how far until a break
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,261
Likes: 440
From: SETx
I get conditioned to my work commute if I let myself. It's about 50mi. I like going at least 100 between stops on a trip. If I've only been riding to work it takes me a couple weeks of build up before I strike out on a longer ride. I've ridden tank to tank without major issue and on an I.B. Attempt I shoot for 200mi stops. Seems to work for me.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
As others have said, address those things that are uncomfortable.
Know your own biological rhythms. For me, it's about 45 minutes. As in about every 45 minutes, I will cycle down and feel uncomfortable, and question the ride.
Embrace the breaks. Generally, you can go longer and harder with breaks. You'll also feel better and enjoy yourself more.
Know your own biological rhythms. For me, it's about 45 minutes. As in about every 45 minutes, I will cycle down and feel uncomfortable, and question the ride.
Embrace the breaks. Generally, you can go longer and harder with breaks. You'll also feel better and enjoy yourself more.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 348
Likes: 122
From: Wichita
Everyone on this forum is so helpful. I'm working on the bike, making more and more progress. I quit riding in 2001 coming from a softail custom. At the time I sold the bike I was having no trouble with longevity. I thought my days were over when I sold it. Last year I couldn't take it anymore and bought the Road King. Yes, 90% of the problem was how bad of shape I am in. I'm not overweight but but my legs were a mess. I've made a lot of progress but it seems I've hit a plateau. I'm going to keep working on it and I can't believe the difference ibuprofen makes. I just feel like I should be able to ride without it thanks for the great responses.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 147
Likes: 15
From: Maryland
It happens. Just gotta keep riding and keep conditioning. I switched back to a cruiser this year after riding rockets and naked sport standards for the last decade ish. The forward position, along with the extra wide, but short height wise, 6 gallon tank is taking some getting used to for me as well. I keep wanting to grip the tank with my thighs, like you should on a rocket, but its wide and not really tall enough. I ended up getting hip/thigh muscle fatigue fairly quickly riding the RKS (same muscles that get sore the day after riding a jet ski if you dont do that often). I end up alternating between bowing my legs out to relax those muscles, and putting legs out on the highway bars, but im sure those muscles will develop over time. Point is, the tank can be a weird shape if you havent rode a harley exclusively for years. If you are enjoying it, stop worrying about it and ride. Theyll develop naturally the more youre on the bike.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 23
When I was 17 I could ride my Honda 350 scrambler Brooklyn to Rochester NY, where I attended college, a 425 mile trip in an 8 hour day. Now at 67 I want a break about every 45 minutes on the Road King. Popping a couple of Alleve before a long ride is a game changer. Highway pegs help as well. My .02 YMMV
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 783
Likes: 316
From: NE Ohio
I've always been able to go 200 miles or so. However, I think my rotator cuff is bad from a fall this winter and it hurts in the rear of my shoulder at only 25 miles or so. I can ride through it, but its just an annoying dull burning pain. Good thing I have cruise control I can stretch my right shoulder. I think mini apes would help on my ultra. I'm going to wait until winter to deal with it, because I dont want to give up this riding season. Have 1200 and 1300 mile trips planned for this summer. I'm 46 by the way.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 5,175
From: SWMO
These days I have a special piece of equipment that keeps me from going tank to tank. It's an old, original equipment bladder. It makes me take a lot of breaks, especially when trying to stay hydrated. But the extra stopping kinda works out ok as the stretching and walking around helps the back and hands. It could be worse, at least we're still on the right side of the dirt and riding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
wow.... only 90 miles, eh? that's not much. I'm usually good for about an hour- hour and a half. But wait! that's about 90-100 miles!!!! Jerking your chain!!!
I feel a stop every hour and half is good.... take a pee, get something to drink. stretch.... move about. a short break. Nothing wrong with that, Do what you need to keep relaxed and enjoy your ride. Be safe. That's the important thing!!
I feel a stop every hour and half is good.... take a pee, get something to drink. stretch.... move about. a short break. Nothing wrong with that, Do what you need to keep relaxed and enjoy your ride. Be safe. That's the important thing!!