Atlanta to Nashville....

[disco51]

Well, here is a quick recount of my first real motorcycle trip...  Recently got out of the Army and have relocated to Nashville, TN (from Augusta, GA).  Waiting to start a new job and needed to get the R65 to Nashville.  Just couldn't see renting a trailer.  Moving day came and the plan was to drive to Atlanta to my in-laws place and then stay the night.  Now, being a relative newcomer to the motorcycle, I've never gone farther than 60 miles on my R65.  I've put over 1200 miles on it since I got it in Feb. of this year, but mostly short jaunts of 20-40 miles.  The bike had been running great, balanced the carbs, various other stuff I've asked about on the forum.  (thanks for help).   Really excited for the trip.  8500 pounds later, the truck was loaded and I was ready to head out the next morning with the R65.  Luck would have it, I couldn't get it to start....  No time for looking into it, so changed the plans and drove the truck to Nashville and left the bike with a friend.  
I had another friend with a trailer who was making the trip to Atlanta, so the non-running R65 hitched a ride to Atlanta.  I drove down and hoped to get the thing running last Saturday.
Seemed like the starter was working fine, but wouldn't turn over.  First thing first, dropped the float bowls and had fuel.  Jiggled the float bowls and blew out the enrichener - seemed OK.  Found some bungie and grounded the spark plugs - no spark.  Did some probing around and found a loose ground - tightened it up and had SPARK!!!  
Couldn't have been more excited.  Haven't figured out a lot of problems at this stage without posting to the forum, so was excited to see my looking around paid off.  
I'm pretty sure my father-in-law thought I was certifiable crazy even thinking about driving that thing to Nashville after it wouldn't run.  He's not to excited about me driving a 1979 motorcycle anyways.  Oh well,  I was confident it was now fine.  
Hoped on and never looked back.  6 hours later and a completely sore ass, I drove into my driveway in Nashville.  It ran like a dream.  Having never rode more than 60 miles, I was ready to get off after about 4 hours.  A couple of learning points....
1.  Don't think I'll ever use google maps on the iPhone for directions again.  Set it to bypass highways, but the directions seemed to have me making a turn every 4-8 miles.  In reality, I was staying on state road whatever, but the damn thing wouldn't just say "stay on Hwy 148 for 50 miles."  It was... left this, bear right that.  Spent way too much time pulling over to check my next turn when it wasn't really necessary.  Ditched the google maps in Chattanooga and did just fine.  Next time I'll just get a map and do some better planning.
2.  My hands were blistered, butt was chafed, and was completely wind blown.  Need more graduated riding experience before I try that one again.
3.  Saw some really cool places that I've never seen on the interstate.  Battlefield state park, signal mountain, downtown Chattanooga.... pretty cool ride.  

By the way, check out the new back of my R65 - boxerworks license plate mount and new rear turn signals.  Don't worry, I saved all of the original parts - nicely boxed up for now.  Just looking to clean it up a bit.

[Semper Gumby]

Sorry I missed you.  Been to Nashville a couple of times on my R65.  It's a day trip.   8-)

[montmil]

"My hands were blistered,"  Time to shop for better grips and gloves that will reduce vibration. Or both.

"butt was chafed,"  Yep. The R65 saddle is not an Iron Butt Top 10 selection. Review your choice of jockey shorts and riding pants. Buy some Monkey Butt powder and use it. Gel pads are also good for longer rides.

"and was completely wind blown."  Ah, the joy of touring on an un-faired motorcycle. Full face or modular helmets can reduce fatigue as long as they fit well and do a good job of reducing wind noise -which can be tiring in itself. I find that the lower Euro bars help the riding ergos by taking some weight off the wrists as the wind holds your upper torso. Try moving your feet to the passenger pegs if you have long stretches of road.

Best thing I can offer you, Disco, is that your ride will be one you'll remember for years. Talking stories fodder for ya.

And congrats on scoring a job after your discharge.

[nhmaf]

One key item to longer distance longevity is indeed, underpants technology.  

I've long since found that wearing some lycra or spandex type of underpants that wick moisture, fit snug, and have a minimal number of seams can add hours of comfort to your day, even with a less than ideal saddle.    Tighty-whiteys have big seams, don't wick, and create numerous pressure points.  Boxers have less seams, but have too much material and the material folds and creaeses cause painful pressure points and they also don't wick.   My wife was initially concerned when she found my "sexy underpants", but after I pointed out they are similar to my bicycle riding clothes she understood the reason.

I've found that actual bicycling shorts don't work so well as you might think because the padded crotch seams when tucked into regular overpants causes bunches and pressure points as well which isn't normally the case when you are riding a bicycle with just the shorts on.

I know, I know, TMI !!!!
 

[montmil]

Several of the monthly bike magazines have adverts from vendors that offer shorts such as those "TMI Mike" discusses.  

[Mike V]

Disco,

I just returned from a tour from San Diego to the Ozarks and back (on the /7).  My preferred Butt-Care with the /7's OEM saddle, which is harder than the bark on a Hemlock Tree are lightly padded Spandex Bike Shorts and LOTS of Baby Powder.  I've been accused of baking bread when leaving the Motel for the morning.  I use copious amounts of powder from boots to the groin (and beyond).  I also try to move around on the seat during the ride when it's safe and convenient.  I'm not convinced any of this really helps outside a contoured ergonomic seat and a maximum of 225 mile days.  My ass still hurts. Umph.

-Mike V.

[disco51]

Thanks for all of the suggestions...
No plans for anymore torture, but you never know.  
New job awaits on Monday.

[davidpdx]

That sounds like a great ride, glad you got to do it. I just got back from a trip down to Northern California and one tip that I picked up here on the forum that really helped make it more enjoyable was earplugs. The only down side is stopping for gas and not being able to hear anyone. If anyone gets a chance to ride through Mt. Lassen Park I highly recommend it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw_DQXPppvw  

[Luca]

Walking for five minutes at fill-ups keeps some blood flowing, which helps discourage muscle fatigue.  Throw in a few jumping jacks and stretches for maximum effect.

Now, in this heat of late my bottom has been suffering due to both the vinyl seat cover and solid-fabric riding pants.  Reminds me of a guy with a BMW adventurer I saw at the dealership with wooden beads on the seat!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Everyone has pretty much covered the sore butt.  I have Butt Buffer pad that I bought for my '79 R65, but even it did not solve the problem.  When I replaced the seat with a new repro, all was good again.
I'm glad I saved the Butt Buffer, though - it has been a live saver on my little buzzer of a CBR250R.

I had the most pleasure traveling back roads when I had a GPSr mounted on my R65.  I already had it set on home as my destination, when I was chased off the interstate in the middle of nowhere in Kentucky by two clowns in two diesel pickup trucks.  They got in both lanes in front of me and proceeded to do whatever it is they do to make large clouds of black smoke.  Very funny, guys.
At the next exit, I waited until they were just passed the exit and I ducked off.
I just followed the most interesting back roads, keeping the compass needle on the GPSr close to 12:00.  (you could do the same thing with a regular compass if you could isolate it from all the metal and possible electrical interference on the bike.)

[Luca]

whatever it is they do to make large clouds of black smoke.

Put yer foot in it.  Only control on a Diesel is how much fuel you give it.