Solo Denver to Seattle Bike Trip

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by tacomaviffer, Jul 18, 2018.

  1. tacomaviffer

    tacomaviffer New Member

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    Hi Guys,

    I live in Tacoma, WA and secured a ‘14 Base Interceptor from Sun Powersports in Denver, (yes the white one they listed for $6299. if you were looking). I have a one-way plane ticket for September 6th and my plans…. they're a bit shaky to say the least!!!

    The goal is 6-8 days to get home, I have to clock back in Monday the 17th. I prefer to mostly stay at campgrounds, but there can be a night or two in hotels. Lolo Pass is a must, staying off I-80 and I-90 as much as possible is a goal, looking for twisty roads, good camping, and unfortunately will try to avoid most of Yellowstone because of the flocks. I've got my home state covered, but looking for suggestions through Northern CO, WY, on the way to Lolo in MO/ID. Recommendations from somebody who may have made at least parts of this trip are welcome, specifically campgrounds, and twisty roads!

    I have read a few posts on this site, current shopping list is Honda saddlebags and .95” bar risers, I will be at the mercy of the dealership for labor other than what I can install in a parking lot with tools I must pack home. I am looking for sensibly priced recommendations for additional waterproof bag storage, (can I use my current duffle, and get a waterproof bag for it?) and vfr specific tie down methods with no rear trunk.

    Scott
     
  2. GreginDenver

    GreginDenver New Member

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    If you need any help in the Denver area, like tools and help for a parking lot install of accessories and such. I've got a whole garage full of tools and etc.
     
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  3. tacomaviffer

    tacomaviffer New Member

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    Thanks Greg, I may take you up on that! My Daughter just moved to Denver so I have that going for me, but she lives in tiny apartment and no tools! I think I'm gonna put together a basic tool "kit" and leave most of it with her as "welcome to adulthood, I know you'll never use this" present lol.
     
  4. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    You may want to think about shipping to the shop, your gear including helmet , tools and what ever else you need for your trip.
    Have fun


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  5. tacomaviffer

    tacomaviffer New Member

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    I've discussed that with the dealership and it is a possibility, depends on what I can get in a carry on and one checked bag.
     
  6. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    When I sold my bike (Ducati)and moved to UT I rented a bike in San Jose to ride to Laguna Seca the year Hayden won the championship.
    I UPS’d everything so I didn’t even have a carryon when I flew in to get the bike.
    Good luck



    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  7. Trakrat

    Trakrat New Member

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    You can look up REVER.com online they post great roads and the rating of the roads (and also have an app). Get a garmin at best buy cheap they are on sale for 150 i think. It sticks well under the windscreen. When you lose cell service you will still have tracking and homing to your destination. One other thing I like is a tire pressure and temp monitor. CAREUD on amazon for motorcycles is like 50$. I hate riding in remote area of texas and not know if a leak is starting. I also use the ogio tailbag works perfect and has waterproof cover.
     
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  8. tacomaviffer

    tacomaviffer New Member

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    Thanks for the input! I am searching for gear (rear bags, and tank bag) and you have a good point on the gps.
     
  9. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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    Kriega tail packs are waterproof and the clips fit the VFR seat loops
     
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  10. tacomaviffer

    tacomaviffer New Member

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    I am ordering a us20 and us10, I think those should give me enough space, along with the factory hard bags, even for a rookie tourer.
     
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  11. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Congrats on the new bike.....she is up to the trip and a waterproof bag strapped on the back and a credit/debit card is all you need. Go to google maps and map a route that looks interesting in avoid hi-ways mode and all will be good. I have made the same trip several times and the VFR is made for that trip. Hell you could take the first day and put your break-in miles on and schedule or do your oil change the next day. Easy to do 500-600 mile days in Colorado as the roads are so good you you just wanna keep riding. One thing is for sure--you have the right tool for the job.
     
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  12. tacomaviffer

    tacomaviffer New Member

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    I am so pumped about this, having a bit of a hard time focusing on what I need most, especially gear, I dont want to over do it, I will be using mostly my backpacking equipment. I really want to hit Lolo Pass, and my plans have been to do about what you say with the maps, I have a couple must do's but that is it! I am concerned about camping spots, but I have a credit card if need be!
     
  13. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

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    Only thing I'd add is keep an eye on the forest fires thru Colorado in particular, just so you don't end up downwind of one

    A US 20 & US 10 were all I used for 2 weeks from SF to Neah Bay then back thru the Yakima valley and Easter Oregon

    Good luck and post pics of the trip
     
  14. tacomaviffer

    tacomaviffer New Member

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    Thanks for the tips, I am terrible about posting pictures, but I plan on it this time, for me this trip is a big deal, I'm a 9-5 guy who works Update- Just ordered my bags-us20 and us10, pump and bar risers from Rob at motopups.com. I still need raingear (going cheap waterproof route), stove (backpacking stove died last year), and considering splurging on a mc camp chair, but the $ seems out of line, any input on camp-chairs?
     
  15. Samuel

    Samuel Member

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    I like Helinox but can be kinda pricey. Amazon sells some Helinox and wanna-be helinox that might suffice, especially if you're not pushing/testing the weight capacity of the equipment... ;)
    https://www.helinox.com/outdoor/chairs
     
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  16. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    I had a camp chair and only used it once was not worth lugging around. All my camping gear fits in my top case (tent, air mattress, sleeping bag, lantern, and jetboil) , with room to spare. I mainly use jetboil for oatmeal and coffee in the morning. Bar risers: my bike came with the Honda risers and I have never had any soreness in wrists even on longest jaunt of 600 mi in a day by keeping elbows bent and holding tank with knees. The beauty of traveling in the USA is food is cheap and plentiful on the road and if you need something it too is readily available--don't over think it just enjoy the ride.
     
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  17. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    Minimize your gear to what you really need. Don't check a bag on the flight out, just take a carry on, unless it contains your riding suit, that will be a good start there. Figure out where to change the oil. You may be able to wing it, I changed my oil once at a quick change type place. It was a wet slow day for them so I used their drain pan and maybe a wrench and they sold me the oil.

    Once you finish the papers and are geared up at the dealer, take a few deep breaths.
    Remember new tires are slick.
    Get on your bad motorscooter and ride! :Rockon:
     
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  18. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Good point on the oil change, many auto zones, orielly's, etc...will let you use there stuff and parking lot if you buy oil and filter from them.
     
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  19. VFR4Lee

    VFR4Lee Member

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    I would byo oil filter, not count on them to have one for the bike.
    They are cage oriented after all.
     
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  20. John O

    John O New Member

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    See if you can go earlier - you're right on the edge of snow season on the Colorado passes. However, the Poudre Canyon on Rte 14 west from Ft. Collins will keep you at lower altitude. And Lolo Pass is an absolute must. Take every bit of warm clothing you can. Should be a great experience.
     
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