Summer 2013 I'm planning a trip from Texas to Florida. I was just looking for any advice such as luggage, gear, good roads. Anything really. If it helps on the gear selection the ride will be on 2013 Harley sportster custom 1200. Thanks

 

When you get east of Destin, FL, break off and cruise down 30A to ride along the Gulf. Stop at Stinky's for lunch or dinner.

 

Summer down there will be hot. Staying alert will be important. You can get dehydrated pretty fast out there. Perhaps invest in a camel bag. Although the sportys have smaller tanks so make sure you hydrayte and go the bathroom every gas stop.

There are some great threads in here where people listed things to bring. Here is a generic list.

3-4 tshirts
Earplugs
Beanie for cold nights
Chaps
Pair of sneakers
Sweatshirt
3 pairs of jeans
5 pairs of socks
Clear glasses and sun glasses
Disc lock
Leather jacket
2 pairs of gloves
Rain gear
Personal hygiene
Chapstick
Sun lotion
Hat
Underwear

 

Thanks there's always something I didn't think about on everyone list.

 

I would determine how many miles you want to travel in a day and plan accordingly. When I went cross country a couple of years ago I did no more than 500 miles each day. By doing this you dont risk tiring yourself out before you get there. Remember the first day is usually exciting and the tendency is to ride as much as you can. Unfortunately, the next days can be brutal and by the time you get to your destination you will be looking for a truck to haul the bike back home. So do a plan and stick with the plan. You may want to consider a windshield for the Sporty. because nothing will tire you out quicker than the constant force of the wind. Yes, I know some will poh pah this but it wil make a difference. Have a great time and post some pics.

 

Thanks. Yeah wind shield was something I wanted to buy. I plan on taking pics all along the way. My first long trip really excited.

 

Don't forget your rain or water resistant gear. I've learned that you can never underestimate the weather and when it hits it can make an otherwise amazing trip pretty terrible in minutes.

 

Hey brother, my best friend and I decided on a wednesday to leave the following saturday morning for a trip from Savannah, GA to Sacramento, CA. We took HWY 10 for the majority of the trip because it was the middle of December of 2011. (if you remember correctly that is about the time that a giant storm hit middle American...rough times in some spots). You shouldnt face too many of the cold weather issues that we faced (like snow) but below there is a list of pointers from our trip.

- Chaps...no matter the weather chaps are a must, they aren't too warm and the protect you from falling debri and big *** bugs

- multiple pairs of gloves/eye pro...these should vary in protection level (full fingerd/half fingered or goggles/glasses) its nice to change things up. i prefer amber eyepro at dusk/dawn

- pack light, if you have bags it helps a lot but still it's nice not to have to carry so much stuff

- harley sells a cigerette lighter for your handles bars that can charge your stuff if you dont have one already. it doesnt cost to much and it comes in handy

- comfortable/multiple headphones for music. if you listen to music while you ride (which i do) make sure you have nice earphones that dont hurt your ears after a while. also a few good playlists or even Sirius on a smart phone is a good idea.

- biker shorts. now depending on how nice your seat is you may wont to purchase some cyclist shorts as they have an *** pad. they prooved might comfy for me on my stock street bob seat.

- eat something at every fill up. this helped with motivation. eating something small like a banana or a power bar was pretty fun plus it provided some good time to sit and BS with my buddy about silly stuff that happened on the ride.

- find a way to communicate with fellow riders. my friend and i developed hand signals that meant things like "need gas" "pull over" "strap up, i'm about do so something stupid" haha

- and windshield or faring...just do it, it will make your life easier

- take your time, dont rush the journey. one of my favorite spots was across Louisianna over the elevated highway as we crossed some bayou. it was absolutely beautiful and if you are rushing you will miss moments like that. particularly on a motorcycle it's about the journey not the destination

it's long but i hope that helps.

 

+1 on the windscreen must have IMO. I think its easy to try to think of everything and by the time you start your trip you got a ton of s#it. Make your list pack the bike and go for a ride,take it to work one day whatever. You really don't need a hole lot most of the stuff we take is to make our life easier and end up not using. There are stores everywhere if you really need something you can buy it. Not sayin don't try and determine what you need but I find its easy to get carried away.
My clothes list
The clothes I leave with on my body with riding boots.
take 1pr pants 2pr sock/underwear 2shirt(one longsleeve) nylon swimtrunks,flipflops baggie w/laundry soap for couple loads &roll of quaters med size trashbag keep clothes in so they can't get wet in the rain plus the riding/raingear not in the trashbag but realtivly easy to get to fast witout disturbing anythin else. gloves,sunglasses,clearglasses,earplugs couple pairs (there small and one seems to get lost),
sunscreen, smart phone has camera,charger,tire guage (baggies are handy to keep stuff dry I try to use them so don't have to rember to use them) call credit card company give them heads up couple hundred in cash small personal hygene kit p/u maps at welcome centers also good for finding info on side roads. Big roads get you there fast but suck for havin fun. Side roads let you slow down and see what others miss.
Enjoy your trip thats why we do'em.
Russ

 

Put everything you need into a big pile. Then divide the stuff in half, that's all you'll really need.