What is your avg riding distance?

[Red_bike]

Just wondering, when you guys take off for a nice ride, what kind of distance from your home do you guys ride? At what speed do you run it at when the bike is still stock? I guess I am asking if you just use it for around town or do you take 100 mile trips on it.

Duck

[Easy Rider]

I guess I am asking if you just use it for around town or do you take 100 mile trips on it.


When I still had one, it was mostly used for "trips" under 50 miles. It is, however, quite capable of road service......if you aren't in a big hurry and can stay off the Interstates.

Last year, I took mine to Atlanta; 600 miles each way, all on US 41. Took 3 days one way; 2 days coming back.

[alanmcorcoran]

As has been posted elsewhere, the bike is perfectly capable of doing 100 mile trips. One guy rode his 10,000 miles to Alaska (from TN I think.) The part that usually "breaks down" is the rider. Many of the riders on here have complained about severe cases of GZ250-ass, a numbness and loss of feeling below the waist brought on by the crappy seat. I was used to long rides on a crappy seat from my bicycle days but I found that my neck/shoulder blades started to cramp up at about 3 hours of riding.

There are numerous threads about homegrown and after market seat improvements. Personally, I think if you plan on doing a lot of trips where the total mileage exceeds 100 miles, you probably want to plan for a bigger bike in the future. Particularly if the longer distances involve highways or hills.

I haven't done too many long trips on my larger bike, but a lot of my rides are on multilane, high-speed highways and I enjoy them much more on the larger bike. The GZ is well suited to what I call "country roads:" single lane, low traffic, rollers with true 50-55 mph speed limits, preferably without any steep climbs. It's actually very fun riding in those conditions.

[Easy Rider]

you probably want to plan for a bigger bike in the future. Particularly if the longer distances involve highways or hills.


Be advised, however, that the "seat problem" really is about 50% having your feet out in front of you all the time (cruiser riding position). Unless you get a REALLY bigger bike, like Mr. Alan did, you are likely to still have a similar problem (although probably not as bad) if you get another cruiser that is "feet forward" and has no "floor-boards".

I'm currently debating some floor-boards or a $450 replacement seat.
Not too happy with either option.

[Red_bike]

I got the GZ250 for my son to use and last Sat we rode almost 100 miles and only stopped then because it was starting to rain. After we got back I was thinking that was a lot of miles for that size bike. We ran about 50 – 60 all the way. I have an 800 that I ride so it’s not a problem for me. I have done a couple Iron Butt rides on my 1500 Intruder when I had it, and having the legs out front and a good seat is a must. I don’t think I would do one on the 800 but you never know. I DO LIKE TO RIDE.
Just wanted to know if others do 100 milers offten.

Duck

[burkbuilds]

When I still had my GZ I only did two trips of about 250 miles in a day. They were pretty grueling rides! Mostly I rode from home to school (about 15 miles each way, and about once a week I went to see my mom which was about 25 miles each way. The need to ride a lot of highway miles was my only reason to trade in the GZ though. For shorter trips and around town, even on I-75 for brief periods it did fine but I rarely went over 60 mph. By the way, I just put floorboards on my new bike and it really made the biggest difference in comfort of anything I've done. My legs, and for that matter, my entire lower body are so much more relaxed and comfortable it's hard to believe. Modifying the seat on the GZ and on my current ride were also very helpful, but the floorboards allow me to put my feet down flat without any muscle "tension" holding foot positions now at all. I don't know if they make floorboards for the GZ but if they do I'd recommend giving them a try if you want to ride on longer trips.

[Easy Rider]

By the way, I just put floorboards on my new bike and it really made the biggest difference in comfort of anything I've done. My legs, and for that matter, my entire lower body are so much more relaxed and comfortable it's hard to believe.

Oh, crap. You just HAD to say that, didn't you !?!?!? :skull:

Now I'm gonna have to shop for floorboards for a Shadow 600. :cry:

Did a 200 mile ride today and was convinced I was going to have to shell out $400+ for a Mustang seat. It was bearable with the stock seat but just barely.

[JWR]

I do a lot of 100 to 320 mile day rides.

Did 175 Saturday and 110 today.

I really don't have any problems riding either two lane or interstate roads.

Jerry

[BusyWeb]

Hello, there.
IMHO, the rider's height might contribute some differences on the long distance riding with GZ250.
I think that all about the riders riding habbits and body position.
I usually got rest about each 100 miles or an hour riding with GZ or other bike, for both me and bike to be rest.
The butt/neck/back problems might be depends on the how fast you ride or how the road/traffic/weather conditions are???
For example; when I ride on highly concentrated muscle/nerve system; like night ride, I get tired faster than regular day-light riding.
^^;

[New GZ250]

20 Miles
:neener:

[Red_bike]

Thanks to all for the great information that you have shared. It lets me know that the bike can handle a 150 mile trip at 55 – 60 if the rider can do it. He will be using it for around town mostly but I am sure there will be times he will want to get out and ride a little. He has taken the windshield off and wants to try to ride without it to see how it feels. He knows it will help with wind but he likes the way the bike looks without it. Thanks again guy.

Duck

[short stop]

I travel on the highway regularly to work and back, about 35km of highway each way. To be honest, I haven't done any super-long trips with my bike yet, but I don't think I'd be comfortable with the bike completely stock. After a long ride, I find my hands going numb from vibration, and my bum, pelvis and back are sore from the riding position.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very pleased with my l'il GZed's ability to handle the busy Toronto highways, but I think I'll either have to upgrade or seriously modify her in order to do any long trips.

[Jer]

thats how I feel too. The overall comfort level isnt there for me to be on it for more than 45 min or so in a stretch.

Its the only bike I have ridden, so I cant speak for going bigger.

[bonehead]

I'm trying to decide wether to ride mine to my deer lease tommorrow, 185 mi one way. just weighing the pros and cons. If I do, I will post how it went.

[Easy Rider]

Its the only bike I have ridden, so I cant speak for going bigger.

I got a bigger bike; still cruiser style. It appears that an hour is going to be my limit......even with a $400 seat. :cry:
But then, no two butts are exactly alike. :roll:

If comfort on LONG rides is your primary goal, a cruiser is not the best choice.
Something with a BIG seat and pegs below you instead of out in front is much better.
An ST 1300 does nicely!! :cool:

[alanmcorcoran]

My weak point is the area between my shoulder blades. Based on my experience riding bicycles for long periods of time, I suspect I might develop some greater endurance if I consistently rode longer distances, but right now I really start to cramp up at about 200 miles. Given my other commitments this summer, I have been mostly limited to the commute to work and occasional 70 mile round trippers which don't pose a comfort problem.

FYI, I get the shoulder blade/below the neck stiffness whether I'm riding the Strat or the GZ. I've tried varying my stance, etc. but it just seem I have weak muscles for holding up my damn head. The helmet probably doesn't help - I usually wear the heavier full facer on longer/freeway trips.

I have a decent seat (and floorboards), but I would rank it at least a notch or two below the Goldwing Touring style with the backrest and everythin.

[Jer]

I think the time is right for a new invention.

2 words.

RECUMBANT MOTORCYCLES!

:2tup:

[alanmcorcoran]

I think they have those already - they're called "choppers."

[Jer]

:)

The chopper stance. I'll never get it. It looks like you were frozen as you jumped out of a tree on somebody and then put on a bike.

[bonehead]

Well, I did the ride to my deer lease. Went over on friday and was able to keep it around 60-65. on the way back sunday, had a stout headwind and could only get 50-55 out of it. And my ass is still sore. If I ever do it again, it will be on a bigger bike.

[Red_bike]

Well we did about 160 miles today and the the GZ did great with my son on it. We ran about 55 - 60 most of the time on back roads and I think it was about 75 miles before we made our first stop. We had a great day being together and talking bikes. I was worried about taking it on anything over 50 miles but thanks to you guys I have found it will do it and more.

Duck.

[alanmcorcoran]

Sounds like a day well spent! Your son is a lucky young man.

[Red_bike]

I feel like the lucky one to have a 19 year old want to spend the day with the dad. He is a great kid and will be heading back to college in a few week.

Duck

[VTXorcist]

Glad I'm not the only one suffering from "GZ250-ass". I did notice that it's much worse if I try to sit back like I do on my 1300. If I lean forward and keep my back straight, the pressure seems to be more on my butt cheeks than my tailbone. I may look like an 80-yr old riding a Hoveround, but I care more about my butt than other people's opinions! ;)

[dhgeyer]

For me, and I suspect for many others, the riding position is very important, along with the saddle, vibration and noise from the bike, weather, riding gear, riding experience, knowledge, and habits.

I am in my 60's, and only in moderately good condition at best. However, I do ride a lot, so the motorcycle specific muscles are toned pretty well. I have done 500 mile days on a sport touring bike and been none the worse for wear. I did a 265 mile day on a Honda Rebel, and to my amazement, I felt fine afterward. I have gone 100 miles on other bikes and hurt all over.

For me, the cruiser position is the worst for distance. The feet and arms all forward put all my weight on the saddle, and all the bumps and vibrations go right into my back, which generally doesn't last long. The best position for me, and for most distance riders, is the sport-touring position. Pegs under me, knees bent somewhat, legs carrying some of the weight and acting as shock absorbers, some (but not too much) weight on arms and hands for the most even weight distribution possible.

Proper gear is important. You need either a full face helmet or a tall enough windshield to keep the wind blast off your face. You need to keep most of your skin covered, even if it's with mesh riding gear. If the weather is wet, you need good rain gear to stay dry. If it's hot, you need to find a way to stay covered but cool. A wet T-shirt under your riding jacket is an old trick distance riders use in hot weather, as is a wet kerchief or rag of some kind around your neck.

You need to stay hydrated. And, very important, you need to take frequent breaks. Don't just stop long enough to gas the bike - walk around and stretch. Take an extended break every two or three hours.

You don't want to eat a lot of heavy food before or during a long ride, but you don't want to be uncomfortably hungry either. Just enough fairly light food, in small but regular snacks is the way to go. Did I mention keeping hydrated?

You want to move around on the bike at frequent intervals. Take each hand off one handgrip and turn your upper body around and stretch. Stand on the pegs once in a while. Arch your back and then lean way forward bending your back in the opposite direction. Put your feet on the passenger pegs for a while and lean forward. When stopped at lights or in traffic, take the opportunity to stand and stretch (keeping the bike in first gear in case you need to gun it out of someone's way to avoid being rear-ended).

This is just the barest intro. There are books written on successful distance riding. If you want to tour, or stretch your rides out, reading a couple of those books would be a good investment.

I just got the GZ250, so I don't know what its distance potential is for me. If I ride smart and do my part, I'm pretty sure I can get a couple of hundred miles out of it in a day and enjoy it. Maybe more on a good day. We'll see.

[Water Warrior 2]

Very informative post. I have been experimenting a bit with the best form of pants in the heat and have decided I just won't ride in extreme heat. So far nothing has been really satisfactory and I will not just wear jeans or anything that will not protect me in a fall. The rest of my body I can protect and cool but not the lower trunk which can be a real PITA.

[alanmcorcoran]

On the topic of light eating, I recommend something called "GU". It's a sugar gel that is extremely digestible and one package will provide you with about 45 minutes of "fuel" with minimal energy expended for digestion. I am particularly fond of the "Espresso Love" flavor, which tastes like coffee and has a little more caffeine than the other flavors.

I discovered this source of convenient, light weight personal fuel when I was training for (and running) marathons, and now I use it for any situation where I want to be covered in case I start to "bonk", including racquetball, music gigs and, long motorcycle rides. Always have a few in my pockets. If you have an REI near you they sell it in boxes. Also at runner's stores and, probably on-line.

[dhgeyer]

alan,

Thanks for the tip about GU. Does it all have caffeine? I can't use caffeine, as it causes an irregular heartbeat.

Water Warrior,

Have you looked into mesh pants? Off road riders use them a lot I think. Anyway, I know they exist. I ride in heavy jeans. Despite conventional wisdom, I have been down twice in my 13 years now, and on the one two years ago I tumbled and rolled 100 feet. The car knocked me off the bike at 55 mph or so - no time to brake, I swerved. Anyway, my Joe Rocket ballistic nylon jacket was shredded in places but kept me from serious injury, as did my full face helmet. I had one small patch of road rash on one knee where the jeans wore through, but other than that they held. On my other mishap 40 years ago I was going much slower, and the jeans held with no problem. Just one data point. I have a good pair of riding pants. But, if it's too hot to wear them, I'll go with jeans.

[alanmcorcoran]

They have two caffeine free flavors: Strawberry Banana and Lemon Lime. The rest have 20 mg. (Espresso Love has 40.)
Be aware that an 8oz (small) cup of coffee has 150 milligrams. A Red Bull has 80. A Dr. Pepper has 40. So it is not very much by comparison. Caffeine is not good for stage fright so I am pretty tuned in to the various dosages and their effects. I'm not a doctor - but mrlmd IS - perhaps he can weigh in on whether 20 mgs has any impact on the ticker.

I've gotten a little complacent about the riding pants, too. I'll still wear them on 3 digit trips (San Diego) but around town and out for the evening I've been going with the jeans. Even worse, now that it's hot, and I've gotten a little fatter, I wear Lucky jeans instead of the heavier Wrangler types. Tough call to decide how much risk you want to take, versus having some fun/excitement in life. It's all good until your luck runs out.

[Water Warrior 2]

Have 3 pairs of pants. 1st pair were JR Ballistic 5.0. They are heavy, waterproof, warm and breath as well as plate steel. Good idea at the time. Very secure feeling and great in really bad weather. 2nd pair are JR Alter Ego and much better with the removeable panel and zippers. Still not enough air circulation around the belly and crotch area to reduce heat build up. 3rd pair is the most effective. JR Atomic Jeans with a very light lining to hold knee and hip armor in place. Air does pass through the denim quite nicely at speed. If I spread my knees apart(no tank hugging here)for a minute or so there is a good amount of air flow on the inner thigh to cool things down. So yes I will probably wait for a bargain on mesh pants in the fall when they go on clearance. New Enough in Texas gets most of my clothing budget so I will just keep my eyes open.