After a 2-up tour of Spain and Portugal last summer, I decided my CBF1000 wasn't really built for touring, so traded up to a GTR :yes:
Loving it so far - amazing handling for a big bike, and never seems to run out of power - but haven't yet done any serious mileage on it.
That's about to change. I'm heading back to Spain and Portugal with 4 mates on bikes (I'll be solo this time) so... any hints or tips? It's just had a full service and a new back tyre. Anything else I should think about before I set off? :wacko:
Thanks in advance :smiley:
welcome, that's a big change up from a CBF , the gtr has soooomuch more to offer, you wont be sorry
Very welcome here & congrats !
:punk:
Welcome. I went from a CBF to a GTR. You won't regret it.
:185:
You probably already know to stay hydrated in the heat - with four mates you will probably keep up a good pace and need to stay focused. A Camelbak with iced water is good with a pinch of salt to fool the body to retain moisture is a survival tactic. Lots of beer or wine in the evening takes care of after dark thirst. Bike wise new tyres all round is a good start to a tour as replacements are not always available and expensive when they are in stock. Keep the tyre pressure display on and watch it climb with heat and speed - you can adjust pressure to a reasonable level later in the ride. Got this advice from chatting to a pair of Spanish motorcycle police riding in shirt sleeve order when we stopped to check tyres that were giving the impression we had punctures - readings well over standard on 15 bikes!! Using motorway then keep to speed limit as your ticket receipt can be used as evidence and do not wait on the hard shoulder after the barrier for your mates as police (with red berets) will seize your bike until you pay an instant fine. You can draw your own conclusion how we got out of that one!! If you stop and you should for midday lunch you will want to stay in the shade and so should your bike - if not cover the seat and especially the clock area as sun through the windshield will distort the plastic surrounding. I'm sure you will come back with some stories like these so let us know how you get on - oh, Sunday's petrol purchase - your debit card may not work but your credit card should but have cash to give to any helpful motorist willing to fill your tank on their card and don't use an FX card as your daily allowance is debited however little you purchase and the balance adjusted later. If you are using satnavs and have planned and shared routes let the lead man have priority and second man drop off because there will be small deviations especially in towns that could split the group. Enjoy the bike and let the others know what it can do if they are on sports bikes!!
:185:
Sound advise shade and after dark beer :yes: :agree:
Quote from: Redrat on May 02, 2015, 10:07:17 AM
Bike wise new tyres all round is a good start to a tour as replacements are not always available and expensive when they are in stock. Keep the tyre pressure display on and watch it climb with heat and speed - you can adjust pressure to a reasonable level later in the ride.
The bike had a new front when I bought it, and the rear had plenty of tread but had actually "flattened off" probably from excessive motorway miles. The new rear has made it handle like a different bike! :smiley: And I leave the tyre pressure display on all the time anyway :laugh:
All great hints though, particularly the one about the sun through the screen!
Cheers,
PaulB.