how far until a break
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 68
From: Hawaii
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.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 578
Likes: 522
From: Durango CO
I have taken my current Harley to all 48 lower states. Next month I will go to Alaska. The key to riding long distances is to take it at your own pace. For long rides I always ride alone. I can do short rides with a group. But on long rids you must stop when any one rider says it's time to stop.
I get off my cycle each time I fill up. Other than that I don't need breaks. I ride until it's dark. Sure there are times I get drowsy, not often, but if I was in a group then whoever gets drowsy gets to say everyone stops now.
I ride 800 to 1000 miles a day. I'd never be able to do that if I was in a group.
I get off my cycle each time I fill up. Other than that I don't need breaks. I ride until it's dark. Sure there are times I get drowsy, not often, but if I was in a group then whoever gets drowsy gets to say everyone stops now.
I ride 800 to 1000 miles a day. I'd never be able to do that if I was in a group.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 532
Likes: 64
From: Manitoba, Canada
+1 on a backrest, I couldnt ride without one. If I know Im going to ride all day Ill sometimes take an Aleve before heading out. My bike came to me with 14 inch apes and I wasnt sure if I was going to like them. I absolutely love them, makes me sit up straighter and not slouch.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 227
Likes: 210
From: Indiana
If you are having trouble with your aches and pains from any arthritis, try the CBD oil. I know i was really skeptical when my wife had me try it, but wouldn't go a day without it now. I have a bad shoulder from swinging a sledgehammer for 34 years and a bad knee, both with major arthritis. Tried getting the shots to help with the pain, but hasn't worked lately. Tried to CBD oil and was completely amazed. Very little pain and helps me sleep better. Would likely help your aches and pains while riding. Worth a try.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 1,228
From: Depends on where I am
The things I have done to make my RK comfortable for me:
Klockwerks Flare 16" windshield
HD fork air deflectors (fangs) - these first two eliminated buffeting and allow me to look over the windshield
Rider backrest
Highway pegs
Removed heel shifter - allows me to slide my left foot back on the board
Extended brake pedal - moves the rear brake pedal lower and forward, giving more space on the right board
Foot board extenders
The stock seat and bars work well for me, so haven't felt a need to change those.
I can ride however long a tank of gas lasts (usually about 200 miles, close to 3 hours on the interstate) if I want. But, I am still fairly young (44) and in decent shape.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 68
From: Hawaii
One thing I recently did to my Road King is add some foot board spacers to move the boards out. I found that I had to angle my leg in a little to get my feet completely on the boards, or the outside edge of my boots were off the board. I got the ones from Kuryakyn that move them out 3/4" - it doesn't sound like much, but makes a big difference in comfort. A narrower seat might also help.
The things I have done to make my RK comfortable for me:
Klockwerks Flare 16" windshield
HD fork air deflectors (fangs) - these first two eliminated buffeting and allow me to look over the windshield
Rider backrest
Highway pegs
Removed heel shifter - allows me to slide my left foot back on the board
Extended brake pedal - moves the rear brake pedal lower and forward, giving more space on the right board
Foot board extenders
The stock seat and bars work well for me, so haven't felt a need to change those.
I can ride however long a tank of gas lasts (usually about 200 miles, close to 3 hours on the interstate) if I want. But, I am still fairly young (44) and in decent shape.
The things I have done to make my RK comfortable for me:
Klockwerks Flare 16" windshield
HD fork air deflectors (fangs) - these first two eliminated buffeting and allow me to look over the windshield
Rider backrest
Highway pegs
Removed heel shifter - allows me to slide my left foot back on the board
Extended brake pedal - moves the rear brake pedal lower and forward, giving more space on the right board
Foot board extenders
The stock seat and bars work well for me, so haven't felt a need to change those.
I can ride however long a tank of gas lasts (usually about 200 miles, close to 3 hours on the interstate) if I want. But, I am still fairly young (44) and in decent shape.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 574
Likes: 37
From: Woodland Twp, NJ
At 50, for me it depends on a few factors. Nice twisty back roads tend to make me forget mileage. 100 plus with these types of roads mixed in isn't a propblem. If im on slab it's different. I'll try to stop as little as possible but 150+ miles and I'm ready for a break!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,720
Likes: 9,147
From: Georgia
On my old Road King I had to stop about every 90 miles. It wasn't a bad thing. I 'd stop for 5-10, then get gas at the next stop. It was my first real motorcycle and I liked the low bars on it, because I felt like I had more control over the bike. When I traded it for my Street Glide, I had much more experience riding. I put 12" monkey bars on it and I can ride gas to gas now. The bars straightened my back up. Now I don't get the knife blade pains between my shoulder blades.
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Banned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 607
Likes: 107
From: Dark Side of the Moon
I'm not getting any younger either, and my work lends to sitting in front of a computer all day. Using a stationary bike and walking the neighborhood does wonders.
My GF and I both ride Softail Deluxes and take long weekend trips often. Even our annual two week vacation we go cross country, sometimes making 500 mile days. I let her make the pace and she likes to go tank to tank w/o stopping.
My GF and I both ride Softail Deluxes and take long weekend trips often. Even our annual two week vacation we go cross country, sometimes making 500 mile days. I let her make the pace and she likes to go tank to tank w/o stopping.