Advice Needed: First Moto Trip

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by Jamesian21, Nov 4, 2024 at 5:08 PM.

  1. Jamesian21

    Jamesian21 New Member

    Apr 15, 2024
    12
    3
    Texas
    This week I will be taking my first trip on the T120 outside of my general metroplex. I'm only headed 4 hours south, staying a night, then back the next day. I'm using this as a test for my eventual move next spring that will see me riding at least 10-12 hours depending on the stops.

    I have some basic emergency supplies like a battery starter, air pump, first aid kit, spare spark plugs. I'm comfortable with my riding gear, and the bike has new brake pads, tires, and recent oil change. I'm posting here for general advice on starting out for these longer journeys away from familiar territory. My biggest concern is a flat tire since the Bonnie has tubes, and the fatigue from wind resistance. Eventually I will get a larger windscreen, but for now it has the Dart flyscreen, which helps a little, but not a lot. In Texas, we have the fastest roads in the US. Outside of my city, I can expect to be going 80mph+ on open highway, which is where I really start to feel some serious drag.

    Any suggestions for this type of journey would be greatly appreciated!
    Cheers!
     
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  2. Dawsy

    Dawsy Cumbrian half-wit
    Subscriber

    Aug 24, 2018
    70
    800
    Cumbria
    For a four hour journey I wouldn't think too deeply. Just get on and ride!
    My Speedy only has a small screen and those speeds you mention are easily handled, but if it's your first trip you may need to build up slowly and take a few breaks.
    Enjoy your trip and many others.
     
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  3. Jamesian21

    Jamesian21 New Member

    Apr 15, 2024
    12
    3
    Texas
    Thank you!
    The T120 handles those speeds easily as well, I'm more worried about the wind resistance from those speeds for hours on end, but as you said, I will liekly just need to build up my strength and/or tolerance
     
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  4. Samsgrandad

    Samsgrandad Senior Member

    Dec 15, 2019
    563
    243
    Somerset
    The way to combat fatigue is to take regular and frequent breaks, alternatively drop the speed from 80+ to 60 or so and then the drag is much less and that makes for a more pleasant ride.
     
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  5. Jamesian21

    Jamesian21 New Member

    Apr 15, 2024
    12
    3
    Texas
    Thanks for the tip, I will make sure to listen to my body and take breaks when needed! However, dropping to that speed on these highways is not a safe option
     
  6. stinger

    stinger Senior Member

    Nov 28, 2017
    735
    243
    Yarnbrook
    As a test a 4 hour trip shouldn't be too arduous. As mentioned you might want to get a build up daily plan, before the trip ride every day. On a multi day trip those aches and pains multiply each day. Work on getting "bike fit". Depending on how far from main routes you go carrying lots of spares might not really be necessary. I used to carry spares, tool kits, pumps, puncture kits and more besides. These days i take some zip ties and my phone, its got my breakdown services saved. If your bike is in decent condition it is not more likely to break down on a trip than its normal daily use.
    i take one or two multiday trips a year, so whilst not round the world hardass, i have a little bit of experience, as general advice, and it has been said many times in many places and it is true. Get all your gear you are planning to take and put it out so you can see it all, then throw at least half of it away. Some things are truisms because they are true and this is one of them.
     
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  7. ajc400

    ajc400 Senior Member

    Jun 4, 2024
    302
    113
    Glasgow
    As others have said, I don't take too much in the way of tools or spares when I have a few days away on a trip like yours - bike tool kit plus a few extra spanners, allen keys, multitool with pliers and most importantly, my puncture repair kit (sticky string plugs), which obviously wouldn't help with tubed tyres, so you need to decide on that one. Would you attempt a wheel off repair or call for breakdown assistance?

    I also have a few zip ties, bits of wire, wire connectors and insulating tape in a ziplok bag and a pair of plastic gloves to keep my hands clean if the worst happens.....
     
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  8. Dawsy

    Dawsy Cumbrian half-wit
    Subscriber

    Aug 24, 2018
    70
    800
    Cumbria
    I didn't mean the bike easily handled the speed, I meant my neck and shoulders :grinning:
    Like everyone has said, have regular brew stops and you will be absolutely fine.
     
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  9. Markus

    Markus Crème de la Crème
    Subscriber

    Oct 28, 2020
    3,501
    1,000
    AUSTRIA
    @Jamesian21: You may train your core and abdominal muscles. Then you are able to "work" again the upcoming airstream and in parallel you are able to relieve your arms/hands. The neck will also profit from this kind of training.;)
    I was riding my former "Bonnie" with +80 mph for hours across some European countries without any issues. Don't forget get to take some refreshing breaks!
     
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