TexRivers
New Member
Day 7 was one of those days that you just have to grin and bear it. My reward for a long and otherwise pretty boring day was meeting Ida. She was a hoot.
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Yes, it is extremely capable at hwy speeds with plenty of power left for passing, even in 6th gear. I was very pleased that I felt as good after our 600 mile Day 1 as I normally feel on the numerous larger and heavier bikes that I have owned. I am downsizing from a R1200 GS and that one is for sale. Keeping the 500x.
Searsboy, thanks for posting this. I sure enjoyed this trip so I thought I would add a few comments "from they guy on the 500x". Those of you that ride to Big Bend from Houston or San Antonio,taking 349 and 2400 south from Sheffield is a great way to break up the long stretches on I-10 or Hwy 90. I think this was our first 600 mile day on the "small" bikes. I will give the 500x a solid A as a mount for a long day.
I see that I posted my comments on Day 1 on Page 4, oops. This was my third trip down Pinto Canyon Road. Broke my leg on the first trip, but that's another long story. The northern sections were much rougher this time than when Searsboy and I rode it about two years ago. I was VERY impressed how the 500xwith stock suspension and 41 psi in the stock street tires handled the rough stuff fully loaded. It was the rider that was subpar.
Your memory is TERRIBLE I won the roll on, and I get better gas mileage.
Day 5,was absolutely AWSOME I was nervous because we had no idea what we were getting into. We may get 50 miles down a dirt road and run into very difficult stuff that this old man has no business attempting, but it turned out just the opposite. It kept getting better and better and better. I gave the 500x an A++ on Day 5. That's the dat I knew for sure I am keeping it.
My gear (500x guy) that's the pretty white bike.
I was wearing mesh jacket and pants the entire time. On cooler mornings I wore the pants liners outside the pants to cut the wind. Works great. Searsboy taught me that, and many other things, some actually good. Unlike Rambo, I did use my heated liner and gloves several times but only plugged in for a few hours. I do not have heated grips. When wearing the heated liner under the mesh I wear an insulated Olympia liner over the heated liner. Yes, I can still bend my elbows, thank you. After breaking my let on a fall a few years back, I like to wear my heavy BMW off-road boots when we do gravel and they are fully waterproof. I took one pair of jeans and two cotton Ts to be able to shed the riding clothes for evening dinners. Base layers were the wash overnight stuff that fits tight and keeps things in place while bouncing over the rocks.
Everything, except the camping gear that Searsboy wouldn't let me use, fit in my Ortlieb Moto Speed bags. I also give them an A+. The exhaust on thr 500x comes up pretty high and these were the only waterproof ones I could find that fit well.
https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/1033/36410/Ortlieb-Moto-Saddle-Bags
As I mentioned above the bike suspension and tires are stock and I never aired down. I have added engine guards, they work great but don't ask how I know, handguards, radiator guard, rear tire hugger, center stand and skid plate. If any 500x folks want more detail on model #s etc I will provide.
Day 6 rocked, except waiting for Searsboy to take a dump in the woods. The entire day we had beautiful scenery and the roads, both paved and unpaved, were more A+++. I wana go back, soon.
Day 6 rocked, except waiting for Searsboy to take a dump in the woods. The entire day we had beautiful scenery and the roads, both paved and unpaved, were more A+++. I wana go back, soon.
Everytime I have been to Big Bend and Fort Davis I say the exact same thing, "I wana go back, soon".
Really enjoyed the videos. Never been out that way...need to give it a try.
Day 8 was another A+++ day of rolling Texas hills, new twisty roads, beautiful wildlife and spending my birthday with my best riding buddy. Even topped it off with a good steak. Thank you Searsboy for all the great memories.