Mike's Excellent Adventure

[Gadzooks Mike]

Alright, gang. The trip report has been posted in the Trip Report section. Here's the link.

http://www.gz250bike.com/viewtopic.php?p=2608#2608

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Gadzooks Mike

Easy Rider - most of the roads I was on were of the 45mph to 55mph variety. On the 55mph roads, I normally held it at about 60. Without the 16T sprocket, it would have vibrated and screamed too much. I didn't have any of that with the 16T. Any you're right, even with the gel pad, it's a struggle to keep the bottom happy. I just tried to do an hour, then stop (gas, water, coffee) for about 10 minutes or so. Was able to do about 300+ miles per day.

That's pretty much what I plan to do. No super-slab except when absolutely necessary and frequent stops.

Have you tested your top-end? Just wondering if my experience of hitting a "wall" about 70 with the 16T but otherwise stock is typical.

I'm working on a new seat "theory". I have moved my gel pad back as far as it will go AND (temporarily) put the front latching tab ABOVE the bracket instead of latched under it. This moves the front up about 1-1/2 inches and changes the seat angle a bit. Just did this yesterday but it looks promising. Need to test more today.

If this works out, then I need to make some quick mods to make it more permanent (and secure) before the trip........9 days and counting.

[Gadzooks Mike]

Easy, 70 is about it, except when running down hills - then I get scared and back off anyway.

As for the seat, I have my gel pad about centered, but have a folded up rain jacket under the front part to lift it up a bit. Same idea, I think. This actually gives me a place to back up a bit and hang my tail bone off the back of the gel pad now and then for a different position.

These are great little bikes, I sure wish someone would make a decent seat for it!

Good luck on your trip and enjoy it! I spent a career in the AF travelling around the world, and I can honestly say that I've never had this much fun. I hope you have as much fun as I did!