7 Hrs in the saddle today--Impressions

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by Zeta, Dec 20, 2017.

  1. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Hi All,

    Just finished a 340 miles trip to the Three Twisted Sisters (Tx 335, 336, 337). Riding impressions are as follows:

    Weather clear sky with temps varying from 58 to 74 degrees.
    Left Canyon Lake Tx at 9.45 am and pulled back in at 5.15, stopped for about 30 minuets fro fuel and grub.

    Road impressions: These roads are scenic with varying elevations and curves and very good save for some road surface imperfections. Very nice sweepers, with some tight stuff, and a few blind off camber curves. Tx 336 was the worst road conditions in my opinion. Tx337 was good from start to finish; however, I found Tx335 best for me and my style of riding--fast sweepers.

    Bike performance: Bike handled everything beautifully. Even though some think the 8th gen is a pig she handles her weight very well. Power was linear as any V should be and the way I like it. Brakes-IMO are superb, as good or better than any of the 4 brembo (2 duck, 1 moto guzzi, and 1 aprilia) equipped bikes I've owned.

    Mirrors: if there is another bike that has better mirrors I would be impressed.

    Seat: I was on the bike 7 hrs and my ass is none the worst, in fact this 63 old fart is perfectly happy with the comfort level of seat, peg height, and wind protection.

    Overall--All-in-all I can not think of a better platform for these roads and the type of riding I do. And if you are anywhere near the Texas Hill Country--please ride these ladies.
     
  2. fink

    fink Member

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    Nice write up there, wholeheartedly agree with your statements about seat and mirrors.
     
  3. 4corsa

    4corsa New Member

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    I did 6 hours of seat time last summer through the Catskill Mountains (290 miles) with one stop for lunch and gas. I totally agree with your assessment, at the end of the day, there was not another bike I could imagine that would provide that much performance, fun, and relative comfort. I had no problem keeping up with my buddy on his Ducati 848 (as long as I kept it in the 8,000 - 12,000 RPM range on the twisties), but was in far better shape at the end of the day. I felt like I would maybe hit my daily limit at around 400 miles on the VFR.

    Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
     
  4. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    I can't imagine sitting in any kind of "seat" for 6 or 7 hours without getting out of it several times for some reason or another. If my VFR was that comfortable, I think I'd just sit on it all day and just enjoy being comfortable.....
     
  5. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    Hi James, I put a lot of time in the saddle and to me comfort is a relative thing. I ride bike's differently than most, when I go out I usually run at least one tank out. I'm not a go to the store, bar, cafe, lunch, etc...daily rider. I like riding longer distances and putting on some tunes, very therapeutic to me (being retired this is very easy for me to do.) I find the VFR a comfortable "motorcycle" tank-to-tank. My Moto Guzzi was more "comfortable" for wind protection and seat feel, especially slabbing, but I enjoy the VFR better for my style of riding and if I were going to Mazatlan tomorrow I'd want to do it on the Honda--been there, done that on the Norge. BTW I live on a boat and the Honda seat is by far more comfortable than some of my main cabin seating--if I could only get it in the cabin.
     
  6. Lint

    Lint Member

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    OP, how tall are you? What is your inseam and weight, for comparison to others?
     
  7. Zeta

    Zeta New Member

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    5'11' inseam 30-31 (long torso, short legs), current weight 195, age 63
     
  8. fink

    fink Member

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    Of course you need to stop and get off from time to time as is the nature of the beast. Yes there are folk who go out and ride for several hundreds of miles a day, as opposed to the others who think a 50 mile blast is an expedition and need feel the need to purchase additional comfort in the guise of an aftermarket product. you should maybe head out and try it sometime.
     
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  9. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    I was being somewhat facetious. I've ridden countless days from 9am to 6pm in the Smoky's which can be some of the most challenging riding in the country along with similar mountainous twisty riding elsewhere. There's nothing relaxing about that other then the "mind-flush" it gives due to the total concentration required. I do get off the bike now and then though. I don't ever ride in town (too dangerous for me) or in straight lines for more than a few minutes at a time (BORING). It's just where I live. If I had to ride in straight lines, I wouldn't own a motorcycle. ; )
     
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  10. Lint

    Lint Member

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    Last time I spent 7 hours in the saddle, my wife couldn't walk for days!!! BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
     
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  11. duccmann

    duccmann Member

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    Wow Frank ya really went there huh


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
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  12. Bubba Utah

    Bubba Utah Member

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    FAKE NEWS!!;-) Only because you could not walk, sit, stand or pee as well, or maybe that is just me! Trust me I tried at the age of 22 with not even this time frame as expectations with additives. had to call in sick at work;-)
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2018
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