Long distance travel

71321 Views 92 Replies 59 Participants Last post by AAJCBR250R, Jan 16, 2019

topherguns

Discussion Starter · Sep 19, 2011

I want to know peoples experiences on long distance traveling on the CBR250. What's the longest trip you taken? Was the ride comfortable? Any issues along the way?
My longest ride was a day trip along a winding road in northern Ontario. AWESOME trail.
Next summer I'm thinking of a cross Canada trip.
Any thoughts?

21 - 40 of 93 Posts

Redline

· #21 · Nov 9, 2011

I've done a few 750km+ ride where the throttle has been pinned for most of it. (riding across Thailand) and the lil CBR laps it up effortlessly.

I've the touring screen which deflects wind over the body which helps, but bike could do it all day... and does.

With 22,000 km of relatively hard riding the lil CBR sounds and rides absolutely sweet. Smooth as anything and a perfect engine note. Perfect.

Michael

· #22 · Nov 10, 2011

Redline said:
I've done a few 750km+ ride where the throttle has been pinned for most of it (riding across Thailand) and the lil CBR laps it up effortlessly.

Ok.... each to their own, but what's the point?

the_lucky_owl said:
IMO you shouldn't really do more then 300miles a day if you want to stop and smell the roses so to speak. I think beyond that number and you are just making yourself miserable.

Ibex250R said:
I agree 300miles seems to be the sweet spot, anything more and you are aksing for trouble. The 250 requires constant mental and physical input, you can't just let it roll at highway speed and that's exhausting.

CBR250R said:
I tend to agree too. About 300 miles (500 kms) is a good amount of distance - for ANY bike - if you want to stop to take photos, see the sights, interact with locals, make time for lunch, rest and fuel stops, find and explore some kicka$$ things to add to your trip report, ensure you aren't riding in the dark, secure a choice spot, relax, and take a swim at a campground before all the campers pull off the road for the night.
Mike

These guys reflect my experience and feelings. I have done longer days, but have found 250 - 300 miles (400 - 500 km) is enough..... and wouldn't do that day after day. Once I get to where I want to go it is time to kick back, chill, explore, enjoy the concert or whatever. Maybe not ride at all some days, or shift camp just a few miles.

There is more to life than racking up miles. It is great to have a sweet ride, but in the end, for me at least, a motorcycle is the means, not the reason to go somewhere.

Redline

· #23 · Nov 10, 2011

Ride until you want to stop.

Stop.

An easy concept.

wafwaf

· #24 · Nov 10, 2011

3

my longest one day trip was 650 km, about half on major roads and half on country roads. It was the first day of a 4000 kms trip to Italy (Aoste Valley) and then the Alps tour and back to Belgium.
We fitted a higher windscreen and it was perfect
Just can't wait for the next trip to Corsica and Sardegna ;-))

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Reactions: 1

CBR250R

· #25 · Nov 10, 2011

wafwaf said:
my longest one day trip was 650 km, about half on major roads and half on country roads. It was the first day of a 4000 kms trip to Italy (Aoste Valley) and then the Alps tour and back to Belgium.
We fitted a higher windscreen and it was perfect
Just can't wait for the next trip to Corsica and Sardegna ;-))

Wow, Wow, and more Wow. That first photo is absolutely stunning Wafwaf. Would love to snake my way up and down those roads through the Alps on my CBR250R.

Mike

wafwaf

· #26 · Nov 10, 2011

Hi Mike, thanks for your coms! when winter really starts, and we most probably stop or at least slow down :-( , we will make up a diary of our trip, with dates, comments and pictures....... I will probably post a thread of it at the time.
some links:

Down from the Bonette pass
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xewaFYXmhSI

coming down from the Nivolet pass (sorry for the sound)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPh5U9hHYEI

In the meantime, here is the link to our informal friendly riders... and a way perhaps to discover tiny Belgium

Ibex250R

· #27 · Nov 11, 2011

CBR250R said:
Wow, Wow, and more Wow. That first photo is absolutely stunning Wafwaf. Would love to snake my way up and down those roads through the Alps on my CBR250R.

+1 pure Moto-bliss.

Spiked1

· #28 · Nov 11, 2011

I am jealous, Florida is too flat. Our mountains are garbage dumps. really...

Amontgomery

· #29 · Nov 11, 2011

I'm strongly considering doing a Saddle Sore (IronButtAssociation 1000mi in 24hr) ride sometime next spring (deer on the roads at night, fall and winter have longer nights obviously, spring gets the right amount of daylight and the lowest heat).

I have done several 300+ mile rides at one time and didn't notice any discomfort what-so-ever, and over half of that was at speeds over 75mph.

bungie4

· #30 · Nov 11, 2011

Amontgomery said:
I'm strongly considering doing a Saddle Sore (IronButtAssociation 1000mi in 24hr) ride sometime next spring (deer on the roads at night, fall and winter have longer nights obviously, spring gets the right amount of daylight and the lowest heat).

I have done several 300+ mile rides at one time and didn't notice any discomfort what-so-ever, and over half of that was at speeds over 75mph.

I've got my cert and a 1000 is a WHOLE NOTHER BEAST than 300

It's a whole other beast than 750!

I'll give you some tips now. First hydrate, wear a camelback and use it. Route choice, plan on leaving in the early AM to finish in daylight if at all possible. You don't want to be running after dark after doing close to a 1000 miles. If you can, choose a route with as much interstate (higher speeds) as you can and avoid major cities and construction. Stops will make our break your attempt. Practice them before you attempt. Same thing for doing miles. You will have a VERY tough time if you try to go from 300 to 1000. Do 500 and see how you feel. Then 750. Any slight soreness or aggravation you notice at these distance will become MAJOR obstacles after 15+hrs in the seat.

Read, learn and practice the IBA's words of wisdom (it's a link on there page).

The trick, and believe me, it is a trick to doing big miles, is "sit there, twist that". If your not moving, you losing. Those 10 minute rest breaks every hour will do you in. Better to be the tortoise than the hare.

Don't be afraid to bail out! It's easy to say you will, but believe me, it takes real cajones to abort an attempt.

Their is no way in hell I'd try to do an SS1000 on the CBR. But if you pull it off. Beer is on me!

I'll be pulling for ya!

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Redline

· #31 · Nov 11, 2011

Great stuff Wafwaf, having toured central Europe as a 16 yr old it must be one of the best places to live for a bike tourer.

Honda

· #32 · Nov 15, 2011

vraetorian said:
After a bit of considering...The one modification i'm going to be getting is the airhawk

What's an airhawk guys?

the_lucky_owl

· #33 · Nov 15, 2011

What's an airhawk guys?

Its an inflatable seat pad I believe. I've never used them but have heard good reviews.

Michael

· #34 · Nov 15, 2011

Airhawk - click below

AIRHAWK | Latest News in AIRHAWK Comfort Seating System

But I would still be inclined to go for a sheepskin "buttpad" - here from Alaska Leather

<Alaska Leather> Home of the Sheepskin Buttpad - Motorcycle Seat Covers - Alaska Leather buttpads

But I just got an off-cut from a sheepskin rug shop. It is like riding on a magic carpet.

USsoldierLibke

· #35 · Jul 4, 2012

This was my first trip out of town with the bike, a total of 60miles, and I'm impressed for the cost of the bike. A few things though was of course getting a little sore after riding. The wind certainly was a content when cruising down 2 lane roads and coming by a semi in the other lane, wind slap!

I live up in North Dakota so wind is a constant issue. That out of the way it was an enjoyable ride. Kept the throttle wide open going about 90mph downhill and 65 uphill. No issues with cooling but the tires did get a little slick in a couple areas and was a little extra careful keeping in line. Found out bugs suck lol.

sendler

· #36 · Jul 5, 2012

I fly down the highway in any weather on my CBR250R. 11,000 miles on it so far. 8,000 at 70 mph on the highway. I draw the line at falling snow or ice. My longest trip so far was down and back 460 miles in a day to Americade. 42F and thick fog in the early morning and 48 F and pelting rain for two hours on the way home in the dark (Wednesday if you were there). Running effortlessly in the fast lane at 75-80 mph with the fastest car on the road in my sights a half mile up to let him catch the ticket. My next trip will be 470 a day each way with camping gear to meet Craig Vetter at Mid Ohio on July 20.

nackkers

· #37 · Nov 14, 2012 (Edited)

Redline said:
Go for it.

Longest in one day, 780km from Bangkok to Burma and back.

And a 3 day trip of 1,800km.

The mind felt more tired than the body.

I know what you mean!!!.. I've just done Chiang Mai to the Burmese boarder, Takilek, roughly 7/800km... lots of fun, but those Thai's just have a habbit of blindly pulling out of side streets & doing other kinds of crazy stuff on you... And all just as you've squirted that throttle!

Man, my nerves are in shreds now, any Thai road is an accident waiting to happen... But other than that, it was a walk in the park.

I love my new CBR250R, but it's just a bit embarassing when podgy kids in school uniforms on suped up scooters go whizzing past you... Great bike, great handling, great grin factor & I'm sure that it's a far, far, far better bike than any scooters out there, but it really ain't that fast!.. Needs another 50cc... And a kick start... And a propper stand... And a comfy seat... And maybe a better rider??

arn

· #38 · Nov 14, 2012

Longest 1 day trip so far:

Ludhiana Mumbai via Hanumangarh - Motorcycling trip | EveryTrail

Modifications to make it slightly more tolerable:
1) Better seat
2) Wind deflector cum GPS mount (provisional)
3) Long range tank (20L)

mimico_polak

· #39 · Nov 14, 2012

bungie4 said:
I've got my cert and a 1000 is a WHOLE NOTHER BEAST than 300 It's a whole other beast than 750!

I'll give you some tips now. First hydrate, wear a camelback and use it. Route choice, plan on leaving in the early AM to finish in daylight if at all possible. You don't want to be running after dark after doing close to a 1000 miles. If you can, choose a route with as much interstate (higher speeds) as you can and avoid major cities and construction. Stops will make our break your attempt. Practice them before you attempt. Same thing for doing miles. You will have a VERY tough time if you try to go from 300 to 1000. Do 500 and see how you feel. Then 750. Any slight soreness or aggravation you notice at these distance will become MAJOR obstacles after 15+hrs in the seat.

Read, learn and practice the IBA's words of wisdom (it's a link on there page).

The trick, and believe me, it is a trick to doing big miles, is "sit there, twist that". If your not moving, you losing. Those 10 minute rest breaks every hour will do you in. Better to be the tortoise than the hare.

Don't be afraid to bail out! It's easy to say you will, but believe me, it takes real cajones to abort an attempt.

Their is no way in hell I'd try to do an SS1000 on the CBR. But if you pull it off. Beer is on me!

I'll be pulling for ya!

Did the SS1000 this past weekend! Where's my beer!? LoL

Yes the ride was a literal pain in the a$$ but it was fun. I found that the sheepskin alone didn't do anything for me after 700/800 miles. I was wearing bicycle shorts, and thick overpants + long johns and still felt pain all over my bum and inner thighs from being on that seat.

Next year I'll attempt the 1500 but not sure if it'll be on the bike, or another new bike (CB500F for instance).

UnMonk

· #40 · Nov 15, 2012

I do 400 miles to chicagoland and 400 back.
With a broken back.

No bitching here.

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