First rode trip on first HD
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: La Porte, TX
RE: First rode trip on first HD
ORIGINAL: turczytj
The following are answers to questions posed to me thus far:
Yes, I plan on riding a lot for several months, including some long weekend trips, to get used to the bike and toughening up my butt. I plan on having at least a 1000 miles on it before taking my "wild hogs" trip.
I plan on staying in a motel. My idea of roughing it is when the motel only has an outside pool.
I plan on riding alone. no other riders, no passenger.
I will be staying in Tucson at my sister's house for about 5-6 days before heading back. Good, you'll need some rest before making the return trip.
I had small (e.g., 250-400cc) bikes back in high school and college 25 years ago (I'm 45 years old and in decent physical shape). I gave up dirt bike riding a couple of years ago (I was a novice). This is my first big bike. Good, you just need to get comfortable on this bike and re-toughen you butt.
I gave up smoking about a month ago. Why? I smoke and it makes for longer rest stops which cuts down on how many miles you can move in 1 day. I'll smoke 2 or 3 cigarrettes in a 20 minute stop (while getting fuel, drink, snack)... no, I don't smoke while I'm at the gas pump.
I am not mechanically inclided. Not at all... OK, then all you need is a cell phone for mechanical problems instead of needing an assortment of tools.
I make this trip every year in my car in 1 day. 21 hours of driving with a couple, 2 hour naps at rest stops. You won't have any problem staying awake then. I would put some loud pipes on before making an interstate trip like this. It helps the cagers remember you are there when you wind up in their blind spots.
I really appreciate everyone's advice. Thx in advance. I'm jealous, I haven't made a long trip since Labor Day weekend '07 (4,000 miles in 8 days from Houston to Gettysburg). Good luck!
todd
The following are answers to questions posed to me thus far:
Yes, I plan on riding a lot for several months, including some long weekend trips, to get used to the bike and toughening up my butt. I plan on having at least a 1000 miles on it before taking my "wild hogs" trip.
I plan on staying in a motel. My idea of roughing it is when the motel only has an outside pool.
I plan on riding alone. no other riders, no passenger.
I will be staying in Tucson at my sister's house for about 5-6 days before heading back. Good, you'll need some rest before making the return trip.
I had small (e.g., 250-400cc) bikes back in high school and college 25 years ago (I'm 45 years old and in decent physical shape). I gave up dirt bike riding a couple of years ago (I was a novice). This is my first big bike. Good, you just need to get comfortable on this bike and re-toughen you butt.
I gave up smoking about a month ago. Why? I smoke and it makes for longer rest stops which cuts down on how many miles you can move in 1 day. I'll smoke 2 or 3 cigarrettes in a 20 minute stop (while getting fuel, drink, snack)... no, I don't smoke while I'm at the gas pump.
I am not mechanically inclided. Not at all... OK, then all you need is a cell phone for mechanical problems instead of needing an assortment of tools.
I make this trip every year in my car in 1 day. 21 hours of driving with a couple, 2 hour naps at rest stops. You won't have any problem staying awake then. I would put some loud pipes on before making an interstate trip like this. It helps the cagers remember you are there when you wind up in their blind spots.
I really appreciate everyone's advice. Thx in advance. I'm jealous, I haven't made a long trip since Labor Day weekend '07 (4,000 miles in 8 days from Houston to Gettysburg). Good luck!
todd
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
RE: First rode trip on first HD
How many miles should I realistically expect to drive in a day? How many hours each day is typical?
Do new bikes like this break down very often?
Do riders wear leather coats in the summer (I'll be doing this in Sep but it will still be hot)?
After arriving, will I be too sore/exhausted to golf every day that I am there?
I'm excited but also kind of nervous...
todd
Do new bikes like this break down very often?
Do riders wear leather coats in the summer (I'll be doing this in Sep but it will still be hot)?
After arriving, will I be too sore/exhausted to golf every day that I am there?
I'm excited but also kind of nervous...
todd
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,465
Likes: 15
From: Corona, Ca
RE: First rode trip on first HD
I SAY OVERNIGHT A PACKAGE OF FRESH CLOTHES TO YOUR SISTERS HOUSE. AND GET YOURSELF A COMFORTABLE SEAT FOR LONG HAULS AND HIT THE ROAD....AND THEN DO THE SAME FOR YOUR BELONGINGS ON THE WAY BACK.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
RE: First rode trip on first HD
ORIGINAL: turczytj
How many miles should I realistically expect to drive in a day? How many hours each day is typical?
Do new bikes like this break down very often?
Do riders wear leather coats in the summer (I'll be doing this in Sep but it will still be hot)?
After arriving, will I be too sore/exhausted to golf every day that I am there?
I'm excited but also kind of nervous...
todd
How many miles should I realistically expect to drive in a day? How many hours each day is typical?
Do new bikes like this break down very often?
Do riders wear leather coats in the summer (I'll be doing this in Sep but it will still be hot)?
After arriving, will I be too sore/exhausted to golf every day that I am there?
I'm excited but also kind of nervous...
todd
No, they don't break down often but you should be prepared/covered if it does.
Some people wear leather coats year round - I don't. But, that's a subject that you'll got lots of opinions on.
You'll be fine - just train up for it. I expect before you go, you'll know what you can comfortably do and what you can't and just plan around that.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 448
Likes: 0
From: La Porte, TX
RE: First rode trip on first HD
ORIGINAL: 2007fxdc
500 miles 3 days in a row is a lot but doable. But easier with a comfy seat and a windshield. You could try for the ole "iron butt" and get that under your belt - 1000 miles in a day.
No, they don't break down often but you should be prepared/covered if it does.
Some people wear leather coats year round - I don't. But, that's a subject that you'll got lots of opinions on.
You'll be fine - just train up for it. I expect before you go, you'll know what you can comfortably do and what you can't and just plan around that.
ORIGINAL: turczytj
How many miles should I realistically expect to drive in a day? How many hours each day is typical?
Do new bikes like this break down very often?
Do riders wear leather coats in the summer (I'll be doing this in Sep but it will still be hot)?
After arriving, will I be too sore/exhausted to golf every day that I am there?
I'm excited but also kind of nervous...
todd
How many miles should I realistically expect to drive in a day? How many hours each day is typical?
Do new bikes like this break down very often?
Do riders wear leather coats in the summer (I'll be doing this in Sep but it will still be hot)?
After arriving, will I be too sore/exhausted to golf every day that I am there?
I'm excited but also kind of nervous...
todd
No, they don't break down often but you should be prepared/covered if it does.
Some people wear leather coats year round - I don't. But, that's a subject that you'll got lots of opinions on.
You'll be fine - just train up for it. I expect before you go, you'll know what you can comfortably do and what you can't and just plan around that.
I wouldn't plan on playing golf the day after you get there, but you probably won't be in traction or anything... just tired.
The only thing I would do different is have other bikes make the ride with you. Interstate is more stressful alone.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 304
Likes: 2
From:
RE: First rode trip on first HD
Seat and a windshield for me would be a must. Make sure you are up for it before you leave. Back in the 80's I rode a Honda cb 360 from New york to west virginia with stock seat and no windshield. Thought I was ready for it, to young to put much thought into it, but once I was half way there I thought to myself me and this poor little motorcylce just ain't going to make it. I did make it, but I guess my point is take some smaller trips and see what you are up for.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Sasser, GA
RE: First rode trip on first HD
Make sure the bike fits you. By that I mean bars, seat, pegs, etc. The only way to really know is to put some miles on her in long stretches and see how you hold up- you can't tell just from short hops. Your back, butt, shoulders and so on will tell you if it's set up right. I'd do a test run overnight stay to get a better idea of what you need. And drink plenty of water when you're doing a long stretch. Dehydration sneaks up on you, and you get tired quicker when you're dry.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 642
Likes: 1
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
RE: First rode trip on first HD
ORIGINAL: turczytj
The following are answers to questions posed to me thus far:
Yes, I plan on riding a lot for several months, including some long weekend trips, to get used to the bike and toughening up my butt. I plan on having at least a 1000 miles on it before taking my "wild hogs" trip.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather, hot and cold, wet or dry. I know when I lived out west, sun went down, temps did too, drastically!
I plan on staying in a motel. My idea of roughing it is when the motel only has an outside pool.
Like others have said, ground floor rooms, park in front of room.
I plan on riding alone. no other riders, no passenger.
Myself, I see no problem with this, I used to run back and forth from Tampa to Philly a few times a year by myself, kept my own pace, didn't have to worry about others. When I was younger, I was the guy pushing, now at about your age, I like back roads and enjoying the ride. I'd honestly stay off the iterstate if possible much of the way. Remember, you're doing this to enjoy the ride, it's not a race, is it?
I will be staying in Tucson at my sister's house for about 5-6 days before heading back.
Someone had a great idea, send luggage ahead, and back, it will make things way easier.
I had small (e.g., 250-400cc) bikes back in high school and college 25 years ago (I'm 45 years old and in decent physical shape). I gave up dirt bike riding a couple of years ago (I was a novice). This is my first big bike.
Windshield, windshield, windshield. Don't wait to get it just before the ride, take those weekenders with it, get it set to your liking before you take the trip.
I gave up smoking about a month ago. Why?
Congrats on the quitting, 4 years for me, and still want one every day.
I am not mechanically inclided. Not at all...
Even if you're not mechanically inclined, besides the cell phone, learn the daily safty inspection of bike, know what sounds and feels right before you take on this trip.
I make this trip every year in my car in 1 day. 21 hours of driving with a couple, 2 hour naps at rest stops.
It's not a car, you won't get the same mileage or ride time.
I really appreciate everyone's advice. Thx in advance.
todd
The following are answers to questions posed to me thus far:
Yes, I plan on riding a lot for several months, including some long weekend trips, to get used to the bike and toughening up my butt. I plan on having at least a 1000 miles on it before taking my "wild hogs" trip.
Be prepared for all kinds of weather, hot and cold, wet or dry. I know when I lived out west, sun went down, temps did too, drastically!
I plan on staying in a motel. My idea of roughing it is when the motel only has an outside pool.
Like others have said, ground floor rooms, park in front of room.
I plan on riding alone. no other riders, no passenger.
Myself, I see no problem with this, I used to run back and forth from Tampa to Philly a few times a year by myself, kept my own pace, didn't have to worry about others. When I was younger, I was the guy pushing, now at about your age, I like back roads and enjoying the ride. I'd honestly stay off the iterstate if possible much of the way. Remember, you're doing this to enjoy the ride, it's not a race, is it?
I will be staying in Tucson at my sister's house for about 5-6 days before heading back.
Someone had a great idea, send luggage ahead, and back, it will make things way easier.
I had small (e.g., 250-400cc) bikes back in high school and college 25 years ago (I'm 45 years old and in decent physical shape). I gave up dirt bike riding a couple of years ago (I was a novice). This is my first big bike.
Windshield, windshield, windshield. Don't wait to get it just before the ride, take those weekenders with it, get it set to your liking before you take the trip.
I gave up smoking about a month ago. Why?
Congrats on the quitting, 4 years for me, and still want one every day.
I am not mechanically inclided. Not at all...
Even if you're not mechanically inclined, besides the cell phone, learn the daily safty inspection of bike, know what sounds and feels right before you take on this trip.
I make this trip every year in my car in 1 day. 21 hours of driving with a couple, 2 hour naps at rest stops.
It's not a car, you won't get the same mileage or ride time.
I really appreciate everyone's advice. Thx in advance.
todd
Congrats on the great new bike, enjoy!