That was 10,000 miles between DC and San Diego… awesome scenery, fun roads, near-perfect motorcycle, fabulous weather, great people along the way. Almost everything went to plan (travel tip – don’t plan very much, and there’s less chance of things not going according to plan). I had the kidney stone issues to deal with in Canada and Seattle, and a final drive seal replaced (on the bike!) in San Diego.
Back in DC I’d guesstimated that I’d do about 10,000 miles in the US, and by the time I rolled into San Diego the tripmeter said 10,250. Gas cost about $900 (true average of 42mpg, worst 36 and best 52), and I’d used up a pair of Bridgestone Battlewings, plus 2/3 of a rear that I’d bought used (thanks Mark and Jeff). I fitted a pair of K60’s in Sacramento (thanks Phil) and changed oil twice. The bike had its 24,000 mile service in at Roseville Yamaha (thanks Zac) even though mileage was a bit less than that. No valve adjustment required, but be warned, it’s still a pretty expensive exercise – over $700. (If I’d had time and facilities, I would have done it myself). Fitted Jaxon’s fender raising kit and did some other odds and ends on the bike in San Diego (thanks Carl).
