HamsVTR

Hello fellow Superhawk/Firestorm affectionados. I may have the opportunity in the near future to stretch the old Superhawk's legs. My journey will be a straight shot west from Oklahoma to Southern California, mainly via I-40 with maybe a slight detour at landmarks. I'm looking forward to it as it will be my first long ride, however, that's when my lack of experience touring provokes me to ask for advice.

Has anyone taken their Superhawk on a long ride like this? Did you run into any mechanical problems with the bike? Mine's running like a champ ( knock on wood ), but the CCT worry is still there with the stock automatic ones. I've also heard the voltage rectifiers can overheat. My tires are still fresh and have plenty of meat on it and all the fluids are good. Stock seat.

I'll have to come up with a checklist of what to pack, but some of the things I can think of for emergency roadside are: tire repair kit, fuses, small tool kit, maybe an extra headlight bulb, duct tape, chain lube, flashlight, and AAA card.

Any advice will be warmly accepted. Thanks.

superbling

Nah, the bike is good to go if you've been keeping up with regular maintainence. Make sure you are on NEW tires, especially the rear, as interstate droning at high speeds in warm weather on a powerful bike just eats up the center section.

You've only talked about the bike but not yourself. What kind of shape are you in? Young/old, low/high miles rider? Done long days before?

This is my second superhawk and the few years in between have been significant at my age. I do 600-700 mile days on the bike but I now have to have high bars (superbike bar kit), lowered pegs, and a custom seat. Add a throttle lock and a long range VFR tank and me and my bike can get nearly 200 mile fuel range but I rarely ride that slow for that long of period. Just can't do it! :-)

Add pain relievers to you must haves. I also like to have a 12V cigarette lighter plug power source. Nice to power the cell phone or camera if you forget to charge batteries. Another key stored in a secure place. A credit card and cell phone can solve just about most problems (assuming you stick to interstates for cell coverage out west).

HAVE FUN!

HamsVTR

Thanks Superbling.

I'm 26 and being in the Air Force, I'm required to be in tip top shape. My belly is growing a little from the beers, but overall, I feel up to it. I'm, unfortunately, separating from the beloved force, thus the opportunity for this little adventure.

The most I've ridden was about 250 miles in one day. I would've gone more, but I would've also been AWOL and that wouldn't fly too well with my commander. I think the stock seat would be the most uncomfortable part of the trip, but I'll take frequent stops to wiggle my bum back to life.

Thanks for the pain relievers suggestion. I'm going to need it.

I'll need to plan out an itinerary and make reservations for lodging, but that's the easy part.

Brian A