long distance rides on a Sportster?
long distance rides on a Sportster?
Just wondering how many of you have taken a long ride on a Sportster before. That's probably the one I'm going to be getting, and while it will undoubtedly be more comfortable than the crotch rocket I had before, I still wonder if it will be misery if I take it on a long ride. I want to go to Sturgis this year. I've got family in the Black hills, and this would be a great excuse to finally visit. I'd be looking at about 2,000 mile round trip, though.
It would be a solo trip, unless there are other HDF people from Ohio that would plan to ride there that would be up for riding there together.
My concerns are my butt being in the saddle for that long, and just zoning out in general, as sometimes happens when looking at the same scenery for hour after hour.
It would be a solo trip, unless there are other HDF people from Ohio that would plan to ride there that would be up for riding there together.
My concerns are my butt being in the saddle for that long, and just zoning out in general, as sometimes happens when looking at the same scenery for hour after hour.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
Absolutely do-able! Comfortably, too. Replace the stock seat, think about a windshield and adding some bags...go as far as you want to. My wife and I tour extensively on an 883C, Sundowner seat, quick release windshield, short sissy bar and rack, HD Bags and a Kuryakyn Gran Tour trunk. Many, many 500+ mile days without ANY issues.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,023
Likes: 1,352
From: Virginia
Changing out the seat is your best bet. I got a Mustang Vintage solo seat and wondered why I waited so long. Not saying you should get the Mustang just that the stock isn't so great. Or you could have Mean City rework the stock seat.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
gotta agree to a lot that's been said here: Mustang seat, windsheild, bags, sissy bar with bag. But also, I like having my mid controls so I can have the highway bars, that way my feet have two positions (and put stock pegs everywhere. My O-ring pegs suck for the haul). Wear ear plugs too.