Well, I took my longest ride today. I rode from Kings
Mountain, NC to the Raleigh Rose Garden for a wedding. I
was running late leaving so I was nearly full throttle the
whole way there. Running the 650 V Star that hard lowered
my mileage to the high 30's and I had to stop twice on the
way during the three hour trip. Having two thirds of a
tank leaving and taking a more leisurely ride back at 65mph
I only had to stop once on the four hour trip back. As a
plus my mileage jumped to the mid 40's.
I've ridden in rain, in 18 degree temperatures, and on
rough terrain with loose gravel, but I must say that this
trip changed the way I look at my bike. This seven hour
riding experience left me with the stark reality that my
bike does not meet my needs. I'm only 5'9" and found my
bike to be a cramped, uncomfortable, beast, lacking for leg
room even using the highway bars I've added. After my 420
mile round trip I don't think I've ever been more ready to
ride in the driveway and just drop the thing on its side
and leave it there.
