Vegas to Panama City, FL

[MinnesotaGS]

All in all it was a fun trip. I had to rush more than I would have liked. I was supposed to work starting 02/02/2012, but my work ended up getting pushed back until 02/07/2012 making the rapid interstate travel unnecessary.

The bike needs some TLC for sure at this point. The tires are shot (ordered some new ones), the chain and sprockets are shot (ordered new ones) and it has some issues with the throttle not 'snapping' back after you let off. Not sure if there is a vacuum leak, throttle sync problem or just some issues with the cable. I've been too lazy to spend much time on it, after I get tires and chain/sprockets I'll focus on the more minor problems.

As far as just a general review of the bike - I really like it. Compared to my 1981 GS1100E it is a bit of a dog. Not to say its sluggish or anything, but just a different riding experience. It is a heck of a lot more comfortable for long distance rides. I did a St. Paul, MN to Wilmington, NC trip on the GS1100 this summer and my body ached for quite some time afterwards. Contrast that with this trip where I felt fine afterwards. I didn't do much spirited riding on the trip home, didn't want to test the limits of balding tires. So I cannot report on how it fares in the twisties, I look forward to finding out though.

Regarding pictures,they are not my strong suit. I took a whole five pictures for the whole trip. Sort of a shame I didn't take more time to snap some, there were some great views during the trip. Just an excuse to make the trip to the Grand Canyon and Rockies this summer I guess.

I do have a couple pictures from my GS1100 trip this summer. First one is all loaded up just about to leave Minnesota. Second one is in Morgantown, Kentucky (I think...). My fork seal decided to give out on me so I had a friend ship me down an extra fork leg I had back home. Installed it in the hotel parking lot and was on my way.

[bonanzadave]

Congrats on all the safe miles. When are you coming back home ?

[MinnesotaGS]

Hoping to be back in Minnesota from mid-May until about mid to late-June. Had the chance to make it back for a large chunk of December. Probably could have rode the GS most of the month with the unseasonably warm temperatures.

[Good Times]

Great thread. I grew up in Panama City and my parents are still there. We go down a few times a year. Maybe I can get my bike down there one day and we can ride. Hope you are enjoying PCB. Get the grilled grouper sandwich at Schooner's for me ok?

[Redman]

...
...
....making the rapid interstate travel unnecessary.

Ew, you could have taken time to expereince more of Texas Hill Country.
SouthWEst of Austin, south of Federicksburg, both that you mentioned.
... but maybe not with suspect tires.

Enjoyed your story.

.

[mrbill5491]

Darn if you had spent the nite in Las Cruces, I would have bought you dinner and a beer. Who knows you might have gotten to see my John Deere room lol.