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Many x-country ?s, but first the right bike

pslshawn

pslshawn

Member
Member
Hi all,

I have been planning a x-country trip for several years now, and I’m seriously thinking about pulling the trigger this summer and making the Nat. part of the trip. A sandbox buddy of mine has lived in Redondo Beach for years now so that has always been my ‘destination’.

I’m really interested in any/all feedback on the best sub-$15k bike to do it on. I’d be willing to go a little north of 15k if it’s the right fit.

At this point, my only viable option would be my ‘14 Connie which 60k on the odo. With the higher mileage, weight, and not knowing how much unpaved riding I’d be doing, I don’t think it’s a good option. Agreed? Which is why I’d be in the market for something I could break in well before leaving.

My dream bike would be the Versys 1000 LT SE, but being well north of 15k, I am also considering the 650…enough power and payload? (I will be loaded up with camping gear). I have looked at several others (v-strom, tracer, tenere, etc.) but would love to stay with Kawi unless I can be talked out of it.

Thanks!
 
pslshawn said:
Hi all,

I have been planning a x-country trip for several years now, and I’m seriously thinking about pulling the trigger this summer and making the Nat. part of the trip. A sandbox buddy of mine has lived in Redondo Beach for years now so that has always been my ‘destination’.

I’m really interested in any/all feedback on the best sub-$15k bike to do it on. I’d be willing to go a little north of 15k if it’s the right fit.

At this point, my only viable option would be my ‘14 Connie which 60k on the odo. With the higher mileage, weight, and not knowing how much unpaved riding I’d be doing, I don’t think it’s a good option. Agreed? Which is why I’d be in the market for something I could break in well before leaving.

My dream bike would be the Versys 1000 LT SE, but being well north of 15k, I am also considering the 650…enough power and payload? (I will be loaded up with camping gear). I have looked at several others (v-strom, tracer, tenere, etc.) but would love to stay with Kawi unless I can be talked out of it.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I for one am having a difficult time understanding what ur asking. It seems you don't have a route planned based on ur statement of not knowing how much unpaved riding ud be doing! How can you not know? I'm not trying to be an a$$, but I've done many cross country trips and have been to many nationals and have always planned a route my bike would handle, being super slab, country scenic 2 lane byways and what not.

Is it your plan to do some off roading? Then yes the c14 won't work. If you planning on staying on pavement the c14 is a magnificent bike and will handle the trip well. Your 60k miles doesn't even get u close to the high mileage level yet! There are several bikes in excess of 200k miles, one I know is close to 300k and makes the national every year!! You need to decide what you want. Do you want a adventure bike so you can go off road occasionally, or do you just want a different bike. Ultimately you and only you can make that decision...

Join for the bike, stay for the people...;)
 
pslshawn said:
Hi all,

I have been planning a x-country trip for several years now, and I’m seriously thinking about pulling the trigger this summer and making the Nat. part of the trip. A sandbox buddy of mine has lived in Redondo Beach for years now so that has always been my ‘destination’.

I’m really interested in any/all feedback on the best sub-$15k bike to do it on. I’d be willing to go a little north of 15k if it’s the right fit.

At this point, my only viable option would be my ‘14 Connie which 60k on the odo. With the higher mileage, weight, and not knowing how much unpaved riding I’d be doing, I don’t think it’s a good option. Agreed? Which is why I’d be in the market for something I could break in well before leaving.

My dream bike would be the Versys 1000 LT SE, but being well north of 15k, I am also considering the 650…enough power and payload? (I will be loaded up with camping gear). I have looked at several others (v-strom, tracer, tenere, etc.) but would love to stay with Kawi unless I can be talked out of it.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I think maybe we need a little more info about your plans. (edit: typed while Kone' was responding)

I wouldn't hesitate to take the C14 with only 60,000+ miles on such a trip, but then you mention "unpaved riding".
So are you for sure planning on doing unpaved riding (incorporating the Trans America Trail or parts there of?) or are you just anticipating using backwoods camping or the occasional campground that might not be fully paved. I'm not sure I'll be able to assist you but I'm hoping if you give us a little more info about your plans those who can help with their knowledge will step up to your assistance more readily. Right now with out more info I'd have to say take the C14 and let it do what it does best (eat up miles keeping the rider fairly comfortable in the process) and use the money you saved on not buying another motorcycle for the occasional hotel along the way...sorta camp day one, camp day two, Super 8 motel Day 3, rinse repeat.....;)
Sounds like a great trip. I hope to see you at the National!
 
I've never ridden a Versus 650, but have seen plenty of them at rallies. Several used for MC camping, at least one I can name ridden two-up to the National in Alabama.
As much as I LOVE twisting the throttle on my C14, the 650 has good acceleration, and you'll likely get in the mid-50s MPG (based on my wife's results with her Vulcan-S).
As others said, figure out where you're likely to go, and it will help narrow the choices.
BTW...sounds like a neat adventure.
 
Unless you plan on doing some real off roading just ride the C14. Your low mileage is a non-issue & the C14 is fine on dirt/gravel roads for 25 - 50 mile stretches. You do want to have a good fender extender & gravel guard on your radiator though.

I ride cross country at least once a year, either 2 up & loaded or loaded with camping gear. I leave home with a direction or an end destination, but not a planned route. When it starts getting late, I start looking for a place to sleep & camping makes it easier since you always have your bed with you. I look at the map each night or morning, I pick my route for the day & that's subject to change if something catch's my eye.

Seat of the pants travel is much more adventurous & fun than having every gas, lunch & camp spot preplanned.

Either one of the 650's will serve your purpose if you go that route, the wee Strom would be my choice.
 
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