Yesterday I drove my gladiator '08 from Madurai to Chennai (500+ kms). I never did this route before and started around 5.30 in the morning. I was expecting to reach chennai only by evening, but the roads were grrreat and I reached by 1 o clock!!
I drove constantly between 90-100 (She goes till 105) and took only one break for not more than ten mins. Very little vibrations felt. My friends apache vibrates a lot more even at 70's. With helmet on, it was burning inside and I had to drink plenty of water.
The bike runs on gulf pride 4t and I think some 150 ml of oil was used during the ride which i topped up later. The oil is 1500 kms old and still the same red colour! Impressed!
Glady gives me the required speed and great braking too. The mileage was 42 kmpl because I've kept the mixture rich. I service the bike myself everytime.
I had a heavy rucksack on the back but resting on the pillion seat. Absolutely no sense of imbalance or even the slightest back pain.
Now can this be called a good touring machine? I think so!
I've bought a bull in junk condition and working on it. The engine work is over and she runs great. The idling vibrations and the inability to use the mirrors at high speeds are a concern. The absense of fuel gauge add to it. I'll take another 2 months to get her done in perfect condition adding a fuel gauge, better electricals and lighting, better seats and tuff up tubes. After running in she'll be my next touring machine!
In my opinion the comfort, road stability, engine endurance and braking confidence makes a touring machine and not the top speed or outright acceleration. Zma is a great tourer too. But I didn't have the money to buy one!
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