First Road Trip on the new bike
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 1,966
From: PA
I'm not sure what parts of PA you will be in, but the roads are pretty horrid in NE PA right now. I can't say what it's like in the lower part of the state. Winter does a number on the roads, and I haven't seen much in the way of repairs this year.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
From: Salt Lake City
I think you're overthinking your trip a little bit. How many times have you ever seen an HD stranded on the side of the road? If you bought an HD extended warranty, you get roadside assistance and towing. If you have Progressive or HD bike insurance, you also get roadside assistance and towing.
Another thing to consider is how well your mechanical skills are. If something were to happen, do you have to mechanical ability to fix the bike? On my 2017, I don't have a clue how to fix it. I only carry a few tools to fix something if it were to come loose. On my 87, I can fix quite a bit. To be honest, I've never had a breakdown on any HD I've ever owned. Enjoy your trip and don't worry. Share your pictures when you get back.
Greg M
Another thing to consider is how well your mechanical skills are. If something were to happen, do you have to mechanical ability to fix the bike? On my 2017, I don't have a clue how to fix it. I only carry a few tools to fix something if it were to come loose. On my 87, I can fix quite a bit. To be honest, I've never had a breakdown on any HD I've ever owned. Enjoy your trip and don't worry. Share your pictures when you get back.
Greg M
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
I'll be stopping in Wayne County for the night then route 6 to 84/81 South. Thanks for the road update. I grew up just outside of Scranton but haven't been back in several years. I guess I'm glad to hear not much has changed.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 1,966
From: PA
Personally, I have Ride On in the tires, and a flat repair kit, which is probably redundant. Zip tie - can never have enough of them. A roll of electrical tape. A multi-tool. A few other basic tools. That's about it. Shouldn't need to MacGyver a new bike though.
The way it's been raining, I hope you have rain gear, because these heavy storms roll in, dump, and are gone an hour later, but you get drenched if you're in it.
The way it's been raining, I hope you have rain gear, because these heavy storms roll in, dump, and are gone an hour later, but you get drenched if you're in it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,014
Likes: 19,122
From: The Wasteland
For me its the following- credit card, cash, phone, small tool set (sockets, ratchet, Allen keys, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc), first aid kit, sun screen, straps or bungee cords, zip ties and some baling wire. All of that wont take up as much space as it sounds like it would. And most any roadside emergency can be handled by the first three items in the list.
Have a great trip and don't worry about anything until it happens...
Have a great trip and don't worry about anything until it happens...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,536
Likes: 1,035
From: Pennsylvania
I used to make the drive up to Albany a lot from central PA. I84 was always the worst part. Horribly maintained road. I hope it's better for you than it has been for me in the past.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,353
Likes: 1,966
From: PA
They are on Year 4 of a large multi-year project. They've already replaced the bridge across the Delaware river in both directions. They've done a number of the smaller bridges too. They are tearing the road out, all the way down to the soil and replacing tit from the ground up. There was some kind of chemical reaction in the materials used for the original road which caused it to deteriorate pretty quickly, and paving over the top didn't help. I think there's 2 more years to go after this before it's done. My daily commute...
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