confession of an addict

[RS Thornton]

addiction support

Thank you very much for the offer mr red bandit, but with respect to Mr. Heston; you can have my XS when you pry it from my cold dead hand

for colors I have 2 macho marroon and 2 spray can specials, 1 yellow and 1 red. Paint is a secondary issue as I can always get to the cosmetics later. If you want to help with garage space I have a 79 CB750K and 99 Venture on craigslist, or if you or anyone else wants a winter project I have an XS750 for the first person that shows up with a truck or a trailer.

[RS Thornton]

Seat

I have a corbin on the way from Andreas, and will be measuring it up for a beadrider once it gets here. I will check out those other options as the seat and bars are as critical as anything else for this type of riding. A minor discomfort becomes a huge pain in the ass after a few days. Thanks for the tips on other seat choices, I am going to follow up on them if the corbin doesn't feel right.

Scott

[RS Thornton]

LD riding experience

Longest at a stretch on an XS1100 is 1500, have several 1000+ days, one was done within the borders of Ontario. While I do not keep a log I know that ~18 hr days will work for me, but you need to have the bike set up for that. This is why I run HID lights and heated gear, the temperature and light conditions after dusk and pre dawn can be dealt with.

Minimal stopping means you need that extra 5 gal fuel tank so that fuel stops are set by the riders capability and not the bikes. You also have to be very effecient with hotel and fuel stops. At the end of the day from the time you get the bike off the road to the time your head hits a pillow needs to be within 15-20 minutes, so no chit chat at the front desk. You can only do this if you have planned and have your bike packed so you can get your shower kit and change of clothes out without digging through all your gear. For fuel stops the odd numbers ones tend to be gas and go using pay at the pump and the helmet never leaves your head.

It is kind of funny that in my 20's I could ride 750-800 mile days but without the GPS I run and or the other upgrades. And I never used hotels (or change of clothes if I recall) just a picnic table at a rest area or scenic lookout. Now in my 40's I am a bit fussier. It is just as well as more and more rest areas have armed guards that suggest you move along. In retrospect, watching Easy Rider as teenager may not have been my best idea.