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First Overnighter - Trip Report

Tue, 2008-04-15 02:27 — cason621

I've had my 1300T since Christmas, but took my first overnighter with my wife on board last weekend. We went from El Segundo (next to LAX) to Joshua Tree Nat'l Park, then to Palm Springs. Coming home, we went on Hwy 74 (you locals will know it) through the San Jacinto mtns, Hemet, then home. About 400 miles RT. Mileage was just under 50 mpg.

We had a heat wave, so it was mid-high 90's the entire way (except for the mountains, which was a nice relief). Light jacket or shirtsleeves riding weather. Lots of riders out. My left arm got sore waving to bikers coming the other way :-)

With the addition of the Kuryakyn Classic Tour bag and luggage rack, we had plenty of storage. I also added a Laminar Lip to better direct the air over my head - it worked great but it's hard to clean the bugs caught between the lip and shield. With the lip and the Buck's lowers, the airflow is very quiet - I could ride with my face shield up most of the time.

The bike performed wonderfully two-up. We both started getting saddle sore at the 1.5 hour marks, so that was a good time to take a break. Are the aftermarket seats better for long rides? My wife commented that the wide velcro strap that holds the tour bag to the sissy bar makes the bar pad really hard, so leaning against it is uncomfortable. We need to figure out a pad that can go over the strap. But, other than the butt, no soreness or numbness. The RSTD bars were a lifesaver.

Overall, my wife had a great time, so I guess she's game for the next tour.

If anyone in the So Cal area is up for a day or overnight ride to Santa Barbara wine country or Julian, let me know.

Mike

‹ Road Runner Mag 1st 150 mile day ›
Tue, 2008-04-15 03:46 — T Star

Which Model?

Which model of the Laminar Lip did you use on your windshield? I'm thinking of the 17" universal cruiser Laminar Lip for my National Cycle Chopped Heavy Duty shield. Would you mind posting a picture of your windshield? Thanks. Tony

Wed, 2008-04-16 06:59 — cason621

Laminar Lip

Tony,
I have the 22" HD Road King model. I live close to the factory, so we tried out a few to find the one that looked the best. Note that I cut down my screen from stock to 20". I have a couple of pics under Mods (search for "cason621" in the title).

Tue, 2008-04-15 02:37 — ButchV

Awesome Ride!

I would give my left saddlebag to go on a trip to Julian. Loved that ride...... up San Diego 78 through places like Ramona, Escondido, San Ysabel.... other neat places long forgotten. But boy oh boy those rides in that are are super. Am happy you and your wife can enjoy such getaways. Mount Palomar would be awesome to see again too. Doane Valley I think it is called. Totally gorgeous scenery. Enjoy your rides.... take photos and post when you can. Get ahold of Tudor... he is almost in that back yard. Enjoy! and thanks for the great post. ~ Butch

Tue, 2008-04-15 08:28 — patdcop

Julian

I couldn't agree more. I was at the APA in San Diego this past spring and a friend loaned me one of his bikes and we took the trip to Julian (stopped for ice cream and apple pie). Went on to Mount Palamar then down the back side to Ocean Side. One of the best 200 mile rides I had been on. Discounting being on the "5" at five.

Tue, 2008-04-15 21:12 — Capt J

Mt Laguna Air Station

I lived in the area in '72 and rode a '69 Bonneville Triumph 650, then was stationed there in 1980 and rode the Yuma desert to the Salton Sea on a '76 Goldwing several times. Julian, Alpine, La Mesa, El Cajon...I attended Grossmont College and my wife worked at the Trading Post near Pine Valley. Great riding country although chains were required on cars in the winter due to the altitude. We could see Palomar above the clouds from Mt Laguna. We'd go back anytime!
James