Idaho-Montana-Wyoming-Utah Loop run

[Frulk_imp]

I'm resurrecting this thread. For the past few days I've been prepping the 2005 Road King (with 68K miles) to retrace almost the exact same route I took with the CB1100 4 years ago. While we're a forum dedicated to the CB1100, we're also riders, who for the most part seem to be able to appreciate just about any platform on two wheels and I thought it would be interesting to read the opinions of someone who completed the same multi-day route on two totally different bikes which he currently owns.

I've long held that the CB can do just about anything. Maybe not best-in-class but certainly with very few shortcomings. On the previous trip the CB didn't have some of the mods it currently has (lower adjustable foot pegs/larger, lockable aluminum top box/RC2/Honda OEM Rear Rack etc.). Even so, it did an admirable job being pressed into service as a 'naked sport tourer' over the 1,200 + miles. I'd go so far as to say that in this particular niche it's probably close to the top of the class (if that class even exists).

It's weight along with minimal body work helps to keep it planted solidly in cross winds. Range is acceptable at 160 miles before you need to seriously start looking for gas. With the mods I feel it only increased its cross country utility as storage space and comfort increased significantly. You could obviously do better, and for sure you could do a lot worse for a long distance platform.

Along comes the Road King: One would think that the King would immediately have a significant advantage as a mile eater. It's big, comfortable, and has a longer tank range. However, on this trip where large sections of the roads are mountainous 2-laners two of three at face value advantages could easily be liabilities.

I'll post some prep pictures of the bike later today and then a bunch of pics of the trip on the road after I arrive back home.