Riding Cross Country on a 2001 Kawasaki 500R?

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Drake · #1 Unread post by **Drake** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 4:00 am

That's the question. I'm looking at getting something newer than what I've got (1980 Kawasaki KZ550LTD) and someone local is selling said bike for about $4000CDN.

I'm going to be relocating to Toronto later this year, but wasn't sure as to how feasible riding cross-country, somewhere in the range of 3575KM or 2220 miles.

Suggestions? Take a plane?

ZooTech · #2 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Sat Apr 08, 2006 4:04 am

No first-hand experience with that bike, but I can tell you it sounds pretty exhausting! I wouldn't hesitate to do it on my bike, though. I would at least look into a nice Corbin seat for it, unless you like a throbbing, swollen prostate.

Drake · #3 Unread post by **Drake** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 10:59 am

Well, I sat on the bike over the weekend and drove it 'round a few blocks -- the seat seems quite comfortable and soft, much more than I was expecting from a supposed sport bike. It easily felt comparable to the saddle on my current bike.

We'll see how I feel about it after I get it and ride it around for a while. I hear Corbin makes a pretty good saddle for it too if it comes to that.

flynrider · #4 Unread post by **flynrider** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 2:37 pm

It depends on how tough your butt is

I used to make 1400 mile trips on an old KZ400 twin. It's doable, but it won't be the most comfortable ride. In my case, my love for riding on the open road outweighed my discomfort from the wind and vibration. Your mileage may vary

The 500R will be a lot more comfortable than my old 400 was. 25 years of technology have resulted in a much smoother twin that puts out more horses for the road. Me? I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a long trip, but that's just me. I'd probably ride a Ninja 250 from coast to coast if you gave me one