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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Beowulf on December 13, 2018, 01:39:46 PM

Title: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Beowulf on December 13, 2018, 01:39:46 PM
So im getting ready to go on a 8 hour stretch with the Mrs. who is enthusiastic about my gas mileage. Any tips for long distance riding that will make it more pleasant trip?

We are going on my v7 ii. It fits well for both of us.

She has been with me on 2 hour stretches but nothing this long.

Is the gel seat from Guzzi worth it? Seat beads?

Places to eat in Lousiana?

Thanks in advance


Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Tkelly on December 13, 2018, 02:12:05 PM
If you are young newlyweds the seat is OK,my wife of40+yrs bought herself a corbin seat.I have a bead seat on my stelvio and it is great.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: wrbix on December 13, 2018, 02:26:00 PM
I am an avid proponent of sheepskin.
Aerostich has applications of various sizes.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: PJPR01 on December 13, 2018, 02:39:19 PM
Proper motorcycle pants with padding in them...otherwise she's going to hate it after a few hours and then you'll be stuck.  That kind of pain takes a few days to go away if it is intolerable.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Gustavo on December 13, 2018, 03:28:27 PM
Yes to seat beads.  Small movements make real changes in the pressure points, avoiding a lot of the normal fatigue you get from sitting on a narrow motorcycle seat for that long.  It also helps with both heat buildup (which is another reason for the sores you get) and allows water to drain better if it's raining, eliminating the pooling that often manages to break through most "waterproof" gear.

Since she hasn't had a lot of experience on long rides, make sure you plan on enough stops along the way.  I can sit on the bike for hours at a time but when we ride two-up, we stop every two hours or so.  Do you have a hydration system?  Even when it's cool, you need to keep drinking regularly.  I carry a 2L hydration bladder in my tankbag.  If you guys don't mind sharing, check that the tube is long enough to reach the back seat.  Otherwise, she should have her own.

One recommendation, regardless of what you end up using from all the recommendations above, go for a test run before you embark on the 8 hour trip.  There is nothing like being half way to your destination and finding out that something isn't working as you/she expected. 


Gustavo

Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: pyoungbl on December 13, 2018, 03:37:50 PM
two up....I'd take a look at the preload on those shocks.  You don't want to find yourself bottoming out on the suspension.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Sheepdog on December 13, 2018, 04:07:15 PM
What route are you taking through Louisiana? There are so many good places to eat here; you’ll need to pare down where we’re talking about...
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: kingoffleece on December 13, 2018, 06:53:49 PM
all good suggestions.  If i were my wife i'd get an Airhawk and inflate it half way.  That's more than recommended but your goal is her comfort.  That will work.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Guzzistajohn on December 13, 2018, 06:55:44 PM
Start on ADVIL before you even throw a leg over. I prefer BC powder, it has caffeine too  :thumb:

A couple of airhawks or sheepskin won't hurt either.

Oh, and HAVE FUN! 
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on December 13, 2018, 06:58:00 PM
all good suggestions.  If i were my wife i'd get an Airhawk and inflate it half way.  That's more than recommended but your goal is her comfort.  That will work.

This. Dorcia swears by the Airhawk. She put over 20K miles on the back of a Centauro with one.. <shrug>
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Beowulf on December 13, 2018, 07:03:06 PM
Thanks i will check out these suggestions. Im not incredibly familiar with Louisiana but im staying with friends in slidell hopefully im spelling that right? Than continuing on. I can alter my route to go through new orleans or stay a little north of it.

We been married going on 10 years. She always been a great sport.

Im going on a trial run soon.

I bought the beads and am going with ibuprofen. But ill keep that in mind.  Off i go to research airhawks.
Thank you everyone


Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on December 13, 2018, 07:10:17 PM
The last time I was there.. the roads sucked. I thought at the time, "Shirley,  :smiley:  they have *some* money for infrastructure.." <shrug>
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: fotoguzzi on December 13, 2018, 07:27:18 PM
Sounds like a great adventure to deposit in your riding memories bank.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/All/i-TP5KMRs/0/2b20f9fa/L/IMG_0017-1-L.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/All/i-TP5KMRs/A)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/All/i-MCcVzcr/0/8765d181/S/ROLL4DX-07-S.jpg) (https://fotoguzzi.smugmug.com/All/i-MCcVzcr/A)
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: blackcat on December 13, 2018, 08:17:07 PM
Beads are nice in hot weather, but when it’s cold I’d rather have sheepskin.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Ncdan on December 13, 2018, 08:20:20 PM
I've had most of the popular brands of aftermarket seats as well as reconstruction of the factory one.
Personally the best way for me to keep from getting butt soreness is to get off the seat, any seat, every 1- 1.5 hours. Even if it's only for a few minutes, get off and walk around, get a drink or cup of Joe. Make an eight hour trip of misery into a 10 hour pleasure ride.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: nick949 on December 13, 2018, 08:25:17 PM
Break it into two four hour stretches and do a little exploring on foot.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: davedel44 on December 13, 2018, 09:43:59 PM
Come by and borrow my air hawk.  See how you like it.

Good places to eat in Lousiana. ANYWHERE!

Dave
Galveston
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Sheepdog on December 13, 2018, 10:20:03 PM
Try Sal and Judy’s in Lacombe (just west of Slidell) for a really nice supper. The Redfish Nicholas is one of the tastiest dishes I’ve ever sampled. For lunch you can try Vera’s. A typical gulf seafood joint with great specials in Slidell. Hard to go wrong around here (I’m near Slidell). Most local restaurants are pretty good...particularly if you favor seafood, Creole, or Italian.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: tris on December 14, 2018, 01:55:46 AM
I am an avid proponent of sheepskin.
Aerostich has applications of various sizes.

This.
I just got a black half skin and cut it to shape and hold it in place with a couple of loops of black elastic
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: kingoffleece on December 14, 2018, 10:03:00 AM
We riders know what and how to stay comfortable in the saddle.  Pillions maybe not so much.  They often don't have the luxury of being able to shift their body position like the driver due to a smaller area to sit.
Changing pressure points is one of the critical points to maintaining long term comfort.  She can vary the air in an Airhawk several times during the day to change these points.  Again, if it were my bride I wouldn't assume that what works for me as a driver will work for the pillion.  Sheepskin, beads, and other pads-I have and use them all.  But I can move around in the saddle a good inch and on some bikes more than that to vary the pressure.

Let us know how it all works out.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: bodine99 on December 14, 2018, 10:45:21 AM
Gel PRO-PAD
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Beowulf on December 14, 2018, 07:08:05 PM
Thanks for the tips. I think ill try Dave's airhawk out. Gonna try and check out that restaurant we love seafood. I will post updates and maybe a few pics. Appreciate it guys
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: fotoguzzi on December 14, 2018, 08:59:21 PM
Yeah air hawk is a great addition, keep in mind you can release some of the air just enough to also touch the saddle. If it's too inflated you float around above the seat.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Warren Rhen on December 14, 2018, 11:39:30 PM
My wife and I did a two trip about 10 yrs ago when we were young (late 60's) 7000 miles coast to coast on a Piaggio. The secret for her was bicycling pants. Worked great the whole trip. I recently did a 1700 mile weekend on my Stornello and I never even gave my seat a thought. That's the sign of a good seat. I wouldn't think of spending the money to replace that seat and if nee be bicycling pants are $50
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 15, 2018, 07:44:46 AM
Take frequent breaks before the pain kicks in.  I usually walk around and snack nor eat while standing. 

Slower speeds and smoother roads are less fatiguing. 

Make sure and set up the suspension for the weight of you, wife, and luggage. 

A one piece longhair sheepskin pelt is what my wife likes
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Rebochi on December 15, 2018, 08:03:05 AM
   I would go with a Air Hawk, it will turn a crummy seat into a good seat. Louisiana is serious about the food , any random restaurant will have great food. I would stop at Steamboat Bills in Lake Charles for some Seafood, just off I10 . across from the Lake.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Perazzimx14 on December 15, 2018, 08:32:20 AM
An 8 hour trip is nothing more than four (4) 2 hour trips strung together. You'll have at least one fuel stop a stop to eat and at least one pee break. Your trips already broken up before you even realized it.





 
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: wrbix on December 15, 2018, 10:31:35 AM
My wife and I did a two trip about 10 yrs ago when we were young (late 60's) 7000 miles coast to coast on a Piaggio. The secret for her was bicycling pants. Worked great the whole trip. I recently did a 1700 mile weekend on my Stornello and I never even gave my seat a thought. That's the sign of a good seat. I wouldn't think of spending the money to replace that seat and if nee be bicycling pants are $50
Concur, but to get better coverage (cycling shorts generally have narrow padding), I’ve converted to rowing shorts under my leather britches. Try regattasport.com - quality stuff.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Jose Mendez on December 15, 2018, 11:19:12 AM
I ride Texas to Florida 4 to 5 times a year and have done the ride in one day easy. Now that I am retired it's a three to five day ride, mostly. I have an Airhawk and it does well me. 

With my wife, I make sure to stop every 100 miles for gas or less to see the sights. She enjoys it more and it's less an accumulation of fatigue on her legs and bottom.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: pressureangle on December 18, 2018, 08:25:27 AM
Start on ADVIL before you even throw a leg over. I prefer BC powder, it has caffeine too  :thumb:

A couple of airhawks or sheepskin won't hurt either.

Oh, and HAVE FUN!

...and don't take I-10. Take I-20. 10 doesn't care what seat you have.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 18, 2018, 08:56:23 AM
...and don't take I-10. Take I-20. 10 doesn't care what seat you have.

Why would you take any interstate on a motorcycle vacation? 

Might as well haul the bike if you dont have time to enjoy the ride.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: pressureangle on December 19, 2018, 06:21:52 PM
Why would you take any interstate on a motorcycle vacation? 

Might as well haul the bike if you dont have time to enjoy the ride.

Because it's the only way you can get from Texas to Florida in 8 hours?
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: fotoguzzi on December 19, 2018, 10:42:24 PM
Why can't you enjoy the ride if it's on interstate?
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: blackcat on December 20, 2018, 08:16:17 AM
...and don't take I-10. Take I-20. 10 doesn't care what seat you have.

This.

There is only one place to see on that ride on I-10, and it's the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on December 20, 2018, 10:27:05 AM
 There are ointments you can buy to rub her butt with that will help take her mind off the pain.
 Just stop every 100 miles to apply them.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Kev m on December 20, 2018, 10:34:47 AM
I missed this when it was posted. Great answers so far. I don't personally use beads, sheepskin, or airhawk, but have gotten enough positive reviews from friends that I believe they are probably all good solutions.

The one thing I wanted to add was NO to the OEM V7 Gel seat. I tried one, didn't care for it. (In contrast I loved the OEM Gel seat for the B11 so go figure).

If you are going to upgrade your seat now or in the future I think there are better answers (Corbin or other aftermarket).
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: roadscum on December 20, 2018, 11:28:31 AM
Never been a fan of gel set. They hold heat from the ride, the bike, and the sun, and can lead to the agony of monkey butt for me. As always, YMMV.

On the other hand beads allow air to circulate under your butt, help keep your butt out of the puddle that collects in the seat when riding in the rain, and they raise the effective set height providing a slightly longer reach to the pegs/ground. I like it all. Sometimes I'll throw a sheep skin over the beads for added comfort.

There's a solution for every ass, ya pick the one that best address the issue your want to resolve. The OEM seat on my '18 V7 Special is very comfy for me, have done 600-700+ miles days(solo) without issues. What a great little touring bike it is!  :thumb:

It's likely the Mrs. will need a few day to adapt and get comfy with long hours in the saddle no matter what you do. Give some thought to a Naproxen at breakfast and maybe one later in the day. I have neck and shoulder issues and find it to be a good solution for me. In my old age I sometimes gotta resort to old adage, ".......better living through chemistry". So sad.  :sad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJtKkBYlHFw

You enjoy that trip, have fun, be safe.

Paul
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 21, 2018, 05:32:54 PM
Why can't you enjoy the ride if it's on interstate?

If your enjoyment is just holding the throttle and keeping between the white lines then I guess you can.  My enjoyment is curves and hills and shifting and occasionally passing through small towns.

Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Beowulf on December 21, 2018, 07:46:13 PM
  :bike-037:
Well we took i-10. Stopped in sulphur springs for the night got a late start. Using the seat beads and they are working well. Thinking im gonna have to replace the gasket on the left side. Also have a slight oil splatter on the rear hub(maybe overfilled) its coming from the top.


Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: davedel44 on December 23, 2018, 07:40:45 AM
Beowulf and wife successfully have made it to Florida.

Dave
Galveston
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Beowulf on December 24, 2018, 12:54:26 PM
We made it thanks Dave. Haven't had signal for a few days. Been a great trip. Fixed the leak. Plugged breather bolt.
Bike is running like a champ. The wife and i are having a great time. Definitely going to try some gel inserts on the seat. The beads make a difference though.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: oldbike54 on December 24, 2018, 02:36:34 PM
  :thumb:

 Dusty
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: twowheeladdict on December 24, 2018, 03:06:08 PM
We made it thanks Dave. Haven't had signal for a few days. Been a great trip. Fixed the leak. Plugged breather bolt.
Bike is running like a champ. The wife and i are having a great time. Definitely going to try some gel inserts on the seat. The beads make a difference though.

If Spencer at greatdaytoride is still doing seats, his work is the best bang for the buck.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: davedel44 on December 25, 2018, 07:07:15 AM
We made it thanks Dave. Haven't had signal for a few days. Been a great trip. Fixed the leak. Plugged breather bolt.
Bike is running like a champ. The wife and i are having a great time. Definitely going to try some gel inserts on the seat. The beads make a difference though.

Enjoy yourselves and have a safe ride back.

Folks like Beowulf and his wife are the future of Moto Guzzi.
B uses his V7ll as his daily commuter,  does his own maintenance, and now is riding long distances two up!

Proud to know him.
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Beowulf on December 26, 2018, 08:49:26 PM
Made it back from Florida. Towards the end it was a wet ride for the last 200 miles. But fun. The Mrs was happy with the good time we made and gas saved. Thanks for the suggestions
.
I have to say if you guys are looking for tires the continental road attack 3 are amazing.Handle great and come in Guzzi sizes.

Two beers have fixed any aches ive got :boozing:.


(https://i.ibb.co/pd7R99r/Resized-20181226-
065824.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pd7R99r)
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: oldbike54 on December 26, 2018, 09:09:24 PM
 Attaboy , and Attagirl  :bow: Now how do we lure you to some rallies ?

 Dusty
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: Beowulf on December 27, 2018, 06:21:01 AM
Honestly i am waiting for the next GRIT rally. Would love to go. My last work schedule wasnt forgiving. Until than it just depends on time off. Hopefully see some of you guys there. :bike-037:
Title: Re: Texas to Florida(seat choices)
Post by: s1120 on December 27, 2018, 06:32:59 AM
The Mrs was happy


(https://i.ibb.co/pd7R99r/Resized-20181226-
065824.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pd7R99r)


Thjat right there was all that you needed to say!  :)