Am I Nuts?
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, Ca.
November 2011 had a fusion on L5-S1, August 2012 rode from San Diego to Tuscon stayed 1 day visiting daughter, then made the 14 hour ride on to Grand Junction, Colorado. Azz was sore but back was fine, stock 2001 Electra Glide seat with backrest. Bought a gel pad at GJ HD and rode 20 straight hours back to San Diego, wanted to see the million dollar hiway and had a side of the rode repair had to do in Arizona, why it took so long. I usually only ride the bike to work, 40 miles per day, 4 days a week and weigh in at a svelt 300 lbs and am a spry 53 years old. Also have the 14 inch Yaffee Monkey Bars and with a back rest that made the ride comfortable. Temps were over 100 degrees the whole ride, most fun I had in years though.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,974
Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
Amen to the rider backrest. I won't ride very far without mine.
I'd also "highly suggest" a windshield
Back when I had my '87 Softail Wide Glide I put a lot of miles on it and the backrest and the windshield made the miles seem much shorter.
You should be able to make that ride in 2 days...each way.
If your 2001 model bike, at 5,000 miles, has the original tires, you NEED new tires (and tubes if equipped)!
If your battery is more than 2 years old, I'd replace it before taking such a long trip.
Have fun an let usknow how it goes.
I'd also "highly suggest" a windshield
Back when I had my '87 Softail Wide Glide I put a lot of miles on it and the backrest and the windshield made the miles seem much shorter.
You should be able to make that ride in 2 days...each way.
If your 2001 model bike, at 5,000 miles, has the original tires, you NEED new tires (and tubes if equipped)!
If your battery is more than 2 years old, I'd replace it before taking such a long trip.
Have fun an let usknow how it goes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,650
Likes: 9,112
From: Snow Hill, NC
Thanks all for the tips. I know it will take me a bit to condition myself to ride this type of distance. Not only will I be working on putting on miles between now and then, but I will be also working with a yoga instructer for strengthing my back as well. I am pumped up for a trip like this, yet i know i need to listen to my body as I get closer to see if its possible.
Can anyone recommend a good solo touring seat with back rest, I have read Corbin and Mustand seats are good...any suggestion?
Can anyone recommend a good solo touring seat with back rest, I have read Corbin and Mustand seats are good...any suggestion?
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 568
Likes: 147
From: Georgia
Don't those WG's have forward controls? If that's the case I wouldn't risk the damage it can do to your back. I once hit a pot hole so hard, with my Night Rod Special, that sent jarring pain right up my spine. Trust me, if you bottom out on that bike you may be in for some serious pain.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, MO
Hello All,
Ok so I may be in need of a reality check...A few weeks ago I bought a 2001 Wide Glide...bike is mechanically sound, good rubber, and great shape...about 5000 miles. I am a 42 year old male is relatively good shape, back in 2009 i had a spinal fusion which since then I have had to give up other riding activities such as snowmobiling and four wheeling...my back just cant handle the jaring and i have not learned to go slow.
So here is my idea...In Late may my girlfriend needs to go back home for a family thing to Texas and she is flying. I want to ride down there from here in Wisconsin. I have not been on a bike in about 10 years, and I figure between now and then I will be hitting the local roads with a few longer weekend runs. It is about 1100 miles one way and I have 5-6 days to make the complete trip. Thoughts...am i bitting off more than I can chew?
Thanks for any input.
Ok so I may be in need of a reality check...A few weeks ago I bought a 2001 Wide Glide...bike is mechanically sound, good rubber, and great shape...about 5000 miles. I am a 42 year old male is relatively good shape, back in 2009 i had a spinal fusion which since then I have had to give up other riding activities such as snowmobiling and four wheeling...my back just cant handle the jaring and i have not learned to go slow.
So here is my idea...In Late may my girlfriend needs to go back home for a family thing to Texas and she is flying. I want to ride down there from here in Wisconsin. I have not been on a bike in about 10 years, and I figure between now and then I will be hitting the local roads with a few longer weekend runs. It is about 1100 miles one way and I have 5-6 days to make the complete trip. Thoughts...am i bitting off more than I can chew?
Thanks for any input.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Work it out 1100 miles / 75 MPH is just under 15 hrs. You could get there in one day.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 724
Likes: 2
[quote=2AMGuy;10958814]Amen to the rider backrest. I won't ride very far without mine.
I'd also "highly suggest" a windshield
Back when I had my '87 Softail Wide Glide I put a lot of miles on it and the backrest and the windshield made the miles seem much shorter.
You should be able to make that ride in 2 days...each way.
If your 2001 model bike, at 5,000 miles, has the original tires, you NEED new tires (and tubes if equipped)!
If your battery is more than 2 years old, I'd replace it before taking such a long trip.
that softail wide glide must have been a 87 only model.
to the o.p. should be easy after a few warm up rides. 300 to 400 hundred miles is very easy without pushing. start early is always the key to making a lot of miles and enjoying them.
Have fun an let usknow how it goes.
I'd also "highly suggest" a windshield
Back when I had my '87 Softail Wide Glide I put a lot of miles on it and the backrest and the windshield made the miles seem much shorter.
You should be able to make that ride in 2 days...each way.
If your 2001 model bike, at 5,000 miles, has the original tires, you NEED new tires (and tubes if equipped)!
If your battery is more than 2 years old, I'd replace it before taking such a long trip.
that softail wide glide must have been a 87 only model.
to the o.p. should be easy after a few warm up rides. 300 to 400 hundred miles is very easy without pushing. start early is always the key to making a lot of miles and enjoying them.
Have fun an let usknow how it goes.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
Do you know how hard and fast you have to ride to cover 1100 in 15 hours?
You have to make that run to appreciate how hard it is.
That is nothing but fuel stops, no food stops, no time for getting a drink. You are eating and drinking from a tank bag on the bike.
And I won't discuss the highway speeds you need to run to average 75 mph after deducting for fuel stops.
1100 miles in under 15 hours is a crazy fast, efficient long distance run.
Last edited by Jonesee; Feb 28, 2013 at 11:11 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: 3rd Rock
The best investment I have ever made for long distance riding without a doubt was my Air-Hawk seat coushion. It's lasted through 2 bikes and will make just about any seat comfortable for touring, or atleast any seat I've used it on.