Over the river and through the woods...(trip on SM610)

I just returned from a ride to Oregon on my SM610. If you're interested, the ride report can be found here:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=597160

Good stuff Jc
Tell us about the 610sm saddle impression after 1200 miles in five days

I have a Renazco, and this was the perfect opportunity to see how comfortable it really is. I'd ridden with it on a shorter trip to Death Valley, and it was comfortable, but I wasn't sure what to expect after five days in the saddle. I debated about taking my sheepkin, but in the end I left it at home. The Renazco was very comfortable. I really never even thought about my butt the whole trip.

I have a couple of questions, What is Umpqua ice cream, and how does the 610 stack up with the 650 as an all around bike? Love to hear about it. I also loved your report, what lovely riding country and a neat family gathering to boot.
Ciao

Umpqua ice cream is the local ice cream made at Umpqua Dairy in Roseburg, OR. We enjoy the Mountain Blackberry Revel flavor, because blackberry ice cream is not something you can find in SoCal to often. The K&R drive-in that we stopped at serves about every flavor. It's a real hole in the wall, but it's been in business ever since I can remmber.

As far as the BMW vs. the Husky--We actually like to ride each other's bikes. It's really hard for me to say which one I like better. I would have been happy with a BMW, but I do love my Husky. I'll do my best to compare the two.

Power--The Husky is more exciting when you crack open the throttle, but once you're to highway speed, the BMW runs smoother at a lower RPM. Suspension--The BMW is much softer--kind of nice on the highway, but probably too soft off-road. Vibration--The Husky has a little vibration in the handlebars, footpegs, and mirrors. The BMW has zero vibration--smoothest bike I've ever ridden. Handling--The Husky seems to track better and feels more stable and predictable, both at high and low speeds. I'm not sure if it's the wider SM tires on the Husky or what. The BMW seems to wander just a bit. Off-road--We've only ridden the bikes on smooth dirt roads at slower speeds, but I would definitely choose the Husky over the BMW. The Distanzia tires I have on the Husky feel better than the Tourances on the BMW, and the Husky just tracks better and feels more controllable. For some reason the front end on the BMW just doesn't feel as planted. Also, the Husky is better geared for off-road. But on the highway, the BMW has the advantage, running super smooth at a low rpm.

They're really both great bikes, and I'd really recommend both to anyone. If I had to choose one over the other, it would be a close call.

Thankyou for the ice cream and bike reports, both very much appreciated.

So many great ride reports. All very enjoyable.