Central and South America on a Road King
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 451
Likes: 4
From: Oakland, Ca
I just got back from a 30 day tour across the states to the Atlantic, then South to Key West, followed the Gulf over to San Diego and then back up the CA. coast. I thought that was quite an adventure.......(pretty good roads and motels). 40 years ago I would have probably tried it.......not a chance today.
How true!!!.......I'm very guilty.
Loved the movie "long way around"
Doubt it would ever happen though. HD knows its bread and butter is riders into bling and bar-hopping. Which also explains why this thread gets two replies and one about chrome tour-pak hinges gets around 100... 
Loved the movie "long way around"
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,143
Likes: 6,165
From: SE Michigan
My favorite quote:
In all seriousness, I think Harley needs to market their machine as bikes that can take you anywhere, without limits. To me, Freedom starts when the pavement stops. I'm not delusional... I don't expect to attend next year's HOG rally to the Bolivian Altiplano (but I would). However, it is a really big world out here; it would be nice to see Harley market themselves a machine capable of taking you to some really cool places far away from the interstate.
Doubt it would ever happen though. HD knows its bread and butter is riders into bling and bar-hopping. Which also explains why this thread gets two replies and one about chrome tour-pak hinges gets around 100...
In all seriousness, I think Harley needs to market their machine as bikes that can take you anywhere, without limits. To me, Freedom starts when the pavement stops. I'm not delusional... I don't expect to attend next year's HOG rally to the Bolivian Altiplano (but I would). However, it is a really big world out here; it would be nice to see Harley market themselves a machine capable of taking you to some really cool places far away from the interstate.
Doubt it would ever happen though. HD knows its bread and butter is riders into bling and bar-hopping. Which also explains why this thread gets two replies and one about chrome tour-pak hinges gets around 100...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=of0x8JgJSOM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Stuff like that and Alaskapade are great reads, and push me to go farther and more out of the way on my rides.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: kentucky
Roadhd
For those of us with too many ball and chain problems, try weekend adventures using dirt roads to find abandoned farms, mines, stills, etc. I find the breaks from riding nicer when I'm hearing only the wind, insects and birds rather than the racket of "civilization". Take along only a snack and water because that is all you need for a day. Finish the ride with a visit to the local dealer for a wash and coffee. But don't buy anything. Your bike needs nothing. Road HD had no mods other than a piece of diamond plate to protect the sump.
All of us can make little adventures every week. A grand journey like this is great to do but not necessary. Change your routine every day in some way, whether your route to work or speaking to someone you routinely ignore (for what ever reason). Metaphorically speaking, take the road less travelled.
All of us can make little adventures every week. A grand journey like this is great to do but not necessary. Change your routine every day in some way, whether your route to work or speaking to someone you routinely ignore (for what ever reason). Metaphorically speaking, take the road less travelled.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 692
Likes: 34
From: Texas
I read a bunch of it and will finish in the evening, but for a guy who has never ridden a motorcycle to buy a road king on a dare from his brother and then head out on the open road was ballsy enough. Top that by taking the bike through Mexico. Grief, to be young and bullet proof. He fractures his shoulder and is back on the bike in a few months. I plowed pavement on a 750 one day and did not ride again for years.
His story is inspiring.
I will be glad to take a ride where at the end of the day I am not sleeping in the same bed I woke up that morning.
His story is inspiring.
I will be glad to take a ride where at the end of the day I am not sleeping in the same bed I woke up that morning.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 344
Likes: 0
From: Finland
Owning one is hobby itself, driving one is another. Happy to put them together, pavement or not ;-)
I'm even proud to say that the sound is big part of my enjoyment, that the "thing" has been there over 100 years. For me the trip to the grocery store can be journey thru South America.
On the other hand, nobody will "give" us time to do trips like that. We have to take the time, before it's too late...
I'm even proud to say that the sound is big part of my enjoyment, that the "thing" has been there over 100 years. For me the trip to the grocery store can be journey thru South America.
On the other hand, nobody will "give" us time to do trips like that. We have to take the time, before it's too late...
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
Don't put off anything. Life is shorter than you might imagine. This past summer, at age 73, I rode to the arctic circle and back on my FLHRS accompanied by my son on his softail deluxe. No matter how much your body may ache as you hang around your local area, once you start an adventure you will surprise yourself with how much more stamina you have than you thought. Unless you have some real serious life threatening medical condition, you can do it. I promise you that after riding 34 days, all day long, I felt much better when I got back home than I did when I left. I also lost some weight that I did not need. 