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[electrictwowheeler]

I just got back from a 3 month 3,500 mile trip from Portland OR to the Mid Coast of California, Joshua Tree and Death valley. I had my SR/S in tow behind a 2007 Toyota Sienna minivan on a modified Harbor Freight trailer. I stayed mostly at campgrounds living in the van and doing a ton of riding. There were always plenty of level 2 chargers even in the middle of Death Valley at Furnace Creek Resort which had 4 free level 2 chargers open to the public. The bike worked great and only needed a rear tire at 10,000 miles. I did a light camper conversion on the van so I could live in it comfortably. This was way more comfortable than touring on the motorcycle itself. No setting up and taking down your tent and all that. I just pulled in and unloaded the bike and usually left the van hooked up and the ramp down so when I was ready to leave all I had to do was drive it on and strap it down. I rode miles and miles of scenic roads in Death Valley, Joshua Tree, the redwoods, Mendocino, SLO, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. The weather was mostly dry and 60 to 70  daytime and 40 or so degrees at night. It was a wonderful adventure. Touring long distance on an electric is problematic but this solved those problems with no modifications to the bike.

[MVetter]

Are you certain you understand what the term 'touring' means?

[electrictwowheeler]

Maybe not but you can enlighten me. Was it a camping trip maybe? Yes, the subject line was meant to be a joke.

[NEW2elec]

Very nice and practical approach.  Removes the major highway riding which is just a range sapping drag.  It gives you more time to ride in pretty places and fun roads getting the full enjoyment out of the electric experience.
Riding long constant distances for riding's sake is fine too but it exposes the bike's biggest weaknesses.
Thanks for sharing.
Did the solar panel power 12V functions for the van?

[electrictwowheeler]

Glad you enjoyed my post. Yes, the 130 watt solar panel was for the 12 volt system to run the refrigerator and other 12 v loads. In shady campgrounds it couldn't quite keep up but in the desert I would just throw it out on the ground and never have to start the car.

[mdjak1]

Similar to your trip, I've had thoughts when retired of buying a used rear entry ramp handicap van (ie. Chrysler Pacifica, Toyota Sienna) and loading up my 2018 SR in the back.  We would drive place to place and do local trips on the bike.   We aren't campers, so we would use hotels. 

[HVMoto]

Looks like you had a great trip. One of the best times of year to visit Joshua Tree & Death Valley.

[electrictwowheeler]

mdjak1
Having the bike in the back of a van would work well I think. More theft proof and no worries about towing in heavy rain and the van would get better gas milage. I would loose 5 mpg while towing. One nice thing about the trailer was that I could raise the rear wheel by just leaving the front strapped down in the wheel chock and putting the cars scissors jack under the motor with a block of wood between the motor and jack. Handy when I had to replace the rear tire or if belt maintenance was required. You could bring your track stand of course but they are bulky.

[mdjak1]

The theft and normal mileage issues are top of the list.   Also it would be easier for my wife to drive the vehicle at times without a trailer attached.   With an electric motorcycle you don't need to worry about fuel smells or other fuel/oil related hazards inside an enclosed van.  I do think a DS or DSR would be even a better choice than my current SR.   Some light offroad capability for parks or dirt roads would be nice.