A whole new way to have too much fun...

[Capt Steve]

We have enjoyed our 24' Class C motorhome for 6 years and 50K+ trouble free miles. About 5 years ago I kicked the fun meter up a couple of notches by incorporating motorcycle rides with the camping travel thing. Started towing my bikes {87 BMW R80 RT, then a 2010 HD Dyna Super Glide and now my 2017 Indian Springfield}.

We go {and tow} to amazing locations, set up the RV in a nice site, unload the bike and ride some of the most amazing roads in America returning to the coach for all of the comforts of home every night{hot shower, cocktails, great dinners and sleep in our own bed}.

A year ago I upgraded big time from our old trusty, dusty Kendon folding trailer to a nice new 6 X 10" cargo trailer. Now the bike always has its own private garage where ever we roam protecting it from the abuses of the road, the vagaries of weather and the eyes of the *** bad guys that are found just about everywhere.

When I bought the Cargo I was planning on adding a whole new level of fun down the road {no pun intended} and today I finally made it happen. I found a gorgeous 2017 Polaris RZR 570 that fits like a glove in the cargo. With just 1,700 miles it came with all of the bells and whistles {power steering, hard top, multiple storage bags, 5 new tires, full cover and even 2 more years of extended warranty}. Oh yeah, got a smokin great deal from a fellow senior citizen who had one buggy too many.

While we love to take the bike and ride there are many campgrounds/destinations where the off road riding is even better than what the local highways have to offer. Don't get me wrong, I love the Indian but at 862# it is no dirt bike. Here is a shot of my new baby:



Now I can dial in the fun toy to match the location of each trip. Living in southern Arizona there is an endless supply of great rides both on and off of the asphalt and I can't wait to to start exploring venues that previously were just out of reach.

Here is a shot taken last January on the Colorado River at Buckskin Mountain State Park in full RV/Bike mode:



Life is good!

 

[gman51]

You have a great combination for travel enjoyment.

 

[DeathGrip]

Remember how it all began. Funny how it works.

Cheers

 

[pawngal]

Color me green with envy.
Great setup, Happy trails!

 

[les.b]

What a wonderful setup!! You're right: you are having way too much fun!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[hoosierone]

Amazed that you had 50K trouble free miles with your RV. We bought a new Fleetwood 32 foot Flair and in 30K miles we had tons of trouble. Actually got rid of it as it had become a money pit. I try not to think of how much it had depreciated.

 

[Capt Steve]

It has been a great experience...

Amazed that you had 50K trouble free miles with your RV. We bought a new Fleetwood 32 foot Flair and in 30K miles we had tons of trouble. Actually got rid of it as it had become a money pit. I try not to think of how much it had depreciated.

Our coach is a 2012 Nexus Phantom 23P that I bought used with just 6,205 miles on it - 18 months old. I have had two minor repairs, a thermostat on the water heater about 5 years ago and last winter the control board on the furnace went out. Both were easily repaired/replaced for not much money.

It helps that we use the rig often, have done 37 states and been coast to coast, we're usually out at least once or twice a month {yep, we are retired}. The best news is that it will be paid for in just 5 more payments as I spent the last 6 years reducing the principle every chance I got.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

. The best news is that it will be paid for in just 5 more payments as I spent the last 6 years reducing the principle every chance I got.

I paid off the farm in 11 years instead of 25! Every month I rounded the payment up to the next $10 (on lean months) to rounding up a $100. Nice round numbers make long term payments vanish very quickly!

I don't do motors with 2 wheels, but your newest set-up looks like a ton of fun!

Ivan

 

[Onomea]

I remember when you posted about buying that thing, Capt Steve. Hard to believe it's been six years already. Great to see you're still having fun with it.

Keep on truckin'!

 

[Bob L]

As I am getting closer and closer to retirement, the wife and I have been discussing getting a motor home a d travel for a year or two to see what we can of this beautiful county. I like the idea of adding the four wheeler so you don't have to drive the motor home after you park. Great idea!

 

[bigwheelzip]

Glad your having such a ball traveling around. RVing is a great sightseeing option, and those accessories add nicely to it. Enjoy.

We've used El Monte and Cruise America RV rentals, and been happy with the experience. See ya round the campfire.

 

[Capt Steve]

Thanks...

Thank you one and all for the kind thoughts. Yes, the combination of RVing and riding my monster motorcycle and now the ATV are an awesome way to see most of America.

We are done traveling outside of the US, had my fill of third world countries and air travel in general. If I can't drive or ride there I am simply not going!

Got the ATV registered and added another handicapped plate to my collection {I have the worst knee in Arizona...}. The plate has me legal for on or off road travel anywhere in the US. The registration cost me whopping $46.50 and there is no sales tax on private party transactions in Arizona, ya gotta love that!

 

[Kiwi cop]

I read "'87 BMW R80T" and smiled. I had one of those as a patrol bike before I got "promoted" into a car.

A lot of the bike riders hated the opposed cylinder motor and the bluing of the exhaust pipes near the manifolds, but man was that bike comfortable.

With a full fairing I could ride in the rain and only get wet when stopping for traffic lights. And at 100 mph (I just had to test it at that speed early one Sunday morning) it sat on the road stable and comfortable.

Ah the memories of the younger self.

 

[bigwheelzip]

Sorry to hear about the knee. Don't forget the NPS handicap pass.

 

[CB3]

Great looking set up!

You know those RZR commercials with the red sand? That's my neighborhood! Come on up to Hurricane, UT with that buggy. Stay in Sand Hollow State Park. You can ride the bike up to Zions and beautiful desert roads all around St. George, or take that new RZR all over dirt trails and Sand Mountain. Watch out for the film crews of every major ATV manufacturer running the dunes!

 

[Capt Steve]

Too much fun, continued...

Kiwi Cop, thanks, yes the Beemer was a great bike that helped me transition back to riding after a 39 year layoff. The only problem I had with the bike were the carb's... at the high elevations that we frequent {9K' +} you had one helluva a time getting it started due to the thin air. Once it was running you were good to go for the rest of the day.

Yep, we got our "Geezer" passes years ago save hundreds every year.

Been to Zion 4 times in the last few years and love it more every trip. Always stop for fresh meat {Prime Rib} locally grown and sold at the best price ever at Lynn's Market in Hurriccane. I usually pick up 2 or 3 rib roast's to toss in the freezer to take home after eating my fill while staying at Watchman.

The off roading in and around Zion, St George etc is reputed too some of the finest in the country and I am anxious to see for myself. The ATV is going to open doors to new adventures and we cannot wait to get started.