Cal 1400 & Versys hit Lookout Mountain, Alabama

[toaster404]

http://imgur.com/a/0vfaS  Some photos of part of our trip.  Just an overnighter, but our first camping trip on motorcycles together.  Worked very well, surprisingly so.  We mostly kept to some very nice country roads.  Really saw beautiful countryside.  Becky is new to her bike and doesn't have a great deal of experience.  She found it a big step up from her 250 VStar, but doable.  I thought she was rock steady and confident, powerful, and a very effective rider.  Apparently her inner experience was a little different!  Also her first spell on the Interstate, with no issues.  I just told her to stick to me and that was that.  Having helmet to helmet communications was essential.  And we didn't get lost very much at all. 

Fun times. 

[menzies]

You were in my stomping ground, I live about 3 miles from the river bridge and only a couple of miles from some of the pull offs in the pics.
The falls are named Little River Falls, my old swimming hole but too old and bad knees to get in there now.

[toaster404]

We'll be back.  She liked the more mellow Alabama roads.  Landscape pretty.  Lots to see.  Not actually too far.  Down to the coast starts to get far! 

I'm very impressed with the Versys.  Solid and highly versatile.

[Zoom Zoom]

Very nice pics. That is a pretty area.

Although I have followed your quest for better air flow, I have not followed it closely. I see you have an additional piece at the top of your shield. How is it working?

John Henry

[toaster404]

Laminar lip works fine.  Takes the PVC lowers to real cut things.  Too much windshield for the summer.  Do need to figure out around the leg airflow management to counter summer shin fry.  I'll probably make or mod a smaller shield.  Have ridden the 1400 without any and it is only good to 45 mph.  After than I start to get overly pulled back. 

The Versys needs a bit more windshield, which always brings other issues.  I have a shield cut out, but not edge polished and drilled yet.

We're thinking of the whole Lookout Mountain parkway thing pretty soon, unless it's too hot.  Then we'll save that for the fall.  Need to investigate what other things south of here.  In N. Ga. there's Helen with beer and bikes, near a couple of nude resorts (easy to pack for).  Also, the six gaps ride, which we don't really care about.  There's Barber motorsports in Alabama, and the space stuff in Huntsville.  I knew a guy who did fiddling and bass stuff at one point, might look him up.  I haven't even begun to look for historic bridges and weird roadside attractions!

[oldbike54]

 Great pictures , one word , don 't mess with Becky 

 Dusty

[Zoom Zoom]

I know it would completely change things, but my dealer put the short Guzzi shield on his 1400 Eldo. It does require the other mounting kit though. It looks good and would no doubt keep the wind off your chest. I'm pretty sure your entire head would be in the breeze. It is the smallest of the three shields listed, although they now list a 4th shield that says it is bigger than the touring shield. I'm thinking the short shield would be a great summer shield.

John Henry

edit: Lower Brackets code 2S000542.... Sport Screen For Lower Brackets code 2S000548

[toaster404]

Problem with the small shield is that the holes for mountin it aren't drilled on my touring model.

I am looking for a fishing expert for the Fort Payne through Anniston area - we have reason to go back and just dug up the rods.

[Zoom Zoom]

Well, ok. It was my understanding that the mounting kit secured in the same locations on the bike as the mounting kit for the bigger screen. It's the upright part that is shorter to for the smaller screen. I can ask for verification though.

John Henry