Taken from the VSTROM forum...
http://www.stromtrooper.com/showthread.php?t=54718"Motorcycles are Inept Long-Distance Vehicles
As a preface to this bold statement let tell you that I have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro while suffering malaria, faced many dangers while scuba diving in foreign oceans, run marathons, lift weights, have visited 49 U.S. states, all provinces of Canada, most of Mexico and, numerous foreign countries (all in 4-wheeled vehicles) and have been riding motorcycles for 41 years accident free - - hence, I am not a naïve, inexperienced loudmouth.
I have recently completed my FIRST and LAST long-distance trip on a motorcycle. The trip was about a 4,000 mile voyage from Pennsylvania with stop-overs in Florida, New Mexico, Colorado and Missouri. The bike that I used for this excursion was a K7 650 V-Strom.
I discovered the first flaw in long-distance motorcycle travel within 300 miles - - seat discomfort. Yes, I know, by spending $300 or so on Spencer or Corbin seats, some or most of that discomfort can be alleviated. But almost any plain old car seat is considerably more comfortable than the best motorcycle seat. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
My next discovery was noise. I don’t care if you have the best custom-made ear plugs known to mankind and the most streamlined helmet, the noise is 6 to 9 db higher on a bike relative to a normal car. Temporary, or in some cases permanent, hearing loss occurs. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
Then, of course, many people complain about buffeting and there are a plethora of partial remedies, all costing $$$$. Cars have no buffeting. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
I like to stop along the way in visit various stores with rare or unusual merchandise. This becomes a real pain when the stores are grouped within a few miles of each other. You have to remove your helmet, ear plugs, gloves, whatever, each time that you stop. With a car you merely open the door and go into the store. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
I always buy things when I stop at stores. But, on a motorcycle, you must not buy too many things or things too large because your carrying capacity is extremely limited. Yes, you could always ship them to your house but this is highly inconvenient. Whereas, a car has relatively massive capacity. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
Some riders exhaust their rear tires in 5 – 8,000 miles and have to buy and install tires during their trip. Car tires typically last a minimum of 50,000. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
As you ride along at 65 mph on your shiny new bike and you hit a deer (armadillo, opossum etc.), you’re DEAD, or seriously injured. In a car there would be little or no damage to car or driver. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
Many motorcycle riders express the “freedom” of riding outside any enclosure with the wind blowing through your hair. However, this site always recommends wearing a helmet with armored jacket and pants and special boots. Well, in my opinion, wearing all the junk is certainly wise but completely abolishes the “freedom” feeling since you are "enclosed" in protective gear. In a car, you need none of that equipment. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
Sometimes I am no where near a hotel. As such, I typically sleep in my car. But, with a bike, you must carry a tent, a rain cover, sleeping bag and mattress. In a car, you merely craw in the back seat and sleep. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
Finally, carrying 50, 60, 70 pounds of equipment on your bike makes it somewhat difficult to maneuver at low speeds which can cause the bike to fall over if the rider is not careful. Cars never fall on their side at low speeds no matter how much stuff you carry. So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
From the unarguable facts listed above, there is no logical reason to use a motorcycle for long-distance travel since it is highly inconvenient, relatively dangerous, quite uncomfortable and slightly physically damaging (the ears). So, why not use a car for long distance travel ??
My bike typically gets 57 mpg whereas my car, at the same speeds, gets about 39 mpg. From now on, I will gladly exchange that 18 mpg difference for all the advantages of a car.
Gary - - former long distance motorcycle driver"
