Deb's XJ700 does it again

This time it's Torrey, Utah. While I've not posted a lot here I have shared a few insights as to how my main squeeze's XJ700 hauls her around the western US.

Earlier this year it was Red Lodge, Montana and this past weekend (with a Thursday & Friday added in) we rode to Torrey to gather with some BMW folk.

Her bike made to trip just fine and she rolled over the 31K mark during the ride. Here are a few pics taken along Utah state Hwy 72 north:



We had to replace her windshield after the mishap during the return leg of the MT trip. The choice was a smoked 19" unit from Givi that ended up being too tall for her so I cut it down a bit.

For what it's worth we also have her XJ set up with XM radio. I bought some RAM mount hardware to hold the XM radio module and then took the power straight off the battery. I'll post pics for anyone who want so see what it looks like from the rider's position.

Her bike used a little oil during the trip and by my best guestimate I suspect the entire 1200 mile journey cost about 1/3 quart. Not bad. The only downside is the bike's tiny fuel tank. We're always stopping for gas and that means time, precious time. I've looked at auxiliary fuel tanks which might be a solution but we'll see.

Anyway, this was a great chance to see some new sights and put the XJ through its paces in a whole new environment!

Ya'll be safe out there....

 

Nice little write up, +1 on the pictures.
That D**N little tank is about the only drawback on these bikes, literally every hour and a half and it's time to look for a gas station.

 

id love to see the xm radio set-up when you can get around to it.

 

The XM setup is pretty basic stuff that involves the XM radio module and its cradle plus a few RAM mount components. I'll take some pics and post 'em.

 

The install is fairly basic, I connected the XM power supply to the battery leads and stuffed the small transformer into the air box cavity. I ran the wires along the frame underneath the fuel tank.

Here are some photos:




I used some RAM parts I had from other gadget mount projects but if I had to buy them today I doubt I'd end up spending much more than $25 for everything. The XM cradle itself is supplied with the module (not shown), the metal "shelf" that attaches to the cradle is an optional item to mount the antenna. It's not needed and I could have put the magnetic antenna on the rear fender but since I had the parts anyway......

 

Nice trip. You all travel light. Looks like all the gear is stowed on the Beemer.

 

Deb uses duffle bag that's strapped to the passenger seat. She's gotten to be very good at packing a minimum of stuff while managing to have enough off bike clothing and girly stuff to last for a long weekend.

The day these photos were taken we'd already unpacked our gear, I'd left the BMW's hard bags on to carry different clothing to switch into as the day got warmer. Speaking of that, traveling in the west can be problematic in that the mornings can be incredibly cold. Temps then rise to summer-like levels and by 10 to 11 you find yourself very hot under all the extra layers. That's why I keep the bags on the bike. They hold the undergarments we pull off plus water bottles to maintain proper hydration.

 

Oh yea, I know what you mean. I've been out west on two trips, and you freeze your a$$ off until 10 AM or so, then sweat in the afternoon.

We came thru the badlands in June and a cop told us if we'd been there a day earlier the road was closed due to snow.

But you can't beat the roads in Colorado.

Do you carry camping gear too?

 

No camping gear although it's something I've been considering for a while. This time, like most times. we stayed at a lodge in nearby Torrey. Aside from that my other travels include stays with friends or relatives to keep expenses down.

As for MC camping in and of itself I'd still like to pursue it. Friends tell me it's fine HOWEVER, you have to factor in losing gear/tent break down time in the morning and, when your dog tired in the afternoon/evening, factor in the time it takes to set up camp and cook din din.

The closest compromise is going to a KOA campground but they ain't cheap! 8O