thanks guys, you have been inspiring me to do this more!!!!! I didnt think many people rough it old school like that. One last question: would a windshield make a huge difference on a long trip? just so you know, Ive never rode a bike with a shield.

 

depends. for me it does. 10 hours at 70mph will beat ya up repeat for a couple of days and it adds up quick. . where as several days strung together at 55mph for 5-6 hours a day and its not as nessesary.

 

I wont go on a long trip without one.

 

I went around Europe 12 countries 4,500 miles and 30 days on my dyna. I just had my saddlebags and a small T-bag with no problem carrying stuff

 

What do you want to bring? Here is what I pack when I tour. Rain suit, one pair of jeans, three pair of sock and skivvies, one t-shirt, a pair of shorts, flip-flops, toiletries, full fingered riding gloves, a few tools and some water. No need to extra t-shirts, I always end up getting a few during my trips. Laundromats are cheap and quick, wear shorts, T and flops, wash everything else every third day. Just before you leave to head home, pack what you'll need for the return trip and send everything else back in the mail.

As for the windshield, its a must for me when traveling, I like to enjoy my long days in the saddle and it make all the difference on those days.

Invest in some detach saddlebags, a detach shield and a taller detachable sissy bar and a t-bag. All this is way cheaper then an Ultra and you get the perk of taking it all off at you destination and enjoying the wide glide.

 

Here is my Dyna as I just got home after 4,500 miles over 12 days(still dirty). I did laundry once on the way. I had all my rain gear, bike cover, tools etc. Riding without a windshield is a gloreous feeling when near home but riding on the Interstate without a windshield and forward controls has me fatigued in about 10 minutes.

 

My setup is like ynots' but also with saddle bags. That should give you plenty of room for gear and clothes. I have to say though, that your wife's idea to ship your extra sh*t to the hotel is actually a pretty good one. I do that for business trips and have never had a problem with it. If you have the means, it would make the ride a little more comfortable.

 

[QUOTE=xracer110;11623644]I asked a similar question in general dis. but asking twice never hurts.
I have a wg no bags, how would you do a week long rally like sturgis or daytona? even if I put softbags and a backpack on for the trip I would only be able to carry limited things after my weather gear [coat, gloves, etc] The options Im thinking of are a new bike [ultra] or 6x12 drop door enclosed trailer. My wife suggested i ship my stuff to hotel and ride with bare necessity. Ive never done large rallies and I think its time.[/QUOT




Really........what's the real answer your fishing for? First of all you mention you have a dyna......then you want to take a trip so because of that u are drastically throwing out the idea of a new bike?? Then you kill the credibility of the thread with the notion of buying an enclosed trailer which suggestś you have no lengthy ride time under your belt so a long trip like this as a maiden run would be ill advised regardless of how much storage you have. The thought of shipping your stuff to strangers relying solely on someone you don't know 2000 miles away to do their job let alone the shipper is too insanely risky if you get there and your crap ends up in Sturgis Michigan instead of Sturgis SD or worse ...lost.


Here's my take. The guys have postčd great suggestions. But I'd like to address the more practical side of things for a minute.

It's obvious when it comes to distance you are green at the very least. I highly recommend you Weeen into this by taking over some night and weekend trips to rallies and events less than 8 hours away at first. You, as the others pointed out do not need a new bike. The t bags and bedroll and saddlebags are lots cheaper, you got a dyna for a reason. You can accessorize ŕnd tour just fine.

After you have a few more local runs under your belt start going further distances. Endurance is more important going from to Sturgis than anything. A quick DETATCH windshield is an ok idea if its going to bother you with 70 plus mph winds and large bugs pelting your face on the road.

Personally since your going to need a helmet along the way, to be compliant with some state laws, I'd invest in a nice full face head bucket with a tinted and non tinted face shield. Cheaper than a windshield , needed anyway, and easier to clean. Plus once u get to Sturgis u don't have to mess with a windshield taking it off etc.

Your Dyna is capable of anything the touring bikes are if adequately equipped. But based on the context f your question, and the apparent lack of experience of taking a huge trip like the Sturgis run you reference, I must again say for safety's sake please consider some baby steps and ease into Sturgis after you start off more regionally.

I know lots of folks who trailer, it's not my thing but they do it. Ill take the experience of the open road under my Dyna any day over the pus sifted creature comforts of a trailer. I bought it to ride it not chauffeur it. the purpose of the thread was to inquire about a long tip , so now you know.

LongG trips require some planning, time, and if you decide to iron butt it then dedication and toughness. Trips across the country like Sturgis can be dangerous a much as fun, the elements, along with traffic, and a ton of other varíableś should all be considered, the one thing you need the most can't be bought , strapped on, or shipped, that is experience. I'd recommend some more of that first.

Good luck my friend.

 

I love your bike. Cool looking setup.

 

Hey what's the black on your front fork lowers?

Can I see a better shot of those?