Road Trip needs
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
A good affordable GPS is this Garmin nuvi 255W.
A good mount is this one made by RAM.
A good power supply (provided you have a battery tender pig tail hanging from your battery) is this one from Powerlet. Use zip ties to run it up under your tank, zipping it to existing wires. That'll also give you the ability to charge cell phones and anything else using a cig lighter charger.
A good mount is this one made by RAM.
A good power supply (provided you have a battery tender pig tail hanging from your battery) is this one from Powerlet. Use zip ties to run it up under your tank, zipping it to existing wires. That'll also give you the ability to charge cell phones and anything else using a cig lighter charger.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 728
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Check out this link for a Motorcycle Road Trip Checklist. I just create my own in excel, but this gives you some great ideas.
http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html
http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Part of the beauty of riding somewhere is the concept of getting lost (not literally). Rain gear...yeah I can agree with you there. Riding hours on end in wet jeans is about the most uncomfortable thing in the world.
As far as GPS...do it the old fashioned way. Wing it. You'll enjoy it much more than by following a silly little graphic across a little screen.
As far as GPS...do it the old fashioned way. Wing it. You'll enjoy it much more than by following a silly little graphic across a little screen.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Remember....the settlers crossed the entire country and oceans without GPS. Why is it a necessity for us?
I also love it when someone does have GPS on their bike in one form or another and then ask me (that doesn't have GPS on his bike) "how do we get there and how long will it take?" Just food for thought....
I also love it when someone does have GPS on their bike in one form or another and then ask me (that doesn't have GPS on his bike) "how do we get there and how long will it take?" Just food for thought....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
GPS are slick as hell. It all depends on what type of ride you're on.
I wish I would have had one when I went to Baltimore and back. Riding non-stop at night shining a flashlight on your tank so you can read the map you taped to it is not as glamorous as it sounds.
I wish I would have had one when I went to Baltimore and back. Riding non-stop at night shining a flashlight on your tank so you can read the map you taped to it is not as glamorous as it sounds.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Exactly! I've been using a sextant and star map.
Remember....the settlers crossed the entire country and oceans without GPS. Why is it a necessity for us?
I also love it when someone does have GPS on their bike in one form or another and then ask me (that doesn't have GPS on his bike) "how do we get there and how long will it take?" Just food for thought....
I also love it when someone does have GPS on their bike in one form or another and then ask me (that doesn't have GPS on his bike) "how do we get there and how long will it take?" Just food for thought....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
How many days and miles is the ride?
I would suggest checking the forecast to give you an idea of the weather, but pack clothes and gloves for both hot and cold weather. We had flukey weather a few years ago and actually froze our asses off in Death Valley because we didn't pack correctly!
A flat map bag which magnets on to the tank may come in handy if you decide against the nav.
Basic tool kit, tire repair kit and siphon hose, none of which hopefully will be needed.
Rain gear. HD actually has some pretty good stuff.
I would suggest checking the forecast to give you an idea of the weather, but pack clothes and gloves for both hot and cold weather. We had flukey weather a few years ago and actually froze our asses off in Death Valley because we didn't pack correctly!
A flat map bag which magnets on to the tank may come in handy if you decide against the nav.
Basic tool kit, tire repair kit and siphon hose, none of which hopefully will be needed.
Rain gear. HD actually has some pretty good stuff.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 335
Likes: 21
From: Nassau County, NY
I'm leaving in about 10 days to ride to LA & back from NY. I borrowed saddle bags. Can't hurt to have the extra space. I picked up the Harley rainsuit (bk/orange, about $120). It's light and I can pack it up pretty tight.
Me and my buddy aren't bringing a GPS either. Got a bunch of maps. Our plan is to ride from Long Island to Chicago and take rte 66 to LA. Like SC stated earlier, if we get lost, so be it. That's half the adventure. Instead of spending $ on a GPS for the few times you will use it can be better spent on other gear that you will use more often.
Me and my buddy aren't bringing a GPS either. Got a bunch of maps. Our plan is to ride from Long Island to Chicago and take rte 66 to LA. Like SC stated earlier, if we get lost, so be it. That's half the adventure. Instead of spending $ on a GPS for the few times you will use it can be better spent on other gear that you will use more often.