OP
@keruusher avatar
UTC

Member
Black 2008 MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 45
Location: Salida (Modesto), California
 
Member
@keruusher avatar
Black 2008 MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 45
Location: Salida (Modesto), California
UTC quote
Okay so I'm going for a 5 hr drive to see my family for thanksgiving. My dad (whose been riding since 94) says my 2008 mp3 500 isn't meant for long rides like that. He has a Honda shadow and has driven 12+hr rides. I know my scoot can take it and I am now confident enough to drive on freeways (the 99 by Modesto). I need someone else's opinion that I can go on this ride.
@shanghai_dan avatar
UTC

Addicted
MP3 500 - Black Sunshine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 859
Location: Shanghai or Ventura
 
Addicted
@shanghai_dan avatar
MP3 500 - Black Sunshine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 859
Location: Shanghai or Ventura
UTC quote
No problem at all... I've done several rides that long. It's not uncommon for me to bounce from Santa Barbara down to Costa Mesa and back in 1 day - 250 miles, 5-6 hours (closer to 7 if I have fun in the Santa Monica mountains on the way). No problem AT ALL.
@sidecutter avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
2009 MP3 400ie, Silver- "Lorelei Lee Long"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1066
Location: Louisville, KY
 
Molto Verboso
@sidecutter avatar
2009 MP3 400ie, Silver- "Lorelei Lee Long"
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1066
Location: Louisville, KY
UTC quote
Yeah your dad does not know what he is talking about. Your scoot is built to be capable of that kind of trip with ease. If you feel comfortable with it and in your abilities, go for it.
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22758
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22758
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
I have done plenty of 6-8 hrs rides of mileages 250-400 miles on mine in 4 years of owning it. The biggest thing is taking breaks when doing long rides. When you say 5 hrs is that by google maps or driving a car? How many miles? and on what type roads?
@mjm50cal avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Red MP3 500 RUBY DRAGON
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2626
Location: Northern CA
 
Ossessionato
@mjm50cal avatar
Red MP3 500 RUBY DRAGON
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2626
Location: Northern CA
UTC quote
Not even a little issue! This isn't your dads scooter!
OP
@keruusher avatar
UTC

Member
Black 2008 MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 45
Location: Salida (Modesto), California
 
Member
@keruusher avatar
Black 2008 MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 45
Location: Salida (Modesto), California
UTC quote
Okay so it's modesto ca to Santa Maria ca. Google maps says it is basically 5 hrs. I kinda also need to know the best route in your guys' opinion. And also how much you think it'll cost for gas to get there so I can budget
@mjm50cal avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
Red MP3 500 RUBY DRAGON
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2626
Location: Northern CA
 
Ossessionato
@mjm50cal avatar
Red MP3 500 RUBY DRAGON
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2626
Location: Northern CA
UTC quote
What ever Emily on your Garmin says. Take $40.00 bucks and take $40.00 bucks from your dad when you leave. That's what dads are for!
@ponydrvr avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
Honda CTX 700D
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1328
Location: Louisville, KY
 
Molto Verboso
@ponydrvr avatar
Honda CTX 700D
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1328
Location: Louisville, KY
UTC quote
My longest trip was around 5400 miles over three weeks. My longest single day ride was more than 480 miles, with stops and breaks a little over 14 hours that day. And I only have 56,500 miles on my little 400. Surely you can do that little trip without a sweat.
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22758
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22758
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
mjm50cal wrote:
What ever Emily on your Garmin says. Take $40.00 bucks and take $40.00 bucks from your dad when you leave. That's what dads are for!
squeeze him for an even $100 bill. a person has to buy a cup of coffee.
@shanghai_dan avatar
UTC

Addicted
MP3 500 - Black Sunshine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 859
Location: Shanghai or Ventura
 
Addicted
@shanghai_dan avatar
MP3 500 - Black Sunshine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 859
Location: Shanghai or Ventura
UTC quote
Done that area a few times... Head to San Jose, then down the 101. Straight shot to Santa Maria. And assuming you get 50 MPG, you have 300 miles to go - that is 6 gallons.

Fill up in San Jose, Soledad, and Paso Robles. Longest trip segment will be about 90 miles, about 1 hour, 45 minutes. When you fill up, make sure and spend 10 minutes just stretching and shaking out the limbs!

It'll be about 6 hours total - not bad at all, and a nice drive!
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22758
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22758
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
Shanghai Dan wrote:
Done that area a few times... Head to San Jose, then down the 101. Straight shot to Santa Maria. And assuming you get 50 MPG, you have 300 miles to go - that is 6 gallons.

Fill up in San Jose, Soledad, and Paso Robles. Longest trip segment will be about 90 miles, about 1 hour, 45 minutes. When you fill up, make sure and spend 10 minutes just stretching and shaking out the limbs!

It'll be about 6 hours total - not bad at all, and a nice drive!
perfect advice
@hamonthree avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
 
Molto Verboso
@hamonthree avatar
MP3 250 (His) LX150 (Hers)
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1014
Location: Stoughton, Wisconsin
UTC quote
Go for it. I did two 4-hour and two 3-hour rides this year, in addition to volunteering for a couple of bike-a-thons. The trick is to plan your breaks, often around meals and/or fill ups. Also, take advantage when the weather is less than clement. Take a shelter break if it rains.

I did some things like stopping at a taco truck for lunch and stopping at a park shelter when it rained. Gives a good opportunity to stretch.
@shanghai_dan avatar
UTC

Addicted
MP3 500 - Black Sunshine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 859
Location: Shanghai or Ventura
 
Addicted
@shanghai_dan avatar
MP3 500 - Black Sunshine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 859
Location: Shanghai or Ventura
UTC quote
HamOnThree wrote:
Go for it. I did two 4-hour and two 3-hour rides this year, in addition to volunteering for a couple of bike-a-thons. The trick is to plan your breaks, often around meals and/or fill ups. Also, take advantage when the weather is less than clement. Take a shelter break if it rains.

I did some things like stopping at a taco truck for lunch and stopping at a park shelter when it rained. Gives a good opportunity to stretch.
This is Central Cali - inclement weather means a cloudy morning or - HEAVEN FORBID - 1/4" of rain over a day. I've gotten "severe weather alerts" before because there would be fog in the morning, or winds above 20 MPH...

Coming from Washington State and the coastal regions up there, what Central/Southern Cali calls "severe weather" is what I'm used to calling a perfect August summer day!

That said, it may be a bit cold, so I'd layer up - wear a good riding jacket and armor, and stuff to stay warm!
OP
@keruusher avatar
UTC

Member
Black 2008 MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 45
Location: Salida (Modesto), California
 
Member
@keruusher avatar
Black 2008 MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 45
Location: Salida (Modesto), California
UTC quote
Shanghai Dan wrote:
Done that area a few times... Head to San Jose, then down the 101. Straight shot to Santa Maria. And assuming you get 50 MPG, you have 300 miles to go - that is 6 gallons.

Fill up in San Jose, Soledad, and Paso Robles. Longest trip segment will be about 90 miles, about 1 hour, 45 minutes. When you fill up, make sure and spend 10 minutes just stretching and shaking out the limbs!

It'll be about 6 hours total - not bad at all, and a nice drive!
Can you give me a map by chance? I googled it and it has me backtrack or go through this really windy road...
@cubsking99 avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2007 Yamaha Vino 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2714
Location: Geneseo, IL (Quad City area)
 
Ossessionato
@cubsking99 avatar
2007 Yamaha Vino 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2714
Location: Geneseo, IL (Quad City area)
UTC quote
I've done over 800 miles in a day before, including long stretches where the temp was over 100 degrees, on my MP3 500. The only limiting factor was that I was getting too hot and tired. The bike could have easily done more. You're bike will handle this just fine, as everyone's said.

Now, whether or not you'll be comfortable doing that many miles is another story that probably depends on what you've done to improve your comfort on the bike...

Mark
@cubsking99 avatar
UTC

Ossessionato
2007 Yamaha Vino 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2714
Location: Geneseo, IL (Quad City area)
 
Ossessionato
@cubsking99 avatar
2007 Yamaha Vino 125
Joined: UTC
Posts: 2714
Location: Geneseo, IL (Quad City area)
UTC quote
Keruusher wrote:
Shanghai Dan wrote:
Done that area a few times... Head to San Jose, then down the 101. Straight shot to Santa Maria. And assuming you get 50 MPG, you have 300 miles to go - that is 6 gallons.

Fill up in San Jose, Soledad, and Paso Robles. Longest trip segment will be about 90 miles, about 1 hour, 45 minutes. When you fill up, make sure and spend 10 minutes just stretching and shaking out the limbs!

It'll be about 6 hours total - not bad at all, and a nice drive!
Can you give me a map by chance? I googled it and it has me backtrack or go through this really windy road...
Knowing Shanghai Dan, he PREFERS the really windy roads...
@fritz_katzenjammer avatar
UTC

Addicted
'07 GTS250ie "Mechanical Squirrel", '66 Honda Benly, '19 Suzuki 250 cafe "Mouse", '42 Henschel PzKw VI Tiger
Joined: UTC
Posts: 900
Location: somewhere deep in the back of the garage...Burlington ONT.
 
Addicted
@fritz_katzenjammer avatar
'07 GTS250ie "Mechanical Squirrel", '66 Honda Benly, '19 Suzuki 250 cafe "Mouse", '42 Henschel PzKw VI Tiger
Joined: UTC
Posts: 900
Location: somewhere deep in the back of the garage...Burlington ONT.
UTC quote
Your backside will give out before the MP3 does.

People have just bought into the "You need a big engine to go anywhere" thing. I've done trips like that on an ancient BMW 250 single with no issue!

Go for it.
@stickyfrog avatar
UTC

Moderatus Rana
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
 
Moderatus Rana
@stickyfrog avatar
MP3 250 and 2 MP3 500s
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22659
Location: Nashville, Indiana
UTC quote
I would do this http://goo.gl/maps/RyO47 Will take you a little longer but looks like a lot more fun.
@shanghai_dan avatar
UTC

Addicted
MP3 500 - Black Sunshine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 859
Location: Shanghai or Ventura
 
Addicted
@shanghai_dan avatar
MP3 500 - Black Sunshine
Joined: UTC
Posts: 859
Location: Shanghai or Ventura
UTC quote
CubsKing99 wrote:
Knowing Shanghai Dan, he PREFERS the really windy roads...
While that is USUALLY the case, the map is actually mainly big roads and freeways - no tight windy roads. Commute rather than fun:

The Google Maps path

This includes stops at Chevron stations on the way, for fuel and stretching. Almost all is freeway driving which is actually safer than on the side-roads. And whilst there are a few "curves", they're all really easy to take at 65-70 MPH.
⚠️ Last edited by Shanghai Dan on UTC; edited 1 time
@scewter avatar
UTC

Hooked
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 254
Location: Carmichael, CA
 
Hooked
@scewter avatar
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 254
Location: Carmichael, CA
UTC quote
I would take 99 south to Fresno, then Hwy 41 over to SLO, then the 101 to Santa Maria. It's a little longer than I-5, but the I-5 route is pretty desolate.

250 miles, give or take. Fairly easy ride with lots of places to stop.

Cheers!

John
@alexb avatar
UTC

Addicted
2008 MP3-500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 553
Location: ANAHEIM CA USA
 
Addicted
@alexb avatar
2008 MP3-500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 553
Location: ANAHEIM CA USA
UTC quote
No problem, other than your hands will be cold if you don't have heated grips.

I would suggest this route: (See subsequent post)
Highlights:
-Casa De Fruita (Hollister)... a neat, fun stop
-Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd... B-E-S-T riding road down to the coast... little-known, but awesome curvy ride... Best done westbound as shown.
-Hwy101... awesome scenery, and fun ride
⚠️ Last edited by ALEXB on UTC; edited 1 time
@alexb avatar
UTC

Addicted
2008 MP3-500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 553
Location: ANAHEIM CA USA
 
Addicted
@alexb avatar
2008 MP3-500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 553
Location: ANAHEIM CA USA
UTC

Member
MP3 250ie RL 2007
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
 
Member
MP3 250ie RL 2007
Joined: UTC
Posts: 7
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
UTC quote
Re: Need ride advice! Plz.
Keruusher wrote:
Okay so I'm going for a 5 hr drive to see my family for thanksgiving. My dad (whose been riding since 94) says my 2008 mp3 500 isn't meant for long rides like that. He has a Honda shadow and has driven 12+hr rides. I know my scoot can take it and I am now confident enough to drive on freeways (the 99 by Modesto). I need someone else's opinion that I can go on this ride.
No problem for the bike, but take a stop for your cat Razz emoticon
UTC

Hooked
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 231
Location: Philadelphia
 
Hooked
MP3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 231
Location: Philadelphia
UTC quote
I plan on visiting my parents next spring on my 250. They live in NC, I'm in NJ, about 10 hours in a cage (I'll make it a two day ride). I'm not at all concerned about the scoot, but I will do some prep work beforehand.
@old_as_dirt avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22758
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@old_as_dirt avatar
2007 GTS
Joined: UTC
Posts: 22758
Location: Harriman, Tennessee, Tn
UTC quote
bishopthomas wrote:
I plan on visiting my parents next spring on my 250. They live in NC, I'm in NJ, about 10 hours in a cage (I'll make it a two day ride). I'm not at all concerned about the scoot, but I will do some prep work beforehand.
don't forget about our spring gathering in may. you might adjust your plans so you can join us at Robbinsville, Nc.
@cheesewelldone avatar
UTC

Hooked
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 267
Location: San Diego, CA
 
Hooked
@cheesewelldone avatar
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 267
Location: San Diego, CA
UTC quote
I'd do it in a heartbeat! Take your time going up and enjoy the ride; surprise your dad when you finally get up there. Either take your time getting back or hall buns, there's no place like home! Speaking of buns, take plenty of butt-butter just in case; marathon cyclists swear by it! You'll find it at the bicycle shops. HAVE FUN!! Laughing emoticon
@funkymonkey avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1422
Location: Arlington, Republic of Texas
 
Molto Verboso
@funkymonkey avatar
MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1422
Location: Arlington, Republic of Texas
UTC quote
Re: Need ride advice! Plz.
Keruusher wrote:
Okay so I'm going for a 5 hr drive to see my family for thanksgiving. My dad (whose been riding since 94) says my 2008 mp3 500 isn't meant for long rides like that. He has a Honda shadow and has driven 12+hr rides. I know my scoot can take it and I am now confident enough to drive on freeways (the 99 by Modesto). I need someone else's opinion that I can go on this ride.
come on, i was still learning my 500 when i pointed my scoot down I-20 east to Jackson MS from Arlington TX about 3 months after i bought it, to meet up with emt just to exchange the seat with him, then rode home the next day.
i remember my riding buddy advising me not to go, but that was because he wished he was so daring to do something like that himself.
remember ... a journey begins with a single step or in the case of our mp3, the first mile.
just point your scoot and go.

plan your ride,
ride your plan.

FM
@web-tech avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
2008 MP3 500, 2013 BV350, 2020 Vespa Sei Giorni, 2008 Vespa S150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8951
Location: Ashburn, Va. Home to the Internet
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@web-tech avatar
2008 MP3 500, 2013 BV350, 2020 Vespa Sei Giorni, 2008 Vespa S150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 8951
Location: Ashburn, Va. Home to the Internet
UTC quote
You can do freeway, but I would try to do it on back roads and you will have more fun if you can find a route that avoids to many towns.
@funkymonkey avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1422
Location: Arlington, Republic of Texas
 
Molto Verboso
@funkymonkey avatar
MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1422
Location: Arlington, Republic of Texas
UTC quote
i might suggest an oil change and new air filter for your trip, it helps your engine to perform better
@alexb avatar
UTC

Addicted
2008 MP3-500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 553
Location: ANAHEIM CA USA
 
Addicted
@alexb avatar
2008 MP3-500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 553
Location: ANAHEIM CA USA
UTC quote
FunkyMonkey wrote:
i might suggest an oil change and new air filter for your trip, it helps your engine to perform better
If you do ANY maintenance before the trip, be sure to TEST the results well-prior to departure, to verify that you have not created any new problems.

Personally, I stop all maintence 4wks prior to departure, using the remaining time (and typically 1,000k of daily commuting over that span) to verify that the bike is ready to go... As a result, my bikes rarely give me problems on my yearly 10k mile rides.

In contrast, I've ridden with strangers who showed up at the ride start, literally with flat tires; pieces of their bike (mirrors, fairings, etc) to install... and then wondered why their "bad luck" causes them constant break-downs out in the middle of no where.
@bubbajon avatar
UTC

Veni, Vidi, Posti
RIP: MP3 500 - Brutto Moto
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5288
Location: Austin, TX
 
Veni, Vidi, Posti
@bubbajon avatar
RIP: MP3 500 - Brutto Moto
Joined: UTC
Posts: 5288
Location: Austin, TX
UTC quote
Good grief - Jerry rode his 500 from Dallas to our gathering in NC then proceeded to go visit in SC and then home to Dallas. Several thousand miles. But - it really depends on your confidence which it seems you lack from the tone and type of questions and requests. A good way to get confidence is strap on a pair and hit the road.
UTC

Member
mp3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
Location: Cody, WY
 
Member
mp3 250
Joined: UTC
Posts: 6
Location: Cody, WY
UTC quote
Long rides
I'd go for it. I bought my mp3 250 in Denver on the Labor Day weekend and rode it to visit my brother in Vail. Over Mts. and all. A great 150 miles. 3 days later I rode it for 600 miles to Cody WY. 10+ hours. My only problem was headwinds holding me down to 50 mph. With tail winds to Rawlins I kept up with semi's at 80mph but from Rawlins to Riverton the headwinds were hellacious. A 400 would have been much nicer. I'm heading back to Vail next summer and the 10 hour trip doesn't faze me in the least. Have a blast.
@cagedodger avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
NC700XD
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1372
Location: Richmond, VA
 
Molto Verboso
@cagedodger avatar
NC700XD
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1372
Location: Richmond, VA
UTC quote
The scooter will make it fine, your butt might not. Perhaps that was the reason your dad made that comment... he sat on it.

I'm not sure about your neck of the woods, but out here, I don't have any plans to travel via bike on Thanksgiving. There's too many psychos on the road already and adding a high travel day to that with the addition of holiday stress and increased Highway Patrol... The bike is staying in the garage!

If you decide to go for it, it should be fine, assuming it's up on it's maintenance and you do a thorough pre-ride inspection. Take lots of breaks. You'll be ready to start saving up for a new seat and some foot pegs as soon as you get home.

Good luck!
@greek_boy avatar
UTC

Member
Piaggio MP3 LT Touring 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 36
Location: Northern Greece.
 
Member
@greek_boy avatar
Piaggio MP3 LT Touring 300ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 36
Location: Northern Greece.
UTC quote
If your heart says that you can do it, so don't miss it. Many times in our lifes, we make plans that seems to be a kind of crazy. But these are things that we will remember with joy and happiness...So i think that you must plan and finally attempt your trip!!Be safe...and have a nice ride!
External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
@lotusstyle avatar
UTC

Member
Piaggio MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 46
Location: Irvine, CA
 
Member
@lotusstyle avatar
Piaggio MP3 500
Joined: UTC
Posts: 46
Location: Irvine, CA
UTC quote
I've done 13 hour rides and the scooter handles it fine. Like others have said... your ass will give out long before the scooter does. There is a guy on this board who even went coast to coast on his scooter. These are not the scooters of yesteryear.

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
@cheesewelldone avatar
UTC

Hooked
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 267
Location: San Diego, CA
 
Hooked
@cheesewelldone avatar
MP3 400
Joined: UTC
Posts: 267
Location: San Diego, CA
UTC quote
lotusstyle wrote:
I've done 13 hour rides and the scooter handles it fine. Like others have said... your ass will give out long before the scooter does. There is a guy on this board who even went coast to coast on his scooter. These are not the scooters of yesteryear.

External inline image provided by member with no explanatory text
Looks like this dude forgot his clothes and his Chamois Butt'r®
DoubleGood Design banner

Modern Vespa is the premier site for modern Vespa and Piaggio scooters. Vespa GTS300, GTS250, GTV, GT200, LX150, LXS, ET4, ET2, MP3, Fuoco, Elettrica and more.

Buy Me A Coffee
 

Shop on Amazon with Modern Vespa

Modern Vespa is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


All Content Copyright 2005-2024 by Modern Vespa.
All Rights Reserved.


[ Time: 0.0257s ][ Queries: 3 (0.0092s) ][ live ][ 318 ][ ThingOne ]