agree with what a lot of people have said.
Change the seat, put a sundowner on my sporty and it took me around Europe. 2000 miles in a week and I could have done more.
A screen is a big help too.
I have the Memphis Shades gauntlet fitted. Having had it on there for a while I decided to go out for arun yesterday without it on. As soon as I went above 60 I could feel the wind attacking me....it's back on now
if you don't have forwards then crash bar and high and highway pegs help too.
I have dropped the passenger pegs on occasions just to change my foot positioning for a while and that helps too.
Packing wise, you will never need as much as you think, just remember waterproofs! (well in the UK I never ride without them on the bike)
I am sure after your first long trip you will learn all about your bike and find out what little things you want/need to change

 

Weather forecast for his ride this up coming weekend.
Houston/Austin area
Low 78/79
High 103/105
Ride early to beat the heat.

 

My 2 cents.

Insane comes to mind. No No, but you'd of liked the bigger bike for long rides and 2 up riding more than the sportie. Try this: http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/f...play.php?f=203

Don't get me wrong, I like my ride but after 300 miles it gets tough to stay seated, even with pegs, boards, multi-position foot rests etc. Myself, I would have taken the 2008 Ultra Classic Electra Glide, listen to what you passed-up, "2008 Ultra Classic Electra Glide".
Vs



Enjoy your sportie.

I'm an ex-St. Louisian, I know Ballwin, Mo, Cheers bro.
Please let us know how the trip goes.

.

 

I have done it several times, although my bike is set up for that exact sort of thing. I generally prefer to ride at night (less traffic, cooler in the summer, and most of the troopers have found better things to do lol) and stop whenever I feel like it. It ain't a race. If you get a cramp, take a bug to the face, feel sleepy, etc- By all means, stop. No sense making yourself miserable or putting yourself in danger. I also find this a pretty effective way of dealing with aggressive drivers on trips- pull over and let em go.

 

I have rode my old ironhead Roadster a bit but not on a very long trip. The main concern would be fuel. The seat is good but if not I would get a Mistang seat. Windshield which I already have is a must. You can wear ear plugs for noise.

Touring on my Road King for 7 years 100,000 miles was awesome. Mustang seat, Reinhart True Duals. Not really too loud for me. I added an Ultra Tour-Pak.

Top of the line for me touring now is the Ultra Limited. Road Glide Ultra was a nice touring bike also.