The NT and the open road....

Coyote Chris

Coyote Chris

Site Supporter
Joined
Aug 25, 2011
Messages
3,945
Location
Spokane
Bike
10 Red NT 14 FJR, 17 XT
The Deauville fB page has a motto. DONT STAY HOME. Life is short...no one goes to their grave saying, "Boy, I wished I had sent just one last email" (OK, there is my wife...but still.....)
Thinking about a trip this Sept to Utah and 4 National parks. I need to make a decision on which bike to take...the Nt 800 Just was on a trip.....2 trips actually.
I would appreciate any input about touring these parks in Sept. Except for Zion, which could be 90, the weather should be perfect. No off roading, please. Just putz around , stop often, picture taking easy days. This isnt a race. Anything that ISNT worth spendin time on? How would you rank these four parks on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being Heavan and 1 being Illinois???
a three bikes.jpg


a national park.jpg
 
It's worth being hot to ride through Zion. Just don't stay on the Springerville side. It gets cooler going back through to the west. Bryce Canyon is great. UT-12 from Bryce Canyon to Torrey (and then east through Capital Reef NP) is one of the great rides in the whole country. UT-128, northeast out of Moab along the Colorado River is superb. I've never ridden in Canyonlands NP or Arches. I can tell you Arches is worth a visit, and if you go there (and to Moab) you might as well go into Canyonlands. Grandview Point/Island in the Sky Rd (UT-313) is an in-and-out deal but doesn't look like it would be boring. Needles Overlook Rd has some spectacular views, too. Cedar Breaks NM on UT-145 can tie into UT-14 between Cedar City and then you can either take UT-14 or UT-143 to Panquitch. I've ridden a good bit of this on a bicycle as well as on the motorcycle and can tell you that you can't go wrong. Even I-70 from Green River to Salina is an awesome ride.
 
Phil Tarman said:
UT-12 from Bryce Canyon to Torrey (and then east through Capital Reef NP) is one of the great rides in the whole country.
Click to expand...

Yup, I was there just a few weeks ago. I took 14 from Cedar City out to 89 (next time I'll use 143) up to 12. Then 24 out to I-70.

tunnel.jpg
road.jpg
 
Just got back from a three day Colorado Loop with my Big Versys. I would suggest taking the V-Strom if in fact you are going to make a lot of photo op stops. The V-strom is easy to get on and off and there ARE some nice easy gravel roads to explore if the mood hits.
 

Attachments

  • SAM_5611.JPG
    SAM_5611.JPG
    178.2 KB · Views: 29
  • SAM_5627.JPG
    SAM_5627.JPG
    180.8 KB · Views: 28
Chuck, I'm curious about the side cases on the big Versys. The shape seems like they really tried to make them "stylish." Do they work OK for getting stuff packed in them? Do they hold a helmet?
 
Phil Tarman said:
Chuck, I'm curious about the side cases on the big Versys. The shape seems like they really tried to make them "stylish." Do they work OK for getting stuff packed in them? Do they hold a helmet?
Click to expand...
Yes they do hold a XL HJC helmet. They are 28 liter in size. Not as good as the FJR but they work OK. Best to pack cloths in a Dry Bag and strap on the back seat and riding supplies in the panniers and cold/rain gear in the top box for easy access. I don't camp any more so I have plenty of room for other stuff.
 
Chucksklrst said:
Just got back from a three day Colorado Loop with my Big Versys. I would suggest taking the V-Strom if in fact you are going to make a lot of photo op stops. The V-strom is easy to get on and off and there ARE some nice easy gravel roads to explore if the mood hits.
Click to expand...
I will save gravel roads for Frosty. I am kind of wobbly on concrete now....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom