Three Sisters ride report and ’12 Voyager 3k mile review.
I took my first trip on the VV; it was a small trip to the Texas hill country.
I am going to make this a bit of a review for the bike too.
I left Fort Worth around 2:30 Friday; with the side bags packed pretty full. I bought the side bag liners and give them a
neutral rating. All I had in the top case was a couple of cold weather jackets, gloves, and a pair of half chaps (just in case). There is a lot of storage
for a bike; I could have used it more efficiently but I can tell on longer trips I will be doing laundry on the road.
I was disappointed with only getting 31 MPG on the way down. (
Yes, John I was exceeding the speed limit
); fully loaded, riding 2-up, into a significant head-wind and the cruise set at 75GPS (79indicated) burns a lot of fuel. I now have an appreciation for sixth gear, but still think I could get by without it.
We arrived in Kerrville at late dusk. This time of year you always need to watch out for deer; but when the shadows start getting long and the temps drop its most dangerous. I only saw a few living deer during the whole trip but they all were a little before sundown. I did see about twenty dead ones in the ditch.
Five hours in the saddle with a few breaks isn’t too bad. A little stiffness in my back and neck and my backside being a little numb all wore off by the time I checked in and unloaded my bags. I gotta give a thumbs up to the stock seat; it could be better, but it could be a hell of a lot worse.
Saturday morning was overcast, and we headed to the sisters late in the morning. I took TX39 to US83 to get to Leaky; and wondered how the sisters could make for a better ride. I think as long as you get off of the major highways, you can’t pick a bad road.
The order I took the roads was RR337, 335 then 336.
I could enjoy the views a little more on 337 and it was the best of the three in condition.
I think 335 had as nice of views but the twists took a little more of my attention; there were a couple of places where I did not like the camber and a couple of curves that looked like someone purposely kicked gravel into the road.
336 was my least favorite, it was still fun; maybe the warning sign for loose livestock and several cattle guards had me riding in more of a defensive mode.
With all complaints considered; it is still a GREAT ride. There were several stretches on each road where I wore that “
kid on a roller coaster” grin for miles.
Everyone on two wheels (and there was a lot) were polite, and quite a few were eager to start up a bike conversation. I got many compliments on the Voyager. She is a looker!
We reluctantly headed home Sunday morning and got a little better mileage without the head-wind and sense of urgency on the throttle.
I put 25lbs of air in the shocks and set the rebound to three before I left. I think this was a good set-up for me; I would recommend getting a few miles in on any suspension changes before tackling a challenging road.
I am happy with the power of the 1700; but think I would like the extra kick from letting her breathe and getting a PCV.
Kaw’s decision to only put the liquid cooling in the top end results in a hotter engine and oil. Experimenting with the lower vents can get some cool air flowing, but I think I will look at some cooling fins for the oil filter and changing to full synthetic for the summer.
I wish the Ipod cable kit did not take up the entire left glove box, and I wish there was a USB or additional 12v charger in the trunk.
I am content with the Radio; but it is not so good for my passenger. I think I will need to upgrade the speakers.
I also recommend Garmin over Magellan for GPS; I don't have the Zumo, but the Nuvi with a handlebar mount works great.
Now for the Pics; (below)
Scott
Maia (traded in)
Vivian
Riding the 3 Sisters
LOL
. I would love to go back and the V2K.
Linear Mode
