Hypermotard - Can it go the distance?

[Bodie]

I just put down my deposit on an 1100 without even riding it ! It's so sexy ! My plan, 90 % everyday use, but......on trip from Canada to Panama slated for next spring. Am I insane to take this bike on a 5000Km + trip ?


Bodie

[bafflebrain]

Unless you have a custom tank made..plan to do 400 or so gas stops.

[06800SS]

Did you see the DP HM catalog yet? There's a nice tank bag/side bag set up in there. Also there's a rear rack and tail bag but I think a set of Dowco saddle bags might be better for a trip like that. I'm hearing about 120 miles between fill ups which is pretty close to what I get out of my SS running around local. If I tuck in on the highway on the SS I can go about 150 miles before the fuel light comes on....... Better figure on 120-130 on the HM though since the tuck in aerodynamics aren't possible. I wonder if there won't be a bigger tank offered in the near future, pretty sure there has been a bigger one in the DP catalogs for the 749 & 999.

[OMEGA]

Other than fuel range, it's a perfect tourer, the seat is ultra comfy and the ergos are the same as a 450 motocrosser.

[sqd8r]

Buy a Vstrom for the trip, sell it when you get back. The HM will do the job but why.

[ccolwell]

Originally Posted by sqd8r

Buy a Vstrom for the trip, sell it when you get back. The HM will do the job but why.

Hate to say it, but I agree. Rode a 650 Wee-Strom in Europe over the summer. Great bike for touring, a little heavy and a somewhat vague front end but comfortable and will go almost all day on a tank of gas.

[rubyvrooom]

Originally Posted by ccolwell

Hate to say it, but I agree. Rode a 650 Wee-Strom in Europe over the summer. Great bike for touring, a little heavy and a somewhat vague front end but comfortable and will go almost all day on a tank of gas.

the MH is anything but vague and feels light at any speed. however the farthest i have ever gone on my HM in the 3000 miles that i have ridden is 99 and that cost me a walk to the gas station.

expect no more than 70-80 miles till the fuel light comes on. and when it comes on you should pay attention. she may be asking politely, but she is serious and like a supermodel girlfriend, will leave you on the side of the road if you don't take care of her.

[06800SS]

Originally Posted by Bodie

I just put down my deposit on an 1100 without even riding it ! It's so sexy ! My plan, 90 % everyday use, but......on trip from Canada to Panama slated for next spring. Am I insane to take this bike on a 5000Km + trip ?


Bodie

Yes you are insane unless you are making the trip without doing very many miles on the interstate. The buffeting from the tractor trailers will beat you to death in short order. Get the HM but find a nice used bike with some sort of fairing for a trip like that and resell it when you get back....

[L J&G]

Hopefully John at Fuel Cel can come up with a 5 gal. Kevlar tank for the HM! Get to work John!!!