Long distance/endurance riding on your ST....

[Diesel]

I just saw this thread back on the old Yahoo site and thought it important enough to post up here, as there is some great advice for members looking at extending their riding range on our beloved STs.....


Diesel wrote:

I spent a lot of time working out how to arrive fresh at a destination far away from home.

My ethos is: that which takes your attention from the road and task at hand needs to be banished!

Yeah- it's cost some $$$, but once the cost is forgotten, the problem is usually dealt with too.

This includes sore wrists, fatigue, numb bum, cords and wires swinging in the breeze, a brake sticking, a worrysome tyre, an extremely noisy helmet from wind, even a dirty windscreen.

These things take away from the enjoyment of riding, and can distract you from your usual 100% commitment to riding safe and alert.

That said - Diesel is 6'4" and needs a few 'extras' as I cope with knees and back angles that you with ducks disease don't.

For reasons of customising my ST13 to facilitate long hours in the saddle, I have the following add-ons or farkles:

- cruise control
- highway wings/pegs
- mp3 player into moulded noise cancelling earphones
- heated grips
- Moorehouse customised seat
- CBR1000 XX adjustable clutch lever
- 1"up 2"back handlebar risers

and most importantly.................

- frame of mind.

the two most important things with frame of mind are:

Am I riding to the conditions?  and
If my mind starts wandering from fatigue - I STOP!

Remember - one of the best things about getting home after a ride is... getting home after a ride!  (Rule #1)

I have tried the Airhawk and sheepskin Malcolm, but still needed the seat customised for the reasons that Rod (OzRider) pointed out.

ST1300 TIP #1:  I bent the little locating tabs that the rear of the rider's seat locks into back a bit so that I can have the front of the seat on its highest setting (oz of my height), and the rear of the seat on the middle or low setting (to stop that 'sliding forward' action. I will gladly show anyone this simple little remedy at our next rides.

ST Long Distance Riding Tips #2-3: When I approach the 80 and 60km/h speed zones of a town, I stand up on the pegs (make sure you're capable and comfortable of doing this first) to give my back and butt a break and induce better blood flow to the bum/leg region. The locals don't like seeing this, so pick your times or pull over for a stretch if need be.  Also, whilst riding on clear straight stretches of road, do some movement exercise like leg and arm stretches, roll our head around, stretch and twist your back, roll your wrists and ankles around, breathe deeply, have another swig of water (or other hydration - this is imperative), and check your awareness levels however works for you. Also, check your bike over (all gauges, wiggles the bike to check air pressures in tyres, does the screen need a clean, is your baggage still strapped on correctly, toilet/food breaks, fuel levels, time of day - wildlife warning etc).

Hope this helps.

Cheers, Diesel

From: Malcolm & Diane <maldi6112@westnet.com.au>
To: ozstoc@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wed, 25 May, 2011 8:13:29 PM
Subject: RE: [ozstoc] Perth - Darwin

 
I enjoy reading all the stories about long rides.

Did a run recently of 700km in one day in the south west. How do you stop the butt and wrists getting sore?

I’ve heard limited reports about the air hawk seat cover. What do Diesel and Rod use?

My St is only young by only having 32,000ks on the clock. Something I would like to rectify.

I’d like to catch up with any other ST riders in Perth, if possible.

Regards

Malcolm

 

 

From: ozstoc@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ozstoc@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Barry Lane
Sent: Friday, 20 May 2011 11:26 AM
To: ozstoc@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [ozstoc] Perth - Darwin

 

 

Great report and pic's Rod. Enjoyed it!

 

Cheers

 

Barry

--- On Fri, 20/5/11, Rod Wilson <wilsonrs123@hotmail.com> wrote:


From: Rod Wilson <wilsonrs123@hotmail.com>
Subject: [ozstoc] Perth - Darwin
To: "ozstoc" <ozstoc@yahoogroups.com>
Received: Friday, 20 May, 2011, 10:29 AM

 

Diesel mentioned my trip from Perth to Darwin it was probably my first FarRide did not do any IBA rides or accreditation however probably the furthest I had reiden previously was a round trip of probably 300k's, so this was a real adventure.
 
http://farriders.com/forum/index.php?topic=2386.0
 
Since them have completed many long stints in the saddle some documented many not, next weekend Im catching up with Diesel at Euston in NSW so for me its a 6,800k run in total over 5 days. Temps will be starting at 22-30 and down to Alice Springs 4 early AM to about the same in Euston so i hear.
 
Should be a fun ride and now going through the final stages of planning, bike prep (new front tyre today), new set of winter gloves, wool thermals (try buying them in Darwin lol)  and going to try a set of Barkbusters on the ST let you how they pan out.
 
Ill post my Spot tracker on the site before I leave for those interested in following progress.
 
Enjoy the read above its a bit long winded so get a coffee.
 
Cheers
 
Rod (OzRider)

[alans1100]

I forget how many times I've crossed the Nullarbor on my ST1100 and trailer in the last 4 years. At the time home was Adelaide and I found work in Port Hedland, then Karratha WA.

On my first trip via Perth I felt a little stupid doing this trip on two wheels but then I saw two guys on pushbikes........I felt much better after that.

What I've learnt.

Stop every 100kms for 10 minutes or the nearest fuel stop to that distance.
Plan your fuel stops and take at least 10 litres in a can. Prevention is better than cure.
Take enough food/water to last a couple days. Breakdowns do happen.
Slow it down, afterall your on tour, not a race track and you'll end the day not so tired.
Do not over estimate your days riding distance or your own capability.
In outback SA an WA watch out for straying livestock and wild life.

When I tour I take my trailer and usually keep my speed to about 90 to 95. In WA if your towing anything by anything you're limited to 100kph.

I have never had a problem 18 wheelers and road trains. I keep to the left, they keep to right when passing. I flash headlight when it's safe for them to come back over. Most long distance truckies will thank you by flashing indicators once left/once right. In WA north of Carnarvon and Leonora when three or four trailers are the norm flashing lights after they pass you helps make there life a little easier. Watchout for oncoming traffic, you may need to slow down and let them in to avoid an accident.
 
4WD and cars on the hand....we all know about them so no need to comment.

[terrydj]

At the moment I'm only a 1000 kays or so from home, so not really too far, a few stops, a few mars bars and I'm home. Done a bit of the distance stuff and the only advice I can give is stop when you want to, for as long as you want to. Oh yeah and if that thing on the bike gives you a problem, get it sorted out. And, and if you want your bum to smile every time you go for a ride, simply forget the rest and get a John Whorehouse seat.