First Multi-Day Trip Update

[MikeT]

I want to start by thanking all the well seasoned RT travelers that made suggestions for our first long trip away from home. Put 900 miles on the odometer over 4 days without any issues. Our biggest problem was the 95+ degree temps. One day we opted out of a "redo" planned ride and went to see A Walk In the Woods at a local cineplex.
I discoverd that:
1. I've got a slight harmonic vibration above 70mph,
2. That Shortest Distance gets better direction than Curvy Roads on the ZUMO 590, and
3. Might need to look for a better seat.
During our travels we got a lot of attention/questions at our restaraunt and gas stops. We're hoping that our granddaughter's Spring Break coincides with Spyderfest 2016 so we can come to this event.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Good your you! :thumbup:

 

[Chupaca]

Congrats..!!

the journey starts when your outta sight of the home...you are well on your way. This looks like your shakedown ryde and you are doing fine. You will find this one the best learning experience of them all. What to take what not to take, when to stop where to stop etc. After this one you'll be pros...hyea:hyea: maybe you'll take a camera next time...:roflblack:

 

[mross5150]

I want to start by thanking all the well seasoned RT travelers that made suggestions for our first long trip away from home. Put 900 miles on the odometer over 4 days without any issues. Our biggest problem was the 95+ degree temps. One day we opted out of a "redo" planned ride and went to see A Walk In the Woods at a local cineplex.
I discoverd that:
1. I've got a slight harmonic vibration above 70mph,
2. That Shortest Distance gets better direction than Curvy Roads on the ZUMO 590, and
3. Might need to look for a better seat.
During our travels we got a lot of attention/questions at our restaraunt and gas stops. We're hoping that our granddaughter's Spring Break coincides with Spyderfest 2016 so we can come to this event.

Wife and I also took our first big trip a couple of weeks ago. Indep. Mo. to Bristol, TN
Over 2,000 miles in 6 days.
Lessons learned:
Also had vibrations around mph in 74mph in 6th gear. 72-73mph much better.
Protect your skin. Sun/wind burn will get you quick.
Know your limitations. 500 miles the first day was waaayy too much. The seat will get you.
Set the cruise and enjoy the scenery.:doorag:

 

[ARtraveler]

Many road trips like you finished become cherished memories for life. Glad you had a great time. :yes:

 

[MikeT]

Wife and I also took our first big trip a couple of weeks ago. Indep. Mo. to Bristol, TN
Over 2,000 miles in 6 days.
Lesson learned:
Know your limitations. 500 miles the first day was waaayy too much.

We've decided that 350-400 miles/ day is our limit. If we go the non-freeway route, mileage will be less, and time in the saddle becomes the enemy.

 

[mdr146]

400 - 450 miles per day is the max for us. We prefer 250 mile days on back roads with time to stop and sightsee. :shocked:

 

[JayBros]

Although I'm no mathematician the Curvy Roads algorithm on the Zumo 590 stinks. It appears to me to be one that will take you from some obscure spot on the far side of beyond to a semi-main road and then you truck on from that point on the semi-main road.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

95 degrees for your first road trip isn't exactly ideal! You would probably benefit from a sheepskin seat cover to cool your behind, they are much cheaper than a new seat. Have fun.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

95 degrees for your first road trip isn't exactly ideal! You would probably benefit from a sheepskin seat cover to cool your behind, they are much cheaper than a new seat. Have fun.

:agree: - TOTALLY!

 

[Bob Denman]

Dealing with the heat on those long, mileage-eating days can be a chore...:shocked:

...But we'd all love a day or two like them in the middle of January! :thumbup:

 

[Navy Warrant]

Wife and I also took our first big trip a couple of weeks ago. Indep. Mo. to Bristol, TN
Over 2,000 miles in 6 days.
Lessons learned:
Also had vibrations around mph in 74mph in 6th gear. 72-73mph much better.
Protect your skin. Sun/wind burn will get you quick.
Know your limitations. 500 miles the first day was waaayy too much. The seat will get you.
Set the cruise and enjoy the scenery.:doorag:

I overcame some of the seat issues with an Air Hawk cushion on my silver 2012 RT-S SE5. Worked great. First trip was a 5,000 mile roundtrip from NC to the North Rim of Grand Canyon at the end of June 2103. The surrounding deserts were 113-117 degrees and thank God for liquid cooling with Engine Ice coolant. In July I traded it in for a red 2015 RT Limited SE6. Mildly disappointed with the loss of quickness, but the extra cylinder, 1330 cc's, and ability to be in 6th gear doing 40MPH (increased torque) means way better gas mileage. Hoping to make a trip to New England within the next few weeks, albeit a cooler trip.

 

[MikeT]

Although I'm no mathematician the Curvy Roads algorithm on the Zumo 590 stinks. It appears to me to be one that will take you from some obscure spot on the far side of beyond to a semi-main road and then you truck on from that point on the semi-main road.

:agree: Thankfully I discovered this annoying glitch on a short 70 mile ride home. It only made me make a 10 mile U off of and back on the main road.

 

[MikeT]

95 degrees for your first road trip isn't exactly ideal! You would probably benefit from a sheepskin seat cover to cool your behind, they are much cheaper than a new seat. Have fun.

SpyderAnn01,
Do you have a recommendation for the sheepskin seat cover?????

 

[SL Ken]

On our first long distance trip, we did 500 miles on the first day, BUT, we went through Yosemite and we were site seeing as well. We were on the saddle (off and on) for almost 15 hours. Way too long. I have the stock seat and an Airhawk and it didn't help after about 300 miles. The second day was shorter but because of the amount of time spent on the first day, it was a grueling ride. We were also in extreme heat for most of the second day (around 105-107 the whole afternoon) so it was miserable. Do yourself a favor and take your time. 900 in 4 days would be better. It will probably get easier as we ride but for now, we are wimps.pps:

 

[Bob Denman]

SpyderAnn01,
Do you have a recommendation for the sheepskin seat cover?????

Check out Misty Mountain... :thumbup:

http://www.mistymountainsheepskin.com/

 

[cohoff]

I second the recommendation for a Misty Mountain Sheepskin. They are a mom and pop operation and provide wonderful customer service. Give them a call and they will answer all of your questions.

 

[Trbayth]

I'll third it. Beautiful sheepskins in all sorts of colors.