Ride Cross Country on My Softail?
 

I have the opportunity to ride from Florida to California on my 2016 Softail Slim S.


Though not really set up for touring, I figured I would put on a sissy bar (I like the look of the bar), and get a large sissy bar bag to hold some essentials for the trip.


This would be a solo journey. Once in a lifetime opportunity.


Have any of you done something like this? Thoughts? Suggestions on what you found really necessary to bring along? What did you find to be the # of mile or hours you could comfortably ride in a day?


R,
Sanjuro

I've never done this... But I can say I'd GO FOR IT!! In my opinion, you don't need a ride with the label of "touring" model. Just plan accordingly.

I'd highly recommend a windshield, the wind blast will grind you down - at least one that will keep the pressure off your chest.

Some form of music/etc. XM radio through earbuds, etc, will get you through the plains country which is incredibly boring beyond belief.

Be sure to have proper rain and cold gear, it can be really chilly in the mornings out West. You can start out at 30 degrees at 8 a.m. and be at 90 degrees by 1 p.m. You have to accommodate for the ranges in climate.

Stay hydrated. Always. Riding 10 hours a day exposed to the sun will dehydrate you very quickly and you won't even realize it because the wind keeps you cool. If you get lightheaded / dizzy / sleepy while riding, you are probably dehydrated.

Pacific Coast Highway is closed due to landslides. That's the Road you REALLY want to ride in California, but repairs are not expected to be complete until June 2018.

Have fun!

The closest I've came to doing that was ride across most of Texas...550 miles in 10 hours. Outside of that, no desire. Good Luck in your ride.

Windshield, floor boards, pistol and if possible set up your luggage so you can lean back against it.

Do this trip while you're young and able enough to do it. Take plenty of pictures because this may be the last opportunity. Good luck!!

DO IT! I've done lots of multi-thousand/multi-day/week trips aboard Reaper. The longest trip being over 6500 miles over 33 days. It's pure awesome to be out on the road like that! :D

Bring a few days' change of clothes (you can always do laundry on the road). Plan rest days. Quality rain and cold weather gear are essential. Cargo nets are your friend. :) A few essentials I bring with me: high SPF (100+) spray on sunblock, travel packs of Wet-Ones (I use these to clean my face and hands when reapplying sunscreen at gas stops, etc... they are also great for removing bugs from your headlight and riding glasses!) and Huggies wipes (don't laugh, they're a real ass saver, hehehe... ;) ). Extra pairs of riding glasses are highly recommended, if you wear them. Cell phone and a credit card with a high limit are also highly recommended.

Make sure your bike is ready to go - ie: tire condition, oil change, etc...

As mentioned by another poster: stay hydrated, and rest when you need to.

Most of all, take your time, and enjoy the trip. You'll love it!

Cheers!
:icon_headbang: :icon_headbang: :icon_headbang:

Heritage's do it all the time. For me, a windshield, backrest and storage would be needed. Floorboards help, but if mid pegs you could switch to mini floorboards for the trip. I would add that Hwy bar pegs allow you to stretch your legs and change the pressure points on your ass. Also, unless your seat is really comfortable for 5-6 hours, I add a sheepskin and maybe even an airhawk pad. It does two things, cools the butt and removes the sharp pain going over bumps. But in the 70's I did it on an ironhead with a banana seat as I was still invincible and had a tougher ass.

I did about 4 K miles across the east coast on a Heritage (2 up) and it was great!
For a solo trip, I'd pack lighter than you think. I have stopped at Goodwill stores for new clothes when the daily riders got too grungy .
Yes... stay hydrated and wear long sleeves and gloves. It seems odd to cover up but the sun and wind can really put a hurt on bare arms.
AAA or a similar motor club is a good investment- just make sure they will tow a bike (some won't)
If you have time... stay off the interstate. My east coast trip was all state roads (and non- chain restaurants and hotels). It was a much more interesting experience than interstate riding.
Take time to stop for local attractions. See / experience America. Don't just ride through it.

Several times. Mine were baggers, although on the early runs it was on a Shovel. If that Shovel can do it, and Peter Fonda can do it on a hardtail Pan, you can too.
X2 on the windshield.

I see you're from Japan. Konnichiwa!

How many miles experience do you have?

My thinking - there's riding from FL to CA and there's RIDING from FL to CA.

A straight shot is not likely to be the ideal route. What is your planned route? Ever been to Yellowstone? Sturgis? Grand Canyon? Yosemite?

There are many places that could be part of the route. So if it really is a lifetime opportunity - make it a world class trip. Given that it's already x miles, may as well as 1000-1500 on top of that if you really want to do it once and do it right.

That bike is well up to the task. You'll get other great suggestions.