height is only about 2 inches shorter than my 550's so I dont think it should be too terrible.

Thanks for the advice about Interstate travel.  I've never even been on the interstate on my CB, so I imagine it could be pretty intimidating.  I think we'll take I70 out, and US40 the majority of the way back.  40 is probably painfully straight in sections, but I like the historic aspect of it and the speed limit is probably around 55.

Hopefully the weather stays on my side...  I'll post a few pics afterwards. 

[andy750]

I rode a CL175 back 60 miles for a friend - Im 6`4, 190lbs and this little bike kept going at 55mph+ no problem. All on backroads apart from one stretch of 2 lane highway. Stick to the back-roads much more fun!

Good luck
Andy

[74cb750]

My 2nd bike was a Suzuki GT250. It wasn't too bad on the highway until hills appeared or when the 4 tracktor trailer trucks thought it would be funny to box me in at 65mph.

Good luck.

[HITMAN]

I've logged more miles on my 250 than it should have survived, but I would suggest mapping a route to take you on and off the freeway.  Once you get up to 55-65mph you can't even get out of your own way, let alone pass or make a safe evasive move.  But don't let that hold you back from enjoying it or having fun, I have over 40K on mine now (much of it freeway).

[De La Nooch]

It was a success!  We picked up the bike no prob and the seller was a really nice guy.  He had a total of 6 Honda's in his garage that he was unloading and had a Del Sol and an Accord in the street out front.  ...That's dedication.   

The bike was in great shape minus a little fading on the tail and a few nicks here and there, and with less than 3k miles on it it ran like brand new!  I had a bit of difficulty shifting at first since I could barely squeeze my boot between the peg and the shift lever.  The seat isn't the most comfortable thing for distance and it has a decent amount of vibrations in higher RPM's.  I also topped it out at 70 in 5th on a downhill.   Other than that, it's fun to ride!

There was still quite a bit of snow on the ground and in the fields in Ohio.  We stopped a few times so I could throw on more clothes, and to get lunch, and once at a consignment shop in the outskirts of some podunk town for directions.  We took US36 the most of the way home.  The roads were barren for most of the trip.  We only did a bit over 100 miles, but that was plenty and I had a lot of fun.

Thanks for the advice, I'll post a few pics later tonight.

[Aaron J Williams]

Sweeet! Congratulations on your successful journey and hopefully many more.