.
Last Saturday, at 8:00 am, on my way to Maryland Racetrack, I checked MIROCK website; they announced "the clouds were moving out the area, racing was on!

Everything seemed fine until I crossed Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, the rain started coming down hard. I had to stop under a bridge three times. I couldn't see the lines on the road, so I took the wrong exit, twice. By the time I arrived to the hotel I was so exhausted I just crashed in my bed. A four hour ride turned into 10 hours thanks to the rain. Rained non stop all day. In fact, it was so bad that Saturday races were cancelled at MIROCK.

Yesterday, just when things were heating up, I decided to leave Maryland Raceway early after the first qualification round to avoid the traffic. Rickey Gadson 2012 Turbo ZX-14R ran a 7.98 on his first pass of the day. I am glad I was able to get that one on video.

After everything was said and done, I'd put 415 miles on it this past weekend. Now I now that I must install the foot peg lowering kit, handlebar risers, and a cruise control. The cramping in my right hand from holding the throttle for so long was killing me; or was it my arthritis acting up? lol.

My question is, how old are you, and how do you manage long rides?

Kofla

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/26/2014 @ 11:05 PM *

I am 66 years old, and I prefer shorter rides these days <grin>... -bg

45 years old. I can do 200 miles and yes, I too feel the cramping in my throttle fingers. Left hand is just fine. So get a Throttle Miester. Should let you rest that hand a lot better than holding the right grip with left hand...LOL!!! As you know, the 14 isn't going to go 200 miles without stopping for a gasup. You ride a bit and then you stop to fill. So F^^$ing hot these days I can't wait to jump back on to get a little breeze. Quite a bit of heat on the legs still. All my foam and insulator blankets are out and that might just make it worse.

No probs with legs, wrists or back. I got lucky with this tough old body. Good thing, it's gonna have to go a while longer than most.

* Last updated by: Rook on 7/23/2012 @ 10:17 AM *

Turned 55 last month. Arthritis in my lower spine. Rode my buddies Ducati Panigale yesterday for about 50 miles.
Nice bike, great power. Actually a lot more comfy than it looks. He lives up in the north GA mountains.
He bought my old ZX-14, so we switched back and I was back on my old ZX-14. It was like a Strata-lounger by comparison. Left my C-14 up at his place when we took off to ride.
I had a Honda ST1300 before the Connie. It had a Sargent seat on it and was pretty comfy. It had a 3 position seat height adjustment that I had to change every 100 miles. My right hip would get sore right in the joint. Figured I was just getting old. But I can ride the C14 for much longer and I don't hurt anywhere.
Must be the angle of the seat, the relationship to the pegs or the material. Not really sure.
I have a 2001 Mille that I can only manage 100 miles in a day, but I also have a 2003 Tuono that I can ride for 300 miles before I've had it.
I live 30 minutes from some great canyon riding and my wife and I both do track days, otherwise I'd only have the C14.
She rides an '03 YZF600R and is really fast on it! It's kind of cool to see a 51 year old grandma passing kids on their 600's at the track. She rides it on the street too but wants a track only bike. That's the problem with a wife that rides too. I bought an '04 GSX-R750 race bike and now she wants one!

Forgot to mention, the Connie has cruise control and heated grips. Good thing too because my hand cramps pretty bad as well.

I am 46. I am fine for up to about 800km (500 miles). Most of the loops I ride range from 400km to 650km (250 - 400 miles). This tends to be based on geography more than anything.

I have a bar rises (who would think such a small increase in height can make such a difference). It just changes my upper body angle enough to reduce a little weight on the wrists and improve lower back angle.

I have a Throttle Meister. If you do not have some device to be able to give your right hand a break it will cramp, go numb, and be a problem. Two minutes here, 5 minutes there, throughout the day can be a gift. I have had one on the last two bikes I owned and would not own a bike without one, or comparable device.

My one ailment is my right knee. Played sports hard my whole life (hockey, lacrosse, rugby, basketball, soccer, etc). If I have it in one position for too long it starts to ache (movie theaters, long car rides). On the ZX-14, after about 400km (250 miles ) I have to stand up now and again to move it before it starts to ache. At the 800km mark (500 miles) it is an issue. I have ridden as far as 1200km in a single go a few times (15hrs in the saddle). The trick with long runs is to break the journey into chunks. End each chunk with a quick little eat and brief walk. Get off the bike when filling, walk around the parking lot, stretch. Avoid big hot heavy meals (your body can either perform work or digest never both) as they just make you feel tired. Eat like a rabbit.... all day long. Hydrate the day before (generally you know you are reasonable hydrated if you find that you pee within 10 min of consuming water) drink little sips of water through the day when riding. Dehydration is a big factor in cramping and endurance.

I had a ZX-11 before the ZX-14. I did find that the distance between the seat and foot pegs on the ZX-11 was significantly less. As a result, I found my hips getting tired on longer rides. The ZX-14 keeps my thighs in a downward angle, and much lower than my hip. I think this is one area where people with knee or hip problems should focus. Look at a taller seat, and or, lowered foot pegs. I wonder if any touring bikes come out with power foot pegs and a power seat. That would give the ultimate in adjustment and change.

Ride safe all,

Spyglass

Wasn't that a Rolling Stones song? Mothers little helper.I have the LSL handlebar kit.And the ZG tall shield helps.Now all that hurts are my wrists so I take anti-inflamituries before I ride.Throttle master huh?I'm 57.I spent a couple hours on a stool yesterday taking my back wheel and sprocket off.Changed it from a 41 to a 43 sprocket.I then took it for a 20 mile ride.It was fun.Man the front wheel just comes up with the 16/43 gears and 9 lb Alienhead pipe.But when I got in the house my back was on fire.It's hard to do any heavy work anymore.I wanted to change my front tire myself but now I don't no.
Craig

61 here. Did 1500 miles the last 4 days-here to Malvern Ark. and did 225 miles Saturday and 362 yesterday. Rode Talimena Parkway both directions plus a buttload of other new (to me) roads. Lots of high and low-speed twistries. Left 6:15 this morning and pulled in here 7 hrs later. I feel great! I need to retire so I can ride and drink beer full time.

Just turned 60. If I didn't have so many military injuries I'd agree with Danno, because its not my age keeping me from doing things.

I got rid of my ZX14 in favor of a Concours 14, that has really helped me to be able to do big distances again. When I rode to and from Arkansas from MD for the 2012 COG National Rally, my last two days going and first two days coming were 8am to 6pm days. Other than not liking the seat toward the end of each day, it was fine.

Hi, I`ll be turning 60 this year. I`ve taken my 14 on vacation several times with many 300 mile days in the saddle. My left shoulder and my right foot are the first to go. I found the ZX-11 a little more comfortable for long rides although the 14 blows everything away. I bought a used FJR last year for mostly long rides, vacation etc. Love the bags and the trunk. Great for long distances, interstates, etc. although I crashed it out in Ohio this year. Really comfortable bike but its not a 14. Nothin is...

39,flyweight @ 185 lbs and if it ever stops raining here ill let you know how many miles

Dublin,Ireland
have done plenty 8/900 mile days, just not on the 14 yet

* Last updated by: motero on 7/25/2012 @ 9:20 AM *

59 can do 800 km days,if I have to ride in the city I get cramps in my throttle hand,if I'm in the country the worst thing is listening to myself sing.On the May 24th long weekend I was up north and got flashed by some girls in a yukon,kept my tinted shield down,didn't want to embarrass them,besides I was hoping for more

I'll soon be 48 but the problem for me isn't the getting older part, it's the getting larger part. I'm not proud of it but I'm 6'2" and around 350 now (down from 380). The longest I've done in a day is 350ish miles and that was pretty much as far as I could go. Bike was new and I wanted to break in the motor for a visit to the racetrack which was fast approaching. I do have some 1" lowering pegs which help a lot but no handlebar risers. I suspect that if I could lose a hundred pounds or more I could ride all day but not in the shape I'm in now. Goal: 300 pounds by the time I'm 50.

I am 41, 5'9", 180lbs. I have owned my 2009 for about 3 months and logged only 3k miles so far. My right hand went numb very quickly at first, also arm pump. I purchased $10 grip puppies and an $8 cramp buster and believe these help greatly. I think the thing that helped the most IMHO has been riding everyday. The last two weeks of rain has kept me from riding (not the rain but the flooding). I rode in between down pours this past weekend and felt a little stiffness returning after 50 miles or so. No issues with leg room on the bike but did lower the rear to get my feet flat on the ground when stopped.

39 here. I did a number of comfort mods to help with longer rides. I almost don't take the bike out unless i'm doing 200 miles or more. The only time it sees shorter is on rides to work. I love to ride. I did the following and it helps out greatly!

Corbin seat (A must the stocker sucks so bad)
Buell Pegs (the little bit makes a difference)
Grip Puppies
Vista Cruise throttle lock (many miles with that thing set to lock allows more movement and resting)
Zero Gravity double bubble (takes just the right amount of wind off the helmet so not stressing the neck)
Heli Risers (yup that little bit to helps).

I'm going to run it up to the mountains in probably another month or two for a short weekend of riding. I imagine about 1400 miles or so over 3 days of riding. 450 up, 450 back and a nice 400 or so mile day in the mountains. I did this on my CBR1100XX with no issues and the 14 is just as comfortable I feel as that bike.

Now for my really long rides I have my Victory Vision which of course is a couch compared to the 14 lol.

Im 27 and I use my 14 for commuting mainly im 6’3 and 170lbs and sometimes I get a cramp in my throttle hand and I used to get them in my legs but have not gotten a cramp in my legs since I got the 1” drop Buell pegs!

I am 66 years old, and I prefer shorter rides these days

Bg, I just turned 56 this year, 6'-4", 215 lbs.

I don't have a garage to accommodate two bikes yet, but I've been looking at Craigslist to see if I could find a nice deal on a 600 or a 750. I would like to try "track days", including lessons, at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

I too feel the cramping in my throttle fingers. As you know, the 14 isn't going to go 200 miles without stopping for a gasup.

Rook, it surprised me that the cramping in my right hand was the only discomfort I felt during the whole trip. I think the reason I felt tired driving home yesterday, was the fact I got lost Saturday a couple of times, drove around circles for a few hours, and spent the whole day soaked. I did stopped a few times so I could rest my hand.

Turned 55 last month. Arthritis in my lower spine. Rode my buddies Ducati Panigale yesterday for about 50 miles. I had a Honda ST1300 before the Connie. I bought an '04 GSX-R750 race bike and now she wants one!

Netlosch, those are nice rides you mentioned there. And I think is pretty cool to have a partner that also rides. Years ago I tried to teach my ex, she had no interest riding her own. In 1989 I used to work at a Honda dealership, and installed a sidecar for a customer Goldwing 1500. She even refused to sit on it, lol I think I am going to try a cruise control first, and see how it feels.

I have a Throttle Meister. If you do not have some device to be able to give your right hand a break it will cramp, go numb, and be a problem. Two minutes here, 5 minutes there, throughout the day can be a gift. I have had one on the last two bikes I owned and would not own a bike without one, or comparable device.

The trick with long runs is to break the journey into chunks. End each chunk with a quick little eat and brief walk. Get off the bike when filling, walk around the parking lot, stretch.

Spyglass, I agree. In 1985, without a cruise control, I rode my bike from Brooklyn to Phoenix, AZ. It took me six days to get there. I should've learnt my lesson long time ago. And I always try to stop to rest a little after riding for at least an hour, even if I don't need gas.

Wasn't that a Rolling Stones song? Mothers little helper.I have the LSL handlebar kit.And the ZG tall shield helps.Now all that hurts are my wrists so I take anti-inflamituries before I ride.Throttle master huh?I'm 57.I spent a couple hours on a stool yesterday taking my back wheel and sprocket off.Changed it from a 41 to a 43 sprocket.I then took it for a 20 mile ride.It was fun.Man the front wheel just comes up with the 16/43 gears and 9 lb Alienhead pipe.But when I got in the house my back was on fire.It's hard to do any heavy work anymore.I wanted to change my front tire myself but now I don't no.

Craig, yep, it is a Rolling Stones song, they are one of my favorite bands. I don't plan to make any performance changes to it just yet. For now, I need to make myself a little more comfortable during longer trips so I can enjoy my rides.

Did 1500 miles the last 4 days-here to Malvern Ark. and did 225 miles Saturday and 362 yesterday. Rode Talimena Parkway both directions plus a buttload of other new (to me) roads. Lots of high and low-speed twistries. Left 6:15 this morning and pulled in here 7 hrs later. I feel great! I need to retire so I can ride and drink beer full time.

DANNO, if I drive 1500 miles without a cruise control somebody would have to pick me up and put me on a stretcher, lol I am 56, and I quit drinking alcohol on my 40th birthday. So when I retire I want to ride and drink coffee, lol

Just turned 60. If I didn't have so many military injuries I'd agree with Danno, because its not my age keeping me from doing things. I got rid of my ZX14 in favor of a Concours 14, that has really helped me to be able to do big distances again. When I rode to and from Arkansas from MD for the 2012 COG National Rally, my last two days going and first two days coming were 8am to 6pm days. Other than not liking the seat toward the end of each day, it was fine.

Privateer, sorry to hear about your injuries. I think for someone who loves long distance riding, the Concours is the perfect choice. If I was retired I'll probably enjoy riding all day long. As of now, I'll be happy to go on the occasional ride.

I bought a used FJR last year for mostly long rides, vacation etc. Love the bags and the trunk. Great for long distances, interstates, etc. although I crashed it out in Ohio this year. Really comfortable bike but its not a 14. Nothin is.

blue14, the Yamaha FJR's are great cruiser bikes. And for those that love riding long distance, having saddlebags/trunk are a must.

39, and if it ever stops raining here ill let you know how many miles

Motero, where in Europe are you located?

59 can do 800 km days. On the May 24th long weekend I was up north and got flashed by some girls in a yukon,kept my tinted shield down,didn't want to embarrass them,besides I was hoping for more

darryle, I know exactly what you mean. Recently went to visit a friend of mine who owns a Suzuki Intruder 1500. His 18 year old daughter fell in love with my bike, and was begging my friend to trade in his bike for a Ninja. It was so embarrassing, lol.

The longest I've done in a day is 350ish miles and that was pretty much as far as I could go.

smokinstorm, I hear you, I don't think I'll see myself riding much further than what I just did. Good luck with your weight loss program, easier said than done. Good luck!

I am 41, 5'9", 180lbs. I have owned my 2009 for about 3 months and logged only 3k miles so far. My right hand went numb very quickly at first, also arm pump. I purchased $10 grip puppies and an $8 cramp buster and believe these help greatly. I think the thing that helped the most IMHO has been riding everyday.

dericrey, thanks for the tip. I wish I could ride more often, for that I would need to quit my job. lol And I hate riding when it rains, I hate it with a passion!

39 here. I did a number of comfort mods to help with longer rides.

Phantomx2k, thanks for sharing your mods, those are great! And if you ride on your Victory Vision longer than the 1400 miles in three days on your ZX-14, you and the other guys that mentioned on the previous comments really love to ride.

Im 27 and I use my 14 for commuting mainly im 6’3 and 170lbs and sometimes I get a cramp in my throttle hand and I used to get them in my legs but have not gotten a cramp in my legs since I got the 1” drop Buell pegs!

COOTER, I remember reading somewhere that you use your bike everyday. On an average, how many miles a day do you ride your bike? Unlike you and others, (knock on wood), I haven't had any muscle cramps in my legs yet.

Kofla

* Last updated by: KoflaOlivieri on 5/26/2014 @ 11:07 PM *

New member here and I'm 58. Just got me an '06 that I'm taking delivery of in Atlanta in about 10 days and riding back to San Diego,Ca.It's over 2,000 miles and I plan on riding about 400 mi/day. I'll let you'all know how this old body survives.lol! Wish me luck.
Mike

jaysus lads, i never thought id be bringing the average age of a forum DOWN! lol
im 47 this year and i ride rings around the younger lads til it kills me, but i wouldnt admit it under torture!

The ZX14 and ZX14R attract older riders, mostly because we know how to use the horsepower and have fun with it, without getting $1,000 tickets and killing ourselves.

Well, mostly we do, most of the time. Kind of.....

I never felt like my ZX14 was as fast as it really was. Many of us have hung off smaller bikes when were younger that seemed faster. The smooth power and refined handling of the 14 go a long way toward masking the brute power.

On the other hand, I know when I'm riding my Concours 14 too fast, I can feel it. Not sure how to describe it, but a C14 at 130 mph is not as solid feeling as a ZX14(R) at 150mph is. Not that the C14 is bad, mind you, but it doesn't really like going much over 110 or 120, too much air pressure on the big fairing surfaces.

And I agree, my ZX11 was almost as fast and a whole lot more comfortable than my ZX14 was.

56. Back is on the mend again. In a few weeks I will ride a hundred miles one way. Visit and come back home. OOGGGHHHH!

And I agree, my ZX11 was almost as fast and a whole lot more comfortable than my ZX14 was.

Honestly, I feel like this too but I thought it was just the fact that I'm almost 20 years older and 150 pounds heavier than when I had my 11. I guess it's not just me, huh?

* Last updated by: smokinstorm on 7/24/2012 @ 7:44 PM *

smokinstorm; nope, not just you. I sold my ZX11 to get the ZX14 in '07, and it was a lot more comfortable. The Corbin seat helped a lot.

KoflaOlivieri: I'm 55, 6'2", and 300 lbs., and with my back problems I'm limited not by miles, but time. About 45 min. is my limit, and after an hour rest, another 45 min. It doesn't matter if I'm going 55 mph. or 155, it's still around 45 min. unless I'm on a bumpy road. One wrong bump, and I'm done. My right hand bother me after about 30 min. The heavier bar ends, sargent seat, foam grips, gel gloves, and taller screen all helped. Oh, and after ride, I can't ride again for a couple days.

* Last updated by: alg8er on 7/25/2012 @ 12:32 AM *

32 years old, 6'2 Currently 340lbs and dropping. If back roading and getting off the seat a lot, im done probably around 200 miles. If just out cruising, and taking in the scenery, I do stretch my legs a lot while cruising down the road, but Ill do about 4-500.

1inch drop pegs were a big difference, 1inch bar risers helped but not that noticeable like the pegs. Concourse seat felt soft but odd at first, but now if I go back to the stock seat feels like a rock.

Man you all make me feel like i need to get rid of the bike and get something more my age haha. Turning 24 in November at 5'5'' and 165 lbs. I do have a small man's complex love big bikes. I used to own a Buell 1125CR, but the bike was becoming seriously unreliable. I wanted to get a ZX-10R 2011 model, my wife however, does not like the small back seat. Got this bike to fill all needs I wanted in a sport bike. The seat is amazing to me, least for now lol. The only reason why I am considering a corbin is because of the back rest attachment, would make it a lot more confortable on the wife and me.

Lately my knees have been giving me trouble sometimes popping, but I think thats the Corps doing not the bike lol.