Thoughts on my first SS1000 with the Spyder

[Nokesy]

I have the same problem with milage as previous I had an Honda ST1300 which meant that I could travel further than another else riding with me. I used to do a lot of long distance travel, including Iron Butt runs. Last one I did was on a Spyder RSS to which I'd added a 4 gal reserve tank that automatically added gas to the main tank as I drove. This allowed me to only stop once for gas to complete the challenge. I also found that you get cramps in your upper left leg when going only distance. To correct this, I used an Ultimate seat, which worked very well. Only went to this after trying many different items like gel seats, sheep skin, etc, etc.

On my RT Ltd I have a comfort seat, which I find very good, as I am older now, with two new knees and a heart condition (I need the comfort and keep to less that 500 miles per day).

 

[mecsw500]

I’m retired now. I don’t have any place I have to be in a set amount of time.

So, I plan journeys of 300 mile legs. My arthritis hurts and I have cardiovascular issues too. It doesn’t matter if it’s on the Spyder or in my Range Rover, 300 or perhaps 350 miles in the car and I’m done.

When I was younger 12 hours or more on a bike was nothing, now after 300 miles, riding becomes a chore not an adventure. In the western US where you fill up with gas when you see it, not need it, if I make more than two en route gas stops, I’m done for the day.

Yes, it adds cost to trips, but my wife will only go on them if she gets to sleep in a comfy bed at the end of that day and eat proper meals rather than gas station snacks.

 

[pegasus1300]

As to your seat problem, give motorcycledave a call. He used to be an advertiser here. He sells a seat pad you mount under the seat cover. I did this to my seat and turned it into a seat I could ride forever on. It cost me 3 hours of labor to install plus buying an air staple gun ($30,00). Motorcycledave.com. Call him and discuss your problem. Great guy to talk with.

 

[jdgretz]

The more I ride, the better the seat feels. I'm now about 2500 miles into my summer trip, and the seat is really no longer an issue. I had been considering everything from an AirFlow to a custom seat, but unless something radically changes in the next 4,000 miles, I don't see the need to change it.

jdg

 

[DMcBiker]

From LA to Florida to Maine... You should think about doing the 4 Corners Tour of the USA. The mileage would be around the 8000 miles you have planned. I'd like to see a picture of your hydration setup if you can, I have a good setup on my GS, but I haven't figured one out for the Spyder yet.

 

[jdgretz]

From LA to Florida to Maine... You should think about doing the 4 Corners Tour of the USA. The mileage would be around the 8000 miles you have planned. I'd like to see a picture of your hydration setup if you can, I have a good setup on my GS, but I haven't figured one out for the Spyder yet.

I'm planning on the National Parks Tour - Silver, which requires a National Park in Florida, Maine, California, and Washington State, with a total of 50 Parks in at least 25 states. I don't quite have the time to run all the way back down to Key West (which I love).

jdg

 

[Jb74texan]

@jdgretz, I've seen 29mpg on one trip with ECO mode on and calm winds. Other than that one trip, I'm usually around 25mpg or so around town. I don't speed, at least not excessively, but I'm very spirited riding around town. It's still better than my other toys, and I'm sure that when I do an Iron Butt Ride, I'll be complaining about range too.

@Nokesy, the ST1300 was one of my favorite bikes. I never owned one, but rented one and went across Michigan on it. Very comfortable compared to the ragged out Sportster I had at the time.

The Ultimate Seat is on my to do list - if I can figure out what color would look best, my rear end will start to feel better.

 

[DGoebel]

As a fellow IBA member I've done a couple SS1K and BBG's on my '13RTL and '18RTL, the '18 giving me much longer range. I have both a Bead Rider seat cover, and a Butt Buffer that I use on the optional BRP Comfort Seat. The Bead Rider stays attached and I slip the Butt Buffer gel pad in every other tank on IBA rides. I also carry The Reda 1 Gallon Saddlebag Gas Can (RGC1001) in my right saddlebag, as that alleviates the fuel stop anxiety. I have used it a couple of times when headwinds killed my mileage. I thought the SS1K and BB1500 was easy, but I have yet to improve on that with a BBG.
Thanks for your report and observations, it's inspired me to go out and shoot for a BBG to add to my certs.