CSC's Baja Trip 2016

[DanKearney]

I added my name to the list today. Late March is iffy weather-wise riding out from Colorado, so I'm not sure yet if I'll trailer to California or ride.

Anyone else on this board going?

Cheers,

Dan K.

[culcune]

I probably won't be going, but you might end up coming through Yuma on the way to San Diego. Not sure where the ride is originating (i.e. from CSC headquarters) or across the border? If you come through Yuma, let me know!

[SpudRider]

I'm not going, but I'm glad to hear you are signed up for the trip. :tup: Please do take lots of photographs, and post a ride report after you return. :)

[RedHawk47]

I added my name to the list today. Late March is iffy weather-wise riding out from Colorado, so I'm not sure yet if I'll trailer to California or ride.

Anyone else on this board going?

Cheers,

Dan K.

Dan,
I am going. Perhaps we can work something together. I'm in Berthoud, Colorado.
However, I am trying to organize a second Baja trip with some California friends either before or after the CSC trip. That may complicate things.
Dan N

[DanKearney]

Dan,

Joe B. sent me the dates of the ride, but added a note that the group might leave a day or two early. I asked him to let me know when he'd decide on that as I need to plan days off in advance and can't change them at the last minute.

Since late March is highly variable snow-wise, I've got three plans for heading to Calif.

1. If weather is clear all the way: Ride I70 / I15 all the way. Quickest route.

2. If Weather is iffy: Take the southern route. Ride I25 to Albuquerque, then I40 west.

3. If weather bad: Trailer the bike using the clearest route.

I figure regardless of route, there'll be one overnight along the way.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[GSC]

I wanna go too.
I'll sign up today.
Ralley Point?
Probably truck my bike to Ralley Point, thats such a drone on I-40 west.
Maybe we ( colorado new mexico people) go together?
gary of taos

[3banger]

I'm going and plan to ride as well from western CO if the weather is good enough. If not I'll likely be hauling the bike down on my bumper carrier. The tricky part will be riding home, we can forecast the the weather easily on the way out but it hard to know what it will be on the way home once your committed to riding the bike. Guess that's way it's an adventure bike...

[marzhere]

Sounds like Colorado will be well represented :clap:. Mark is officially in.

[rojo_grande]

Sounds like Colorado will be well represented :clap:. Mark is officially in.

I'm Mark. Otherwise know as marzhere's other half, chief cook, and RX3 test rider. I've graciously volunteered to take her bike to Baja and back. :hehe:

Weather dependent, I can ride out, haul the bike on a hitch carrier, or if need be I have a trailer that can haul a couple bikes if someone needs a lift.

Thanks
Mark

[SpudRider]

Welcome to these forums, Mark. We are glad you joined Marlissa, and the rest of us. :)

Indeed, this expedition should be called the Colorado Baja Trip. ;)

[RedHawk47]

I'm planning on trailering.
I don't trust the weather to be nice both directions
I don't like motorcycling on Interstate Highways, particularly the buffeting from other vehicles.
I'm burned out on high mileage days. In September I did 1500 miles in three days with NO interstate to get to the Horizons Unlimited meeting and a similar ride home. Too much. Got to slow down and smell the roses. That's why I bought the RX3.

My trailer has room for three bikes but my truck only has room for two persons (Tacoma X-cab). Glad to share if it works with the rest of my schedule.

Dan N

[Huck369]

I wish I could go........ :(

[GSC]

I just got confirmation, I'm in.

Now please tell me about the hitch carrier? I'd rather use my CRV to haul RX-3 out there. It has a frame mounted 2x2 hitch. Is that possible and which one is best?
thanks

[Weldangrind]

That's a Class III receiver, and they're usually rated for 350lbs of weight. Your bike should be very close to that.

The best carrier is the one that allows your bike to be safely mounted, without risk to your rear window. HF carries one that seems worthy, and it's on sale: http://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-receiver-mount-motorcycle-carrier-99721.html

Remember to print off a 20% off coupon, for a bigger discount.

[GSC]

Thanks Weld, I'm on it.

[SpudRider]

That's a Class III receiver, and they're usually rated for 350lbs of weight. Your bike should be very close to that.

The best carrier is the one that allows your bike to be safely mounted, without risk to your rear window. HF carries one that seems worthy, and it's on sale: http://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-receiver-mount-motorcycle-carrier-99721.html

Remember to print off a 20% off coupon, for a bigger discount.

If a class III receiver is rated for 350 pounds, it is not robust enough to carry the Zongshen RX3 motorcycle. Forum member JimJr21 has a platform shipping scale, and he reported the RX3 weighs 408 pounds will all the luggage and engine guards. ;)

http://www.chinariders.net/showpost.php?p=182957&postcount=2913

http://www.chinariders.net/showpost.php?p=182979&postcount=2931

[Weldangrind]

I'd call it a guideline. I wouldn't hesitate to load an RX3 on a Class III carrier, but one does so at one's own risk.

Some of the farkles could be removed and tossed in the truck, so as to minimize load on the receiver.

[GSC]

Its true my CURT class 3 receiver is listed at 350lbs. tongue weight.
HFreight's Haul Master 400lb MC Carrier #99721

The numbers, including SPUD's, are all so close?
What if I pared down the bike a little, you know, luggage, fuel, added more air to the tires, helium maybe, like that?
The reviews at HF are very good about carrying 400 plus bikes?

[Weldangrind]

Exactly. You could even remove the seat and tank, if that would get you under 350lbs.

[SpudRider]

I'd call it a guideline. I wouldn't hesitate to load an RX3 on a Class III carrier, but one does so at one's own risk.

Some of the farkles could be removed and tossed in the truck, so as to minimize load on the receiver.

According to JimJr21, the luggage and engine guards weigh 45 pounds. You could quickly lose 40 pounds by removing the luggage racks, panniers, trunk, and upper engine guard. ;) That would get the bike down to 368 pounds, with a full tank of fuel. :) Removing the fuel tank and saddle would probably lose another 35 pounds, which puts the weight at approximately 333 pounds. It would also make the bike much narrower for loading on a carrier. ;)

[3banger]

I basically treated the tongue weight limit as a guide line when I fetched my bike from Ouray after killing the clutch on Imogen pass. The carrier it's self is supposedly rated to 500lbs.

http://www.chinariders.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=3999&stc=1&d=1447959086

It's a tight fit with luggage in place but I wouldn't hesitate to haul my bike to CA on the interstate. Certainly wouldn't try any real off-roading with it back there.

[3banger]

I just reviewed a safety presentation about trailers and hitches from my work.

Class 3 hitches (2" receiver) can be rated 350 to 800lbs TW. So as with most things it depends...

[rojo_grande]

I have a hitch carrier rated for 500lbs that I got off ebay a few years ago.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/500LBS-Motorcycle-Scooter-DirtBike-Carrier-Hauler-Hitch-Mount-Rack-Ramp-AntiTilt-/121788254656?hash=item1c5b2549c0:g:lUIAAOSw5ZBWH2O L&vxp=mtr

I've hauled my KLR on it several times with no issues. The KLR wet with farkles is pushing the limit. Don't foresee any issues with the RX3.

Rojo

[Weldangrind]

I have a hitch carrier rated for 500lbs that I got off ebay a few years ago.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/500LBS-Motorcycle-Scooter-DirtBike-Carrier-Hauler-Hitch-Mount-Rack-Ramp-AntiTilt-/121788254656?hash=item1c5b2549c0:g:lUIAAOSw5ZBWH2O L&vxp=mtr

I've hauled my KLR on it several times with no issues. The KLR wet with farkles is pushing the limit. Don't foresee any issues with the RX3.

Rojo

Mark, I agree that the carrier is rated at 500lbs, but the receiver is only typically rated at 350lbs. It depends on the vehicle that it's mounted to. For example, a Dodge Caravan has pre-drilled and tapped holes that are ready for a receiver, but they're not very substantial. No way would I load 500lbs on a carrier in that situation.

A Class IV receiver (which is also 2x2) on a full sized pickup is much stronger, and I wouldn't hesitate to load a 500lb bike on one.

[rojo_grande]

Yep. My receiver hitch is on a full size Ram 1500 pickup. Agree, the hitch needs have the proper rating as well as the carrier.

Rojo

[AZRider]

Gentlemen, please keep in mind that the 350 rating is at the hitch. A carrier typically extends about 18 inches beyond the hitch greatly diminishing its' capacity.

[RedHawk47]

That's a Class III receiver, and they're usually rated for 350lbs of weight. Your bike should be very close to that.

The best carrier is the one that allows your bike to be safely mounted, without risk to your rear window. HF carries one that seems worthy, and it's on sale: http://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-receiver-mount-motorcycle-carrier-99721.html

Remember to print off a 20% off coupon, for a bigger discount.

DO NOT waste your money on the HarborFreight carrier!!
The brackets between the rail and the main frame fracture and fail - numerous stories on AdvRider.com. The brackets are aluminum and are not adequate for the loads as the m/c moves around.
Consider JoeHauler.com
That one on eBay is also available from Wal-Mart online for less money.

Dan

[Weldangrind]

The Joe Hauler is an excellent design. I particularly like the style that has weld-on hinges, allowing the rack to act as a ramp. It makes loading and unloading much easier.

That said, I have a homemade hauler that is made of bed frame steel, and I've hauled it all over the PNW on the back of a Dodge Caravan.

[DanKearney]

FYI: I phoned Steve at CSC (As directed in Joe's blog) about parking space for my truck and trailer for the trip. He told me they have plenty of space, including a locked parking lot nearby the dealership.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[SpudRider]

FYI: I phoned Steve at CSC (As directed in Joe's blog) about parking space for my truck and trailer for the trip. He told me they have plenty of space, including a locked parking lot nearby the dealership.

Cheers,

Dan K.

CSC is a class act. :) We are very lucky such a reputable company decided to import the Zongshen bikes to North America. :tup:

[GSC]

I confirm what Dan said. Park n Ride OK w phone call. Keeping track of # 's I suppose?

[DanKearney]

I ordered all the spares that I want to carry with me on the Baja ride next March. I'm quite pleased that everything, with shipping, comes in less than $100. Not a bad deal.

Over the years I've broken all these items when out on the trail (Except for losing the countershaft sprocket nut). I'll be prepared for Baja.

Spare clutch lever
Spare front brake lever
Spare gear shift lever
Spare rear brake lever and pivot bolt
Spare clutch cable
Spare throttle cable
Spare counter shaft sprocket nut and lock washer

Cheers,

Dan K.

[kohburn]

DO NOT waste your money on the HarborFreight carrier!!
The brackets between the rail and the main frame fracture and fail - numerous stories on AdvRider.com. The brackets are aluminum and are not adequate for the loads as the m/c moves around.
Consider JoeHauler.com
That one on eBay is also available from Wal-Mart online for less money.

Dan

harbor freight actually changed their design and added steel plates to reinforce the connection. haven't heard of any failures since then. that info is also on advrider

[rojo_grande]

Have a similar list of spares, plus tubes for the Baja trip. Better to have and not need.

Really looking forward to the trip. Should be a great time.

Rojo

[RedHawk47]

harbor freight actually changed their design and added steel plates to reinforce the connection. haven't heard of any failures since then. that info is also on advrider

That's good to know. Thanks for the update.

[Jay In Milpitas]

Spare clutch lever
Spare front brake lever
Spare gear shift lever
Spare rear brake lever and pivot bolt
Spare clutch cable
Spare throttle cable
Spare counter shaft sprocket nut and lock washer

Cheers,

Dan K.

Just in case the sprocket nut is needed, will you have a wrench for the task?
Regarding the spare cables, back in the days before standard shifters and when Brit bikes used Whitworth wrenches, we would prepare for a trip by routing the appropriate cable alongside the in-use cable and bound with electrical tape. If suddenly needed, switching over took just a few minutes.

[Weldangrind]

...we would prepare for a trip by routing the appropriate cable alongside the in-use cable and bound with electrical tape. If suddenly needed, switching over took just a few minutes.

Genius! I learn something every day on this forum.

[DanKearney]

One step closer to being ready to go. I can't believe it's only about 10 weeks away already.

I picked up a set of CoyoteTrips 2 liter fuel and water carriers and a set of small dry bags.

http://coyotetrips.com/fuelcan.html

I've already got my stash of spare parts and tools packed. I' close to being ready to go.

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/12491863_10205616049706223_240100981077327763_o.jp g

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/t31.0-8/10636821_10205616049466217_3450913846483429645_o.j pg

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10670009_10205616049626221_5912002299165584715_n.j pg?oh=43a8b53b75ec666f85dfae84b0e5df99&oe=5701A61C

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xla1/v/t1.0-9/12400463_10205616051266262_5414591038176482451_n.j pg?oh=720ab8e379acc1648604cae5fcd0d516&oe=5749655C

https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/774750_10205616051546269_4340861339936556185_o.jpg

Cheers,

Dan K.

[SpudRider]

The CoyoteTrips items look nice. :) If you have time, can you post some photos of the CoyoteTrips mounts, with the items removed?

[DanKearney]

Spud,

Here's Coyote Trips' web page for the carrier:

http://coyotetrips.com/fuelcan/holder.html

Or are you specifically interested in seeing how the mounts are attached to the Tourfellas?

Cheers,

Dan K.

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Dan. The webpage showed me what I wanted to see. :)

[Inroads]

I would be interested in the Baja trip in March but would like a less structured and more flexible one than the official CSC ride.
If there is anyone else like minded then let's do it.

[rojo_grande]

Only ~3 weeks away. I can hardly wait. :yay:

Got my spares, tools, and gear sorted. Did a dry run packing everything on the bike. My commutes in the mornings on the RX3 and KLR have been frosty so I'm ready for some warm sunny weather and some fish tacos!


http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_29522393/rock-slide-near-glenwood-springs-closes-i-70

Hope they get this mess cleaned up quickly. They should have two way traffic (one lane each way) open by Thursday but not fully repaired for a month! I'm sure the construction delays will be substantial. It will add a couple hours to the drive to CSC for anybody driving West on I-70.

I still may opt for the Southern route depending on weather that will also add a couple hours to the trip.

Still hoping to bring back a TT250. Fingers crossed.

Rojo

[3banger]

Baja Trip Tires?
I may have hastily purchased the Kenda K270. Does any one have any exprince with expected mileage on these tires? Spud I suspect you might some good info on this?

[SpudRider]

Baja Trip Tires?
I may have hastily purchased the Kenda K270. Does any one have any exprince with expected mileage on these tires? Spud I suspect you might some good info on this?

You made a very good choice with the Kenda K270 tires. :) I got almost 13,000 miles from my K270 front tire, and it would have lasted longer if I had flipped it every 3,000 miles. ;)

Similarly, my Shinko 244, rear tire still has a bit of life left in it after 13,000 miles. I'm sure your Kenda, K270 tire will prove to be just as durable. :)

[rjmorel]

I have them on mine I think. I'll have to look when I get home . I think they will serve you well down in Baja. I have around 3000 miles on mine and I don't think they are 1/4 worn yet, plenty of tread left for the coming summer trips. rj

[3banger]

Thanks for the feed back, I'll stick with my plan of installing the Kenda's. While I have lots of experience with Pilot Roads for street bike & full on knobbies for the trail bike but not so much with how long true dual sport tires will last.

[CSCDude]

Only ~3 weeks away. I can hardly wait. :yay:

Got my spares, tools, and gear sorted. Did a dry run packing everything on the bike. My commutes in the mornings on the RX3 and KLR have been frosty so I'm ready for some warm sunny weather and some fish tacos!


http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_29522393/rock-slide-near-glenwood-springs-closes-i-70

Hope they get this mess cleaned up quickly. They should have two way traffic (one lane each way) open by Thursday but not fully repaired for a month! I'm sure the construction delays will be substantial. It will add a couple hours to the drive to CSC for anybody driving West on I-70.

I still may opt for the Southern route depending on weather that will also add a couple hours to the trip.

Still hoping to bring back a TT250. Fingers crossed.

Rojo

We will most likely see huge swings in the weather while we are Baja. In the mornings before we cross into BCS (Baja California Sur, the lower half of the Baja peninsula) it will be cold. Once we cross into BCS we'll be approaching the Tropic of Cancer, and it will be most likely be hot and humid. It's likely we'll encounter rain, too (in 25 years of riding Baja, I've only had one ride where we had no rain...that was on the last CSC ride). You'll want to have rain gear. The only real weather challenge is the morning fog that sometimes occurs due to the marine layer. When that happens, we'll just wait it out. I've seen it so thick I couldn't see the road below me.

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/BajaDay3_0477-650.jpg

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/79-650.jpg

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Baja-650-Baja2Itin.jpg

[rojo_grande]

Joe,
What do you So Cal folks consider cold?;)

I'm used to the big temp. swings here in Colorado. My commutes in the mornings have been in the 20's and the ride home in the mid 50's.

Did a trip on the KLR last year in June. Was in the 50's when I left Parker, in the upper 70's when I got past Pueblo, and in the 30's with raining/snowing going over Cordova pass in the Spanish Peaks. All this within ~250 miles but ~4000+ ft elevation change.

I have rain gear and few sets of gloves on the pack list. Jacket with a removable liner as well.

Rojo

[CSCDude]

Joe,
What do you So Cal folks consider cold?;)

I'm used to the big temp. swings here in Colorado. My commutes in the mornings have been in the 20's and the ride home in the mid 50's.

Did a trip on the KLR last year in June. Was in the 50's when I left Parker, in the upper 70's when I got past Pueblo, and in the 30's with raining/snowing going over Cordova pass in the Spanish Peaks. All this within ~250 miles but ~4000+ ft elevation change.

I have rain gear and few sets of gloves on the pack list. Jacket with a removable liner as well.

Rojo

I have become something of a wuss since moving to So Cal. To me, if my visor fogs, it's cold.

We won't encounter any freezing conditions in Baja, but we might experience low 50s or so in the early morning. That's a maybe. To this So Cal boy, that's cold.

[3banger]

I'm not too concerned about the temps, unless there is snow I plan on riding from the western slope of CO and planning on below freezing temps when I leave CO and Flagstaff the following morning. I just finished installing heated grips and a plug in for my heated vest. Once in SoCal I'm sure it will pretty mild compared to what I've ridden through leaving CO. Thought this is a record El Niño year (in theory) and there could be a giant storm crossing the sour western US. In that case I'll be hauling the bike out on the back of the 4Runner. I won't really know the return weather when I leave so riding home might be intresting. But hey that's what it's an adventure...

[RedHawk47]

I just checked with my cell phone carrier, AT&T, to find out what it would cost to have cell service while in Mexico.
Surprise, they have a "Free Roaming in Mexico" offer, if you have the right service plan.
Score!

[DanKearney]

I wonder how the cell coverage is on the peninsula? As a cheap bastard, I use an AT&T GoPhone plan. When I travel abroad, I just buy a local SIM card. I was hoping to do that at the US/Mex border.

I'll also be carrying my two-way satellite tracker/communicator.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[rickosuave1987]

I raced the NORRA Mexican 1000 (in a buggy, not on a bike) a couple years ago, and we went through/stopped at most of the towns you guys will be visiting.

Cell coverage will be spotty at best once you leave the more populated areas. Ensenada and other port towns will have better coverage. You will have signal around Loreto too.

AT&T has a coverage map on their website: https://www.att.com/maps/wireless-coverage.html

We rented satellite phones for our trip. And they worked out in the middle of nowhere when we were 100 miles from any civilization. It was worth the cost just for the piece of mind.

[AZRider]

We rented satellite phones for our trip. And they worked out in the middle of nowhere when we were 100 miles from any civilization. It was worth the cost just for the piece of mind.

Great advice Rick. We rented a satellite phone for our Alaska trip last year and split the cost amongst the participants. It ended up being less than $20 each. Very cheap price for the peace of mind.

[DanKearney]

I like the sat phones for the instant communication aspect of them, but they're so darns expensive. Definitely doable if you're traveling with a group though, to share the cost.

My InReach satellite does two-way messaging and uses the same Iridium satellite constellation as the sat phones, so it has true world-wide coverage (Unlike Spot). And its a lot cheaper.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[RedHawk47]

Interesting Baja video
http://www.advpulse.com/adv-videos/baja-motorcycle-trip/
A lot different route than our trip.
I doubt that the CSC TT250 trip will take single track.

[SeerAtlas]

re singletrack: Joe will probably choose a more than safe, easy route so as to protect the less experienced dirt riders, but as far as the bike is concerned, betting the 250TT IS AT LEAST AS GOOD AS THE hAWK, singletrack would be a non issue for the bike. even at my age and weight,
i can run stuff on my hawk you'd have a hard time traversing/climbing, on your hands and knees. with the tunable suspension upgrades that CSC has included with the TT250 , well, I am dying in anticipation waiting for mine to arrive:) I have seriously 4x4'd all up and down Baja and to my mind, the most dangerous places are the roads, and late night bars, not the dirt. U guys watch yourselves and ride super defensively down there . Sand is usually soft, its the other drivers that will hurt you.
oh, adding an inline fuel filter is cheap and recommended.
and i Do hope he takes you to the shipwreck site, early morning/late afternoon, that ambience will burn itself into your memory. The Bufadora is fun too.

[GSC]

So I'm packing the OEM side cases for the trip.
Its getting full with spare parts, tools, and stuff. Never really loaded 'em so much before.
Any body know what the weight capacity for these plastic cases are? I'd guess I've got about 20 lbs. in one of 'em?

[SpudRider]

So I'm packing the OEM side cases for the trip.
Its getting full with spare parts, tools, and stuff. Never really loaded 'em so much before.
Any body know what the weight capacity for these plastic cases are? I'd guess I've got about 20 lbs. in one of 'em?

I am not aware of an official weight capacity. :shrug: If you call CSC, I bet they will give you a recommendation. :)

[GSC]

Ck'd with CSC first, researching it at present.

[rjmorel]

It's Chinese built, so if 1) you can close the case , your good to go. :) if 2) you can't close it, then the wife is packing to much for you (see #1 to rectify) . I always pack way to much thinking I will meet Apocalyptic conditions out there and rarely find it's that bad. Spare master links to repair chain, some JB weld or equivalent to patch a hole in the case, flat tire fixings, etc will get you back home. You can buy other "necessities" locally on trip if you need more undies.
You guys going on the baja trip should get together the night before you leave CSC and reconnoiter about the tools and spare parts your taking. No point in having 10 air compressors and a bunch of duplicate spare parts. I doubt there will be any 2 break downs that will be similar. Maybe 1 counter shaft sprocket nut for good luck. :) rj

[rojo_grande]

You can buy other "necessities" locally on trip if you need more undies.


You guys going on the baja trip should get together the night before you leave CSC and reconnoiter about the tools and spare parts your taking. No point in having 10 air compressors and a bunch of duplicate spare parts. I doubt there will be any 2 break downs that will be similar. Maybe 1 counter shaft sprocket nut for good luck. :) rj[/QUOTE]

Who needs extra undies when you got this?
http://www.amazon.com/DSE-Anti-Monkey-Butt-Powder-Ounce/dp/B001OXFI40/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1457383062&sr=8-1&keywords=monkey+butt+powder

and/or this?
http://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Body-Balls-Fl-Oz/dp/B00H4A3MG8/ref=pd_sim_194_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41HPnbfeOSL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=06DEB34V40PSSMJ153PB

Per the CSC Blog they're having a BBQ at the plant the night before we leave to go over bikes, spare parts, safety briefing, and paperwork (Passport, MX insurance, etc.)

[Eco Mouse]

Fresh Balls is legitimately good product. It's good as a deodorant as well. If you don't like the scent, get Fresh Breasts, (shhh... it's the same without fragrance)

I should know, I'm the guy who designed all their packaging and marketing. I wouldn't endorse it, if it was just another product.

[Jay In Milpitas]

So I'm packing the OEM side cases for the trip.
Its getting full with spare parts, tools, and stuff. Never really loaded 'em so much before.
Any body know what the weight capacity for these plastic cases are? I'd guess I've got about 20 lbs. in one of 'em?

Page 17 of Operators Handbook says each unit is rated for 5 kg.
So their lawyers are saying about 11 lbs. in each.

Side note: My Gold Wing GL1200 manual says limit of 20 lbs per compartment, but I think a 12 pack of beer plus ice far exceeds that and I've had no problems.

[SpudRider]

I think you can load the panniers for at least 20 pounds. ;)

[DanKearney]

2" of new snow last night, and some more predicted for this evening. Aarrgh!

Looks like I am definitely leaving tomorrow morning with the bike on a trailer.

See you all on Saturday!

Cheers,

Dan K.

[3banger]

Drive safe Dan, still looking good for me to ride on Friday from the this side of the Rockies.

[rojo_grande]

Everyone traveling be safe.

I'm heading out tomorrow after work (hopefully early) from Parker, CO with bike on trailer. Hope to be Azusa by Friday afternoon. Look forward to meeting everyone in person on Saturday.

Rojo

[RedHawk47]

I drove out Tue and Wed to California. Had to take the southern route because Glenwood Canyon was closed Tue and black ice in Wyoming.
Had a wonderful ride today with friends in the hills east of Fresno. Fantastic twisties. The poppies and other wildflowers were abundant.

[detours]

Drive safe everyone! Colorado is really representing on this triip, and I only wish I could have gone too!

[CSCDude]

Make sure you ask Steve for your decal...

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/160309_4746-650.jpg

[3banger]

Hitting the road at sunup, see every body tomorrow!

[woodlandsprite]

looking forward to the stories and photos once y'all get back.
Have a fantastic trip!

[rjmorel]

Everyone have a safe fun trip. Wish I were closer and I'd go with you on the trip. rj

[3banger]

Good ride so far, managed 646 miles yesterday from Fruita to Phoenix. Some of my usual favorites, highway 141 in CO, 90 over into Utah just south of Moab and the Moki Dugway dirt switch backs just north of Mexican Hat. Utah.

Also ran out of gas (see other 3b thread) and while at the gas station I gave a guy the Heimlich maneuver! He was chocking and just hardly making any noise but did have some wheezing. Saw a burrito and soda in the front seat of his truck. Wasn't sure if it was food or just a little liquid he was choking on? He was a big guy and figured there was no way I might injure him so I Heimlich-ed away. Once he started breathing regularly he said it was soda down the wrong pipe. So I don't think the Heimlich was warranted but he was convinced it helped clear the pipes. Shook hands and went are separate ways.

In general the Heimlich is not recommend is the person is making any noise and in this case liquid down the win pipe would have likely cleared on its own. There is a risk of injury giving the Heimlich but this guy was pretty good size an I figured that was unlikely.

[SpudRider]

X3; I hope everyone has a safe trip. I'm sure you will all enjoy a great time together. :)

[CSCDude]

X3; I hope everyone has a safe trip. I'm sure you will all enjoy a great time together. :)

Thanks very much, Spud. Folks have been rolling into the plant over the last couple of days and the excitement level is very high. It's a good group and we are going to have a great time. We hope you will make it down here to ride with us on one of the Baja trips. There's nothing like riding a motorcycle in Mexico and then settling in for a nice dinner and a cold beer at the end of the day. In fact, in appreciation for your kind thoughts and the sincere hope you'll join us on the next one...well, this Spud's for you!

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/6-150325_1162-650.jpg

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Joe. Be safe, enjoy yourselves, and post lots of photographs. :)

[rtking]

Thank you, Joe. Be safe, enjoy yourselves, and post lots of photographs. :)

Ditto Joe and team. looking forward to reading the adventures on the blog!

[culcune]

If I can have the day to myself, I might drive over to the US side of Tecate and welcome you guys into the US; perhaps you guys can hand over some Tecate beer... :)

[Lee R]

Have a good trip Joe, I'm sure I speak for many on this forum but I'd love to join you on a trip to Baja when things line up someday.

And I second Spud, lots of pics!

[SpudRider]

The Day1 Ride Report is posted at the CSC Blog. :)

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/?p=20627

http://californiascooterco.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/160313_4795-650.jpg

[culcune]

Glad to see everyone made it safely and still have smiles on their faces! If I sort out a battery, I might even fire up the old TMEC and meet the riders as they cross the border at the Tecate border crossing next Saturday. I have driven on Interstate 8 between Yuma and San Diego many times, but more and more I have found that there are actual small towns once one reaches the mountains (you have to look on a map to see what I am talking about) and plenty of by-way roads that are alternatives to Interstate 8 up there. I have been meaning to ride that way, but my motorcycle accident in October, 2014 delayed those plans indefinitely. I am sure they will be weary and such, and I don't even expect anyone to make a stop as I am sure Joe has the group on schedule, but in the interest of Chinariders, I would like to film them passing by once they clear the border and post the video here. How often have we seen 12 RX-3 bikes in action at once?

[GSC]

Incedently,

About OEM side case capacity.
Got back from the Baja Tour and sidecases still intact and as someone said on this thread ' if cases close its good '.
I agree. They seem very durable.

[SpudRider]

:tup:

[DanKearney]

Here are the only photos I took on the trip that are worth seeing:

https://goo.gl/photos/UZQwX2iACXmkvbaBA

If any other riders have got some photos, please share. Especially whale photos as mine are pathetic.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[CSCDude]

Here you go, Dan...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WZk9WoFdGI

[rojo_grande]

Joe,
Great job on the video montage of the 2016 Baja trip. Once again, I cannot thank you and CSC enough for putting together such a memorable trip of a lifetime. Truly remarkable!

BTW, nice shirt!

Rojo (aka, Mark Ellis)

[rjmorel]

I see at least 2 of you boys signed the guest books hidden in the weeds :) rj

http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg186/rjmorel_bucket/DSCN0942%20-%20On%20the%20road%20towards%20the%20cave%20painti ngs%20near%20San%20Francisco%20de%20la%20Sierra_zp sgfnz0fel.jpg (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/rjmorel_bucket/media/DSCN0942%20-%20On%20the%20road%20towards%20the%20cave%20painti ngs%20near%20San%20Francisco%20de%20la%20Sierra_zp sgfnz0fel.jpg.html)

[SpudRider]

I see at least 2 of you boys signed the guest books hidden in the weeds :) rj



I think those gentlemen are watering some of the less hardy shrubs with some additional moisture and nitrogen. ;) That's how I aid the sagebrush and other plants in Idaho. :)