Big Trip Planning

[eness76]

Originally Posted by pyoungbl

If you have not already done so, I'd recommend getting a copy of Joe Berk's book 5,000 miles at 8,000 RPM. It's an entertaining read that will give you some idea of the RX3 capabilities....and limitations. He has 2 other books that cover riding the bike in Columbia and China. The books are available in paperback from Amazon.

I'm about 1/3 of the way into 5000 miles. Entertaining read!

[culcune]

I used to live in northern AZ near-ish Monument Valley when I was working for a school district on the Navajo reservation; it would be a good ride to criss-cross on the RX3. I liked Canyon de Chelly a lot which is not too far from Monument Valley. I have been itching to get a 'vacation' bike, and the RX3 is at the top of my list. If I stay in AZ I might meet up with you up north; I have a friend who moved up there to work on another school district a few years back and have been trying to get excuses to ride up there and visit him.

[BlackBike]

Originally Posted by eness76

as long as I can stay at around 65-70 on the highway bits when I'm loaded for the trip I'm good. i plan to film the trip and shoot lots of stills and document the trip and the bikes performance ]

After your rx3 research, do you think this is doable? (65-70mph)

I don't own an rx3

[Jay In Milpitas]

Originally Posted by BlackBike

After your rx3 research, do you think this is doable? (65-70mph)

I don't own an rx3

It is possible. On my commute I used the "fast" lane often, only occasionally being passed by cars blowing by far above the speed limit. I run 70-75 approximately.

Other posters here have shared their rides of >70mph including RJ's SS1000 for an Iron Butt event. As much time as you seem to spend on the RX3 thread I would have thought you knew the bike's capability by now, FFS.

[BlackBike]

Originally Posted by Jay In Milpitas

It is possible. On my commute I used the "fast" lane often, only occasionally being passed by cars blowing by far above the speed limit. I run 70-75 approximately.

Other posters here have shared their rides of >70mph including RJ's SS1000 for an Iron Butt event. As much time as you seem to spend on the RX3 thread I would have thought you knew the bike's capability by now, FFS.

Still have doubts for the hills, and heavyweights. But I don't have a qualified opinion, will let it be known.

On the other hand, the price CANNOT be argued with.

[Musictrek]

Originally Posted by BlackBike

Still have doubts for the hills, and heavyweights. But I don't have a qualified opinion, will let it be known.

On the other hand, the price CANNOT be argued with.

Not to mention the insurance cost on a 250 is pretty cheap compared to larger CC bikes

[sqwert]

75mph is not realistic on any 250 loaded for a trip at high altitude or steep grades at low altitude. 60 is usually doable, if you pack light, but there are grades at altitude you won't even be able to do that.

However, the RX3 is incomparable in a number of ways, assuming you add a couple teeth to the rear wheel sprocket (stock is geared too high) and a 55 watt headlight bulb (stock is 35):

1) With the accessory cushy seat the RX3 is more comfortable to ride than anything in a similar class (honestly, there is nothing else in its class without spending a small fortune), by far. Even a cheap Walmart ATV seat cover makes it as cushy as anything close;

2) All the farkles that cost a small fortune are already on the bike. You may want different details, but most you won't actually NEED;

3) The RX3 is very sensitive to fuel quality. E0 gets about 60mpg loaded on the highway. E10 gets about 50mpg loaded on the highway. That's about 65mph, rolling hills in west Kentucky and northwest Tennessee. Doesn't notice power loss because the bike goes as fast as I want to go even with E10 without full throttle, just use a lower gear.

4) The RX3 has more horsepower than one would expect for its price and purpose, but if you are used to a relatively narrow powerband of a 2-stroke, you'll have no problems.

5) Touring on a small bike requires the discipline to not expect more than the bike is capable of delivering. Light loads, slower speeds, more maintenance compared to bikes 4 or 6 times its displacement. Smell the flowers.

6) The EFI keeps performance up as atmospheric conditions change with altitude and weather.

7) Personal preference: I intend to maximize the brakes before attempting any heavily loaded long trips on steep grades. Cheap peace-of-mind insurance.

Just day rides on my RX3 so far, but I have SS1000, BB1500s, 4000 mile weeks, and lots of shorter stuff on a TW200 with a mod or three, so not really much difference other than twice the cost of an RX3 for back road touring (dirt, gravel, concrete, or asphalt, but a road, not an obstacle course or interstate).

[eness76]

Originally Posted by BlackBike

After your rx3 research, do you think this is doable? (65-70mph)

I don't own an rx3

from what I have seen on here, it appears doable. One user "pyoungbl" mentioned fully loaded with camping gear his tops out at 74 on gps, which is pretty good. 65 wouldn't be killing it, and frankly every car I've ever had also had speedo error, so going a true 74 most cars around you are probably indicating near 80.

I'm going to use mostly non-highway routes if possible. For example, just doing a quick google maps route from say me to Denver comes in at 18hrs and change, and if I do that same route and use the "avoid highways" option, it's 23hrs and change. Spread that out over 3.5 days to get out there, an additional 1.5hr per day isn't a big thing. Besides what I discovered on my last trip is "it's the ride, not the destination" in many respects and I really enjoying riding, even on the street, or I wouldn't be into long trips.

As I'm doing more route research and all this preliminary fun stuff, I'm finding out lots about the Trans America Trail, and may try and mix some of that into the actual trip out. I'm in no hurry, literally and figuratively. I really enjoy the scenery and the whole experience of it all.

[Jay In Milpitas]

"It's the ride, not the destination."

Exactly right. Destination, for a motorcyclist, is just the reason/excuse for the ride. When my currant wife met me she was new to riding and didn't yet "get it", but as weeks passed and I would take her out for short rides after work "just because" she caught on. Finally one morning she asked me to take her to Clear Lake on the bike, a full 7+ hour round trip. I said "Sure, but why?" She quipped "It's not about the destination". Yeah, I'm a very lucky man.