The Grand Tour

9271 Views 32 Replies 12 Participants Last post by MileHighSCR, Sep 15, 2019

SCRBen

Discussion Starter · Mar 9, 2019

So, I received a nice surprise the other day........the missus, out of the blue, said I should take a bike tour this year! My only thought on this was, she must have another man. But hey! Bike tour!
So......after regaining consciousness and coming round, picking myself up off the floor, I got to thinking - where to go?
I've got 7 days. Certainly don't want to stay in the UK. I've saved a few touring guides from various mags through the years, so starting flicking through these, and an idea started to formulate - The Black Forest in Germany! Not too close, not too far. And home to the B500 - consistently considered one of the top-10 biking roads in the world. Yes!
Spoke to the old man - he's up for it. Game on.
Now to planning.......
There is, however, a little thing niggling the back of my mind (no, not the thought of there being another man.....if there is, I'll bring him a gift back!! :wink2

No.....is the SCR going to be up to it? Not in terms of "will it survive" - of course it will. But is it powerful and/or fast enough. Now, I'm no speed demon by any stretch, but most days will be at least 200 miles, some will be closer 300. Inevitably, there will be some motorway/highway involved (although I'll try to minimise this). Also bear in mind, the old man is on a BMW R1200RS - 135bhp of Bavarian loveliness. When I'm really stretching the throttle cables, he'll be about ticking over in 6th.
At the same time, I would really like to take the SCR - I think it'll be a hoot.
Take look at 'circuit' people do around the Black Forest though - I doubt there'd be much left of the pegs, never mind the feelers ('hero blobs'):

https://goo.gl/maps/tJenZsYHexC2

Can anyone assuage my fears?
Ben

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Dread

· #2 · Mar 9, 2019

I toured all over the western USA on a crf250l, interstate highways and small two lane roads. The SCR will be fine, and you will look REALLY cool.

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[email protected]

· #3 · Mar 9, 2019

SCRBen said:
So, I received a nice surprise the other day........the missus, out of the blue, said I should take a bike tour this year! My only thought on this was, she must have another man. But hey! Bike tour!
So......after regaining consciousness and coming round, picking myself up off the floor, I got to thinking - where to go?
I've got 7 days. Certainly don't want to stay in the UK. I've saved a few touring guides from various mags through the years, so starting flicking through these, and an idea started to formulate - The Black Forest in Germany! Not too close, not too far. And home to the B500 - consistently considered one of the top-10 biking roads in the world. Yes!
Spoke to the old man - he's up for it. Game on.
Now to planning.......
There is, however, a little thing niggling the back of my mind (no, not the thought of there being another man.....if there is, I'll bring him a gift back!! /forum/images/SCR950Forum/smilies/tango_face_wink.png)
No.....is the SCR going to be up to it? Not in terms of "will it survive" - of course it will. But is it powerful and/or fast enough. Now, I'm no speed demon by any stretch, but most days will be at least 200 miles, some will be closer 300. Inevitably, there will be some motorway/highway involved (although I'll try to minimise this). Also bear in mind, the old man is on a BMW R1200RS - 135bhp of Bavarian loveliness. When I'm really stretching the throttle cables, he'll be about ticking over in 6th.
At the same time, I would really like to take the SCR - I think it'll be a hoot.
Take look at 'circuit' people do around the Black Forest though - I doubt there'd be much left of the pegs, never mind the feelers ('hero blobs'):

https://goo.gl/maps/tJenZsYHexC2

Can anyone assuage my fears?
Ben

The only real problem that I see is the seat. I would recommend an Air Hawk inflatable seat cushion. They take some getting used to the feeling like you're sitting on a couple dozen of eggs rolling around under your butt. BUTT, it's definitely worth the trade off. The relatively small gas tank is actually a good thing. You get more chances to get off of that seat! Sounds like a blast!

bmw111

· #4 · Mar 9, 2019

Lucky you. I’m happy just to be able to ride a couple hours around the lake on a weekend before I have to be back home herding cattle . . . er, kids. My only concern would be making sure the BMW stays out of the throttle on the long stretches.

As for your marital suspicions, MGTOW.

bmw111

· #5 · Mar 9, 2019

Check out “Tough Rides India” on Prime Video or YouTube. If they can get around the entire country on those last-gen Royal Enfields you’ll be fine.

Schu

· #6 · Mar 9, 2019

SCRBen said:
So, I received a nice surprise the other day........the missus, out of the blue, said I should take a bike tour this year! My only thought on this was, she must have another man. But hey! Bike tour!
So......after regaining consciousness and coming round, picking myself up off the floor, I got to thinking - where to go?
I've got 7 days. Certainly don't want to stay in the UK. I've saved a few touring guides from various mags through the years, so starting flicking through these, and an idea started to formulate - The Black Forest in Germany! Not too close, not too far. And home to the B500 - consistently considered one of the top-10 biking roads in the world. Yes!
Spoke to the old man - he's up for it. Game on.
Now to planning.......
There is, however, a little thing niggling the back of my mind (no, not the thought of there being another man.....if there is, I'll bring him a gift back!! :wink2
No.....is the SCR going to be up to it? Not in terms of "will it survive" - of course it will. But is it powerful and/or fast enough. Now, I'm no speed demon by any stretch, but most days will be at least 200 miles, some will be closer 300. Inevitably, there will be some motorway/highway involved (although I'll try to minimise this). Also bear in mind, the old man is on a BMW R1200RS - 135bhp of Bavarian loveliness. When I'm really stretching the throttle cables, he'll be about ticking over in 6th.
At the same time, I would really like to take the SCR - I think it'll be a hoot.
Take look at 'circuit' people do around the Black Forest though - I doubt there'd be much left of the pegs, never mind the feelers ('hero blobs'):

https://goo.gl/maps/tJenZsYHexC2

Can anyone assuage my fears?
Ben

That's awesome Ben. And to be sharing that experience with your father is priceless.
Things will be fine while you're gone. :wink2:
No need to bring me back a gift. >

SCRBen

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 9, 2019

Dread said:
I toured all over the western USA on a crf250l, interstate highways and small two lane roads. The SCR will be fine, and you will look REALLY cool.

Ha! That is a priority! :wink2:

[email protected] said:
The only real problem that I see is the seat. I would recommend an Air Hawk inflatable seat cushion. They take some getting used to the feeling like you're sitting on a couple dozen of eggs rolling around under your butt. BUTT, it's definitely worth the trade off. The relatively small gas tank is actually a good thing. You get more chances to get off of that seat! Sounds like a blast!

I’m not really worried about the seat, TBH. The aforementioned missus used an Airhawk when we toured France on the Harley, and didn’t really rate it. Having said that, if any of you guys in the US are willing to order me the Corbin Gunslinger Seat, and then send it on to me at cost (avoiding the ridiculous surcharges) - now that I would like! :x

bmw111 said:
Lucky you. I’m happy just to be able to ride a couple hours around the lake on a weekend before I have to be back home herding cattle . . . er, kids. My only concern would be making sure the BMW stays out of the throttle on the long stretches.

As for your marital suspicions, MGTOW.

I had to look MGTOW up!!

Schu said:
That's awesome Ben. And to be sharing that experience with your father is priceless.
Things will be fine while you're gone. :wink2:
No need to bring me back a gift. >

Aah - you’re the one then! Good luck with that.....!! >

Ben

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Bam

· #8 · Mar 10, 2019

I`m really looking forward to read some reports (and pics please) from this trip. Sounds like a great tour. I`m also hoping for the summer to give some opportunities for touring, however I have the same concerns as you about the SCR`s suitability for longer trips.

Wonderful idea though, any ideals this far what your wife is expecting as ”compensation”. (Some of us might be able to plant some seeds...)

/A

SCRBen

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 10, 2019

Bam said:
I`m really looking forward to read some reports (and pics please) from this trip. Sounds like a great tour. I`m also hoping for the summer to give some opportunities for touring, however I have the same concerns as you about the SCR`s suitability for longer trips.

Wonderful idea though, any ideals this far what your wife is expecting as ”compensation”. (Some of us might be able to plant some seeds...)

/A

Yes, there was a list of demands! Check this out.....
1) I have to leave her some spending money (fine with that).
2) Try and go in term time, so she’s not left with all the childcare (also fair)

And the last one......

3) WRITE MY WILL!! (“Just in case......you never know”)!!!

Jeez - it’s nearly put me off going!!! :grin2::grin2::grin2:

Ben

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jobirobi

· #10 · Mar 11, 2019

SCRBen said:
if any of you guys in the US are willing to order me the Corbin Gunslinger Seat, and then send it on to me at cost (avoiding the ridiculous surcharges) - now that I would like! :x

Ooh you've got me tempted here; I wouldn't mind the excuse to ride down to Hollister for the day (my own missus will be traveling for work next week anyhow), and if you are a real mate, you wouldn't mind me putting 100 miles on the new seat. For quality assurance. :grin2:

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Skidbladnr

· #11 · Mar 11, 2019

Just to throw it out there to the crowd. Air Canada has wide body jets aka cargo room to spare.

Ride up with a quarter of a tank of gas or less.. with gear stowed in saddle bags (unlocked).. drop the kickstand and your good to go.

They put it on a pallet put it on the plane. Boom your over the ocean.

Heard it on the adventure Rider radio podcast:

https://adventureriderradio.com/adv.../2019/2/28/taking-flight-with-your-motorcycle

Reactions: 1

SCRBen

Discussion Starter · #12 · Mar 12, 2019

Skidbladnr said:
Just to throw it out there to the crowd. Air Canada has wide body jets aka cargo room to spare.

Ride up with a quarter of a tank of gas or less.. with gear stowed in saddle bags (unlocked).. drop the kickstand and your good to go.

They put it on a pallet put it on the plane. Boom your over the ocean.

Heard it on the adventure Rider radio podcast:

https://adventureriderradio.com/adv.../2019/2/28/taking-flight-with-your-motorcycle

Ha! If any of you are coming, let me know!!! :grin2:
Ben

SCRBen

Discussion Starter · #13 · Mar 12, 2019

jobirobi said:
Ooh you've got me tempted here; I wouldn't mind the excuse to ride down to Hollister for the day (my own missus will be traveling for work next week anyhow), and if you are a real mate, you wouldn't mind me putting 100 miles on the new seat. For quality assurance. :grin2:

I’m sure we could work summat out! :wink2:
Ben

Raman-Kathpalia

· #14 · Mar 12, 2019

You nailed it

[email protected] said:
The only real problem that I see is the seat. I would recommend an Air Hawk inflatable seat cushion. They take some getting used to the feeling like you're sitting on a couple dozen of eggs rolling around under your butt. BUTT, it's definitely worth the trade off. The relatively small gas tank is actually a good thing. You get more chances to get off of that seat! Sounds like a blast!

You nailed it. I've ridden SCR950 for long hours (8 hrs/day, 200 ish miles/day) with just a layer of MadDog GearComfort Ride Seat Protector ($20 bucks on amazon in case you're curious) and it has bummed me. Literally. Airhawk is a good upgrade to stock rock aka seat. But I ride with tempurpedic. Way better. I know it's not very pleasing to eyes but my bottom says thank you whole time I'm riding. And as I get off, I put it in saddle bag.

I hope you're not riding on stock tires; Maybe Michelin Commander or better.

Windscreen or not, that's your call. I wouldn't go without one. Dart Marlin is what I've. Doesn't destroys the naked bike look.

Touring on a naked bike can be hard without changes.

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srinath

· #15 · Mar 15, 2019

I couldn't tolerate a few mins on that stock seat. But y'all know my story. Corbin has a habit of making harder seats that are concave etc etc maybe that's better.

[email protected]

· #16 · Mar 16, 2019

Now this guy really nailed it!
Corbin does indeed make seats that are ergonomically correct. Thick foam doesn't necessarily mean a comfortable seat. The stock seat on my '79 Bonneville is 6+" thick, but yet it incredibly uncomfortable after only 20 miles! So, back in '95, I ordered a Corbin seat. I didn't receive it in time for Sturgis and I suffered the whole trip. A few weeks later I went on a similar trip, but this time with my new Corbin. Guess what? This thing only has about 1.5" of foam, but it's shaped like an old farm implement seat. This thing is COMFORTABLE!

srinath

· #17 · Mar 16, 2019

LOL, My experience with corbin goes a long long way. There used to be a bike I think it was a KLR or a DR that corbin made a seat that had a ridge in the middle and concave depressions on either side yea for your butt crack. Now I suspect I move a lot on a bike, both side ways and front to back, I complain about seats constantly. but to me a GS500 or even a few sport bikes are perfect for the corbin, the originals are wide, and that gives a concave seat like a corbin a lot of room to contour it get it nicely curve matched to the average butt. However the SCR seat is too narrow to start with. Making a concave seat that 3" wide aint gonna do much of anything - Just IMHO. It does do something, AKA better than stock.
Anyway in this aspect I have a very painful 300 or so miles on that torture device 7 months ago cos ever since - it has been sitting in my container.

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srinath

· #18 · Mar 17, 2019

Looks like my summer starts early this year. 100+ mile run tomorrow to my old house so I can commute to work starting Monday cos the car crapped out. I'll probably commute back the 100 only Friday afternoon, but this promises to be a whole lotta fun for a week or 2 before the car gets fixed.

SCRBen

Discussion Starter · #19 · Aug 30, 2019 (Edited)

So, we’re at T-Minus 2 days now......leave on Monday morning. Been busy route-planning, prepping the bike etc. It had its annual service a couple of weeks ago (not that I think they did much), and I’ve been doing other little bits. Swapped the spark plugs out this morning. Originals were a lovely tan colour - pictures attached, but they’re not very good - they make the plugs look darker than they were. You can also see how white the exposed bits of the plugs have gone..... presumably from excessive bike washing!! :grin2:

Couple more pictures attached of the bags etc - I’ve also got an SW Motech bag for the rear rack.

Oh yeah, and a picture of the new bike my Dads’ now taking.....obviously the 1200 Beemer wasn’t fast enough! :surprise:

Hopefully, I’ll get to post some pictures as we make our way - it’s going to be about 1700 miles all in to Germany and back........don’t let me down, Mike Corbin!! :grin2::grin2::grin2:

Ben

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SCRBen

Discussion Starter · #20 · Sep 2, 2019 (Edited)

265 miles to the south coast today. Mostly motorway (highway) miles, unfortunately, but hopefully much less of that in France tomorrow! :grin2:

Lunch at the Ace Cafe in London was good though. Then, riding across London in horrendous traffic and pretty warm weather, broke my previously highest-recorded temperature on the Koso: 154C (so, 309F!!). Fortunately, that wasn’t for too long, and then we started going again......was afraid it was going to melt, at one point though! :grin2:

Ben

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