Touring with the f4i
#1
08-04-2008, 11:09 PM
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Touring with the f4i
Its been a long a crazy fun ride with the f4i.....
Next summer I am planning to take a 5000 mile trek from here in Kansas City, down to the Grand Canyon, up the pacific coast highway, make a stop near seattle, and then find my way home.
I have been debating whether I can stand a week and a half on the back of my cbr, the guys over at sport-touring.net had me convined to get a different saddle, some cortech luggage and weather it out with the f4i.....then one of the guys making the trip with me brought up the point of gas mileage.....i get 41 hwy on my bike.....The bike I would get now that I am getting more into the sport touring side of things and not so much the 80 mph wheelies anymore, the bmw f650 gets around 55......that would only save me 150 in gas on this trip, but I am just wondering about the long run.
I really dont want to see the f4i go....its an amazing bike.....let me know your thoughts, and ideas.
Next summer I am planning to take a 5000 mile trek from here in Kansas City, down to the Grand Canyon, up the pacific coast highway, make a stop near seattle, and then find my way home.
I have been debating whether I can stand a week and a half on the back of my cbr, the guys over at sport-touring.net had me convined to get a different saddle, some cortech luggage and weather it out with the f4i.....then one of the guys making the trip with me brought up the point of gas mileage.....i get 41 hwy on my bike.....The bike I would get now that I am getting more into the sport touring side of things and not so much the 80 mph wheelies anymore, the bmw f650 gets around 55......that would only save me 150 in gas on this trip, but I am just wondering about the long run.
I really dont want to see the f4i go....its an amazing bike.....let me know your thoughts, and ideas.
#2
08-04-2008, 11:49 PM
Ironmang
RE: Touring with the f4i
You can tour just fine on the F4i.... I should know!
Sure it might not be the "best" bike to do long trips on, but what sportbike is? It's still very much doable though. My F4i has taken me halfway across the country, as well as most everywhere in the southeast and part of the midwest without a problem. It does take a little conditioning to get used to long trips, but after awhile it's not a problem... you get used to it. I spent 18 days straight on my bike back in 2006, and 10 days on it last year
If you care to see.... some pics from some of my trips
https://cbrforum.com/m_41714/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_107933/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_216297/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_384549/tm.htm
So yea, I'd say if you love your bike and don't want to get rid of it, don't let a roadtrip scare you. Get some saddlebags, load the F4i up and head out... it ain't no Goldwing, but it probably won't be as bad as you may think
Of course my opinion may be a little biased, so take it with a grain of salt.
Sure it might not be the "best" bike to do long trips on, but what sportbike is? It's still very much doable though. My F4i has taken me halfway across the country, as well as most everywhere in the southeast and part of the midwest without a problem. It does take a little conditioning to get used to long trips, but after awhile it's not a problem... you get used to it. I spent 18 days straight on my bike back in 2006, and 10 days on it last yearIf you care to see.... some pics from some of my trips
https://cbrforum.com/m_41714/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_107933/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_216297/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_384549/tm.htm
So yea, I'd say if you love your bike and don't want to get rid of it, don't let a roadtrip scare you. Get some saddlebags, load the F4i up and head out... it ain't no Goldwing, but it probably won't be as bad as you may think
Of course my opinion may be a little biased, so take it with a grain of salt. 
#5
08-05-2008, 11:58 AM
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RE: Touring with the f4i
Awesome, I thought I was actually thinking about selling my bike, what a relief that i am going to keep it.
Anyone know of any good luggage for the f4i, I am currently looking at cortech.
Also any aftermarket seats or seat mods I should be considering besides corbin?
Anyone know of any good luggage for the f4i, I am currently looking at cortech.
Also any aftermarket seats or seat mods I should be considering besides corbin?
#6
08-05-2008, 12:25 PM
RE: Touring with the f4i
ORIGINAL: thirdgenlxi
You can tour just fine on the F4i.... I should know! Sure it might not be the "best" bike to do long trips on, but what sportbike is? It's still very much doable though. My F4i has taken me halfway across the country, as well as most everywhere in the southeast and part of the midwest without a problem. It does take a little conditioning to get used to long trips, but after awhile it's not a problem... you get used to it. I spent 18 days straight on my bike back in 2006, and 10 days on it last year
If you care to see.... some pics from some of my trips
https://cbrforum.com/m_41714/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_107933/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_216297/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_384549/tm.htm
So yea, I'd say if you love your bike and don't want to get rid of it, don't let a roadtrip scare you. Get some saddlebags, load the F4i up and head out... it ain't no Goldwing, but it probably won't be as bad as you may think Of course my opinion may be a little biased, so take it with a grain of salt.
You can tour just fine on the F4i.... I should know!
Sure it might not be the "best" bike to do long trips on, but what sportbike is? It's still very much doable though. My F4i has taken me halfway across the country, as well as most everywhere in the southeast and part of the midwest without a problem. It does take a little conditioning to get used to long trips, but after awhile it's not a problem... you get used to it. I spent 18 days straight on my bike back in 2006, and 10 days on it last yearIf you care to see.... some pics from some of my trips
https://cbrforum.com/m_41714/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_107933/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_216297/tm.htm
https://cbrforum.com/m_384549/tm.htm
So yea, I'd say if you love your bike and don't want to get rid of it, don't let a roadtrip scare you. Get some saddlebags, load the F4i up and head out... it ain't no Goldwing, but it probably won't be as bad as you may think
Of course my opinion may be a little biased, so take it with a grain of salt. My 2 cents are...build up a "tolerance" to go long distances. Just a couple of weeks ago, I rode for close 10 hours due to mainly being twisties. However, I did do 350 miles.
Last month, I rented a house in the SLO area and just rode and rode and rode. I was going through two tanks a day.
I would think that I'm ready to do a long distance trip. Unfortunately, I can find anyone to go out with. So enjoy.
#7
08-27-2008, 06:03 AM
RE: Touring with the f4i
I bought my F4i specifically for long-distance touring and it's terrific. I also have a BMW 1150RS and I prefer the CBR, hands down. Longest day I've done is about 650 milescould have gone another 100 with a rest.
I have a custom Sargent seat on my 06 that has been widened toward the back part of the rider section, although the stock seat is not so bad. The Sargent was $300. I also have a Zero Gravity double bubble windshield. This quiets the wind noise quite a bit, a real plus during a long day. I have stock bars but have moved them back and up just a little, to ease the riding position.
For luggage, I go extreme lightweight: A Fieldsheer tailback and a backpack. Plenty of room for a rainsuit, the warmest clothing I expect to need and other stuff. I even carry a small laptop and an iPod. (Entymonic earbuds for listening at highway speeds. I've also added a Throttlemeister throttle tensioner for relief on long stretches of super highway.
One thing that has really worked well for me is a pair of padded bicycle shorts under armored riding pants. This seems to entirely eliminate that sore tailbone you get even with the best seats. It also gives some temperature range if it's really hotthe pants have openable vents.
Don't forget some qood quality earplugs. And a tire kit. (Three flats for me last yeara very bad year.)
Worth noting is that not everyone can hack a sport bike for long tours. I bought theF4specifically because of its relatively relaxed riding position. But it ain't no cruiser. I think you have to be in moderately good physical condition to be comfortable on it all day. I recently toured with another rider who isn't in good condition and he was dying after three hours. If you're a gym rat, lots of crunches and ab muscle reps will help make a ride like this a walk in the park.
Best thing is, the F4 will scream along the freeways and carve corners with the best of them. It really is the best of all worlds.
Paul
I have a custom Sargent seat on my 06 that has been widened toward the back part of the rider section, although the stock seat is not so bad. The Sargent was $300. I also have a Zero Gravity double bubble windshield. This quiets the wind noise quite a bit, a real plus during a long day. I have stock bars but have moved them back and up just a little, to ease the riding position.
For luggage, I go extreme lightweight: A Fieldsheer tailback and a backpack. Plenty of room for a rainsuit, the warmest clothing I expect to need and other stuff. I even carry a small laptop and an iPod. (Entymonic earbuds for listening at highway speeds. I've also added a Throttlemeister throttle tensioner for relief on long stretches of super highway.
One thing that has really worked well for me is a pair of padded bicycle shorts under armored riding pants. This seems to entirely eliminate that sore tailbone you get even with the best seats. It also gives some temperature range if it's really hotthe pants have openable vents.
Don't forget some qood quality earplugs. And a tire kit. (Three flats for me last yeara very bad year.)
Worth noting is that not everyone can hack a sport bike for long tours. I bought theF4specifically because of its relatively relaxed riding position. But it ain't no cruiser. I think you have to be in moderately good physical condition to be comfortable on it all day. I recently toured with another rider who isn't in good condition and he was dying after three hours. If you're a gym rat, lots of crunches and ab muscle reps will help make a ride like this a walk in the park.
Best thing is, the F4 will scream along the freeways and carve corners with the best of them. It really is the best of all worlds.
Paul
#8
08-27-2008, 07:15 AM
RE: Touring with the f4i
On the F4 banana seat - I did 5000km in 5 days... and I wasn't sore at all.Actually - I was ready to keep going, but had to fly out. The last day I did 1000 miles (1600 km) just to say I did. I woke up the next day and was ready to do it again... it's not super human it is practice and preparation. That's all it is.
cortech bags +1 - I have the cortech 10L tank bag, the sport top and side bags
Strapped on top of my bags was my tent, and 12'*40' rain tarp.
I have a autocom for mixing my music/two-way comm
I have a garmin gps (nuvi 360 - not waterproof, so I cover it with a zip lock bag when it rains), it doubles as my mp3 player and food/camp ground/gas station finder.
I have a ram mount, from the 2 front gas tank bolts up 3" - it puts the GPS visually just below the tach.
I have a few other bits and pieces I use - heated vest for bad weather, aux fuse panel for my gadgets, etc.
The bike tours just fine - it's a matter of getting used to being on a bike that long, not sitting still, and wearing good gear. If you're hot, cold or wet the trip will suck.
Do a few day trips, get up at 7 - leave at 8 and get back at 8. If you can't log 600 miles in 12 hours, then do 400. It'll get you into the right tempo.
cortech bags +1 - I have the cortech 10L tank bag, the sport top and side bags
Strapped on top of my bags was my tent, and 12'*40' rain tarp.
I have a autocom for mixing my music/two-way comm
I have a garmin gps (nuvi 360 - not waterproof, so I cover it with a zip lock bag when it rains), it doubles as my mp3 player and food/camp ground/gas station finder.
I have a ram mount, from the 2 front gas tank bolts up 3" - it puts the GPS visually just below the tach.
I have a few other bits and pieces I use - heated vest for bad weather, aux fuse panel for my gadgets, etc.
The bike tours just fine - it's a matter of getting used to being on a bike that long, not sitting still, and wearing good gear. If you're hot, cold or wet the trip will suck.
Do a few day trips, get up at 7 - leave at 8 and get back at 8. If you can't log 600 miles in 12 hours, then do 400. It'll get you into the right tempo.
#9
08-27-2008, 10:18 AM
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RE: Touring with the f4i
that sounds awesome i wish i had the time to do that. just get a new seat and you will be fine. f4i's are known for the uncomftorable seats. the most i've done in a day was 200 but after i got a nice massage because i saved so much money on gas! If i take it reasonably easy on mine i have gotten up to 47 mpg also.good luck on your ride.
#10
08-27-2008, 12:28 PM
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RE: Touring with the f4i
ORIGINAL: Berto
I bought my F4i specifically for long-distance touring and it's terrific. I also have a BMW 1150RS and I prefer the CBR, hands down. Longest day I've done is about 650 milescould have gone another 100 with a rest.
I have a custom Sargent seat on my 06 that has been widened toward the back part of the rider section, although the stock seat is not so bad. The Sargent was $300. I also have a Zero Gravity double bubble windshield. This quiets the wind noise quite a bit, a real plus during a long day. I have stock bars but have moved them back and up just a little, to ease the riding position.
For luggage, I go extreme lightweight: A Fieldsheer tailback and a backpack. Plenty of room for a rainsuit, the warmest clothing I expect to need and other stuff. I even carry a small laptop and an iPod. (Entymonic earbuds for listening at highway speeds. I've also added a Throttlemeister throttle tensioner for relief on long stretches of super highway.
One thing that has really worked well for me is a pair of padded bicycle shorts under armored riding pants. This seems to entirely eliminate that sore tailbone you get even with the best seats. It also gives some temperature range if it's really hotthe pants have openable vents.
Don't forget some qood quality earplugs. And a tire kit. (Three flats for me last yeara very bad year.)
Worth noting is that not everyone can hack a sport bike for long tours. I bought theF4specifically because of its relatively relaxed riding position. But it ain't no cruiser. I think you have to be in moderately good physical condition to be comfortable on it all day. I recently toured with another rider who isn't in good condition and he was dying after three hours. If you're a gym rat, lots of crunches and ab muscle reps will help make a ride like this a walk in the park.
Best thing is, the F4 will scream along the freeways and carve corners with the best of them. It really is the best of all worlds.
Paul
I bought my F4i specifically for long-distance touring and it's terrific. I also have a BMW 1150RS and I prefer the CBR, hands down. Longest day I've done is about 650 milescould have gone another 100 with a rest.
I have a custom Sargent seat on my 06 that has been widened toward the back part of the rider section, although the stock seat is not so bad. The Sargent was $300. I also have a Zero Gravity double bubble windshield. This quiets the wind noise quite a bit, a real plus during a long day. I have stock bars but have moved them back and up just a little, to ease the riding position.
For luggage, I go extreme lightweight: A Fieldsheer tailback and a backpack. Plenty of room for a rainsuit, the warmest clothing I expect to need and other stuff. I even carry a small laptop and an iPod. (Entymonic earbuds for listening at highway speeds. I've also added a Throttlemeister throttle tensioner for relief on long stretches of super highway.
One thing that has really worked well for me is a pair of padded bicycle shorts under armored riding pants. This seems to entirely eliminate that sore tailbone you get even with the best seats. It also gives some temperature range if it's really hotthe pants have openable vents.
Don't forget some qood quality earplugs. And a tire kit. (Three flats for me last yeara very bad year.)
Worth noting is that not everyone can hack a sport bike for long tours. I bought theF4specifically because of its relatively relaxed riding position. But it ain't no cruiser. I think you have to be in moderately good physical condition to be comfortable on it all day. I recently toured with another rider who isn't in good condition and he was dying after three hours. If you're a gym rat, lots of crunches and ab muscle reps will help make a ride like this a walk in the park.
Best thing is, the F4 will scream along the freeways and carve corners with the best of them. It really is the best of all worlds.
Paul
Tank Bag
Nelson Rigg tail bag
Fieldsheer tail bag
Sheepskin pad
ORIGINAL: woot
The bike tours just fine - it's a matter of getting used to being on a bike that long, not sitting still, and wearing good gear. If you're hot, cold or wet the trip will suck.
The bike tours just fine - it's a matter of getting used to being on a bike that long, not sitting still, and wearing good gear. If you're hot, cold or wet the trip will suck.
I will be sure to post up a thread about prepping for the ride in a few months, as well as a full ride report with pics and vids of everything when I get back.
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