Solo Road Trip questions
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: NJ
Closest I ever had to anyone bothering bike was a panhandler going door to door at motel; kinda felt like bike'd be safer if I gave him a few bucks. I park where I can see it or where the office can see it. One place I was able to park under the covered entrance near other bikes.
I needed a tow once. Through HOG, told them I had a bike. Flatbed pulled up and I rode onto the bed (blew a fork seal so I was able to) and strapped down all four corners. Wasn't thrilled about that method, I wanted a bike specific tow, esp considering all the oil & other crud on the flatbed; but it worked out fine. Truck showed up with 2 guys so the helped guide/keep bike stable on/off due to the semi-steep angle.
GPS with HD Dealers loaded, backup paper maps, cell phone, small first-aid kit, small tool kit, spare bulbs & fuses. Spare battery for key fob!
I needed a tow once. Through HOG, told them I had a bike. Flatbed pulled up and I rode onto the bed (blew a fork seal so I was able to) and strapped down all four corners. Wasn't thrilled about that method, I wanted a bike specific tow, esp considering all the oil & other crud on the flatbed; but it worked out fine. Truck showed up with 2 guys so the helped guide/keep bike stable on/off due to the semi-steep angle.
GPS with HD Dealers loaded, backup paper maps, cell phone, small first-aid kit, small tool kit, spare bulbs & fuses. Spare battery for key fob!
Last edited by k1768; Mar 3, 2013 at 07:24 PM. Reason: added key fob battery
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 916
Likes: 12
From: NoVA
Unless your covered by HR. 218 I would leave the gun at home. I just don't worry too much about the bike. If the motel has bulletproof glass and a little slot at the window I go elsewhere. If the place looks $#!+y, it is.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 465
Likes: 3
From: North Shore of Massachusetts
Never had a problem riding alone for extended time and distance . Good bike maintenance , cell phone , credit card , GPS , AAA paper maps , HOG road side assistance and HOG atlas. Use your head , plan you ride so you don't have to stay overnight in questionable neighborhoods . If you don't know ask here . Look closely at the place you plan to stay , eyeball the cliental and if you can , ride out back to see who your neighbors will be . Simple stuff really .
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 938
Likes: 22
I'm really not trying to start a gun debate, but honestly, how many of you gun toting guys have needed to pull your gun on someone, or have shot at someone?
I have travelled all over and not once have I ever remotely thought, boy do I wish I had a gun right now.
Again, I'm not pro gun control, far from it but I see so many posts on this forum about the hardware guys are carrying and it makes me think half of it is BS and I really doubt the other half that are carrying would actually be able to use it.
You are going to kill someone to prevent your bike from being stolen?
I know this is going to bring out all kinds of screaming replies and name calling but really, I would just like to know how many have actually needed it, and been able to get at it when they did.
I have travelled all over and not once have I ever remotely thought, boy do I wish I had a gun right now.
Again, I'm not pro gun control, far from it but I see so many posts on this forum about the hardware guys are carrying and it makes me think half of it is BS and I really doubt the other half that are carrying would actually be able to use it.
You are going to kill someone to prevent your bike from being stolen?
I know this is going to bring out all kinds of screaming replies and name calling but really, I would just like to know how many have actually needed it, and been able to get at it when they did.
I've stayed in more motels than I can count. Like Buzzard II said, stay away from the ones that look like trouble. Park at my door, or at the office door.
Carry some tools for whatever you are comfortable working on, extra fuses, tire plug kit with compressed air, zip ties.
Have fun on your bucket list ride!
Carry some tools for whatever you are comfortable working on, extra fuses, tire plug kit with compressed air, zip ties.
Have fun on your bucket list ride!
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 224
Likes: 7
From: Arizona City, AZ
I did my bucket list solo ride to Sturgis from western NY in 2011 and had the time of my life. there's nothing like being on the open road knowing that you have to think on your feet in case a situation arises. Everyone has had great suggestions so I wont repeat whats already been said but the one thing i noticed not mentioned that I had with me was a small to medium size soft sided cooler that you can strap to your back seat or luggage rack or somewhere that you can carry some water or sport drink to keep yourself hydrated as you travel. Gas station drinks get expensive so stop at Wally World or somewhere like that and fill up the cooler with your drinks and energy bars. Get your ice before you leave your hotel. I found personally I didn't like eating a full lunch while riding all day, so while fueling the bike a little water and a granola bar or candy bar hit the spot for me. Enjoy your trip you wont regret it ONE BIT!
Novice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Nobody mentioned spare gasoline. I have a one gallon gas can that fits into a Harley saddle bag. It came in real handy for me on I-86 in Idaho. Shoulda topped off in Pocatello but I figured "How desolate can it be?". Pretty desolate.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 142
From: Sioux Center, Iowa
I'm really not trying to start a gun debate, but honestly, how many of you gun toting guys have needed to pull your gun on someone, or have shot at someone?
I have travelled all over and not once have I ever remotely thought, boy do I wish I had a gun right now.
Again, I'm not pro gun control, far from it but I see so many posts on this forum about the hardware guys are carrying and it makes me think half of it is BS and I really doubt the other half that are carrying would actually be able to use it.
You are going to kill someone to prevent your bike from being stolen?
I know this is going to bring out all kinds of screaming replies and name calling but really, I would just like to know how many have actually needed it, and been able to get at it when they did.
I have travelled all over and not once have I ever remotely thought, boy do I wish I had a gun right now.
Again, I'm not pro gun control, far from it but I see so many posts on this forum about the hardware guys are carrying and it makes me think half of it is BS and I really doubt the other half that are carrying would actually be able to use it.
You are going to kill someone to prevent your bike from being stolen?
I know this is going to bring out all kinds of screaming replies and name calling but really, I would just like to know how many have actually needed it, and been able to get at it when they did.
Moderatress
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 8,427
Likes: 29
From: Dutchess County, NY
I'm thinking about a Solo Bucket List road trip as soon as the weather warms up and have a few questions for those who have rode solo. Have you ever had anyone mess with you or your bike when you stay at a motel for the night
??? Other than a cell phone, a GPS, a credit card, and a new S&W 380 with an extra clip,what else would you recommend to have in case you have mechanical issues on the road. How do tow trucks handle motorcycle's?
Thank's in advance for any help on my questions !!
??? Other than a cell phone, a GPS, a credit card, and a new S&W 380 with an extra clip,what else would you recommend to have in case you have mechanical issues on the road. How do tow trucks handle motorcycle's?
Thank's in advance for any help on my questions !!
When traveling with friends I lock them all together. Freeze half filled bottles of water and throw them in your bags to keep hydrated. Trail mix for the protein to keep your energy going all day. Take an extra cell phone battery and alternate charging them.