Returned from recent trip to CA--SilverWing

Returned from at least 4300 mile 10 day trip or so, adding LA/TX/NM/AZ/CO/UT/CA to my quest for 49 states in 2014.

SilverWing/ rode in the week with the worst weather in a long time, up to 50 mph crosswinds/sand storms/dust storms/gusts.

SilverWing real pig in these conditions----handles poorly. Bike is really dirty/starting getting bugs as I entered the south. I think GIVI box really upsets handling in adverse conditions...did same on my Burgman 400.

Luggage load, 2 Orleib rubber bags---height a little less than GIVI passenger back rest, much less than highest point of GIVI box----water/pop/beer carried in underseat storage/tools, extra gloves----bags maybe 30 lbs total---bike still top heavy, not great at low speed stuff.

WalMart Oil----adding not required

GIVI adjustable screen in lowest position works best---looking over

Lots of Trailer Bikers!! Wimps. Saw One scooter, a well ridden Helix in NV. Guess big scooter market is dead in US.

Haven't checked for sure I think 4300 miles---two 500 plus mile days, really bad wind days 250 miles or less @40mph or less. Ruff mpg 52-53, one tank @56 mpg----only one tank at less than 50mpg. At normal road speeds 60 mpg not in book.

MISTAKES: Bad Guess---did not wear my Stone Lake leather bibs---but temps except for last part of yesterday---cold/cool. Took feather vest, should have taken full feather jacket---did have long underwear along----wore 80/90% of time. I planned for 50-80F temps, got for many days 30-50 F.

Now I think interesting: Since I have had 2 new SilverWings and 2 new Burgman400's, each type giving me ruff 50,000 miles on each brand. Both are old designs------What I miss about Burgman 400---electric plug in, outside temp gauge, mpg computer, bigger under seat room, at least $2000 less purchase price, 60.4mpg for 6000 mile trip, it is 100-150 lbs lighter,non linked brakes(great for slow speed balance catching) Both had same GIVI E46 Box, GIVI adjustable shield, same Ortleib bags. Neither great in the handling dept......scooters. Both ABS. Makes you think!! Performance on road near same---both can sprint to 80mph or more to get out of way of idiots...usually in pick ups or SUV's. Burgman in spite of more primitive rear suspension can be more comfortable.


Motel 6 all the way---carried light camping stuff but so much dirt in SW, Nice to get in out of the wind.

Stopped to help HD rider who was blown over on take off---hid my bike behind building --got him up----I got on my scooter, ride 100 ft and was promptly blown over!! minor black paint damage. Not a fun day.

No trouble with SilverWing---just dirty---gets cleaned this week.

US is in third world status because of its road condition. I rode in the eastern bloc about a week after the wall fell----roads not as bad as US.

New ears plugs everyday----my 75 yr old body takes these trips in stride, only McDonald's food stays in, no bushes required.

Congratulations on your trip John. Sorry to hear your scooter went down   but glad you weren't hurt.   How many states do you have left to meet your goal?

Like to add: Scooter now has 7200 miles---OEM rear tire still has 5 or 6/32 tread BUT ARE WORN SQUARE!! Square tires have NO PLACE ON SINGLE TRACK VEHICLE.

Severe cross winds cause riding up on edge as you compensate for wind===equals real handling minus. And of course long sweeping turns no fun, too.

Have 2 Michelin SC's in garage. Guess have to put one on and throw OEM away----Past experience=they wear round and last 10,000 miles or so.

That's one thing about McDonald's food. It doesn't matter where you are it's the same at each store. Same quality. Same taste. Also, sorry to hear about dumping the scooter. That really sucks. Glad that you are OK.

Checked today-----done 19 states so far

Checked/worked on bike today----no problems, dirt and sand has made ignition witch bound up-----WD 40 blown in I freeing thing up

New oil and filter in the AM

Riding no luggage, handling better today---guess bike not designed for "REAL touring"

Bike cleaned piece by piece to get rid of dirt---tomorrow wash/gunk engine and drive line parts-----and soak bugs off.


Mistakes on my part further: forgot or did not carry Shop
Manual----could be handy in a jam.

Otherwise ready to go again---AK will be the long distance ride, states I miss in the east can be picked off easy from where I am, KS, NB, SD might require some doing.

Black Finger Nail polish covers plastic that shows from bike being blown off

Very informative dialogue John. A good patter for others to mimic. 4300 miles is enviable. Sorry about dropping the scoot. Soon I hope to putt off on a long ride too. Cheers.

john grinsel wrote:

only McDonald's food stays in

Just driving by a McD's and smelling the exhaust from their range hoods makes me gag. Ten days of nothing but their slop would likely put me into an emergency room. Am I the only one who watched "Supersize Me"?

For those who haven't seen Supersize Me and wants to.   Supersize Me
And here's a condensed version. Supersize Me in 7 mins