First HD for cross country trip
#11
01-30-2017, 01:05 PM
Cruiser
Honestly, if I had a bike to deliver from ME to CA in May, I'd ship it via truck transport.
The month of May can be quite cold, wet (and even snowy) especially in higher elevations.
I-80 seems to be the most direct route and that's approximately 3300 miles.
If you average 45MPG's that's 73 gallons of fuel and at $3.00 per gallon that comes to about $ 200, and adding in motels, meals (and potential mechanical issues), this could be more expensive than shipping.
On the other hand, if you just want to ride...go for it!
The month of May can be quite cold, wet (and even snowy) especially in higher elevations.
I-80 seems to be the most direct route and that's approximately 3300 miles.
If you average 45MPG's that's 73 gallons of fuel and at $3.00 per gallon that comes to about $ 200, and adding in motels, meals (and potential mechanical issues), this could be more expensive than shipping.
On the other hand, if you just want to ride...go for it!
Road trippppppp!!!
#12
01-31-2017, 06:55 AM
Road Master
#13
01-31-2017, 11:48 AM
Just bought a 1994 FXLR for my daughter (long story) and plan to deliver to Santa Cruz, CA in May. This is the first H-D I've owned/rode but have done 2 cross country trips on BMWs (1975 R90S, 1998 K1200RS); I still ride the R90S.
So the local dealer is doing a 30K service and fixing base gasket leaks in preparation for trip. No other problems found so far. The plan is to do a northern route on 2 lane roads so I am seeking advice in two areas:
1. Potential routes, Canada OK.
2. Luggage (no bags, but have HD rack in back, solo Corbin seat)
Any information appreciated including maybe posting on a different forum. Thanks in advance.
So the local dealer is doing a 30K service and fixing base gasket leaks in preparation for trip. No other problems found so far. The plan is to do a northern route on 2 lane roads so I am seeking advice in two areas:
1. Potential routes, Canada OK.
2. Luggage (no bags, but have HD rack in back, solo Corbin seat)
Any information appreciated including maybe posting on a different forum. Thanks in advance.
Since I live next to the Rockies here is some advice. I would go a more southerly route. With the snowpack we have right now and unless something dramatically changes it will be a late spring in most of the Rockies and the Sierra's in California are in the same shape. I-80, I-70 and I-90 are all notorious for late May snow storms. A few years back we went over I-70 over Memorial weekend and it was in the 20's and 30's and that was a year with a low snowpack.
Even September can be fickle. Buddy and me coming back from the Ozarks split ways east of Denver and he hit a freezing fog/drizzle going over the mountain passes.
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jchd1 (01-31-2017)
#14
01-31-2017, 12:08 PM
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#15
01-31-2017, 01:25 PM
Honestly, if I had a bike to deliver from ME to CA in May, I'd ship it via truck transport.
The month of May can be quite cold, wet (and even snowy) especially in higher elevations.
I-80 seems to be the most direct route and that's approximately 3300 miles.
If you average 45MPG's that's 73 gallons of fuel and at $3.00 per gallon that comes to about $ 200, and adding in motels, meals (and potential mechanical issues), this could be more expensive than shipping.
On the other hand, if you just want to ride...go for it!
The month of May can be quite cold, wet (and even snowy) especially in higher elevations.
I-80 seems to be the most direct route and that's approximately 3300 miles.
If you average 45MPG's that's 73 gallons of fuel and at $3.00 per gallon that comes to about $ 200, and adding in motels, meals (and potential mechanical issues), this could be more expensive than shipping.
On the other hand, if you just want to ride...go for it!
#16
01-31-2017, 01:26 PM
This is topical.I checked the RCMP web site today. A lot about "discretion".
#18
01-31-2017, 04:10 PM
Cruiser
#19
01-31-2017, 04:31 PM
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Great State of Canada
Posts: 6,166
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So many times we're embarrassed up here by the treatment, (potentially 3 years in jail or deportation and/or vehicle confiscation), given to our neighbors for just doing what they have a right to do at home, I thought a friendly warning was in order. I would not trust "discression" bro,,, seriously ! If you run into an officious CBS officer trying to make a point out of your "rights" he can initiate a process that is ruinous for you. It does happen with shameful regularity. They don't just turn you around as one would expect.
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jchd1 (02-03-2017)
#20
02-01-2017, 05:13 AM
Sounds like a great trip, my advice would make several routes. Then start checking weather conditions for them. It may save you from a snow storm in the Rockies, or freezing in the U.P. I rode into Mackinaw City at 50 degrees in late June. Also if your thinking about Canada, last July it was 45 when we left White River ON. If you want to see the country stay on the 2 lane roads. I make almost all my trips that way. I did a 2300 mile trip around Lake Superior with only 27 miles on freeways. Have fun