Average miles
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
I ride to Daytona through the woods from NC, leaving at 7:00 a.m. from Raleigh/Durham and end up in Callahan, FL by about 8:00 p.m. that night. It's just a couple of hours to the campground I visit from there the next morning.
On the way home, I always hit I-95 and get to the house in about 8 hours. I suspect that the OP may take 2 days to get there and 1 to get back.
There's no place like home
On the way home, I always hit I-95 and get to the house in about 8 hours. I suspect that the OP may take 2 days to get there and 1 to get back.
There's no place like home
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,336
Likes: 415
From: Southern Maryland
2006 Softail Deuce
I owned a 2006 Softail Deuce, and 3 of us rode from Maryland to Tail of the Dragon, about 575 miles one way. We did it in one day, but knowing what I know now, I would now do it in two days down, 2 days back. First, no cruise control. No radio, bad seat, hard seat, uncomfortable seat, can't get comfortable no matter where your butt is seat. I came home and bought a touring motorcycle and never looked back. The Deuce is a great bike for around town, but not a touring machine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,561
Likes: 7,910
From: Long Island, New York
Not the miles, it is saddle time. Which brings you back to back roads VS Interstate. First, I tell everyone stop every two hours regardless of the mileage, gas up and stretch everything and have something to drink. If we are doing Interstate without traffic that means about 150 miles every two hours. Start early, hopefully you can do two stints before lunch. Now it is noon-ish and 300 miles are already behind you. Take an hour, have some grub and a good break. Then go hit it again for another 150 miles. 450 done, find a hotel, steak and a beer. Get some sleep and do it again the next day. Oh wait, you will only have 300 miles left the next day, get to your buddies for lunch.
If taking back roads, same rule of two hour, just it is going to take longer due to lower speeds. Maybe it becomes 375 miles each day.
Your bike will do the ride, but maybe not the best choice of bikes for high miles. Don't ge tme wrong it can and has been done by myself and others, but bigger and wind protection do make a difference when doing serious miles. Overalll, go for the two days in each direction and have an adventure!!!
If taking back roads, same rule of two hour, just it is going to take longer due to lower speeds. Maybe it becomes 375 miles each day.
Your bike will do the ride, but maybe not the best choice of bikes for high miles. Don't ge tme wrong it can and has been done by myself and others, but bigger and wind protection do make a difference when doing serious miles. Overalll, go for the two days in each direction and have an adventure!!!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Depends on individual and mindset. Once left Memphis at about 0700, I-40, heading west to Phoenix, a Friday. Was home by 1700 Saturday. One stop in Amarillo. RGS, didnt even feel it like previous bikes. That helps too!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
A lot depends on the route. Is the goal to get there or enjoy as much of the roads as you can.
On many of today's roads a 400 mile day is over sometime after lunch if you get an early start.
If you *** is wore out when you get there the trip may not be as much fun .
On many of today's roads a 400 mile day is over sometime after lunch if you get an early start.
If you *** is wore out when you get there the trip may not be as much fun .
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 469
Likes: 158
From: Alberta
Daily mileage depends a lot on how much you normally ride and the comfort of your bike. I've always found that the seat and handlebar/footpeg ( includes floor boards ) location for your body type are the limiting factors. An example is that my 98 Electra Glide is a lot more comfortable to ride than my 08 Heritage Softail was. The Softail put too much pressure on my sit bones and was a poor long mileage bike. That all will vary from rider to rider.
Go for a 150 mile ride, no stops and your bike will tell you how comfortable it is. I've ridden 650 mile days on bikes, no interstate just two lane highways, but everything on the bike has to fit you well. That type of mileage takes you about 12 hours with stops for gas & food. I know the average miles per hour may seem low but it is very hard to average much more than 50-55 mph when dealing with real world traffic conditions.
Your estimate is about right. The best time to ride is in the morning, away from the heat of the day, so get an early start and plan on stopping riding around 3-4 pm. Make sure the bike is in good shape, tires have good life left in them, ( measure the tread depth ) proper air pressure, fluids good, lights work etc.
Have a good trip and take the time to enjoy it.
Go for a 150 mile ride, no stops and your bike will tell you how comfortable it is. I've ridden 650 mile days on bikes, no interstate just two lane highways, but everything on the bike has to fit you well. That type of mileage takes you about 12 hours with stops for gas & food. I know the average miles per hour may seem low but it is very hard to average much more than 50-55 mph when dealing with real world traffic conditions.
Your estimate is about right. The best time to ride is in the morning, away from the heat of the day, so get an early start and plan on stopping riding around 3-4 pm. Make sure the bike is in good shape, tires have good life left in them, ( measure the tread depth ) proper air pressure, fluids good, lights work etc.
Have a good trip and take the time to enjoy it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,007
Likes: 5,532
From: Wilkes Co.- N.C.
Depends.....My longest slab day was 825 miles between Ft. Lauderdale and Winston-Salem N.C.....Worn out......But a 250 day in the mountains can wear you out as well.....lol......
Good advice above......
Good advice above......
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 927
Likes: 256
From: North Arkansas
Set it up where you can have a backrest...if you don't already have one. Put your luggage behind you if you don't.
I am a fan of breaks. Every hour. Once it starts hurting, it ain't no fun. 1 hour take a short break. Stand. Stretch. Move. Can be only a 60 second minute long... it will help. Gas break every other hour.... a little more time walking, stretching, moving.... drink, and of course pee.... 350 to 400 should be a doable day.
Do you have time for a shakedown ride? Feel it out. 10 mph faster might be harder on your body than it helps your time and distance
I am a fan of breaks. Every hour. Once it starts hurting, it ain't no fun. 1 hour take a short break. Stand. Stretch. Move. Can be only a 60 second minute long... it will help. Gas break every other hour.... a little more time walking, stretching, moving.... drink, and of course pee.... 350 to 400 should be a doable day.
Do you have time for a shakedown ride? Feel it out. 10 mph faster might be harder on your body than it helps your time and distance