We have "retired" from long distance touring on '99 Honda Valkyrie Interstate and have ordered a 2010 Prius, which should be delivered this coming Saturday. After over 10 years and 88,000 miles on the Valk, including several 2-month trips through 48 states, Mexico and Canada, we finally are switching to "comfortable" travel. The choice of the Prius was easy. We hope to learn some things from all of you here and share our travel experiences in the Prius with you.
:welcome: <- Okay, I really just wanted an excuse to use this emoticon You'll find some good sticky threads that answer quite a few questions that newbies tend to have. I don't think we have anything to help bikers starting out with the Prius though. It should be interesting to hear how you get on with the switch to a Prius.
2to4, Clever name-I like that. I've ridden various motorcycles since 1973. In general only a few- my dead stock 1980 SR500-actually beat our 2006 Prius in mpg.Now the same bike- too heavily modified- is a 40 mpg city vehicle. Your new Prius will probably beat you big Honda in Hy and city mpg(not as much fun of course). Cell phones being used have taken lots of the fun out of riding motorcycles in cities-and even on interstates. Welcome, you'll love the Prius. Charlie
The Reason for the Switch I just started experiencing trouble handling the Valk at slow speeds while touring 2-up and fully loaded in the Canadian Rockies. We also decided that we were tired of the packing/unpacking routine that is required. Of course, there is the art of selecting clothing layers that are needed for temperatures that range from 27 F to 123 F, for rain, for wind, etc... The Prius we are getting will not present any packing problems for us, and it is heated, air conditioned and has heated seats. The Valk averaged 38 mpg. The Prius is supposed to average 50 mpg. ... and it took me only 65+ years to learn this ...
Are you sure you wouldn't be happier with two smaller sport bikes? When you need to call up the engine room, use the floor pedal on the right. And it's pretty quiet. You may feel the need to make motorcycle noises from time to time.
We never rode 2 separate motorcycles. We always enjoyed the 2-up riding. I did ride a Suzuki Hayabusa. It is way too fast for me to consider. If I find an "air head" BMW, I might consider it for "local" rides. We will drive the Prius on all of our long trips now.
Yeah, gonna be a BIG change Don't need to put your foot down when you stop Don't need to worry about hitting the front brakes too hard You can see your passenger Don't need to take 'caution' on the roads that have been grooved for repaving. You can take a couple of friends to dinner with you While thunderstorms and torrential rain aren't fun, they aren't as big a hazard. You can go 500 to 700 miles between gas stations AND have 3-4 people with you AND have your stuff in the back No bugs in your teeth Don't have to decide if it is the wife or the groceries that make the trip home Don't have to wear a helmet DO have to wear a seat belt Harder to park in the city
Having four wheels may be initially confusing. Just remember that you ride somewhere between the four wheels. Tom
Thanks for all of the suggestions. I hope I'll be able to post a pic after this, my 5th post. I'll try to post what I'm giving up for the Prius.
Keep the windows down in all weather to reduce separation anxiety. The range between fuel stops might leave you stopping at petrol stations just for a coffee or to reminisce. Enjoy, I know I enjoy my Prius.
Not sure but if you put the drivers seat all the way back, the steering wheel all the way up you just might be able to both squeeze in. In any case, trying it should be worth a few good laughs.
One thing I noticed in my 2009, you do not see any vehicle in front of you. There is only road surface visible beyond the glass. Very Motorcycle-like.
