After the recent ADVrider rally in Darby, MT, I stopped to see some longtime friends in Butte, MT. The next morning, leaving the city with the Wee's fuel tank full and the bike loaded, I entered the Interstate heading north and saw the MT State Scales. They were "open", there were no trucks in line, so I pulled on. When I asked the man inside if I could get weighed, he pointed to the right. There on the read-out was the number -- 880#.
That took me a bit by surprise. I really hadn't thought about a total bike weight, loaded with me and my gear, but I certainly wasn't thinking about a number that big. When I needed gas I got a cup of coffee and sat down with a piece of paper and started estimating. Me with riding gear -- 210#, left and right rear case -- 20# each, rear top case -- 35#, etc, etc. When I added it all together, I had 390#, on top of the basic bike. That brought the weight of the bike to 490#, which is about what it should be.
I guess I feel better about the numbers now. They make sense although the total is still larger than desired. It just says that before I undertake another ride of that magnitude, I need to seriously look at what I'm carrying, and why.
For the record, 5264 total miles. The Wee performed very well the whole time. The fuel consumption average was 44.50 MPG for the complete trip. Lots of big miles out there, hours on end of high speed operation and the wind always seemed to be in my face for some reason. I was really thankful for the Rostra CC. The trip would have been an eternity without it.
It was a fun ride. I can hardly wait until the next time. Ride safe guys and gals.