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How to ride 500 miles per day cross country in the U.S. on a 650 Interceptor

Wazzup

Finally made it
Location
SW Virginia, USA
I learned this method of long distance riding years ago from a good friend and travel companion. (We're both Iron Butt members - 1,000 mi in under 24 hours - but have quit doing these marathon rides.) Depending on your time schedule to get from Point A to Point B, you can adjust the daily mileage up or down.

It boils down to time management. Leave around the crack of dawn, ride 100 miles before having a sit-down breakfast, then ride 200 miles before lunch (which is usually a snack at a gas station stop, or ice cream on a real hot day), then 200 miles after lunch. We usually get off the rode around 5:00 - 6:00 PM. We stay at motels, splitting the cost. (You lose a lot of time if you're camping and doing your own cooking.) A cardinal rule is to find a motel within walking distance of a bar and restaurant - once we get off our bikes, we're done riding until the next morning, especially if we're drinking, which, of course, we are.) I violated this rule last month while traveling through Illinois on my way home - hit a bad storm with a lot of lightening after going 400 miles. The closest motel did not have a bar or restaurant nearby so I ended up eating a 4-course dinner purchased at the nearby gas station. See attached photo.) We never book motel/hotel reservations in advance since we're not 100% certain where we'll end up at the end of day. Only once did we have to keep riding to the next town, though there have been times we've been forced to upgrade to a nicer hotel (i.e., the type our wives demand.) For us, it's "lights out" around 9:30 or 10:00 PM (after remembering to clean the bugs off our face shields.) One thing to keep in mind is the time changes that occur when going from the East coast to the West coast (3 hours), and 4 hours from the East coast to Alaska. Riding to the west is nice since your days get longer. Coming back home, it's a bit harder to awaken early whenever you lose an hour.

We have similar riding styles - usually 5-10 MPH over the posted limit, stop for gas after about 125 miles, and stay hydrated with water. We take the back roads, avoiding interstates whenever possible. If we see something neat to check out, we stop for some sight seeing. Our bikes are well maintained and we ride with waterproof gear (even when it's not raining) so we don't have to stop and dig out a rainsuit if the weather turns bad.) We've ridden countless miles in the rain though tend to look for shelter if there's lightening close by. Motorcycle tires (which are not worn out) are fine in the rain. Just slow down a bit and watch for pooling water (hydroplaning is a bit scary) and wet leaves on the road in the autumn. I consider ABS a must on a motorcycle (which came stock on my Royal Enfield), especially in the rain. We always wear ear plugs - chronic wind noise will damage your hearing, even with a full-face helmet. We don't use Bluetooth or other audio sets to communicate with each other- we just use simple hand signals when necessary.

On the recent cross country trip on my 2022 Interceptor 650, I usually ran around 5,000 RPM, which equates to 70-75 MPH (depending on the wind) with a Madstad windscreen on my bike. I did hit a strong headwind in Colorado which limited my maximum RPM to 4,600-4,800 even with the throttle "pegged" in 6th gear and me in a tucked position.

This method of long distance riding works with 2 (ideal) or 3 riders (OK but less ideal). Any more than that, there will invariably be delays and "issues." For this trip, I rode out with a buddy (on a Triumph Tiger 850) and rode back solo due to our scheduling conflict re: work and family commitments. I'm aware that many long distance riders prefer to ride solo, but I prefer to ride with a good friend. We have many fun shared memories.
 

Attachments

Kcso

Well travelled
Location
Bloomfield Ne
I use to do 500 miles in 10 hours regularly on my R90 Beemer. Wife and I would go from Nebraska to Northern Minnesota monthly during the spring and summer. Never thought it was a big deal.

The last trip on the 650 was just at 200 miles at between 70 and 75. With one stop for gas and rest. This was with the touring seat on the interceptor.
Now that I am over 70 I will admit that 300 to 350 A day is my happy place.
 

Moto

Well travelled
Location
Madison WI
This seems like an excellent method for covering 500 miles. I’ve decided to try it in my upcoming trip from Madison Wisconsin to Eli, Nevada, about 1600 miles. I’ll be taking US highways 151 and 30 for the first leg to Grand Island, Nebraska. Not sure after that, except that I will go through South Pass instead of over the Rockies at Denver. At my age of 73 I find such a long day on a motorcycle pretty hard. My ultimate goal is to ride around Nevada with my brother on my Classic, and tent camp, so I’ll be towing the bike to Ely on a hitch behind my SUV. Your advice still seems excellent for that purpose. Thanks for posting it.
 

Dabrakeman

Well travelled
Location
Michigan, USA
I know this is an old thread and I am mixing topics but wondering on your 70-75 mph excursions what kind of fuel mileage you were getting. The 650 seems to love putting around at 50-55mph and will get high 60's in my case but at 70-75mph I am down to barely over 50mph. This may be totally normal or not but interested in others experiences. @Wazzup I feel you with the wind. Still wishing RE would give this bike 3 new things for touring:

1) 200 more cc.
2) An available true touring windscreen. I've got about the tallest available on aftermarket and at 70mph it directs the wind squarely at my collar bone. I had one for my old '76 CB750 that took the wind over my head, protected hands and even to some extent thighs.
3) slightly more neutral riding position although this one can be handled with aftermarket risers.
 

Woodstock

Well travelled
Location
Woodstock, NY
Yeah, even an air-cooled 850 would be really sweet. A water-cooled 850 would be on order before it was released in the USA. But I hope they hurry with whatever they will be coming out with, whether a 750 parallel twin or the V-twin 838 concept from a few years ago. Life is running out. I read somewhere that RE had tried to buy a more premium British Marque to get into the niche market for more powerful machines but it never happened. I don't know that it would have made money but I would jump for it. Not that I get a lot of riding in now but I am in a hurry for something a little bigger. Something I would feel eats up the highway miles, as others have described their T100s.
 

Knacker

Well travelled
Location
PNW
I've put in a number of days between 400 and 500 miles on my GT. No fairing, but 16 tooth front sprocket, gel insert in the seat, and hard bags.

Very few of these miles were put in on Interstates, so speed limits at or below 60. Doesn't seem that big a deal to me though doing it multiple days in a row I have not tried. I don't even set out early.

I'm 50, if that means anything, and have gotten spoiled with roads that are largely traffic free. I know being in traffic takes more out of me, though I also suspect I could do 600 or 700 miles if I used Interstates. It just doesn't suit my idea of bliss to ride them.

As for fuel economy, mine drops off drastically between say, 55 and 75 MPH. About the same as noted above, over 65 MPG (US gallons) at 55 vs. around 50 MPG if I sustain 75.
 

severely

Well travelled
I learned this method of long distance riding years ago from a good friend and travel companion. (We're both Iron Butt members - 1,000 mi in under 24 hours - but have quit doing these marathon rides.) Depending on your time schedule to get from Point A to Point B, you can adjust the daily mileage up or down.

It boils down to time management. Leave around the crack of dawn, ride 100 miles before having a sit-down breakfast, then ride 200 miles before lunch (which is usually a snack at a gas station stop, or ice cream on a real hot day), then 200 miles after lunch. We usually get off the rode around 5:00 - 6:00 PM. We stay at motels, splitting the cost. (You lose a lot of time if you're camping and doing your own cooking.) A cardinal rule is to find a motel within walking distance of a bar and restaurant - once we get off our bikes, we're done riding until the next morning, especially if we're drinking, which, of course, we are.) I violated this rule last month while traveling through Illinois on my way home - hit a bad storm with a lot of lightening after going 400 miles. The closest motel did not have a bar or restaurant nearby so I ended up eating a 4-course dinner purchased at the nearby gas station. See attached photo.) We never book motel/hotel reservations in advance since we're not 100% certain where we'll end up at the end of day. Only once did we have to keep riding to the next town, though there have been times we've been forced to upgrade to a nicer hotel (i.e., the type our wives demand.) For us, it's "lights out" around 9:30 or 10:00 PM (after remembering to clean the bugs off our face shields.) One thing to keep in mind is the time changes that occur when going from the East coast to the West coast (3 hours), and 4 hours from the East coast to Alaska. Riding to the west is nice since your days get longer. Coming back home, it's a bit harder to awaken early whenever you lose an hour.

We have similar riding styles - usually 5-10 MPH over the posted limit, stop for gas after about 125 miles, and stay hydrated with water. We take the back roads, avoiding interstates whenever possible. If we see something neat to check out, we stop for some sight seeing. Our bikes are well maintained and we ride with waterproof gear (even when it's not raining) so we don't have to stop and dig out a rainsuit if the weather turns bad.) We've ridden countless miles in the rain though tend to look for shelter if there's lightening close by. Motorcycle tires (which are not worn out) are fine in the rain. Just slow down a bit and watch for pooling water (hydroplaning is a bit scary) and wet leaves on the road in the autumn. I consider ABS a must on a motorcycle (which came stock on my Royal Enfield), especially in the rain. We always wear ear plugs - chronic wind noise will damage your hearing, even with a full-face helmet. We don't use Bluetooth or other audio sets to communicate with each other- we just use simple hand signals when necessary.

On the recent cross country trip on my 2022 Interceptor 650, I usually ran around 5,000 RPM, which equates to 70-75 MPH (depending on the wind) with a Madstad windscreen on my bike. I did hit a strong headwind in Colorado which limited my maximum RPM to 4,600-4,800 even with the throttle "pegged" in 6th gear and me in a tucked position.

This method of long distance riding works with 2 (ideal) or 3 riders (OK but less ideal). Any more than that, there will invariably be delays and "issues." For this trip, I rode out with a buddy (on a Triumph Tiger 850) and rode back solo due to our scheduling conflict re: work and family commitments. I'm aware that many long distance riders prefer to ride solo, but I prefer to ride with a good friend. We have many fun shared memories.
Do you mind telling us about the Madstad windshield? Specifically the shield height and your height. I've tried handlebar mounted shield I already had with less than spectacular results. I appreciate the input.
 

Wazzup

Finally made it
Location
SW Virginia, USA
Sorry for the late response. I'm 5'10" and purchased the 16" windscreen, which is perfect for me since I like to look OVER (not THROUGH) a windscreen.
Having said that, you should check out the new style factory windscreens from RE. They are frame mounted and look very sturdy (and stylish.) I saw them at my dealer but did not inquire as to the price.
 

StefArmstg

Well travelled
Location
Colorado
I agree, ride 100 miles before breakfast. Ice cream is a proper meal, but I'd substitute an A&W for the Bud.
Camping takes no time at all. Ride until you're hallucinating, stop, and throw your sleeping bag on the ground. Or on a picnic table, if it's not too sticky. Pork and beans straight out of the can, quick and easy.

If you're traveling in the desert southwest, jump into an irrigation ditch or other body of water, fully clothed, when the opportunity presents itself.

All tested and proven. It helps if, every third day, you crash at a friend's, preferably one with a swimming pool.
 

Whysub

Well travelled
Because of my (far from) excellent planning, I have had to ride 1200 kms (750 miles) in a day to get home to Spain from France a couple of times.

Just an hour or so (130 kms) of that on the motorway to avoid Barcelona. The roads through rural France and Spain are quite empty, so progressive riding is possible.

All my friends tell me that congestion and road works make covering any big distance at a decent speed difficult in the UK these days. I plan to ride with some friends to Scotland next year. I have no worries getting to the Channel crossing fom Spain, its the other side that is of concern. And thats not taking the weather into account either!
 

Wazzup

Finally made it
Location
SW Virginia, USA
Two items to add - seats and tires:
I recently completed a trip to New England, which involved multiple 8-10 hour days in the saddle. I tried out my new Russell Day-long seat and must admit I was amazed how comfortable it was and that I didn't get a sore butt. Yes, it's pricey. ($695 including shipping and a rain cover). Besides the price of the seat, I also purchased a new stock seat from my dealer ($121) so Russell could use the base pan upon which to mount their custom seat. (I sent them my original seat and kept the newer stock seat for shorter trips as I prefer its looks to the Russell.) On my prior long distance trips on the stock seat, I did use an Air Hawk pad on top of the seat. It worked well, and the Air Hawk also serves as a nice pillow when tent camping.

My new Heidenau tires (K 64 130/70 -18 M/C 63H TL rear, K 65 100/90-18 MC/C56H TL front) worked well in the rain and dry roads. More importantly, they seem to have minimal wear after 1,000 miles. I've been searching for longer lasting tires and I believe I've found them. I was not impressed with the original Indian brand (4,000 miles) nor Bridgestone (5,000 miles) and Pirelli (5,000 miles.) I generally replace tires when the wear bars become visible. I ride the twisties, rain or shine, and want good rubber under me. Besides, I'm a believer in the old adage, "90% of flats occur in the last 10% of a tire's life." BTW, "TL" stands for "tubeless" but, of course, I still use tubes with my stock spoke wheels. I notice the newest RE models have cast mag wheels, which run tubeless tires.
 

Woodstock

Well travelled
Location
Woodstock, NY
Two items to add - seats and tires:
I recently completed a trip to New England, which involved multiple 8-10 hour days in the saddle. I tried out my new Russell Day-long seat and must admit I was amazed how comfortable it was and that I didn't get a sore butt. Yes, it's pricey. ($695 including shipping and a rain cover). Besides the price of the seat, I also purchased a new stock seat from my dealer ($121) so Russell could use the base pan upon which to mount their custom seat. (I sent them my original seat and kept the newer stock seat for shorter trips as I prefer its looks to the Russell.) On my prior long distance trips on the stock seat, I did use an Air Hawk pad on top of the seat. It worked well, and the Air Hawk also serves as a nice pillow when tent camping.

My new Heidenau tires (K 64 130/70 -18 M/C 63H TL rear, K 65 100/90-18 MC/C56H TL front) worked well in the rain and dry roads. More importantly, they seem to have minimal wear after 1,000 miles. I've been searching for longer lasting tires and I believe I've found them. I was not impressed with the original Indian brand (4,000 miles) nor Bridgestone (5,000 miles) and Pirelli (5,000 miles.) I generally replace tires when the wear bars become visible. I ride the twisties, rain or shine, and want good rubber under me. Besides, I'm a believer in the old adage, "90% of flats occur in the last 10% of a tire's life." BTW, "TL" stands for "tubeless" but, of course, I still use tubes with my stock spoke wheels. I notice the newest RE models have cast mag wheels, which run tubeless tires.
If you ever think to post, I would be interested to know how many miles you get with the Heidenau tires? Thanks.
 
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