1 month until my Bonneville speed week trip.  

"Decay buys too many beaters" (decay) 07/11/2018 at 14:24 • Filed to: Decay mototrip

6

42

A few friends and I decided earlier this year that it would be fun to do a motorcycle trip from Portland down to Bonneville to watch the top speed racing. We’re now within the 1 month mark so preparations have begun in earnest.

First consideration is route.

There are a few options presented by google maps, but I’m going to let the other guys take the lead on which route we want to take. Based on this though, We can expect it to be no less than 1600 miles round trip, probably closer to 2000 since the current plan is to get there via the southernmost route. More if I stick around and explore the southwest for a few days after those guys head back north.

This brings up the question (in my case) of which bike? Right off the bat, all the scooters are out. While part of me really wants to do a 2000+ mile ride on a 50cc (hey, I’ve done 250 miles days on them multiple times!), I do not think the other people coming would appreciate that choice.

One of the longer 50cc rides I did, to the pacific coast an back to Portland in a day.

The DR-Z could probably do it, but it’s real loud and is not exactly comfortable at highway speeds. That leaves the Triumph.

It could make the trip without any issues. I may have to do a few modifications (windscreen, extra tie downs for luggage) but It would do just fine.

However I got to thinking, do I really want to bring something I genuinely care for onto a giant lake bed made of salt? (you have to park on the salt even to watch) Unlike cars, motorcycles generally do not have corrosion protection of any kind. No undercoatings, fasteners are not plated, so salt would get into all the moving parts in the suspension and slowly rust away the bearings and fasteners. Not a great idea for something I routinely take to triple digit speeds.

This got me thinking about renting a bike for the trip. Found a few companies that do rentals, but overall price would be in the $2k range. I thought to myself “hell, I could buy a bike for that”So I started shopping around.

Considering that this trip is mostly highway, I figured I’d branch out a bit and buy a big cruiser. Pretty far from my norm, but what better way to experience a different class of bike than the exact environment that class is made for?

Had a few requirements that were guiding my search

1. Fuel injection, I really don’t want to have to screw with carbs on the road

2. Sub $4000, kind of a soft limit as I intend to sell whatever I buy right after returning. Don’t have the space for another long term bike right now

3. Reliable, while the thought of doing the ride on a vintage British bike is appealing... it is also very not appealing

4. Something I am unlikely to become emotionally attached to and end up keeping or feel bad about taking onto salt.

5. More than 1000cc. Because everyone knows more is better.

These requirements basically focus my search on year 2000 and later Japanese cruisers. They generally have a really steep depreciation curve due to being “not Harley Davidsons”, while being very reliable and plentiful in the second hand market.

I went and looked at a few this weekend and this particular Honda followed me home for only $2600

It’s a 2002 Honda VTX1800. Yes, the 1800 is a reference to the engine size, and this thing is an absolute monster. At the time it was introduced, it was the largest twin cylinder engine ever fitted to a motorcycle by more than 100cc. It’s heavy, really heavy at around 800lbs, but the engine makes around 120 ft lbs so it moves out of it’s own way with surprising quickness. Being a fuel injected an water cooled Honda, a basic service (just to make sure everything is up to date) should set this thing up for about 15k miles of trouble and relatively maintenance fee motoring.

I’ll make a longer post about the bike in a couple weeks once I get to know it a little better. As it stands I’ve only ridden it a couple days so far.

beautimouse > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 14:35

1

This is me about Bonneville.  Have a great trip and I look forward to reading all about it and the bike!

Mercedes Streeter > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 14:36

1

You’re my hero, Decay.

If you ever get rid of those bikes, send them my way! :3

bob and john > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 14:36

1

YESSSSSS 

Alfalfa > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 14:36

1

One day of salt exposure won’t hurt the triumph, especially if you go and give it a good wash r ight after. 

AestheticsInMotion > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 14:45

1

Oh man. I’ve been dreaming of driving the salt flats for awhile now, but I want to wait until the boost is ready.

Definitely post updates on the trip/bike! 

Derpwagon > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 15:02

1

LOL. “I didn’t want to risk my good bike maybe getting rusty so I bought this monster.”

I like the way you think.

That southerly route should make for some gorgeous scenery. I’d take a different route back to be able to see more stuff. 

Decay buys too many beaters > AestheticsInMotion 07/11/2018 at 15:09

0

Will do!

Going to prep the bike to run just in case the need hits me once i get down there. Prep for bikes is actually really easy. 

Decay buys too many beaters > Alfalfa 07/11/2018 at 15:12

1

That’s where I think you are wrong. Water would only drive salt deeper into all moving parts, and I’d never quite get it out.

I have fasteners on motorcycles that rust just due to humidity in the air. Plus after growing up on the east coast, fuck salt in general. 

Decay buys too many beaters > Derpwagon 07/11/2018 at 15:15

0

Yeah, I expect the route back will end up being different. Seeing all of AMGtechs posts really makes me want to spend some time exploring the south west. I have a lot of time off saved up, so might as well spend some of it. 

Decay buys too many beaters > Mercedes Streeter 07/11/2018 at 15:15

1

There may be a slightly salty VTX1800 for sale in September !

Decay buys too many beaters > beautimouse 07/11/2018 at 15:19

0

Going to prep it to run too, just in case I feel like sending it down the course. Prep to run a bike is a LOT easier than for a car.

Mercedes Streeter > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 15:23

0

I may need to buy a plane ticket in September. :D

Derpwagon > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 15:28

1

I’ve visited a fair chunk of it, if you want recommendations for a specific area let me know and I’ll do my best.

bob and john > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 15:44

1

also, legit, I need to come out and visit you some day

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 15:57

2

Avoid interstate as much as possible. The extra time and mileage is more than worth the scenery, curves, and fun.

Two day ride down? Don't have your heart set on where you will end up each night. Leave yourself options. I think you said you're camping, have apps for finding campsites (the dyrt, ioverlander, etc.) Bring paper maps and a backup battery with the ability to jumpstart a bike. You can easily experience a 50 degree temperature swing within a few hours riding some of those areas, bring appropriate gear and layers, including rain gear. Be prepared for bear encounters.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 15:58

1

I assume you've seen my Instagram stuff? That's only a small fraction of what I'm going to post up here!

Pickup_man > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 16:04

1

This is the correct way to do a trip like this, and I want to do the same at some point (except probably take my own bike).  I was going to suggest the VTX, but clearly you’re way ahead of me. That is a hell of a deal on an 1800, I’ve seen a few 1300's dip that low, but never an 1800.

Have a great trip! Post updates!

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/11/2018 at 16:07

0

I figured as much!

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/11/2018 at 16:07

0

I was totally following along until you said bear encounters.

nononononononononononononono

Decay buys too many beaters > Derpwagon 07/11/2018 at 16:08

0

Sure thing, once we have a solid plan I’ll solicit some advice

Decay buys too many beaters > Pickup_man 07/11/2018 at 16:09

1

Will do!

I was looking at the 1300s too, but as far as I know they are carbureted, which was a non starter for me on this trip. There will be a fair amount of elevation changes. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 16:11

1

Well it’s extremely possible in your southern  route! Especially if you were to camp at devil's postpile, which seems an appropriate distance for one day. One review I read for that place "lots of bears" 

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/11/2018 at 16:18

1

Perhaps they are just saying that to keep tourists away :)

The rumble from the VTX through it’s Vance & Hines pipes should scare most wildlife away... or maybe make them mad... I guess it could fall either way. 

Decay buys too many beaters > bob and john 07/11/2018 at 16:22

0

You need to get your big cruiser on. I didn’t expect to like it, but this thing is so over the top. If you whack it open in first or  second, it does a rolling burn out.

Pickup_man > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 16:23

1

I was not aware that the 1300's were carbure ted. I looked at VTX’s when I was shopping for a new bike but found them a bit too heavy and not quite to my taste (I’ve also heard that despite being a liquid cooled 1800 power isn’t fantastic). Honda s, incredibly reliable, but incredibly mediocre at everything else. For a trip like this though with a quick turn and burn the VTX is the perfect bike.

I ended up on an ‘06 Yamaha Warrior 1700 which I got a great deal on, $3700, and absolutely love it.

bob and john > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 16:29

1

I had a gold wing 2 weekends ago!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 16:31

1

Are you going to let it run all night?

Decay buys too many beaters > Pickup_man 07/11/2018 at 16:32

0

It doesn’t make much power (about 95-100 at the wheel) , but the torque it puts out is downright hilarious, something like 115 at the tire, does rolling burnouts in first and second.

But yeah the chassis is real heavy for my tastes (for reference my heaviest bike, the street triple, is half the weight) I was taking it easy on the ride home after buying and scraped about a quarter inch of metal off the right footpeg on an off ramp.

A coworker of mine has a warrior, I parked next to it and was surprised by how compact it looked compared to the VTX...

Decay buys too many beaters > bob and john 07/11/2018 at 16:33

0

LOL

This is probably about how out of proportion I look on the VTX!

Also... Squid :p 

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 07/11/2018 at 16:34

0

*wonders how much gas it uses idling and if that would even be possible*

Decay buys too many beaters > Pickup_man 07/11/2018 at 16:36

0

Also, that is a screaming deal on a Warrior.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 16:38

1

Or a fire hazard...

Pickup_man > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 16:42

1

Yeah, I was pretty ecstatic to find one at that price (advertised $4000), I haven’t found one that cheap since. I t was in great shape too with a hair under 20,000 miles and no modifications other than pipes . I drove about 5-6 hours one way to get it, but I took a friend along and it was well worth it.  

If you ever get a chance to ride a Warrior do it, while certainly not a light bike, the aluminum frame helps a lot and they hide their weight well. Power and torque are outstanding and with a couple of breathing mods this thing is a damn rocket. My only two big complaints are the terrible range (about 100 miles before reserve), and the lack of a 6th gear (3000 rpm at 80 mph, which could honestly be dropped to 2500 and still have plenty of power) .

bob and john > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 16:43

1

it was like 42C (107F) like HELL I was going to have jeans on a WING. 

Decay buys too many beaters > Pickup_man 07/11/2018 at 16:47

1

I was looking at a few big bore Yamahas, but I couldn’t find a deal on a fuel injected one. For some reason Yamaha decided to keep shitty CV carbs on all their non warrior 1600 and 1700cc cruisers. My first bike was a Yamaha Virago 750 so I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Yammy twins.

As for the jab at Hondas ... I think that might only apply to their big bikes. I’ve got a Ruckus and a Grom, both of which have more character than just about ANYTHING else :p

Decay buys too many beaters > bob and john 07/11/2018 at 16:49

0

Not judging, I’m letting my tentacles fly free on the G rom today.

Pickup_man > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 17:19

1

Yeah, not sure why Yamaha did that, I had a friend who went through the same thing before he found the FI Roadliner.

First bike was an XJ750, second an XS7 50 (still have these), third was a Sporster which I sold to get the Warrior , two of my buddies in college had XS650's, one an XS750, and one an R6. One of my favorite highschool teachers had an XS750 as well, so I have a very large soft spot for Yamaha’s.

No big jab meant at Honda, I love a lot of their bikes/ATV’s (hellooooo VF750F Interceptor), and they make a great motorcycle. I honestly think Honda makes the best motorcycles in the world, but a lot of their newer bikes, cruisers mainly , are so underwhelming in one way or another, they either look great, but have small engines (Interstate for ex) or have great big engines, but bad styling (personal taste) and are a bit overwieght (VTX for ex.). Which is why I say Honda’s are great at one thing, but mediocre at every thing else. The Grom is a clear exception that statement though and the new Rebel looks like a fun little bobber-ish bike, the new Goldwing is also stunning IMO and the first time I’ve wanted a Goldwing for more than just shits and giggles. Never ridden a Ruckus, but I’ve heard they’re a good time. Oh, and also the Africa Twin, sploosh. So yeah, maybe it’s just the cruisers. 

Decay buys too many beaters > Pickup_man 07/11/2018 at 17:32

1

Don’t forger the new CRF450 street bike!! First modern Japanese company to bring the fight to KTM for off road leaning dual sport supremacy.

Yeah, that’s fair. I haven’t really been plugged in to the cruiser market for a long time, since my tastes shifted to smaller displacement stuff. I’m also an u nashamed honda** fanboy, so mig ht be a little biased

**Only Honda Moto, Honda Automotive can go die in a fire and makes NOTHING I even remotely want to own.

Pickup_man > Decay buys too many beaters 07/11/2018 at 17:49

0

Yeah, that is a pretty awesome bike . You’ve convinced me, I’ll stop saying what I’ve been saying about Honda and only apply it to a few specific bikes. 

thejustache > Decay buys too many beaters 07/23/2018 at 13:21

1

My friend’s dad growing up bought a VTX1800 when it first came out. If I remember correctly the stock pipe was the big holdup and once he uncorcked it and gave it a dyno tune it woke right up. Since yours appears to not have the stock pipes that’s probably already done...

Still seems hard to fathom riding something that heavy, but probably the right call for your intended usage. That sounds like an awesome trip

Decay buys too many beaters > thejustache 07/23/2018 at 13:26

1

Yeah, I was tearing into mine this weekend to do valves, has Vance&Hines pipes, emissions removal, and some kind of fuel controller on it. Don’t think it can be dyno tuned, but seems to run fairly strong as is.

Yeah, slow speed it’s a bit of a handfull, but once moving you don’t notice so much. It’s also fantastic on the highway, no “ sail” feeling at all when in the vicinity of big trucks. 

Mercedes Streeter > bob and john 07/23/2018 at 15:55

0

So that’s how the lengendary peter Black looks! :3