Idaho-Montana-Wyoming-Utah Loop run

[Rick Froscheiser_imp]

Great pictures and write up. Thanks for sharing.

[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.

[Roper_imp]

Frulk, I'm just down I-15 from you in Utah county. I grew up in Idaho. I would love to go with you. However, I'm an elementary school principal, and every waking minute for the next two weeks is filled with preparations for school to open in the middle of a pandemic. Sigh... Maybe next summer...

[Frulk_imp]

We talked about getting together previously. You're pretty far south of me and with construction being a life long event on I-15 it's pretty hard to get together. I'm up around/close to Ogden. Leaving in the AM. Weather should be stellar and most of those roads will have little traffic. I'm actually in the process of loading the fly fishing gear on the bike right now.

[Roper_imp]

So tempted to say, "Screw it!" and jump on the bike. I just put on crash bars and highway pegs earlier this summer. And it would be so nice to get out of the near-100-degree weather for a while. Reality bites.

Maybe I'll do the Helper-Duschesne-Heber City-Home loop on Sunday. That's about a 4 hour trip through the mountains with a nice bed at the end

Have a great trip, and keep the shiny side up, Frulk. Looking forward to more photos!

[Frulk_imp]

That is a great loop. But nowadays oil/gas tanker truck traffic is bad heading east to Heber. Maybe not on a Saturday/Sunday and with the down turn in oil prices. I have a good friend who used to be our neighbor growing up as a teen that's buried in the Duchesne cemetery. If you go take the 208 to the 35 through Tabiona and Hanna to Francis then into Heber. I did that route coming back from the Django trip and it was very scenic compared to the road around Strawberry which I've done a hundred times. The CB crushes that stretch and you crest a small pass to boot!

[Cormanus]

Hey, Frulk, I for one will look forward to the report and the comparison. Ride well and have a great trip.

[peterbaron]

^+1^, now days safe riding is very important. Enjoy your trip with a happy return home!

[the Ferret]

I'll join Cormanus and PB on wishing you a great safe trip and look forward to the ride report and comparo

[bflint]

why the photobucket overlay ... it ruins the great pics ?