I want to share my 580 mile ride on the stock sportster from Chicago à Iowa à Missouri à Chicago so here it goes.

This was my first long ride out on the road. I Google mapped my route and it said it should take me about 9 hrs. roundtrip, so I decided to do it. I headed out at 10:30 am Tuesday morning to Davenport, IA. Knowing that my bike ranges about 115-125 miles a tank I would stop for gas around the 80-90 mile range just in case. I got to Davenport, IA and stopped at the Wieblers HD to buy some oil since I noticed that it was low on my last fuel stop. After stretching out a bit and getting something to eat I headed back out on the road and headed to Alexandria, MO. I arrived to Alexandria, MO put some gas and charged my phone for the millionth time and headed back home to Chicago.

Over all I had a great ride during the day, nice scenery at times most of it was corn fields. I made some rookie mistakes though. For starters being confident that I was going to be home at a good time I didn’t pack cold weather gear. I froze my a** off from Missouri back to Chicago. Second and 3rd I didn’t pay attention to time so by the time I headed home from MO it was about 8 pm and I rode at night and ended up getting home at 3am Wednesday (Yes, I know I should of just stayed at a hotel and yes I’m an idiot for riding at night). 4th I need to take an actual GPS instead of relying on my phone I lost a lot of time stopping to charge it. I knew I needed to take some warmer gear but my slow self said “Nah, I’ll be OK” I’ll trust my gut instance next time. I learned a lot this day and maybe on my next ride I’ll prep A LOT better. Well I just wanted to share…so let the zinging begin.

 

Hey Man, You did it! Good for you, you're right though. Riding at night adds a whole different dimension to the equation.

Ride Safe - Ride Smart


"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca1750's

 

Pretty easy lessons learned man, good job. You'll be more comfortable and it'll go smoother next time. I'd love to be able to take a trip like that. Glad the sporty handled it well.

 

I love riding at night, dangerous as it may be.

 

I'm a night shifter, and I ride at night all the time. I hate how bad the stock 883 headlight is and it is getting replaced, I just avoid the dark interstate, I'll stay in the city or or main highways with lights.

 

I definitely learned a good lesson, and the Iron did not give me any troubles. To be honest I didn’t mind the stock seat but I’m sure if I had a better one it would have been even more comfortable. Riding at night was scary a** all hell specially when the roads are pitch black and you’re the only one on the road. Biggest fear where running into a deep pot hole, a deer or any other animal popping out. I am going to say that if it wasn’t that I had just added the Custom Dynamic LED fronts and rears I would have probably **** my pants. The front LED amber/whites helped out being seen and I think they help lit up the road just a bit more IMO.

 

Sounds like a fun ride. 3am? Freezing? Yup, know what you mean. Layers are your friend. In a pinch you can stuff some newspapers in your jacket to add some more insulation.

As for GPS/phone...you can just write down the major exchanges and landmarks on a sheet of paper. Easy to pull over and check it or fix it on your wrist or tank. No need for a glowing screen, especially at night. Just more visual noise. Might want a spare fuel container if you're going to be tooling around corn country at night off the freeway.

The unexpected adventure is part of the fun. Good job!

 

You can hook a phone charger up to your battery tender cable. I have a solo swing arm bag, I can plug my phone up and put it in the back to charge while riding.

 

Unfortunately, I do it regularly.

 

A ride like that on a bike with no windscreen. Tough ride for sure.