First trip

[ScottM]

Took off on my first trip with my new to me 2003 for a few days. Left Indianapolis and headed to the Dragon and Blue Ridge Parkway. I have learned the stock seat isn't gonna cut it. I put on Utopia back rest before I left. Best accessory I have every bought. So I need to do something with saddle and keep back rest. Spencer, Airhawk cushion, or something. Only problem I had was speed sensor went bad first day. Had to use gps and no cruise control. Other than that, good first trip.

Scott









edit by webmaster to post pics


http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/Scott ... sort=3&o=3

http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/Scott ... sort=3&o=2

http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/Scott ... sort=3&o=1

http://s1376.photobucket.com/user/Scott ... sort=3&o=0

[trikebldr]

I like reading reports like this. It's most helpful hearing the issues others have had and the solutions they came up with and how well they worked.
A long time ago I was able to do 1000 mile days once in a while, but my backside has softened a lot since then. I also learned that a backrest is almost mandatory for anything over 100 miles.
My Voyager's speedo still works fine, but the one on my little 1100 is quite erratic. jumps from 62 to 84 with no change in between! I like the idea of using a GPS for speed. Seems that some aftermarket speedos are even digital versions that represent the originals.
Will have to look you up next time I'm in Indy!

[Mr Jensee]

If I could still take long trips which I have only had one, I would also change out the padding in my seat. My rides are short now so I guess it is one modification I won't need.

[Lucasind]

Thanks for the pictures of your trip there Scott ! I too ,have a 03' ....what a great bike ! most bullet proof ,dependable machine that I have EVER had the pleasure of owning ! .....looking forward to next years rally in southern Indiana,...as word has it ,that some of us are gonna return to the area of your recent trip,the day after the rally ends ! ......................can't wait !........if anyone else want's to "let the good times roll" and join in, let me know ! send me a PM ,,we have a lot of time to get a plan together ! ...............Tony

[SgtSlag]

We tried several seat pads:

1) Sheepskin -- $60; keeps you dry, but it does nothing to soften the pressure on the ischium bones, which is a ride-ender;

2) Wooden Bead Seat Cover -- $40; plenty of air flow, works better than most, but the ischium bones still begin to hurt after a few days of 6+ hours on the bike;

3) AirHawk M/C Pad -- $90, used; could not get this to work, period; tried repeatedly, varied the amount of air, ad nauseum, just couldn't make it work;

4) Gypsy Quilter Sit Upon -- $35 at JoAnn's Fabric Store; Hallelujah, Baby! Best money ever spent, period! Comes pre-filled with the correct amount of air -- has fill valve, same as a basketball/football; takes a little getting used to, as you tend to shift a bit, in turns, but it beats everything else we tried; we can ride around two more days than we could with the Wooden Beads; puts the least amount of pressure on the ischium bones, but eventually, you will hurt, and be forced to get off the bike; incredibly effective, and affordable. Highly recommended. If you don't like the purple color, sew a black bag/case for it. Cheers!

[voyager55]

I ended up buying a Russell Day long Leather seat. Best money I've spent

[SgtSlag]

Custom seats are nearly impossible to beat, however, they also lock you in. My wife and I trade driving duties every 2-3 hours, so a custom seat would not work for us. The rubber seat cushion is transferable, so we can use it for more than just the Voyager; I use mine at the office, as I sit a lot, at a desk. The ischium bones were becoming a problem, until I started using the cushion there. When we take a trip on the Voyager, it comes home for that duty as well. Cheers!

[cranky]

Each their own, your foot, your life.... Best to Ya!!!

I totaled a scoot 8 years ago, wearing nice soft comfy suede shoes / small boot...

Busted the #$%*!#$)%*rap outta my left foot, been wearing Tour Master boots since.... JM2C
Protects your feet / ankles, my ankle took it.....