I don't think the VFR is a long distance bike

Discussion in 'General VFR Discussions' started by IA-Mike, Oct 10, 2011.

  1. Blackslide

    Blackslide New Member

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    Well, the hjc clear visor is quite cheap so I might just try something out.

    People recommend Johnson & Johnsons Pled, Turtlewax "Clearvue" and regular car wax..

    I assume the least harmful would be a proper cleaning and putting on simple hardwax (carnauba/beeswax).

    Liquid waxes usually contain stuff that might or might not affect the visor..

    A friend tested that Clearvue stuff on a cheap helmet and the visor got all smeared up and didn't clean or polish off. But that might be user error, low quality visor, or both.

    Riding on the storm
     
  2. Blackslide

    Blackslide New Member

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    Big thanks for the Rainex hint! Actually found a shop here that sells Rain-X Plastic water repellent. it is a bit expensive, but 500ml should be enough for several treatments. Since visibility is quite big part of trying to be safe on the road, I'll swap the visor and give this stuff a go as soon as possible.

    Riding on the storm
     
  3. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    Holy zombie thread batman. You just won't die.

    I have to disagree that you "need" to be in shape to do long miles. Rnady and I just did over 2000 mi in a week, and we are definitely not in the 'marathon' runner sect. Of course, we dosed nightly with various forms of anesthesia. :)
     
  4. Cycleman1

    Cycleman1 New Member

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    I've always used Plexus Plastic Cleaner. It was originally designed for use on aviation windshields, and works really well on face shields and windscreens. Fills small scratches and water beads on the face shield and then runs off.
     
  5. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    I have to chime in here. My buddy Dave and I just got back from a one day, up and back ride to the Talimena Parkway. We rode a little over 500 miles and I tell you I was hurting and ready to climb off. That said we only stopped for gas and were doing over 100 mile stretches at a time. When I ride my own pace I get off about every 75 miles. I walk around, drink some tea out of my thermos and maybe take a pee break if need be. I can ride this this all day without fatigue.

    I have ridden my 2002 Buell M2 Cyclone 360 miles in a day and except for the very hard, ancient, Sargents seat, it was very comfortable much to the amazement of my Harley riding companions. I rode a BMW R90/6 set up like an R90S for years and the Buell has the same feel (except for the foot massage vibration.)
     
  6. VFR1200

    VFR1200 New Member

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    I'm 6'3 and I did 600 miles in one day on the stock seat and regular bars. My only problem was getting monkey butt. I got off the bike and it was dead for what seemed like hours. The only good thing I had was Vista Cruise Control. This way I could take the weight of the bars and not keep my wrist in that one position for hours. I was on the i-15
     
  7. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    I probably go home to the central coast around 1x per month which is approximately 273 mi. I usually do one stop for fuel and continue on. I used to do the same on my VFR and it didn't really bother me much. I'm definitely not in 'good' shape, but I am used to just riding until I get to wherever I have decided to get to that day.
     
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  8. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    I don’t believe in this thread anyone has mentioned hydration when riding long distances. I tend to agree that good core strength and fitness are necessary for riding long distances, but just as important are making sure you are well hydrated.

    It took me many years of riding before I realized that there were numerous times I was dehydrated. This manifested itself in me riding and wondering why I was feeling every bump in the road; and why I had a headache or the beginnings of one. I’d never realized I was dehydrated at those times because I didn’t actually feel thirsty. In fact even on a very hot day when exercising I rarely feel thirsty.

    Once I realized I needed to hydrate; I drink water, Gatorade or an equivalent on a regular basis when riding. It has made a major difference in my comfort level on long rides.
     
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  9. reg71

    reg71 Poser Staff Member

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    True. I forget that quite often also. If I'm doing over 500 miles, then I'll stop and stretch and rehydrate, but if it's under 300 I just go for it. Between 300-and 500 it just depends. Usually I'd stop for a bit.
     
  10. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Hydration is a very regular part of my day anyway. I am always in the company of iced water in a large thermos, sometimes two. I stay away from the sports drinks though. They maybe good for the average person, but have empty calories for the diabetic. However there is an important ingredient to the sports drinks that all should also be consuming while out in the high heat and where hydration is a concern. And that is salt. Salt is salt, but the better choice is if you get it from sea salt. Both have salt, but the sea salt also has the electrolytes, just like what is added to sport drinks You don't need a lot. Just add a few grains to your bottled water, enough to just start noticing a difference in taste. That will help with retaining a healthy amount of water in your system. If you are they type of person who suffers Charlie horses and muscle cramps, this will all but eliminate those. This and a banana a day for the potassium. Supplements for potassium work well too but I like bananas anyway.
     
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  11. VFR1200

    VFR1200 New Member

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    If on a long ride I have a camel pack. Drink on the go. Push the hose up into my helmet, couple of sips and keep on riding.
     
  12. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    I did say I ride 75 miles and take a tea and pee break.
     
  13. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

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    My 5th Gen VFR is a great compromise. It will eat the miles and still be fun when I get there. I have been thinking of picking up an ST1300 because they have become so cheap. They are really great on the road but lose in the fun department when you hit the twisties. They are also pigs at parking lot speed. (They do have nice bags thought!)
     
  14. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    These are excellent points. Hydration and good core strength applies to good health in life, in general.....anything you do. I recently hired a personal trainer and she said in her experience, almost nobody has "good" core strength that doesn't work on it intentionally. The core involves more muscles than most people know. In the short two months working with a qualified professional to get stronger, the results have been amazing. I could have gotten stronger on my own but not done it as good or as quickly.

    Separately, a VFR is what it is. It does not have the comfort of a Goldwing and never was meant to have it. I think a lot of people are expecting too much from the bike and themselves as far as riding distance is concerned. I've ridden well over 300 miles in the Smoky Mountain twisties many times but I was in great shape and that's arguably too many miles in that kind of terrain to ride safely. There are many roads in that area that, arguably, aren't safe to ride on a motorcycle anyway.
     
  15. Blackslide

    Blackslide New Member

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    In my opinion, hydration should be taken care of, the day before a longer trip. This way you have lesser pee breaks and can go on longer. Ofcourse you have to drink on the trip too, but having a good reserve at the get go is a big plus.

    Taking a longer trip the day after being drunk. Is a bad idea. Even if feeling well, you are very dehydrated and tired, wich is not good at all. Makes for quite a draining trip.

    Gear wise, a perfectly fitting helmet has been the most important thing for me. Gloves play quite a big role also, too loose is bad, too tight is even worse. And even your shoes, pants, jacket, backpack, etc. must fit well. Otherwise it will annoy the cr** out of you. Even a small strap hanging in the wind is really disturbing on a longer ride. Heck, having one hair loose on your face is super annoying while riding.

    Riding on the storm
     
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  16. James Bond

    James Bond Member

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    Another good point, Backslide. I've seen, in the Smoky's, people party too late, get drunk, get up, then ride twisties, then wonder why they crashed. Serious twisties require enough concentration when one is physically ready for them. To ride them with a hangover or still high is stupidity in action. People do it.
     
  17. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    Proper hydration is a lifestyle. Regardless of your present or intending activities, present hydration is something you need to be aware of for basic healthy living. Proper water consumption is critical for your system to flush out impurities and contaminates you consume even during a healthy diet. Water helps cleans the liver as well. For those who suffer muscle cramping or Charlie horses, adequate daily consumption of water is something you deal with well before the onset of cramping. If you are cramping, then you have been far to short in your hydration for days in the past.

    I had a Kinesiologist work with me, one on one, three days a week, an hour each session, for a year to help with dealing with pain from a duty related injury (a few actually) which started some 5 years prior. He was a stickler for form as was I. By time that year was over, I was in the best shape of my life, including after going through strenuous boot camp. Even though I was now 25 years older and 47 years of age at the time. I wasn't a bike rider at the time so can't offer an opinion on how it may have improved my riding experience though.

    But I do believe the VFR has the ability to be a long distance bike. SO much depends on the mind set of the rider, the rider's physical fitness, and the way in which the rider rides. Presently I am not in the best of shape health wise. My physical fitness has deteriorated considerably since I was seeing that kinesiologist some 15 years ago. And I am 63 (63 & 1/2...our mindset starts a reversal at my age) but I can still rack up the miles in long distance riding. It does not happen without trade offs.
     
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  18. JIMLARCH

    JIMLARCH New Member

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    Tea has caffeine and will dehydrate you. I personally never drink caffeine drinks when riding long distances. Of course one mans long ride is another’s short ride. We all have different ideas of long.
     
  19. Eagle Six

    Eagle Six New Member

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    I understand your point, but not all tea or coffee have heavy caffeine content, nor do individuals process caffeine the same.
     
  20. bk94si

    bk94si Member

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    Tea does not dehydrate. It just doesn't hydrate as well as non-caffeinated drinks.
     
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