Going on a road trip
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville, Arkansas and Afghanistan
Going on a road trip
This upcoming May I will be headed from Arkansas to Alabama, about 555 miles. My Slim is stock when it comes to suspension. What all would I need to do to make it comfortable for this trip?
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 245
Likes: 4
From: South Dakota
Put it in the back of a comfortable truck 
Seriously, I used to ride my old Fatboy (softail) distances like that, but you'll really want a comfortable seat. There are "better" mono-shocks, but nothing will get it close to upright shocks (IMO). Stop often.
Thank you for your service!
Seriously, I used to ride my old Fatboy (softail) distances like that, but you'll really want a comfortable seat. There are "better" mono-shocks, but nothing will get it close to upright shocks (IMO). Stop often.
Thank you for your service!
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 875
Likes: 10
From: Corp of Discovery trail, Missouri
If you are carrying a loaded back pack or any other additional weight I would make sure your rear shocks are adjusted accordingly. I have been in the saddle of my bike for a couple of 10 hour days and thought my softail was comfortable. Plenty of stops to stretch and you will be fine.
A windshield really helps on those long stretches also.
A windshield really helps on those long stretches also.
Some type of windshield or fairing to take the wind of your chest. Otherwise your probably good for 500 miles>
Last edited by cdonis; Mar 4, 2015 at 07:49 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Portland, ME
I added a quick detach Memphis Shades batwing windshield for my long rides. It has the biggest impact on making long rides less tiring. As for my butt, I got the AirHawk seat cushion and it made a huge difference on my backside.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
There's none to shy here to tell you what shock to go with on back, I have the gas monotubes up front. If you really want to add a little comfort have your seat padding replaced with Gelfoam by a reputable upholsterer. Before I made a few changes I couldn't go 15 minutes on my tail bone. Now? I wouldn't be afraid to go from coast to coast on this thing. It's all what your willing to spend, remember, you get what you pay for.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville, Arkansas and Afghanistan
already have the motherwell rack, but will most likely put my bag in the wife's suburban. She will be in that with the kids. Only reason I am taking the bike is beacuse my grandmother is coming back to Arkansas with us and there wont be enough room in the burban for everyone.