Tips about my first long distance ride

[Aussie C50]

Howdy guys i pick up a new C50 in two weeks but i'm getting it through a friend and the problem is its approx 1200kms away . As i haven't had a bike of this size before and am only a reasonable rider overall i was wondering if i could get some views on how to cope with a ride of this distance. I will attempt the first leg of the trip which is approx 450kms and then stay at another friends place overnight and if the weather is reasonable i will have a crack at the 750kms to home . Although i haven't ridden a cruiser before i am quite confident about the ride i was maybe just hoping to get some tips. Also overall the roads between there and home are quite good only major concern is a lot of b double road trains and i have never passed trucks of that size before as most of my riding has been on smaller farm bikes on my property.
PS i am having a windsreen fitted so hopefully that will help with the buffeting and insects that will be rampant this time of year .

[cobra marauder]

It would be better to work up to a ride like that, but if your just getting it I guess you cant huh. Your buns might say quit b4 you do. That is my biggest problem on big rides. As far as the big highway goes, just take your time go at your own pace. Dont go to slow and cause an accident though. You will feel some pretty good gusts coming off the front and rear of big trucks. Just try to be aware of them passing you. Wish ya luck, enjoy your new bike. We expect pics ASAP.
Later

[bat4255]

Plan on stops every hour or two, so you don't get tired.
Carry extra clothes and a rain suit, you never know about the weather.
Take a water bottle, longer trips can get you dehydrated.
Take a small first aid kit, tool kit, and of course maps.
I found that slowing the pace, don't be in a hurry, helps with the trip, it keeps you alert and refreshed.

[ElBandito]

Originally Posted by bat4255

Take a water bottle, longer trips can get you dehydrated.

This cannot be emphasized enough!
finish half a litre each stop, force yourself to do so. Just a few sips or one of these pathetic new style 250cc coke cans wouldn't do.
On a bike with the wind in your face and all the impressions you don't feel thirsty. But your body starts to react slower than usual, also fatique starts sooner.
very dangerous.

[red2k1]

Well, a 745 mile first ride is a good intro to any bike. Before you hit the highway, become well acquainted with the basics of the bike -- starting procedure, emergency shutoff, fuel reserve valve, braking, balance and shifting. A couple of short rides (starts, stops, get off and begin again -- maybe take an hour) on the bike would be good before hitting the highway.

Know what the break-in period and procedure is for a new C50 - you did say it is new. There may be a speed limitation and an early oil change interval. Also, you may have to take it easy on the breaks for the first few hundred miles.

On the personal side, some sort of eye protection or full-face helmet would be a good idea. Boots with relatively smooth soles are a good idea. KNOW YOU FUEL RANGE AND PLAN APPROPRIATELY. Dress right for the weather. If you will encounter large temperature swings, dress in layers. Full or half finger gloves are a good idea no matter what the weather. If you will carry "stuff" with you get an appropriate soft bag that can be lashed to the bike and LASH it

Don't forget to hydrate, especially if the weather is cold, and RIDE ON!

[c50tiger]

All the recommendations so far have been excelent - heed them well. A few things that haven't been touched on..

Since you apparently won't be picking the bike up from the dealer, make sure your friend gets a good run down on the bike from the dealer and then passes that on to you. Then make sure you read the manual. A few important items:

The C50 has no reserve tank. It has a low fuel light. Depending on whether your turning or going up and down hills, the indicator may start going on and off, but once it's on and steady, you have 4 liter or less fuel remaining. Which means, figuring best average fuel economy I've seen on mine, you have around 80 kilometers left to find fuel. I would plan out stretches of less than 300 kilometers. This will also help you with your necessary water and butt-rest breaks.

A long distance ride like that is NOT exactly best practice for breaking in a brand new bike. The first 800 - 1000km are where are all those metal parts in the engine and gear box are mating in, and to aiding that process requires milder loading and unloading of the engine - not contant and lengthy higher revs. Manual recommends operation at less than 1/2 throttle for the first 800 km (ok - maybe I exceed that a little bit) and less than 3/4 throttle up to 1600 km (no, I didn't exactly do that one, either). Considering your already pretty well locked in on this ride, I'd suggest taking it a bit easier for the first day; vary your speed occassionally, and take a few side roads where you can to get more loading and unloading on the engine. As soon as possible when you get back home get the bike to a dealer for the initial service, which should have been done at 1000 km. This mainly is to get the break-in oil, and all the letal metal fragments it has collected, out and clean fresh oil in. But most dealers will also do a more thorough inspection to make sure everything is buttoned up tight.

The tool kit for the C50 is located in the little storage bin un the left side below the seat - look for the keyhole. Everything you'll need is in there. The viewport for the oil level is on the right side to the rear of the foot board. The viewport for the radiator fluid just opposite on the left side, and a good bit harder to see.

If any of your riding will be after sunset, check the adjustment of the headlight before you leave. Mine was set waaay low from the factory. Resources on the internet can give you instruction on this.

The windshield is excellent for keeping bugs off you, but it can be a bit unnerving the first few times you catch gusts off those big trucks. Just stay calm, it'll pass.

All in all, the C50 is a very easy bike to get comfortable on very quickly. It doesn't feel near as heavy as it is, and I'm sure you'll be loving it before you're out of sight of your friends house.

[edit: forgot one thing: ear plugs. Even with a full face helmet, ona ride that long you'll appreciate them.]

[Wombat1955]

G'day mate. Good to see another South Aussie on the forum. Having had my C50 for 3 weeks now, and coming from a Virago 250, I can honestly tell you it will be a breeze getting used to it. Initially the size will make you go "Oooh..how am I gonna hold this sucker upright", but it is an easy bike to handle. You will love the floorboards. I've done two 400km trips now and covered just over 1200km. At the moment, I'm getting between 170-180km before the fuel light comes on, but I expect after its first service, this will improve a little. After 150-170km, you're backside is gonna tell you it needs a stretch..listen to it as its a good time to get your mind off the white line, admire your bike, have a drink, watch other people admire your bike, clear the bugs away, admire your bike, have something to eat, fill up with fuel and most important of all, admire your bike. My dealer (Peter Stevens) told me that I should vary the speed while running it in, but it was a very robust and could handle almost anything. Best of luck and see if you can stop smiling all the way home.

[Aussie C50]

Thanks to everyone so far, i did not mention this before but my friend owns laurie fox motorcycles in mount gambier and yes it is new . I must say i do feel confident (but not over confident ) about the journey. I will arrive down there the afternoon prior to my departure and i certainally will go for a ride around the streets and then a short highway cruise to get the feel of it and also make any ajustments before leaving.I also will be purchasing the right helmet, boots,gloves,jackets and other neccesary items whilst i am there . I also don't have a real time limit so if i am struggling on the second day i will stop and get a room overnight . All of the tips have been most helpfull please keep them coming if you feel theres more to add and finally might i say i am really looking forward to this adventure !!.

[tlwisner]

My best advice is to take it easy, stop often, and when you get home you'll be due for your initial service. This first ride will not be the best time to "see what it will do". My dealer told me to "ride like a cop was behind me" for the break in period. That's a bit easier than trying to figure out exactly what half throttle or 3/4 throttle is - since there is no tach to guide you.

What the other guys said, water. Yep.

[Gixxerdale]

Here is my general check list before I hit the road for more than a day. A little lengthy but adjust it to your own situation as needed. Witout the list I would always realize what I forgot, about 150 miles into the ride! And yes, all that crap can be carried on a sportbike when you pack it right!

In the Tank bag
Clear face shield (for night riding)
Protect All (face shield and plastics cleaner)
Cell Phone
AAA Card
Trip maps and motel guide
Cold weather gloves (even in the hottest part of the summer--ya just never know)
Sweat shirt/Long Sleeve T Shirt and/or heated vest (same as above)
Turtle Hood (under helmet hood)
Leatherman (or other multi-tool)
Plenty of extra ear plugs
Ditty bag
· Shaving supplies
· Kleenex
· Toothbrush, toothpaste
· Motel soap & shampoo
· Suntan lotion, Chapstick
Couple of $$ in change (for emergency)
Chain lube
Air gauge
Mini-Maglite and extra batteries
Camera and extra batteries
First aid kit & Meds
Toilet Paper
Tank bag rain cover



In the Tail Storage
Registration and proof of insurance
Owners Manual
Spare socks
Tie Wraps
J B Weld (fast set)
Bungee Cords (two adjustable)
Canyon Dancer Bar tie down adapter (in case of tow)
Factory tool kit
Tire repair kit
Hand rags and wipes
Duct Tape
In the Saddlebags and / or Back Pack (Camelbak preferred for summer)
Jeans (2 pair)
T-shirt (2)
Under shorts (2 pair)
Under shirt (2)
Socks (2 pair)
Plastic garbage bag & tie-wrap (to hold dirty clothes)
Shorts (to double as swimsuit)
Walking shoes
Detergent (4 oz. for midweek laundry)

Rain suit (2 pc)
Rain "over-mitts"
Rain "over-boots"

[Knoc]

Did ya go yet? If so how was it?? if not good luck, be careful and have a good ride!

[Aussie C50]

Originally Posted by Knoc

Did ya go yet? If so how was it?? if not good luck, be careful and have a good ride!

Nah don't get it till the 26th of november ,but he rang today to say it has arrived and he will start getting it ready and waiting for my ride back home.

[Wombat1955]

Originally Posted by Aussie C50

Nah don't get it till the 26th of november ,but he rang today to say it has arrived and he will start getting it ready and waiting for my ride back home.

Wow..that seems a long time. I saw mine in a crate at Peter Stevens in Adelaide on Wednesday and rode it away on the Friday. Then again, they are a fairly big dealership, so maybe more techs to work on it. If you're like me, you'll be very excited the night before you take delivery. Hope it all goes well.

[Aussie C50]

Nah its not that it couldn't be ready this weekend its more about the timing of the trip as it is about 1200kms away its all about a matter of timing for me not him.

[Texas Jay]

Two comments:

1) Let us know how the trip went, and

2) Is "SA" South Australia? Americans know a little about Australia, but not a lot. I'd love to learn.

[Wombat1955]

Just as an aside, AussieC50, do you know the details of the windshield being fitted and how much it costs?

[Aussie C50]

Originally Posted by TexasJay

Two comments:

1) Let us know how the trip went, and

2) Is "SA" South Australia? Americans know a little about Australia, but not a lot. I'd love to learn.

I will post next week about that as i pick up the bike later today am looking forward to it but it goner be a hot one with temps hovering and probaly exceeding the 38c mark !!.

Yes its South Australia i live in Streaky Bay its a small town of about 2000 people 750 kms west of adelaide on the eyre peninsular.

[Aussie C50]

Originally Posted by Wombat1955

Just as an aside, AussieC50, do you know the details of the windshield being fitted and how much it costs?

Well thats a story in its self wombat the screen is the suzuki dealer one or OEM as its seems to be called on the forums and its costing me $440 ,but sadly it will not arrive in time for the ride home as they are here on the wharfs but will not be unpacked and in my dealers hands in time . I assume you have seen the temps this weekend and i fly to the mount at 11.30 today,although the trip on saturday we will come in via the coorong and its shouldn't be too bad but i will delay leaving sunday and now go monday to streaky as the temps possibly will hit the low to mid 40s after pt augusta so i going to have a rest day in between now (which really isn,t a bad thing anyway)and i will report on my journey upon arriving back . Many thanks to all who gave me some great tips and i'm really looking forward to a fun and safe trip on my new toy .

[tex2]

[quote=Aussie C50]Thanks to everyone so far,

Hey Guy,
Listen.....just do it!
Get you one of those net things to secure what little you really need to carry on the back of your seat, and hit the glorious open road.
Drink lots of water!
Back in August, I went from Texas to South Carolina on a bus, got on a bike, a 650cc Savage, after not having rode a bike in fifteen years, stayed a week in SC to break the bike in and hone my rusty riding skills, and then I headed back to Texas. I even side tracked up through Mississippi and came out in Memphis, and came on back to Texas from there. I did over 2200kms I reckon.
I'll be 60 years old in Februrary too. So if I can do that, you can do this OK too.
The rest is the best though.
After I got back here with that Savage for about a month, I started noticing how the V twins were the thing. Well, I had got a real good deal on the new Savage, a 2004, so I went and traded it for 2005 S-50
805cc V twin Suzuki.
That was around the beginning of September.
Well, my daughter up in South Carolina had been instrumental in me getting that first bike, her working for Suzuki at the time, and with her being sentimental and all, she caught a case at me for having so cold heartedly traded the pretty purple Savage off.
So, with 154 miles on the odometer of the new S-50, I head back up to South Carolina to try and get my dear, and only daughter to see my way of things.
Man! What a cool trip I had on that bike.
I went almost to Little Rock, Arkansas, and then I jagged south on Hwy 49 of blues legend fame. I came out at the blues legend croosroads of Hwy 49 and Hwy 61 in Mississippi, where Robert Johnson was supposed to have made the deal with the devil.
Got to go all through the birthplace of the Delta blues. And on a brand new V twin bike, and me babying it and breaking it in just like the book said.
So I get to Jackson Mississippi with a little over 500 miles on the bike. I get the all important first service done, and I am back on the road. A little faster this time, but still taking it fairly easy.
This is the biggest bike, size wise, and engine wise that I have ever been on, and I am taking my own sweet time riding it.
But after I have 1000 miles on the odometer I get braver, and I come to find out that this darned thing will pass most things on the road with ease! Especially going up those long sloping interstate highway grades in Alabama and Mississippi. What fun!
So, I stayed up there five days and turned around and headed back here.
This time I came fairly straight and it was just shy of 1000 miles.
No worries mate!
No problems with the bike either. It burned out part of the element in the right front turn signal bulb, if you want to count that. Otherwise flawless performance.
I can't wait for the summer to start so I can get out and do me some more riding too.
Y'all take care, and have a good ride.
tex2