[QuickZedOne]

I am contemplating taking a long road trip on the ole' Zed, and I wanted to see if anyone had any pointers.... The farthest I have ridden on it to this point has been 200 miles (round trip)..... This ride will be 600 miles (one way). I am looking into getting a gel pad for the seat, but I wanted to see if anyone had any other useful ideas that may make it a more enjoyable trip......

 

[ridingswitch]

Here are a few simple tips that I use.

1. Wear earplugs. It keeps you from getting tired mentally and physically.

2. Take 15 minute breaks every 60 to 100 miles.

3. Dont rush your trip.

If you want to go cheap instead of buying a gel seat buy a good pair of bike shorts.

 

[QuickZedOne]

Do any of the aftermarket wind screens make a big difference in the wind? I guess what I'm asking is, are they worth the money?

 

[almostinvincible119]

Yes. I have the Powerbronze and I love it.

 

[zephyrboy738]

Yes after market wind shields is the way to go. I have the one form Kawasaki very nice. But you can put small washers under the top screws and that will raise the shield up to block more wind. I also use a large tank bag so when I get tired I can lean over on the bag to rest my back and rist. hope this helps.

 

[Ray916MN]

Set your bike up properly

- adjust the rotation of your handlebars to minimize the amount your wrists bend.
- adjust the brake and clutch lever perches so when you operate the levers your fingers aren't at an angle to the back of your hands. This will reduce hand fatigue.
- adjust your gear shift lever and brake pedal so your ankle/foot is at a natural angle when underneath or above the shifter, but not shifting or over the brake lever, but not braking.
- adjust your front and rear suspension for the proper amount of static sag and compression and rebound.

Wear ear plugs. Get a small pump spray bottle and put a little dish washing fluid and water in it and carry a bandana to clean your faceshield whenever you stop. If you're going to be slabbing it, consider get a Throttlemeister throttle stop, so you can give your throttle hand a break while riding. If you are going to be riding when it is cold, consider buying an electric riding vest. This will reduce the amount of riding gear you need to wear and greatly increases comfort on long rides where the cold can suck the heat out of your body.

 

[QuickZedOne]

Very good information from all. I don't know that I will be able to get the wind screen in time, but I am looking into the gel seat. I am also trying to find some decnt rain gear as well.... I have talked to a few of my riding buddies and they all have stories of that "1500 mile ride on the R6".... If they can do that, then I guess I can handle 600 miles on my Zed..... Just worried about my back and my butt...... I want to be able to get up the next day and go ride with the people I am going to visit....

 

[RobG]

Your local dealer may be able to get the Kawi one quickly... Puig's is nice, I hear. There's also that one the guy on this forum was advertising (I want that one), as it looks a bit taller than Kawi's.

Re cleaning your visor... another option is a package of baby wipes and some TP. I always carry my own TP on a long trip anyway (for various reasons) and a baby wipe will clean the visor, but leave it smeared unless you dry it with TP or something else soft.

The suggestion for a break every hour is a good one. That alone may keep you from needing the gel seat. When I finally do my seat, I'll send it to that guy, Spencer in Florida who reworks seats for $75-100. I've heard nothing but good things about his work.

I would take more trips on mine but the 4-gal tank is a bit limiting. Plus I need a better windscreen. I bought a handlebar riser that consisted of a pair of round machined "pucks" (for lack of a better description) that fit between the triple clamp and the handlebar clamp. Unfortunately, the Z1000 clamp design (at least on my 2010) doesn't have bolts going through it, but instead they are studs embedded in it, so I can't make them an inch longer. Grrr.

Rob

 

[Ray916MN]

I'm in my low 50s and have done 1100+ mi days, and for the past decade have done at least one 600+ mi. day on my 916 every year. My typical weekend day ride is 400+ mi. I haven't owned anything as upright as a Z1000 in about 5 years.

Aside from having your bike setup to be comfortable, the biggest thing to covering miles is to learn to be relaxed and let the bike do the work. Bikes are designed to be stable and handle with a minimum amount of input when ridden at even an elevated street pace. In my experience riding fatigue is often an indication that a rider is fighting their bike, rather than letting the bike do its' job. To learn to ride light, pay attention to how loose every part of your body is while riding. Make sure your hands are resting on the grips, not gripping them except when steering input is needed. Make sure you're not using your upper body to maintain position on the bike while braking or accelerating. Your lower body and core is where you have the most muscle and the greatest resistance to fatigue. Learn to use them for the most physically demanding aspects of bike control. A light touch not only reduces fatigue, but also enhances your steering and braking feel.

 

[ridingswitch]

I also found out that if really want to reduce fatigue to take a few Ibuprofen in the morning and a few after your ride. You will have little to no soreness guaranteed!

 

[zephyrboy738]

The wife & I rode up to Desota falls, then on to little river canyon in Ala to day awsome ride.Weather was 75% and the water was up,the falls was full Maybe 120 mile round trip

 

[blainepc]

suck it up..... just make sure all your maintenance is up to date and ride! as for the rider make sure your hydrated and have fun!

 

[zephyrboy738]

suck it up..... just make sure all your maintenance is up to date and ride! as for the rider make sure your hydrated and have fun!

I here you,if you have to ask how far is it, then you can't ride with ME!

 

[Jukes55]

Hey, I just got back from a weekend trip with my girlfriend to santa barbara from la, its about 200 mi, round trip, but we did a lot of riding up there around wine country, and took the long way thru mailbu so overall it was 340 mi round trip. We were pretty exhausted, both being a little above 6 feet tall. All stock on the bike too, 2011. Mostly though it was lower back that ached. I've done 300 miles in one day before alone, and it didn't exhaust me as much as this trip. I ordered the Corbin seats, both front and rear, which come in like 3 more weeks, hopefully this will do the trick, because I would like that not to be the last time she wants to go for the long of a ride up on that tiny rear seat. But it helped that each time we got gas we just relaxed for about 15 mins, made a huge difference. Biker padded pants seems like a good idea too, on the way back we put a sweater under her bum, which helped a lot too, impromptu plan b =) We both knocked out the moment we got home though. But today, I feel great, like nothing happened. I even took it the 30 miles to work this morning, feel great! Enjoy your trip, the Z is made for these excursions. A windscreen isnt a bad idea either, the wind can be brutal!

 

[QuickZedOne]

Thanks for all the input... Looks like the ride is gonna fall through, but I hope to try again in the near futre... Between work, school, and the family..... The ole' Zed gets neglected....