Getting ready for first road trips.
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 94
Likes: 153
From: Wisconsin
Getting ready for first road trips.
Background: Last year was my first year with a Harley, 2019 Ultra Limited, and I love it. The bike has been great to take day trips or just drive to work. My other road bike is a Honda Interstate VTX 1300 and it is nice around town and short trips but hard on the but after a while. I will say you can feel the difference between the two.
Anyway, This year I will be doing some road trips and I'm wondering what additions to the bike or types of gear that might be helpful. One trip will be with "the guys" for about a week doing 4-600 miles the first couple days to wherever (destination still undecided) then a couple days of day trips before heading back home. Hopefully the wife (her on a Spyder RT) and I will do some weekend trips too. I not looking for performance mods mainly because I'm still getting used to what I have. I'm more interested in safety and comfort options. So far I have a "Tall Boy" seat "highway pegs," and a backrest which I haven't needed/tried yet. One friend suggested adding more rear lighting and I was wondering about front lighting. Other than that the bike has been great!
I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks
Mark
Anyway, This year I will be doing some road trips and I'm wondering what additions to the bike or types of gear that might be helpful. One trip will be with "the guys" for about a week doing 4-600 miles the first couple days to wherever (destination still undecided) then a couple days of day trips before heading back home. Hopefully the wife (her on a Spyder RT) and I will do some weekend trips too. I not looking for performance mods mainly because I'm still getting used to what I have. I'm more interested in safety and comfort options. So far I have a "Tall Boy" seat "highway pegs," and a backrest which I haven't needed/tried yet. One friend suggested adding more rear lighting and I was wondering about front lighting. Other than that the bike has been great!
I'm open to any and all suggestions.
Thanks
Mark
Tourer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 381
Likes: 122
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Now that I've tried these, I'll never not wear them to ride: https://www.bn3th.com/products/troy-...rief-tld-black
The benefits of the front pouch are pretty self-evident, but the fact that these are made for physical activity and wick away sweat also really helps. No more swamp ***.
If it's summer time, bring a change of underwear and wet-wipes that you can take into the bathroom with you somewhere and take a uh... lady of the night's bath in there real quick. You'd be surprised how something like that can really change your mood and improve the experience on a long hot summer day.
The benefits of the front pouch are pretty self-evident, but the fact that these are made for physical activity and wick away sweat also really helps. No more swamp ***.
If it's summer time, bring a change of underwear and wet-wipes that you can take into the bathroom with you somewhere and take a uh... lady of the night's bath in there real quick. You'd be surprised how something like that can really change your mood and improve the experience on a long hot summer day.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 435
Likes: 320
From: North Carolina
Check out DK Customs and Custom Dynamics for more lighting.Thats the most important thing cause they ain't gettin any more aware out there.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
I always carry a small compressor and a repair kit , have helped a lot of stranded riders in the past . A tool kit ( lots of posts on the that topic ) , rain gear ( obviously ) , and always have lots of water on hand , you never know how long your going to have to wait for help if your stuck out on the road in hot weather . Throw some heavy gauge wire ties in your bag also , they come in handy when you need them ( just read my current thread on loosing things on the highway ) .... and never , ever forget ... The Right Attitude !! 
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 391
From: Fellows. WI
Cruz tools has several comprehensive tool kits for Harleys. I'll throw in a good pair of side cutters, plus extra fuses, light bulbs and a strong flashlight with the kit.
I carry a Dynaplug repair kit along with their 12V tire pump. I found a package deal of those two items, plus the carrying case, a couple of years ago.
I'll also suggest good maps of the areas you decide to ride. Delorme publishes super comprehensive atlases of each of the 50 states.
All the above will fit neatly in your saddlebags and/or tour pak. All are indispensable.
Happy touring!
Last edited by orbit; Mar 4, 2020 at 12:07 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,053
Likes: 4,688
From: Fix'n 2 N, TX
I got the Airhawk gel pad for the seat. Extended the ride miles per day. Zip ties, Purell wipes, tire gauge, bandana to wet and wrap around your neck when hot. Tunes, maps. I keep a Yedi Rambler bottle hanging on the luggage. Phone mount? I use Rokform.
I take Purple Slice spray to clean up the bike after a long day (paint and chrome not windshield). kitchen bag for your dirty clothes.
"others have mentioned before, but I wear previous riding shirts another day you're going to sweat anyway... cuts down on clothes to take"
Enjoy!
I take Purple Slice spray to clean up the bike after a long day (paint and chrome not windshield). kitchen bag for your dirty clothes.
"others have mentioned before, but I wear previous riding shirts another day you're going to sweat anyway... cuts down on clothes to take"
Enjoy!
Last edited by CrBear; Mar 4, 2020 at 12:29 PM.