First Bike Trip on the R12R

[Shakey]

Shakey,

Where in Norfolk are you?

I'm near the North Coast not far from North Walsham

[abambach]

Lost Rider, thanks for setting the record straight, and I agree that mis-stating fact is not why I joined this board. I joined this board to get good information and learn how to be a better rider. Riding at 130MPH on a US highway is wreckless no matter how skilled you think you are. If you think you are that good, go beat the PROs on a closed track. It is all about the journey and the safety of others around you. Ride safe and stay upright.

[Patch]

Hey Blair... don't forget to update us with pics when you get back!

[BLAIR1200R]

Hello folks,
Sorry for the delayed trip report. The trip went well, good weather and open roads. The Texas wildflowers are still impressive even this late into spring, as was the number of butterflies pollinating them… I’m sorry to report I put a significant dent in their population.

Gear worked perfectly and the bike was fantastic fully loaded. In fact, I’m not modifying a thing… location and weight distribution of gear was perfect. The only thing I’m considering is dumping my rain suit and just going with rain pants because I have a waterproof liner in my current jacket. I cut the trip short, but enjoyed the weekend on the bike immensely.

Some observations –
I set the suspension up with just a bit more than half the preload and rebound I set when I ride two up and it worked great… sweepers, twisties, dips… all handled without a thought.

I never put my triple digit question to the test because I didn’t need to… it was mainly about passing on two lane blacktop. On lonely stretches I ran for an hour or so at a time around 80 to 85 mph and the R12R seemed to like that speed. On the way down I was getting 20+ headwinds, which made me tuck behind the sport screen at times. The return leg had a tailwind and was soooo nice.

For you Texas folks, I have the yellow bulbs in my headlight. I passed Troopers, local police, and Sheriff’s Department spanning over 10 towns with no issues…not making a claim, just stating an observation. Also, regarding the yellow light, people do in fact move in their lanes because of it. It appears to be a reflex on their part, but you can track their line and watch them move to the outside when you get within a certain range of them.

I really like the Nemo tent and the "airbeam" concept... sets up easy and no tent poles to jack with (tent fit in my tail bag... see pict below... yes, I goofed up and mounted the tailbag backwards ... I turned it around on my first pit stop).

I'm going to try and hookup for another trip with my buddy, but it will most likely be in midsummer, so it might be a scorcher. Maybe head to Ruidoso to get some altitude and some relief. I don’t think my wife could handle the ride time, but might give a shorter trip a try.

Here are a few shots… just didn’t feel like taking many pictures. I tried some video, but it's kind of boring because I didn't have it out on any of the twisty parts.

[websterize]

Man, that's a great-looking bike.

[hjsbmw]

Blair, how many miles do you have on those Z8, how well do they wear, and are you happy with them?

[Lost Rider]

Awesome, sounds like a good ride even though the plans changed!
Nice clean pack on a great bike.
Glad to cops didn't mess with you for being more conspicuous too.

Camping in Texas mis-summer? That's hardcore in my book, no need to try to ride at unsafe speeds while loaded.

[BLAIR1200R]

Man, that's a great-looking bike.

The R12R certainly turns heads ... folks don't know what to think about a "naked tour bike" it seems...

Camping in Texas mis-summer? That's hardcore in my book...

Agreed... you have to go somewhere that has water to cool off in... but even then, the road time is toasty

Blair, how many miles do you have on those Z8, how well do they wear, and are you happy with them?

I'm just coming up to 3,500. They work fine. I have no complaints... stick in corners good enough and my commute to work is stable and complaint. They haven’t flattened much on the centerline yet.


I guess the one thing I would add to the trip report is that I missed having music on the long stretches. I've researched some earphones, but have to figure out the whole volume control / power / earphone setup. Quality hearing protection is more important to me but would like to find that right blend.

Cheers,
-R

[sky_sailor]

Is there usually an "issue" with the yellow bulb? Texas? Anyplace else? I've heard of the "Yellow Rose of Texas".....probably not related issues?
Lyle

[Lost Rider]

Check out the Yellow Headlight Thread, there's been a discussion about cops, laws and yellow headlights:

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=24491

[websterize]

I guess the one thing I would add to the trip report is that I missed having music on the long stretches. I've researched some earphones, but have to figure out the whole volume control / power / earphone setup. Quality hearing protection is more important to me but would like to find that right blend.

Check out Etymotic earbuds. Fitted well, they seal road noise almost as well as foam. I use ER6s plugged into a Jabra BT3030 Bluetooth dog tag, which receives stereo audio, wirelessly, from the Navi IV. It'll work with an iPhone, too.

[BLAIR1200R]

That's the brand I was researching.. too bad they discontinued the ER6s... http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er6i.aspx
All the other current models look like they stick out further than the 6s, but might have to try them.

I was looking at these as well --> http://westonemusicproducts.com/music/i ... l-fit.html

The Jabra products look fantastic... what a great fit for motorcyclists.

Thanks!

[Patch]

Nice .. sounds like you had a great time

Theres something very awesome about pulling into a campground on the bike and setting up, sacking out and hitting the road again the next day.

Ride often, camp more!