Should I Try It?
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: NorCal
Should I Try It?
I am not new to HD's but am new to touring models. I have an 08 FLHT, totally stock, and haveaccumulated 1100 miles, mostly commuting 20 miles back and forth to work. By the way, I am not a spring chicken (55 y.o.) but I am not as adventurous as I was 30 years ago. The question is, I have an opportunity to ride solo over the next weekfrom Northern CA to Palm Springs,which is about 1100 miles round trip for me. Is this something you would do? Iknow it's December but here is CA the weather is supposed to be mild (50s to60s) for the next few days. Any encouragement would be appreciated. Or if you have taken a trip and wished you had stayedhome let me know why.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,830
Likes: 8
From: Retired and living in the mountains of NE PA
RE: Should I Try It?
Well, I'm a bit older than you and a buddy and I are planning to ride from here in Northeastern Pennsylvania to California and back this coming June. I estimate we'll travel approximately 7200 miles and will be on the road around 25 days. My '08 FLHT should arrive at the dealership this week. If I were you, I'd definitely do it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 14
From: Atlanta
RE: Should I Try It?
KS - by all means! The touring models are best at laying down the miles, and what a great way to get to know the bike! I have 1200 miles on my three week old Road Glide and just got off a Road King on which I rode 18k miles in one year - each bike has eagerly swallowed that mileage and asked for more!
If the temps will be in the 50's and 60's you'll be more comfortable if you use a layered approach to your riding apparel so you can add or remove layers as the temperatures vary. The only time I have ever regretted a trip is when I was underdressed or overdressed for the conditions.
You can depend on the bike. Check your oil levels and tire pressures before you leave, pack a tire repair kit (never have had to use mine though), hop on and go - you'll have something to talk about for weeks and a memory to last much longer than that.
I'm using a full-face helment nowadays with earplugs, and I find that my comfort level has improved significantly.Good gloves are a must, and at these temps I often carry both winter gloves for cold mornings and unlined gloves for the afternoons.
Have a great time - let us know all the details when you get back!
If the temps will be in the 50's and 60's you'll be more comfortable if you use a layered approach to your riding apparel so you can add or remove layers as the temperatures vary. The only time I have ever regretted a trip is when I was underdressed or overdressed for the conditions.
You can depend on the bike. Check your oil levels and tire pressures before you leave, pack a tire repair kit (never have had to use mine though), hop on and go - you'll have something to talk about for weeks and a memory to last much longer than that.
I'm using a full-face helment nowadays with earplugs, and I find that my comfort level has improved significantly.Good gloves are a must, and at these temps I often carry both winter gloves for cold mornings and unlined gloves for the afternoons.
Have a great time - let us know all the details when you get back!
RE: Should I Try It?
I'd do it in a heartbeat if I could right now. I've ridden 1100 miles in 21 hours straight before. That's a little much but heck, I'm only 52
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
From: Brentwood, Tennessee
RE: Should I Try It?
I'm 60 & Iput 11,000 miles on my 07 EGC in 12 months doing such rides, 2 up with my wife (57)in east Tenn & wetern North Carolina. You will have no problems, unless you don't go. You'll hate yourself if you stay home. The bike's ready, so get with it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Space Coast, Florida
RE: Should I Try It?
Your only a spring chicken......us old roosters made the Rolling Thunder run with no problems.....I was leading 3 others...... 69 yr old, 76 yr old and 52 yr old. If the hemroids aren't bothering you go for it.
