The title says it all, but here's a few things that I want to point out...

- I've never even took a 2 hour trip to the shore on a bike before. I usually just ride within a 50-mile radius of my house or less.

- I have a street bob, which may not be the best interstate traveling bike.

- All I really need to bring with me is a duffle bag. I may need to get a sissy bar or something so that I can attach my bag. I don't think I need to get saddlebags (nor can I really afford them right now). But maybe I'm not considering something.

- I've only owned this bike for not even 2 days .

- I'm definitely nervous!

I'm thinking of doing this next week or the week after. I always go visit my buddy every summer, and now that I have this new bike I think it would be cool to do this.

Do you guys have any thoughts and/or advice for me?

 

You might want to wait until you have the bike broken in or even until after your 1000 mile service.

 

I bought it used certified with about 3500 miles on it. They said that they just completed the 5000 mile service on it prior to putting it on the floor.

 

Nothing to be nervous about. Just do it. Everybody is nervous before a trip. If they say they aren't, they are a liar. As for the duffle bag, just strap it to the rear fender. On my trip to Pheonix with my street bob, I ran a pair of bungee cords crisscrossing my duffle bag. They went from the shock on one side to the signal stalk on the other.

 

Definitely not the most comfortable bike to ride on a trip like that but it's not saying it can't be done. Another option to the sissy bar is ups what you need to your friends house then back home again. Take plenty of breaks stay hydrated and if you don't have a windshield earplugs will make the ride a bit better. Don't forget to put on sunblock and check all air pressures before you go. Other than that it's just a bunch of 50 mile rides combined into one trip. Take a hydration break between fill ups and that should help keep from getting saddle sore.

 

I'm going to assume you are not just new to the bike, but to riding bikes? If so, don't look at the trip in one big run, break it into smaller runs. Do 100 miles or so then pull off and take a break. Have a cold drink and relax. Get back on and do it again.

It's not like you are in an airplane. You can stop whenever you want.

 

Load up your bike with the duffel and whatever your planing to take along and go out for a local shakedown cruise.

See if you need to rethink how you're securing, straps, etc.
Heavy stuff low, lighter up top.

Have fun, ride safe

 

Map out your route.
RAIN GEAR
Make sure your cell phone has a good battery and a waterproof case.
RAIN GEAR
Download several map apps and every time you stop look ahead at traffic.
RAIN GEAR
Throw over bags or put on a sissy bar and go to WalMart and buy the motorcycle backpack they have in the automotive section.
RAIN GEAR
Since your bike does not have a windshield and I am going to guess you are not going to put one on I would get a full face or a modular helmet.
RAIN GEAR
Gloves and either a mesh jacket or long sleeve shirts. The wind burn on top of the sun burn will make your ride even longer.
RAIN GEAR
Pack light and just buy what you need at wally-world when you get there.
And did I mention RAIN GEAR.

 

This is some great advice!

Great idea about strapping on all my gear and doing a test run first to check how secure it is.

Good call on the rain gear too...would suck to get stuck in the rain with no gear!

And thinking in terms of multiple 100-mile trips is great too. The total trip one way is about 560 miles.

Thanks!

 

You'll do fine ... just remember what NOT to do on the next trip.