Fantastic 850 miler

On March 30th I was fortunate enough to ride again with the Santa Barbara Riders club. Yes they are mostly Harley's but they don't mind others ridding along. 10 motorcycles and 13 people
The experience was most enjoyable. We rode up to the San Bernadino mountains where it had snowed a few days earlier but no snow on the road way and not to cold. There was a great little pie place where we enjoyed some fresh pie and sandwiches. Then we rode down the other side and spent the first night in Indio Ca.
The next day we were on our way up the fantastic Palm Springs mountain where again the views were never ending. On the way down the other side the winds were blowing quit hard and hot and it was a difficult ride on our way to Anza Borego where we stopped and enjoyed some history about the area. The ride into Palm Springs was much of the same (hot winds) but no twisty s.
The hotel that the leader had picked out was again perfect, as was every aspect of our planned trip
On the third day, 4 of the riders went on to Death Valley making it a 5 day trip.
The ride back through Pomona desert was another experience altogether.
Gusty and very cold. Every one brought extra protection and no one froze to death.
850 miles in three days. I have to say that my Silverwing was absolutely amazing! It blew every one away on how fast it was going up hill and how well it preformed in the twisties. Also how comfortable I looked while ridding.
A few days before I had purchased a Ram mount bottle holder, which I had installed on the left handlebar which I was able to not only drink out of
but also to squeeze out water on to my shirt, in side my ridding coat, which made for a much more comfortable ride.
64 years young and cant wait for more long rides.

Great ride report! So you got along with the pirates huh?

Oh yea! After a few miles of twisty's and 90 mph. I think I had there attention. And when they saw how much room I had under my seat, plus my two side bags and top box one of the ladies wanted to buy one and another really wanted to ride my baby.

So you added some soft side saddle bags for additional luggage or do you have hard sided bags?

I bought some expandable soft bags that match my bike perfectly.
Gray and black. Easy on and off. I have put over 12000 miles on my scooter with them and there is not a mark any where on the plastic.
You can check out my pictures or check. Firstgear.com $143.00
I did have to make the large velcro straps a few inches longer and I bought some longer mini bungee cords for the bottom corners.

x

bigbird wrote:

I have a set of Givi T427 side bags. I've noticed an increase in fuel consumption when highway cruising with the bags on. The stick out into the wind stream and add a fair amount of drag. I only put them on if absolutely necessary.

You are absolutely right about the fuel consumption loss. I noticed the same thing.

Awesome ride report! I can't wait to get involved in a ride like this soon!