Forgive me if this has already been done, but I did not find it here.
I was thinking we could list tips for touring. A guide for the newbies and hopefully find something new for the veterans.

 

Visa/Master card/American Express...never leave home without it

 

I'll throw one up since I just mentioned it in another thread.

Avoid cities during rush hour. Plan to stop before it for a meal or sight seeing. 1 hour often makes a big difference. It won't save you time overall, but may save some sanity, time spent enjoying a meal or the sights is much better than time spent in traffic.

 

When planning a long trip, don't think of it as a 2,000 mile ride, think of it as five 400 mile rides(or however you want to break it up) and plan each day separately.

 

Plan the ride and bring water.
The objective is not the destination... but the ride itself!

 

One suggestion is to join H.O.G. and get the towing insurance. They will tow to the nearest HD dealer if you break down.

 

To prepare for a few days road trip or a month long trip, save your about to be thrown out worn out jeans, socks, underwear, t-shirts and pack some of them along with your good jeans, socks..... Usually when you leave home initially is when you are packed up most efficiently. As you wear the wore out things, throw them away and you'll have the extra space for the new t-shirts or whatever you might buy along the way.

 

If you travel alone and have medical issues make sure you txt them that you are done for the day riding.... If you have no cell service that night make sure you let them know the next day you are ok... I know from experience about that... I did not let them know for 2 days... and I got an ear full..

 

I have to disagree on this one at time. There have been trips that the objective was the destination, the ride was the mean to get to the objective. It still doesn't change any of the prep and planning work.

 

Also, I think AAA is better than the HOG roadside service. The plan I have will take me anywhere I want to go. Not sure if HOG does that or not.