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Post by Jake aka: Ventoscoot on Jul 24, 2009 2:40:17 GMT -5
I am planning a long trip, probably from Salt Lake to Vegas. Hopefully not alone, gonna try to get a couple of ASSC folks to come with. Google Maps says 510 miles one way and 10.5 hours one way not using the freeway (I figure14 realistically). I am on a lightly modified (standard perf mods ie: pipe, intakeCVT, FS carb, no BB kit) Vento phantom 150cc. Looking for advice on equipment, preparation, any wisdom from those who have done this kind of ride before. I am planning on trying the one way in one long day, not sure if that is advisable, thus this question. I am going to also do a 180 or so one way in preperation to do a "shake down." I have done 120 miles in a day just around the valley here and did not have a problem, but that was in traffic, runing erradns so not teh same thing at all. Maybe this could become a sticky for future reference info. Thanks in advance guys and gals!!
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Post by kz1000st on Jul 24, 2009 6:48:46 GMT -5
Two things I can think of right away. Carry some kind of flat fixing kit and air pump. Plus get a kidney belt to wear. Your back will thank you. I wore one even in my early twenties and it made the trip much easier on my body.
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Post by harrywr2 on Jul 24, 2009 9:18:23 GMT -5
Pay attention to the sound of the valves...if they go quiet you are overheating a bit, a little slower is better then broken down. Verify your CVT belt width before you leave. I wouldn't do a 1,000 mile round trip on anything less then 19.5mm wide.
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Post by tortoise on Jul 24, 2009 13:20:33 GMT -5
planning a long trip, probably from Salt Lake to Vegas . . Google Maps says 510 miles one way and 10.5 hours one way not using the freeway For others curious . . Google Maps. |
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Post by oldlazydog on Jul 25, 2009 0:03:52 GMT -5
I have done 500 miles on a 250 Helix in a day once. The biggest surprise, was how tired my arms and shoulders were. There isn't much opportunity to flex, and the helmet gets surprisingly heavy.
Not so much a surprise, but something to be aware of; Fatigue and reaction times. I had to force myself to check mirrors, on-coming traffic, road hazards, etc. I just wanted to get into a long string of cars, and follow the bumper of the car in front of me. Straight roads and constant speeds can mesmerize you. I perked up when I got off the main highway, and could no longer play 'follow the leader'. Shortly after that, few twisties made it fun again.
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Post by Jake aka: Ventoscoot on Jul 25, 2009 2:02:32 GMT -5
Tortoise, thanks for the link, that is the route it didn't occure to me to post the link. I checked the elevation changes, etc. and it all looks like something that is is doable. i do not want to do it alone so am recruiting ASSC club guys here to go. Got one on board already. He has a 250cc vespa. I will definately take lots of pics, and probably take my laptop and air card to post regular updates at like 100 mile intervals.
kz1000, good ideas, I am already planning a back rest mod for teh long trips, and frankly for some of my long in town runs. Teh flat fix stuff is good info as well. Good to know on teh valve sounds too, thanks Harry. Oldlazy dog, very good info, fortunately the route is rather rural and not heavy with traffic.
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Post by indy50 on Jul 25, 2009 22:06:56 GMT -5
Dude
Take your time & plenty of tools
Be sure to have your cell w ya
Luck to ya
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Post by jim63 on Jul 26, 2009 13:48:11 GMT -5
Saw this thread and had to comment. Actually next saturday my wife and I leave for Las Vegas, will be on our scooters, 1402 miles to Vegas on trip there. 500 miles in a day is alot. From my experience the 10.5 hours you estimate maybe abit optimistic. We have found that 300 is about the max we can do and still feel good enough to do something when we arrive. My wife is a smoker so smoke breaks are mandatory, at least one per hour, this causes more travel time. Your 150cc scooter will be pushing pretty hard to maintain that pace I would think.
Our trip preparation consists of route planning, we also plan no interstate highway travelling. My scooter has new tires and belt on it. Both scooters will get engine and gear oil changes day before we leave, both have new air filters and the coolant will be topped off as needed. My spare parts will consist of a new belt, spark plug, engine oil (will need to do one change after we arrive), long neck funnel, empty milk container (will use to catch oil, cut it in 1/2),screw-drivers, box-end wrenches and sockets/driver that fit the fasteners needed to replace items if needed and oil change. Not taking a full set of tools just the needed ones. If a belt happens to break it will be taken to a shop with air tools (but will have the part).
Also have an electric air pump(clips onto battery posts) with tire plugs/slime. Will bring rain gear, and garbage bags (to cover our bags in case of rain). Will also pack some emergency snacks and several bottles of water for the hotter areas. Dehydration and heat stroke are a concern, and should be considered for a long trip, take breaks and drink alot of water. And the obligatory cell phone to call for help if needed, along with several credit cards. We plan to travel about 250 miles a day average. Start early in the day and plan to be at the pool or at the bar by 3pm each day, it is a vacation after all. We are planning to stay at hotels along the way, no camping or roughing it.
Plan for the worst, but hope for the best, is sound advice.
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Post by Jake aka: Ventoscoot on Jul 26, 2009 17:32:45 GMT -5
Jim, what kid of scooters are you riding on, and when are you going? It sounds like you have planned for as much as you can and I am looking forward to your ride report.
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Post by shalomdawg on Jul 26, 2009 19:37:33 GMT -5
howdy, i'll also ring in on the issue by saying that depending on your comfort level taking more frequent breaks just seems to make the trip better. even a smoke break length stop will help get the miseries in check.
lotsa miles and smiles to ya
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Post by Jake aka: Ventoscoot on Jul 26, 2009 20:15:58 GMT -5
Very cool folks, this is exactly what I was looking for!! When we do this, I will make and post a trip planner with a check list!
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Post by jim63 on Jul 26, 2009 22:53:01 GMT -5
Will be on our SYM RV250's. Will be using large backpacks for our clothes strapped to our backseats. Oh also forgot to mention will also carry a 2 gallon gas container. I dont forsee using it as the route should have plenty of gas, and longest stretch without gas could possibly be about 120 miles (between good sized towns). Dont plan to fill it, till we get to more remote areas. We leave saturday August 1st, figure 6 days to get there.
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Post by Jake aka: Ventoscoot on Jul 27, 2009 2:17:48 GMT -5
to bad you aren't going later, we could meet up!!
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Post by xs650 on Jul 27, 2009 12:22:23 GMT -5
Saw this thread and had to comment. Actually next saturday my wife and I leave for Las Vegas, will be on our scooters, 1402 miles to Vegas on trip there. 500 miles in a day is alot. From my experience the 10.5 hours you estimate maybe abit optimistic. Jake, Jim speaks words of wisdom. 10.5 hours looks like a reasonable estimate for scooter time on the road. Need to add in fuel, food, restroom, picture, stretch and WTF stops. Add 2 hours unless you are going to really flog yourself. Leave at the crack of dawn to be sure you have maximum daylight hours if something causes a delay. |
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Post by Jake aka: Ventoscoot on Jul 27, 2009 13:58:06 GMT -5
Yep, if you notice in my post, I put that I figure 14 realistically, the more I look at it, I think 14.5 or 15.
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Post by chaz12 on Aug 8, 2009 0:46:17 GMT -5
Being on a air cooled scooter, yes, stops are necessary to cool off the engine. It seems you may want to take some tools with you. A cell phone for emergencies.. I was thinking of taking a trip around the State of Missouri. 7 days trip, bring two changes of clothing, tent, sleeping bag, tools, a little to eat, drive 300 miles daily, and find others whom would want to do this. But a cell phone is very important to have.
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