Riding season is here!!!

[star_deceiver]

On the interstates you can find 24hr fuel stations at least every 100kms (generally...). On secondary highways there are towns, but outside of major cities those small towns tend to shut down at 8pm. No gas no corners store, everything closed.

I tried to not ride at night but found myself riding at least an hour or two in the dark each evening. Many people don't realize how much time you waste while stopping to take pics, eat, get gas, ect, while on a bike.

The KLR has a pretty good lighting system and a decent high beam. With a 22L fuel tank I can easily get 320kms or more (depending on wind direction related to speed) before having to switch to reserve at around 17.5/18L.

The coastal and forested rides of the coast and Yellowstone where one can take time make such trips worthwhile. If you had 7-8 days you could eliminate the interstates altogether... or keep the long. boring desert rides and extend the trip to include some more interesting places. Yosemite, SoCal coastal highways, the beaches of greater Los Angeles, Vegas, and the Grand Canyon could easily be included in that trip with 3-4 more days! That's a of of riding!

[alvaro84]

Originally Posted by star_deceiver

On the interstates you can find 24hr fuel stations at least every 100kms (generally...). On secondary highways there are towns, but outside of major cities those small towns tend to shut down at 8pm. No gas no corners store, everything closed.

No, I mean towns that slow you down Fuel stations you don't use don't really get in the way [/QUOTE]

I tried to not ride at night but found myself riding at least an hour or two in the dark each evening. Many people don't realize how much time you waste while stopping to take pics, eat, get gas, ect, while on a bike.

I do... and sometimes I ride in the dark too. Especially in day shift - which is 6am-6pm. It's August and it's almost dark when I go to work. And it will surely be dark both ways from October.

The KLR has a pretty good lighting system and a decent high beam. With a 22L fuel tank I can easily get 320kms or more (depending on wind direction related to speed) before having to switch to reserve at around 17.5/18L.

Teresa's low beam is rather weak. The high beam is nice, but that's a crime against the battery (Now I have problems with the voltage regulator, I guess. Have to get her to workshop soon...)

Fuel range is great, though. In good weather I can easily have 500km+ tanks from that 15l of gas

The coastal and forested rides of the coast and Yellowstone where one can take time make such trips worthwhile. If you had 7-8 days you could eliminate the interstates altogether... or keep the long. boring desert rides and extend the trip to include some more interesting places. Yosemite, SoCal coastal highways, the beaches of greater Los Angeles, Vegas, and the Grand Canyon could easily be included in that trip with 3-4 more days! That's a of of riding!

Coast, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon... I'd need weeks. To look everything thoroughly, and take a lot of pics.

[star_deceiver]

I'd love to have weeks to see everything... It's that damned thing called work!

[sendler]

Originally Posted by alvaro84

Teresa's low beam is rather weak.

I like to have extra light. Winter is coming and it will be dark on both ends of my commute. I changed the headlight to HID. DDM tuning gives them away. You can buy the set with the correct bulbs for your bike but order as if it is a car and get two complete sets of bulbs and ballasts for the price of one in case you need a spare part. Use the 35 watt ballasts to avoid heat problems and save your charging system and go for the 4500k color so they are not blue.
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DDM Tuning 35W and 55W HID Kits
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Then add a pair of these led lights which are only 12 watts each but very bright.
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Model 30 LED off road Spot light
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[alvaro84]

Dunno... I may, if I'm brave enough. They're illegal here, you know. It's just it's usually not taken too seriously.

But the charging system comes first. Now the battery voltage is decreasing during my commutes (~20% FAS, multiple starter uses - but it should recharge over the rest, shouldn't it?).

[sendler]

Originally Posted by alvaro84

Now the battery voltage is decreasing during my commutes

There must be something wrong. You shouldn't have to ration the use of your high beam just to save the battery. I am lucky. Both My Honda CBR250R and PCX150 have 330 watt charging systems. I can run extra lights and full heated clothing from neck to toe with no power issues.

[alvaro84]

400 watts here. Something must be wrong.