2019 riding plans

[john grinsel]

Using my new  2019 Xtown 300i abs-----figuring out where to ride for 2019.

So this year will ride to 48 states, did 49 states in 2014 with Burgman 400 and Suzuki TU250---this year skip AK as I have ridden there several times both the easy way (Hyder) and the ALCAN hwy. 

So decided 48 states as easy and most fun for me.   Riding to all far 4 corners of US=longer and I would have to ride thru FL to get to Key West---FL flat as a pancake and not much fun----ride from Miami to Key West, slow but ok. So just 48 states this year.

Last year rode to 30-40 states didn't count and James Bay road in Quebec---Honda 300F

Other than spare drive belt and tool set, and making frequent oil changes (WalMart 10-40), no special prep required for scooter, but watching tire pressure, using 29psi front and 33 rear, carrying bike pump.

Have 2 windshield choices----comfort/safety (look over)/ no buffeting----big Puig screen or stock shield with spoiler---test some more and decide.
This year maybe more camping---I am getting tired of dirty/poor maint. India run motels.

As I will be 80 in May, like comfort----Lite weight 3/4 helmet GMAX white 2 lb=no neck hurt, long duck bill visor(keeps sun out of face),
clothes probably Mesh jacket with liner, Rain jacket, too, I ride in all weather, 15 yr old Joe Rocket rain pants----I have Aerostich Darien jacket and pants but have found they are just too hot for hot summer.  Boots---have slip on or pr of lace up Wolverines, and Aerostich Kombat Lites---all comfort able----but most important...I carry rain overboots!! Wet feet suck. Jeans are the pants for daily use.....my age, if I hit anything hard I will probably splat anyway. Gloves---lots of them, Aerostich over mitts for allday rain.

This time of year I can do TN/GA/FL/AL/MS/NC/SC easy but will wear my Darien stuff---as with feather jacket under, long underwear/Langlitz gloves----will be warm and dry enough---Aero Kombat Lite boots.

So, then late summer might try Yellowknife in NW Territory Canada for something to do.  Been at this since 1955 and enjoy it=fun.

[CROSSBOLT]

Take pictures and post or we will never speak again! Good plan, John! I am envious! I can't do such a trip as I am not 80 yet. But in two years I will be so watch out!

[de dee]

karl if I had your money and good looks. I would go too.,  I am old enough 86 in march, the wife is not on my side for this, she said I am to old to get her on the bike,  all trips we take is her in the car and me alone on the bike, and she does not want to drive alone to Victoria B C so I am fixing a trailer for the scooter to take it along,  I hope it works out, 

[john grinsel]

I do not take pictures. Use paper map.

[CROSSBOLT]

Bless both you guys! A pair of one-of-a-kind!

[Stig / Major Tom]

karl if I had your money and good looks. I would go too.,  I am old enough 86 in march, the wife is not on my side for this, she said I am to old to get her on the bike,  all trips we take is her in the car and me alone on the bike, and she does not want to drive alone to Victoria B C so I am fixing a trailer for the scooter to take it along,  I hope it works out, 

De dee, do I understand this correctly -- you will be pulling a trailor containing your wife with your scooter?!
The forum might pay handsomely for video footage of this adventure!
 Stig

[de dee]

the picture will be on the next pony express  and we are snowed in for a few months,

[OldCoot]

Man o man! I thought I was an oldcoot! Almost 80 and all 48 states?!?! That's awesome!!

When will you begin your journey this year?

Please post lots of pictures for those of us who aren't as courageous.

[CROSSBOLT]

Yes, John! How you going through Tennesse? I will try to rendezvous with for a few miles if you will be near the west end...

[john grinsel]

I have house in Ooletawah which is really Chattanooga.   I use, usually most direct route out of TN, coming back from north I try to avoid I-24 thru Chattanooga----jammed and the idiots here do not pass laws allowing bikes to lane split-----remembering TN lawmakers......few years ago lawmaker killed bike rider....and they named road after lawmaker, not the rider, and I think the lawmaker got off the hook, too.

[john grinsel]

Adding----right now I am in kind of a riding pause----working out windshield plan as I like comfort and look over behind screen.

1. Stock screen with bolted on Laminar Lip----works for maybe 80% of people who really don't know better or have never had better.  My finding, it is too narrow to provide much real protection  in cold/wet.   Looking straight ahead little air spill over/buffeting.

2.  Puig Touring screen it too high for proper look over, but does provide good hand protection, calm air.

3. Next plan next week---cut 4 inches from top of Puig---test....if some buffeting/spill over....test mount Laminar Lip and if it works, bolt it on.


Real problem with modern Maxi-scooters is: (and I have had 10 new ones and over 400,000 miles since 1990)  YOUR NOSE IS TOO FAR FROM TIP OF SHIELD.   VESPA right choice of windshield can be made buffet free, look over----but at current price, not planning to get another (but had 4 shifter/2 strokes and enjoyed them, being my favorite for such things as Elephant rally and Stella Alpina. They were great in snow. Current models have too many drawbacks for me...small gas tank, inconvenient fuel filling,, no dealers, etc. goofy keys)

Stay tuned on windshield.