Big trip in month...need advice.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 2
From: Franklin, TN
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
All good advice but no one mentioned a good pair iof riding boots. New riders tend to wear sneakers but thats a bad idea. A good pair of heavy soled boots are invaluable.
Happy motoring.
Marsh
Happy motoring.
Marsh
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
Wet Naps to wipe your face at stops (trust me on this one, hehehe) and some paper towels, sun block - as high SPF as you can find (I have a tube of SPF 75 that I got in Ocean City, MD), ear plugs (or noise isolating earphones for using with an mp3 player), bungee cargo net, bungee cords, basic tool kit, spare headlight bulb (trust me on this one!), cellphone and credit card.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: SW Oklahoma
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
RockerJay,
Excellent choice on the HD saddlebags, I think you will really like the quality & value of the HD Rocker bags & mounts. Saw that someone suggested lining them with trashbags - seems like good insurance, even though they look to be waterproof, I can't tell you if they are. Ihavn't been caught in the rain on my bike yet.
Forgot to ask you - did you get the HD detachable windshield? If not, you reallyshould consider it - it really makes a longer ride at highway speed much easier and provides a bit of protection from rocks, retreads, etc. flying out of the back of 18 wheelers.
Good luck with the bike and with your trip...
rleather
Excellent choice on the HD saddlebags, I think you will really like the quality & value of the HD Rocker bags & mounts. Saw that someone suggested lining them with trashbags - seems like good insurance, even though they look to be waterproof, I can't tell you if they are. Ihavn't been caught in the rain on my bike yet.
Forgot to ask you - did you get the HD detachable windshield? If not, you reallyshould consider it - it really makes a longer ride at highway speed much easier and provides a bit of protection from rocks, retreads, etc. flying out of the back of 18 wheelers.
Good luck with the bike and with your trip...
rleather
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 892
Likes: 0
From: San Diego (Poway), CA
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
If you don't have the shield,strap a blanket or tent to your handlebars to act like one. It will kick a lot of wind off your chest. You're probalbly right on the oil, so replace it with some water for yourself. I'd also throw in a box of fuses.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,257
Likes: 6
From: Leander Texas
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
Dont forget the Harley rain suite and gators. I tried the cheaper ones but if you want the best the Harley are it. Bright orange to see you on the rainy days.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
ORIGINAL: Clammy
Wet Naps to wipe your face at stops (trust me on this one, hehehe) and some paper towels, sun block - as high SPF as you can find (I have a tube of SPF 75 that I got in Ocean City, MD), ear plugs (or noise isolating earphones for using with an mp3 player), bungee cargo net, bungee cords, basic tool kit, spare headlight bulb (trust me on this one!), cellphone and credit card.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Wet Naps to wipe your face at stops (trust me on this one, hehehe) and some paper towels, sun block - as high SPF as you can find (I have a tube of SPF 75 that I got in Ocean City, MD), ear plugs (or noise isolating earphones for using with an mp3 player), bungee cargo net, bungee cords, basic tool kit, spare headlight bulb (trust me on this one!), cellphone and credit card.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Thanks again guys!
--Jason
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
A small first aid kit is also good to have,it sucks to need a baindaid and not have one.
I carry Benadryl for bee stings in my kit too.
Have fun,1000 miles isn't a real big trip and will go by fast,you'll want to do more after this one.
That's a weekender for me,I'm heading out the door in a few minutes and will likely do about 500 today.
On weekenders I like to leave on Friday night after work and knock off a couple hundred miles to "get out of Dodge" might help you on this trip too.
Makes it nice on Saturday morning to have a jump start,get home Sunday night with a 1K ride in easy as pie.
I carry Benadryl for bee stings in my kit too.
Have fun,1000 miles isn't a real big trip and will go by fast,you'll want to do more after this one.
That's a weekender for me,I'm heading out the door in a few minutes and will likely do about 500 today.
On weekenders I like to leave on Friday night after work and knock off a couple hundred miles to "get out of Dodge" might help you on this trip too.
Makes it nice on Saturday morning to have a jump start,get home Sunday night with a 1K ride in easy as pie.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 205
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
Rocker,
To answer your question on the leathers. Personal preference. I've seen people all leathered up at 100 degrees. Not me.
Your riding from Pa to Il, I would let the temp decide. If it's cold wear them, If it's hot take em off.
Everyone here has some great advice of road trips. As you can see, their experiences give little suggestions. I found out the hard way on one road trip.
Charlotte, NC to Tampa Fl. on a Honda NX650 which is like the on/off road bike. I wore shorts and t-shirts. Have never experienced a SUNBURN like that before in my life.
Best advice, is to cover up, sunblock, earplugs, and along with one of the other guys A CELL PHONE. The oil comment is typically reserved for those still running a shovelhead or Pan. Believe me, I carry oilalong with a full tool kit,and everything else I may need,everywhere when I run, including just around town. The Fatboy, what can I say but one of the most wonderful things in the world...WARRANTEE.
By the way, ARE YOU TRAVELING ALONE?
To answer your question on the leathers. Personal preference. I've seen people all leathered up at 100 degrees. Not me.
Your riding from Pa to Il, I would let the temp decide. If it's cold wear them, If it's hot take em off.
Everyone here has some great advice of road trips. As you can see, their experiences give little suggestions. I found out the hard way on one road trip.
Charlotte, NC to Tampa Fl. on a Honda NX650 which is like the on/off road bike. I wore shorts and t-shirts. Have never experienced a SUNBURN like that before in my life.
Best advice, is to cover up, sunblock, earplugs, and along with one of the other guys A CELL PHONE. The oil comment is typically reserved for those still running a shovelhead or Pan. Believe me, I carry oilalong with a full tool kit,and everything else I may need,everywhere when I run, including just around town. The Fatboy, what can I say but one of the most wonderful things in the world...WARRANTEE.
By the way, ARE YOU TRAVELING ALONE?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Big trip in month...need advice.
Leathers and chaps in June...probably in the mornings and evenings. When I rode up to the 100th in 2003 it was the 3rd week in August. That morning was a cool 58 and the leathers and chaps felt good. Later on the in day it was up to mid-90's and no leathers needed then. On the trip back, it rained for 320 miles and the temp never got above 63 degrees and I wore the leathers, chaps and raingear to stay warm and dry. So you never know. It is better to carry them and not be sorry or miserable. Just my 2 cents.