Bonneville America Forums Forums General Motorcycle Forums Rides, Rallies, & Events 3100 Miles @ 5k RPM

I rolled in last night from a 3100 mile slab-roll, and I just have to take a minute to give these bikes, and little motors, some credit.

I left Houston last Wednesday, May 4th, and made it to Memphis, Tn. that night. 600 miles up U.S. 59 to Texarkana to hit I-40.

Thursday, I rolled I-40 to Hurricane Mills, Tn., where I jumped off and headed south on Hwy. 13 (a great ride if anyone can reach it), down to Hwy. 64, then over to Chattanooga. That ride south on I-75 down into Chattanooga is a good one, too, sans the rush hour traffic, but unforgettable, just the same. I was aiming for the Georgia Rally Dinner Thursday night, but I just was not equipped with any type of GPS system or proper maps, and that makes things a little more interesting when you think you are looking for certain roads/highways, and can not find the exits for them. I finally stopped and made a room reservation In Dawsonville, Ga., got there by dark, and then caught up with the Georgia Rally bunch Friday morning before I left for Myrtle Beach, S.C., arriving there about 8:00 Friday night on wet roads. (Thanks, Greg, for helping me get across Georgia to I-20 - that was a big help!)

I made the NASCAR Southern 500 race at Darlington, Saturday night, then back to Myrtle Beach in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

Sunday I rested, took a walk on the beach, ate, and rested some more, going to bed about 6:30 that evening as rain started to fall on the beach.

I woke up Monday morning at 3:00 Central Time, packed and hit the road, stopping at the track in Darlington to take some pictures of the bike at the track about 7:30 that morning while no one was around, then I hit I-20 West, not stopping other than gas until I hit Jackson, Ms..

786 miles that day.

I did pull the bike up and checked the oil level before riding out to dinner that night. That was the only check I made the whole trip. Perfect.

Tuesday I left I-20 at Monroe, La., headed south on Hwy 34, to Hwy 84 into Natchitoches, La., to have lunch with my youngest, then on down to Livingston, Tx, to have a glass of tea with my Mom and Dad, then on down to Houston.

After riding to dinner last night, 3100 miles. The bike now has 73000 miles on it, and I can't wait to get that oil report back from this next oil change it's due for now. I bet it says good things.

But seriously - I kept the speedo indicating 85-88 mph as much as I possibly could the whole trip. Thats running between 4800-5200 rpm constantly, from gas stop to gas stop, for hours and hours.

For days.

And with that 16t front sprocket.

And when I wanted to pass somebody, to roll on from there - there just isn't a good way to describe how satisfying that is. She'll run all day at 100 mph if you want to.

Holy smokes, Keith... that's a lot of serious riding!! I'd love to see those pics ya took at Darlington. Oh, AND hear about the oil report after your next change.

Okay folks! The next time a new member comes on here and is lookin' to buy a new motorcycle and asks about the capabilities of our bikes to take a long road trip on 'em...well...I think all we'll have to do NOW is direct that person to Keith's well-written "testimonial" here, and pretty much, end of story!

That is pretty good going , doing 786 miles in a day which equates to (correct me if I'm wrong) 1300 kilometres.
I have no problems engine wise but I do get a sore bum after 500k on my Speedy , you must have a gel seat or an Airhawk cushion ? how do you do it ?

Very inspiring story ... thanks for sharing

Hey Keith, I was just wondering if you had made it back home yet. Sounds like a good trip; I'm going back to the 16 tooth sprocket w/ my next chain (have a 17 now, which is ok). I wish I'd made it down to Georgia this year. Post the Darlington photos and the oil report. Keep racking up the miles.

Will

That Keith is one long distance riding dude. It dont matter if he's asleep or awake he will roll
He's a great guy as well, spent some time with him at the GA Rally 2010.
As he stated he stopped in at GA 2011 for about 10 mins. One could tell he was itiching to get that Triumph back on the road.

Very impressive - both the bike and rider. I would like to see pics of your bike - you must have it set up great to handle all those hours in the saddle.

. Enough said.

Well, assuming my bike could do the same, and I imagine it will, it sounds like I'd give out long before my bike. You're a tougher man than me.