First of all happy new year! I'm planning a trip to the US next summer from Québec, Canada. It's gonna be my first long trip with my 72. I purchase the HD sissy bar and i will buy a travel bag later this winter to go on it. I would like to have some feedback from you guys to see if i would need more stuff. I would do like aroud 1000 km in 2-3 days. If i buy a 5 l. gas tank and strap it on the bike would it be ok with a few straps or a bungy net? Feel free to add any things that could be helpful.

 

The only thing I would be worried about is that gas tank strapped with you . I live in nyc and I personally know it's illegal to drive on mist of the bridges here with a gas container on board I'd think even worst on on a bike . If I was you I'd route my trip and research all the gas station son your way . This way you know where they exactly are and you can calculate how far your bike will take you . Other option is the small bottles of gas that could be strapped to your bike they all re more conspicuous. Good luck do some research on the laws when coming through on carrying a gas container .

 

I would recommend saddleman sissy bar bags. Can't beat the price. And also pick up a dry bag from a surplus or sporting goods store. At the fine I had a larosa swing arm bag that held an extra liter. Used it to help my buddy get his gold wing to the gas station on our last trip. I'd say get a good fuel bottle from REI etc and stash it. Quality ones don't leak. There should be plenty of last minute gas stops on your trip but the added insurance is nice.

 

I'm planning on going the opposite way - from the U.S. to the Ottawa, where my wife is from, and possibly to Quebec cottage country. It's a trip I normally take a few times a year via car with my wife and kids, but hopefully this summer I'm just going to tell them I'll meet them up there.

 

I carry MSR camp fuel containers on my sissy bar in a bag. good stuff

 

I rode cross country on mine last June. I let it totally run out of fuel on one stint and it went 109 miles before she quit. I carried 2 MSR fuel bottles in my swingarm bag. The bike was fine, it's a total mental thing riding long distances. The bikes can do it. Pack light and dont have an agenda on how far you need to go everyday and you will be fine.

 

With an old Ironhead I'd pack a tool roll with tools so you can do some roadside repairs if the occasion should arise. Also, I'd make sure you have a quart of whatever oil you're using. New fuses and bulbs certainly wouldn't be going (too) overboard. Double check that the charging system is working properly.

Do complete maintenance work and checks before you leave. Tighten every bolt to spec. Does the bike have an oil cooler? I'd suggest one. I'll eventually be adding one to mine for the urban traffic I typically ride in.

 

109 Miles? geez. My fuel light turns on at about 60 miles on my 48 with city riding to and from work. Maybe I need a new tune? Its crazy how some people with 48's and 72's get such different gas mileage.

 

Oh nuts, did I get the model wrong? I thought it was a 1972 Ironhead. My bad.

 

Your fuel light should be coming on when you have approximately 1 gallon of fuel left. When you fill up at 60 miles, how much gas are you able to put in?