Questions about long road trips...

[rgcolter]

I have 2,500 miles on my GTI 300i now, and I'm pretty comfortable with the idea of a 5,000 miles road trip.  I have a few concerns:

1) Can anyone recommend a cargo bag that sits on the passenger seat, that provides lumbar support during long days of riding?

2) How long will the headlight bulb last?  Is it easy to replace?  I'd hate to be riding at night when it fails in the middle of nowhere.

3) What is the top speed for the 300i at high altitudes, such as 5,000, and even higher altitudes such as 7,000 to 10,000?  I wonder how the 300i would handle Interstate 70 thru colorado, does anyone know?

I already added a 12v accessory plug just below the speedometer, so I can power my cell phone/GPS for music on long days of riding.  If anyone has recommendations for making this trip easier, I'm very open to trying new things. 

I will be posting a full review of the 300i, with videos and pictures, later this year. 

[Blackbeard]

I had a Biker's Friend Bag on my former Burgy 400, that was fantastic.  They come with removable and repositionable Lumbar Pads, and the Bags come in a variety of sizes.  Check them out here:

http://www.bikersfriend.com/

Just curious, but did you know about the Accessory Plug under the Seat, or were you just adding an extra Plug?

Cheers!

BB

[DoubleSC]

Don't worry about the bulbs.  I'd had over 30k miles on my older scoot, and never had a headlight burn out.   

A much more common problem that you'd be likely to have is a flat, so make sure to take a small tire repair kit along (i.e. http://www.amazon.com/BikeMaster-Tire-Tube-Repair-YP-881TR/dp/B001KNYOPI/ref=sr_1_35 ).   Or you could consider getting a road side service insurance like Allstate RV RoadHelp (that policy includes motorcycles, and includes *unlimited* towing as well).

DSC

[rgcolter]

I had a Biker's Friend Bag on my former Burgy 400, that was fantastic.  They come with removable and repositionable Lumbar Pads, and the Bags come in a variety of sizes.  Check them out here:

http://www.bikersfriend.com/

Just curious, but did you know about the Accessory Plug under the Seat, or were you just adding an extra Plug?

Cheers!

BB

Hey Blackbeard,

It's my understanding that the OEM 12v plug under the seat has a low amp rating, and I wanted something that could easily handle 20 amps, so I can power a tire pump, heated gloves, or hook up a tender.  Also, I wanted the plug to be located on the handlebars, so I wouldn't have cords hanging all over the place from the seat to the handlebars.  I used 12 gauge wire, so it should handle pretty much anything I want to plug into it.  Took about 90 minutes, but was probably well worth the time, considering how much it will be used.

Cheers. 

[rgcolter]

Don't worry about the bulbs.  I'd had over 30k miles on my older scoot, and never had a headlight burn out.   

A much more common problem that you'd be likely to have is a flat, so make sure to take a small tire repair kit along (i.e. http://www.amazon.com/BikeMaster-Tire-Tube-Repair-YP-881TR/dp/B001KNYOPI/ref=sr_1_35 ).   Or you could consider getting a road side service insurance like Allstate RV RoadHelp (that policy includes motorcycles, and includes *unlimited* towing as well).

DSC

Yes, I have a tire plug gun, and if that fails, I have 2 kinds of sealant.  Also have a good compact electric air pump.  I will definately get a road side insurance, but I'm not sure what to get.  My insurance is with GEICO, and I don't know if they have something, but I will check on that tomorrow. 

many thanks,

[boo]

A tire repair kit

A rain suit

Power for cell phone

beef jerky (not too spicey)

water

a waist band

ps: Heavy duty waterproof bags with roll down opening can be purchased at WalMart in the sporting goods section. These might work good as a back rest and keep your clothes and important items dry. Cinch straps are also available there and at most sporting goods stores.


Anxious to hear about your trip and how your butt and the GT handles 5000 miles.
Take some pictures!
Good luck and be safe.

[kantuckid]

As a current MC tourer that's looking at a switch to a scoot I have several questions from the above comments. Will a scooter electrical system (which ones specifically!?) handle my Gerbings heated jacket? Will a scoot battery run most small elec air pumps like many MC riders already own? Boo, I saw your tire repair kit-is it a better functioning repair than my Stop n Go plugger? Or is it better than the Wally World style plugs?- I actually like them better than the fancy one I bought!
The seat issue & the how fast issue are one thing but the electrics are another plus the side case or not luggage question I've got. I'm not riding a scoot to Mexico with  helmet storage & an underwear change! I have riding jackets & rain gear & cold weather gloves and more. I travel as light as anyone you've ever met but in the winter it takes some serious STUFF! to get  to the border through cold weather then ride a long ways in the tropics. I have lots of questions on scoots! 

[boo]

As a current MC tourer that's looking at a switch to a scoot I have several questions from the above comments. Will a scooter electrical system (which ones specifically!?) handle my Gerbings heated jacket? Will a scoot battery run most small elec air pumps like many MC riders already own? Boo, I saw your tire repair kit-is it a better functioning repair than my Stop n Go plugger? Or is it better than the Wally World style plugs?- I actually like them better than the fancy one I bought!
The seat issue & the how fast issue are one thing but the electrics are another plus the side case or not luggage question I've got. I'm not riding a scoot to Mexico with  helmet storage & an underwear change! I have riding jackets & rain gear & cold weather gloves and more. I travel as light as anyone you've ever met but in the winter it takes some serious STUFF! to get  to the border through cold weather then ride a long ways in the tropics. I have lots of questions on scoots! 

Kantuckid, I, like you have carried electric pumps on motorcycles over the years. IMHO, the co2 kit has them beat.
I have used the co2 kit for flats. I would not recommend them if I did not have faith in them.
Light weight, compact, and they work.