KymcoForum.com
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Scooter Dan on May 29, 2017, 02:27:13 PM
-
In a couple of weeks Deb and I are headed out west to California, Oregon and Utah to visit grandkids and tour the wine country. I've never been north of San Francisco except for living in Sacramento once.
Thinking about hauling out the Kymco for some 2 up riding, particularly on the coast highway. This is not set in stone yet as I'd need to take the truck which is a Duramax diesel which gets at best, 18mpg. Our Honda CR-V gets about 30 so almost double the mileage. The CRV doesn't have a hitch and is a small 4 cylinder so not the best for towing.
And then there's the method of tow, do I tow my tilt bed motorcycle trailer like I have in the past or load in the back of the truck with ramps or....get one of those hitch mounted scooter carriers? Not worried about the hit on gas mileage with the trailer as it probably wouldn't change much with such a powerful motor. However it's just the hassle of wagging a trailer, finding parking spots and navigating busy tourist areas. I've never loaded or hauled a bike before in my truck so kinda wary of the ease and safety of doing? Those hitch mounted scooter carriers look like an easy and safe way of loading/unloading. Has anyone used one or what is your experience using ramps and loading in truck? Oh, and California has a speed limit of 55mph on all trailers so that factors into this decision too.
-
Dan, they make a loading rig for pick-ups. I've seen them load Gold Wings and full dressed HD's with them. You place the bike on the rail and tie it down on the ground and the part mounted in the truck bed, pulls the front end up and then slides it all into the receiver in the truck bed. I didn't look at it closely but I'm sure it requires some drilling in the truck bed. However, when not loaded it is very low profile and could be left in and would not take up much bed space. Not sure what they are called or what the cost, but don,t imagine they are cheap. Unless you were going to use it a lot, might not be worth the investment. A hitch mounted carrier might be the best idea???
Sounds like a wonderful trip Dan. I know you and Deb will be thrilled to see your kids. A word of warning concerning your tour of wine country. You know they do offer wine samples at some wineries so if you partake, have a designated driver.....hee hee
Mac
-
IMO
Best to avoid the additional liability of towing a trailer if at all possible.
redk
-
Thanks guys for the advice. Still trying to decide if I take the scooter as I'm not sure how much riding time we're going to get? This will be a 5 thousand mile loop from Texas to Napa Valley, Portland and Salt Lake City. Most of our vacation will be driving and 2/3 of our free time will be visiting grandkids. About the only free time we'll have to ourselves besides driving will be spent in the wine country and driving up the coast to Oregon. On a previous trip to San Diego we trailered our B400 and got in 2 rides; one to Julian in the mountains and a day ride up the coast highway to Huntington Beach. For all the trouble of trailering the scooter it hardly seemed worth it for such little riding we got in. Perhaps a hitch carrier or carrying in the back of the truck would eliminate the hassle factor of dealing with a trailer. It will also add about 500.00 in fuel costs to drive the truck vs our Honda CR-V. And lastly we have our little Toby to think about, our little Yorkie who's making the trip too. I'd need to get a pet carrier and remove the top box and strap the little guy down. It would be a hoot to ride our scooter up the coast highway with the wife and puppy.....just allot of hassle for some very limited riding. Kinda in a qyandry about taking the scooter?
-
Sounds like a wonderful vacation Dan.
Best to keep focus on the family fun.
Plan a scooter loop, next time around ?
redk
-
Tell ya what, Dan. I'll scoot to your place in Texas and ride your scoot to California and back. You, the missus and the yorkie can ride all over the left coast and I will guard the Honda. How 'bout that?
Karl
-
Years ago I bought one of these large 3 piece arched ramps which bolts together easily and works very well. My Nissan has the nice factory adjustable tie down cleats which make securing it easy also.
(http://www.gotgroceries.net/modules/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=3796&g2_serialNumber=2)
-
Scooter Dan,
FYI
While 55 mph is the posted limit for pulling trailers in CA, trust me when I say most don't follow the posted limit with 65mph+ being common. Even the CHP looks the other way.
Napa like all tourist areas of California gets swamped with cars and people on the weekends. Best to see those places during the middle of the week if you can. Last weekend it took my family and I 1.5 hours to drive from my house in San Jose, CA to see the mission at San Juan Batista, normally a 45 minute drive mid-week.
Since you are looking to head No. of SF, drive the coast highway. Lots of cool places to visit. Like Fort Ross, Bodega Bay, and Jenner to name a few.
-
I scoot around Napa and the wineries all the time. It's great fun during the week. If you're planning to do the Napa and wine country part of your holiday during the week, the scoot could work. Personally, I don't like the responsibility of driving large vehicles, not to mention one with a trailer. Certainly, if you're going to do the Napa part of you holiday during a weekend just bring the small car and save yourself for fun.
YMMV
-
Thanks guys for the tips on arriving in Napa during the week. The electric loading ramp is way cool and probably practical for frequent bike hauling. Mine is occasional so such a nice and expensive loading ramp is not in my cards.
It's kind of a novel idea to take the Kymco as I think it's more than capable of 2 up riding even with little fur ball.The other thought though is I'd rather be in a cage if I've hit a couple of wineries and feel a little woozy. Since I don't mix alcohol and riding I'd have to bow out of wine tasting and being the designated scooter pilot. Geez, I hate talking myself out of taking the scooter but.......
Oh, Almost forget...nice loading ramp. How long is it and does it fold up?
-
If you find yourself suffering from SaS withdrawals, you could always pick up a Super 8 50x for exploring.
Bungee cord it to the bumper for travelling !
:-)
redk
-
If you find yourself suffering from SaS withdrawals, you could always pick up a Super 8 50x for exploring.
Bungee cord it to the bumper for travelling !
:-)
redk
Thought about that too but with getting a tilting hitch mount motorcycle carrier like you see on motorhomes. The BW is light enough at #300 pounds to easily haul with my 3/4 ton PU. I'm intrigued to do this as it may be the best thing since sliced bread in scooterville. I suppose though I better load up the misses and the fur ball and head out for a ride and see how doable this is. The SW is easy peasy 2 up but the jury is still out on the BW.
-
I'm sry Dan, I goofed that up...
What I had meant, was if you are out on the road and feel the urge for Scooter Acquisition Syndrome, find a dealer in a big city and purchase a liteweight 50cc to bring home ??
Probably a dumb idea...
Does your small vehicle even Have a rear bumper? some of these new ones don't... just impact kinda thangs...
Can you post an image of these small lifts/ramps ? I'll see what it would take to fabricate one...
I'll check difference in weight between a 50 and the B&W...
redk
-
Oh, Almost forget...nice loading ramp. How long is it and does it fold up?
It's like this one on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Powersports-BW-10840-HD-3-Piece-Motorcycle/dp/B002MUSR88/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496338840&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=9+arched+ramp&psc=1 (https://www.amazon.com/Rage-Powersports-BW-10840-HD-3-Piece-Motorcycle/dp/B002MUSR88/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496338840&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=9+arched+ramp&psc=1) and it folds in half or you can change out a couple of pivot bolts turning it into 3 ramps and is 9' long. It's come in handy over the years.
-
More musings on taking/not taking scooter.
1. Vacations like this don't come around very often for me. The chance to get my scooter on the coast highway again is luring me strongly. Even if it's only for some short rides. At my age (67), I'm not sure we're ever going to ever get back up to the northern CA. coast....probably never. I feel like this is a chance of a lifetime, to get my scooter back out on the west coast again.
2. It will cost me an extra 500 bucks in fuel to take the Pu instead of the CRV. Riding opportunities will be limited as we're going to be constantly on the go so not much riding time on this trip. And then there's the extra cost of a ramp or hitch mount carrier which now raises the extra cost of taking the scooter 800-1000 bucks. And further, we don't have a pet carrier yet for Toby and they run about 200. And lastly my wife will complain there's no room to haul stuff she's gonna buy on the scooter.
O Geez, why does this get more complicated. I'm just a simple guy that wants to take his scooter on a road trip. Really and truly though, the money is not an issue and can easily afford the extra costs. So, that's really not a good excuse. Perhaps before I get too carried away here I ought to get Deb on the back and take her for a spin. Hopefully she'll kinda like it......fingers crossed.....this weekend.....stay tuned.
-
And lastly my wife will complain there's no room to haul stuff she's gonna buy on the scooter.
That could save you some money or she could just have to store ship it to your home. I'm glad I have a couple of times brought one of my B650's to Utah and Colorado for riding though I didn't get a whole bunch of riding in. It was nice to have from running around town also.
-
Dan, sounds like you have worked yourself into one big bundle of in indecision. As you said, these types of vacations don't come around all that often, so forget the cost and let it all hang out.. Strap your wing on a hitch mount, get in the truck and fly. You can get a pet carrier that straps on your chest and Deb could dump Toby in one and let him ride between you. They even make little googles for doggies. Sounds like a plan man, whatda you thing?? Don't worry, be happy.
Mac
-
Mac, you're a hoot and I like how you think. I think though if I pick the scooter for this trip that it would be the Kymco. I'd like to try out one of those hitch carriers like the Black Widow. However, not sure I'd feel comfortable having a #550 pound Maxiscooter on a hitch mount carrier? My BW is a little over 300.
If we were doing long rides I'd trailer the SW but I suspect we'll do shorter rides. However, the real litmus will be if Deb is ok sitting on the back of the BW? As for Toby, our little fur ball, just being with us is joy joy to him. Been looking at pet carriers too.
-
However, not sure I'd feel comfortable having a #550 pound Maxiscooter on a hitch mount carrier?
No way in hell I would trust one with any of my bikes (B650, MyRoad, Atlantic 500) on one besides all but the Atlantic are over 500lbs and the tongue weight on a class 3 hitch while rated to 600 lbs I seem to recall most OE vehicle hitches recommending only 500 lbs.
-
IMO, best option would be to do a bit of scouting now, from the PC, and then do some calling to arrange a rental of some sort of 2 wheeler for a day-ride at some destination of your choice.
redk
-
Saw this on another m/c forum. Guy dragged his bike 4 blocks before seeing on his backup camera on his RV. He said the bolts broke on the carrier. If the scooter goes I suspect it will be trailered as much as I don't want to wag one. The ramps look intriguing but have never used and awfully big to fold up and carry. Since I already have a dedicated motorcycle trailer with rock shield, it makes sense to use what I have. This way I can take the SW instead of the Kymco if I want as the trailer also handled my Goldwing previously and is a very easy and safe way to transport.
-
That's a damn shame but that is why I wouldn't trust a bike on one of those carriers. What I would really like is a three bike trailer where you can haul one in the middle or two on the sides and possibly three if you have room. And they fold up, maybe stand up for storage.
http://towsmarttrailers.com/products/motorcycle-trailer-california?gclid=CL6KtOqxqdQCFYlqfgodUzgKow (http://towsmarttrailers.com/products/motorcycle-trailer-california?gclid=CL6KtOqxqdQCFYlqfgodUzgKow)
(https://nebula.wsimg.com/obj/ODkwRkVCQUY0MkM2NTEzNkJDOTM6MzkyYWY4ZDQyZWUzOWUzMGUzYTI0YzliNmM0M2M4MzQ6Ojo6OjA=)
-
Dan, just about everything is a liability is some way, or another...
I recall, years back, when an elderly couple retired and took their MH on their Dream Vacation touring the states. They towed some sort of small honda car behind their Class A. They could not see the towed vehicle in their mirrors...
Somewhere in Idaho the car being towed got a flat tire, unknown to them, and spewed sparks along the highway for about 60 miles before it was brought to their attention by another motorist.
Then their troubles began...
The sparks created a huge forest fire and the state sued them for millions, attaching their home and everything else they owned.
They did not feel they should pay, because it was their life's work.
Idaho felt different.
Today, we have rear view cameras...
Dan, I seriously dislike indecision due to lack of options.
If you find yourself in my part of California, without having rode the coast of the Pacific, send me a PM and I will loan you my Helix so you can take your bride and Toby for a day ride on the scenic coast. Gratis.
The scooter is sound, AFAIK, and although I can't advise freeway riding, especially 3 up, it would be dandy on the PCH.
redk
-
Hey Dan I'm serious about the chest pet carrier. Its a fish net looking thing and you can sling a small dog in and it straps around your neck and back. I'll bet Toby would love it. You would block the wind off of him and he'd feel safe up against mama. We used one on our Gold Wing with our Peek-a-poo.
You know, on second thought, maybe the SW on a hitch mount might be a bit much especially after dark. On low beam every body would be flashing you to dim'em and Hi-beam all you could see would be the tree tops, scare the mess out of a bunch of coons and squirrels. Oh well, back to the drawing board??????
Mac
-
Have you considered maybe renting a scoot or m/c for your coast hwy ride? Might be fun. I'll be glad when you get started so we can all stop helping you worry about what to take. As long as you don't forget to take Deb and Toby, you'll be Okay. LOL Rebel on bro.
-
If you find yourself in my part of California, without having rode the coast of the Pacific, send me a PM and I will loan you my Helix so you can take your bride and Toby for a day ride on the scenic coast. Gratis.
The scooter is sound, AFAIK, and although I can't advise freeway riding, especially 3 up, it would be dandy on the PCH.
redk
This is such a nice gesture red, thank you so much.
After much thought I have decided to not take my scooter on our trip. We've trailered scooters before but always on a trip where we'd have a base camp so to speak and stay awhile and get in some good rides. This is mostly a traveling vacation where we're always on the move to our next destination as it will offer very little ride opportunities. The hassle factor of trailering the bike is more than I want to deal with considering the limited riding we might squeeze in. We talked about a future trip to the Texas Hill Country in South Texas where we might take Toby and the SW. We're been there before on our Goldwing and really enjoyed it. We usually stay Fredericksburg which is about 350 miles south.
Great ideas guys about renting a bike and also about the pet sling. We may get the sling just for walking around and shopping as that's my wife's favorite part.
I'll still post up the trip as it unfolds as departure date is presently set for July 5 and return around the 26th. Kinda excited to see northern CA. as I've never been despite having lived there for over 10 years.
-
I recall, years back, when an elderly couple retired and took their MH on their Dream Vacation touring the states. They towed some sort of small honda car behind their Class A. They could not see the towed vehicle in their mirrors...
Somewhere in Idaho the car being towed got a flat tire, unknown to them, and spewed sparks along the highway for about 60 miles before it was brought to their attention by another motorist.
Then their troubles began...
The sparks created a huge forest fire and the state sued them for millions, attaching their home and everything else they owned.
They did not feel they should pay, because it was their life's work.
Idaho felt different.
You see, this kind of thing would just never happen in Scotland. The constant fine mist of drizzle makes it impossible to initiate such a conflagration.
-
Indeed !
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/df/28/5c/df285c529fca78741680810ce21b14bb.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/df/28/5c/df285c529fca78741680810ce21b14bb.jpg (https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/df/28/5c/df285c529fca78741680810ce21b14bb.jpg)
A safe place !!
redk
-
Left out yesterday and made it to Tucumcari, NM, around 600 miles. Got take out from the best and only Mexican joint in town; Lacita's. Found the best coffee in town and chatted with a biker. Interesting collection of scraped airplanes in front of coffee shop. Friendly place.
Nearly to Flagstaff today. Originally planned to make it to Kingman, Az however nearly 20 degrees hotter than Flagstaff and I need to get in a walk today. Sitting all day driving really stoves me up. Tomorrow should make it to San Fran.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170706/ec1632d8cc1bf34b3c8f67af12612afd.jpg)
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
-
Looks mighty hot but pretty!
FWIW, the locals don't like their city called "San Fran". They prefer San Francisco or The City. Be prepared for cool weather in The City.
Enjoy!
-
Thanks fir the heads up about San Fran. Anyone call it "sin city" any more? Nice in Flagstaff at 83.
-
Our plane made an emergency landing tonight in San Francisco. Made it safe and sound.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
-
For all you hippies, this is the 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love in Golden Gate Park/Haight Ashbury; 1967-2017.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
-
Californians like their rides and especially the Hispanics with their bouncing low rides. This really fine Chevy was bouncing up and down big time as this guy really put on a show at Fisherman's Warf. Saw these beater bikes that looks like they spent their entire life exposed to the salty air of the Bay at Fisherman's Warf. Tons of scooters in SF too and saw allot of Vespa's.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/ebc94a21d00558f0b914cc0872a3d64e.jpg)
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
-
We drove over the mountains yesterday from Napa Valley to Bodega Bay where we spent the night. Foggy and cool this morning at 50 degrees. Nice to get away from the fray of the big city where life here is a much slower pace and sooo much cooler. Head up the coast today towards Mendincino. This is Toby; El Patron.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/552dd6aca114d4a59e4e7d95b5e58f46.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170710/864b6f9b5ce60c3128064b887775cc8c.jpg)
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
-
Awesome coastline from Bodega Bay to Ft. Bragg.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170711/934ef4f751d60d22159ebac474856e95.jpg)
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
-
Nice.
-
Great collection of pics, Dan.. Tnx !
redk
-
We're now in Utah at my daughter's in Layton. We drove 575 miles up the Coast Highway from SF to southern Oregon. We loved the twisty windy rugged Hwy 1 and the northern redwoods. My favorite part of our trip. Visited a daughter and grandkids in Portland over the weekend and followed the Oregon Trail across northern Oregon/Idaho into Utah. We've driven about 4000 miles so far and still a few weeks out before getting back to Texas. From here we'll head to Colorado.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170719/d8c623607e560fd11d98685238af3113.jpg)
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
-
For all you hippies, this is the 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love in Golden Gate Park/Haight Ashbury; 1967-2017.
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
March 1967 I left Massachusetts with a backpack and Martin 0-16 NYC guitar in hard-shell case....headed for the Big Sur, via Fla.and southern highways route to San Diego & eventually Ensenada -- then up the PCH to the Sur.
Hooked a ride to Union Square....and then to a second floor apt (as resident 'cook') on Haight St. for the summer. What a ride that was for an 18yr old!
Free Concerts in the Panhandle of G.G. Park with too many big name groups to mention (Jeff. Airplane, etc.), including Jimi.
Eventually back down to L.A. for "in's" at Griffith Park....
An amazing year. Seems like a few months ago....not half a century. Marriage license from L.A. county courthouse.
Too much to go over....but the short version is never arrested, no dope, and when panhandling with my guitar on Nob Hill or fisherman's warf I always quit when I hit $3.00....not greedy.
My 2nd most memorable event was our senior prom ,with Patricia, in the Jules Verne restaurant on the 2nd stage of the Eiffel Tower. Dad was stationed in Paris for all 4 of my high school years.
Stig
-
Cool beans Tom. Thinking back it was actually 1969 that I was in the Haight as I graduated in 68 and moved to Huntington Beach. I spent a week in SF before shipping off to Fort Ord for basic. I checked out all the popular areas like Golden Gate Park and the hippie scene was still in full swing. Didn't smoke the peace pipe either but had allot of fun. You've had an interesting life too. Never have seen Europe though.
-
Stig, what a life you've led! So many memories of great places and great times. In contrast, in 1967 I was in first grade in Delta, CO, watching all of that on TV's evening news shows. What an amazing (and sometimes turbulent) time that was. My life seems pretty boring in comparison to yours.
Scooter Dan, it's been great following your trip. Thanks for letting us share in your adventure!
-
After nearly month on the road and 5500 miles we arrived safely home last night. I slept like a baby last night in my own bed. And was extra nice to see a fresh bag of Jamacian coffee beans sitting on the bar next to the coffee grinder that my son picked up for this morning's brew. Taking an extra day off from work to unwind, unpack and hopefully fire up the scooter for some saddle time today. Thanks for following along guys, it was the trip of a lifetime for Deb and I. We loved walking the northern California beaches, being in the Redwoods and Southern Cascades but more, it brought us closer together in our personal relationship and with our family.
-
Dan,
Thanks for sharing your amazing trip with us. Glad you had a safe journey. Nothing is more important than spending time with family, whether it be home or abroad.
Rich
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
-
Thanks Rich, it was "enriching".
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
-
An epic tale, Stig !
Glad you are here to tell us all the great stories of days past !
redk