I'm picking up a 2013 Ultra Limited in Montana in late April, put a thousand miles on in a week, get the initial service and check done, and then taking to the open road for Phoenix.

This will be my first long distance trip on a motorcycle and it's been a while since I've been on a motorcycle other than taking the MSF 15 hour course recently.

I've got pants, jackets, boots, and gloves to cover the various weather I might run into and a good full face helmet. I'll be staying in motels at night and have a cover to lock on the scoot. I've got a GPS for traveling, a tire repair kit, and a small air pump.

Other than a credit card and some cash is there anything else I should be taking or prepare for at the outset? (Maybe recommendations on a few tools and sizes.) I've been reading this forum for the last several months and appreciate the experience and wisdom of the talent bank.

 

lets see...hmm, how about raingear and a "smart" cell phone, one that will have voice and data coverage in the areas that you will be traveling in so that you can call roadside assistance check weather, look for lodging, food etc. Maybe a pair of warm "guantlet gloves". That first 1000 mi. ride should tell you if you need a more comfortable saddle. If so, may I suggest at the cheap end an "AirHawk" seat pad. At the other end a "Harley Hammock" which is a great choice. especially if you can catch a sale. Also you may want to consider a backrest right from the getgo. Your one year free membership in HOG with a new bike purchase will get you one tow (on a trailer or flatbed of course). You can upgrade with minimal cost for expanded coverage. One thing about motorcycle traveling you have to consider clothing choices for multiple climates and going from Montana to Arizona in the spring you will definatley travel in multiple climates. Days in the southwest can get really hot and really cold at night in the spring. As far as tools go. I usually carry a small assortment of 1/4"sockets + torx heads and a 1/4" to 3/8ths adapter. A Plug socket, small pair of visegrips, maybe a small crescent wrench. a few allen wrenches fitted for your bike. There should be a little cluster tool with screw driver/torx heads that come with your new bike. I'm sure you'll get a number of great suggestions.

 

check with your insurance provider-they can probably add unlimited towing for a few dollars...that one "free" tow from HOG is only good for up to $100. the harley air circulator seat pad really helps. be sure and carry your harley road atlas, as it will have all the dealers and their phone numbers. might want to upgrade your head light if you think you might be riding at night.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dan conner

check with your insurance provider-they can probably add unlimited towing for a few dollars...that one "free" tow from HOG is only good for up to $100. the harley air circulator seat pad really helps. be sure and carry your harley road atlas, as it will have all the dealers and their phone numbers. might want to upgrade your head light if you think you might be riding at night.

I think I read somewhere that Harley air circulator seat pad was made by
airhawk. I see the Harley item is cheaper than the AirHawk. good recomendation.

 

While there is much disagreement on breaking in a new bike, I would put just a couple hundred local miles on the bike then have the fluids changed...not wait until its got 1000 or so miles.

During those miles, figure out what makes you want to get off the bike and get it addressed. Simple things like highway pegs, backrest, or a different height windshield can make a huge difference on the road.



I took the MSF course a long time ago. Yes, it is grueling but in no way mimics a ride of any distance in various weather conditions...especially such a ride on a large, heavy motorcycle.



Is the gear weather/waterproof? You'll most likely run into some weather extremes that time of year.

Does the helmet fit well enough to wear for many hours on end? One normally won't determine that until they've worn on it for an extended period of time.



Will the trunk and saddle bags be enough room for all your gear? If not, do you have a waterproof bag(s) to supplement the hard bags?

Do you have a small hand air pump for the shocks? I wouldn't use a powered one on the shocks as it may blow the seals.

Finally, some of the little things like a small flashlight, first aid kit, hand towel, maps, pen & paper, spare light bulbs & fuses, and windshield cleaner to name a few.

Hope that helps.

Good luck and ride safe!

 

In late April, Beartooth Pass might have 20 foot of snow in it. It opens in May. So no matter what route you take, plan on cold. An electric vest or jacket liner can be a life saver. The tire kit and folding tool thing that comes with the bike should do it. The most you should need is to tighten a nut or something. This is not an AMC Shovelhead your riding.

Now I would slap a backrest on it but I'm an old retired geezer, so I need it. That's an age thing. But I would skip the seat pad. Break in the seat, yours or the bike, depending. If your butt gets sore, stop, walk around for awhile, get gas, take a **** and drink something. Then hop on and ride another hundred miles. Repeat.

When you get down Arizona way have some water bottles. Some for drinking, others for soaking your tee shirt. The wet tee shirt trick only works while under a light or vented jacket. When you stop for gas soak the thing in the bathroom sink. Having survived the Mojave Desert I can tell you this works. While the temperature might seem perfect don't ride across the high desert in a tee shirt. At elevation the sun will cook you alive. Heavy SPF sunscreen.

 

Great advice! Thanks so much for giving me your thoughts. I talked to the dealer and the bike will have an adjustable backrest and highway pegs when I pick it up. Also, just ordered the hand pump, certainly don't want to blow up the suspension. I'll work on toughening up the backside gradually, but since I'm going to be doing some serious riding in a short amount of time I think I'll pick up a buttpad from Alaska Leather. I've heard good things about them, but please share any experience with them. I went through my clothes and believe I have everything to stay warm, dry and cool. The incidentals, flashlight, spare bulbs and fuses are easy to overlook but can put you in dire straits when you need them and don't have them. Thanks for recommendations on tools too. Would have never thought of the wet t-shirt trick. I'll be sure to recommend it to any hot ladies a I meet on the way.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by BUZZARD II

When you stop for gas soak the thing in the bathroom sink. Having survived the Mojave Desert I can tell you this works. While the temperature might seem perfect don't ride across the high desert in a tee shirt. At elevation the sun will cook you alive.

Wow, that brought back memories. Traveling accross Kansas in 100 degree heat one summer on the way to Colorado I would stop at rest stops and lay my tee shirt down in the sink and fill the sink with water. Then I would lift the tee shirt out of the sink and let the water run down the front of my jeans and soak them then Put the tee shirt and outer shirt back on and slosh out to the bike get on and ride away. It was nirvana for about 10 minutes with the jeans, a little longer with the shirt.

 

Just an update. Tried to get the bike in April and Great Falls got about six inches of snow on the morning I was going to pick it up. Took the airplane back to Arizona. But the weather is improving and I'm hoping for the first week in June. I'm approaching Montana from Alaska this time, maybe that will change my luck. Thanks for the feedback though.

 

You have some great advise here. I'm planning on a cross country ride and the information is appreciated.