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Long distance Harley ride advice?

rivermobster

rivermobster

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Well now I'm committed...

My BIL, nephew and friends are gonna leave SoCal, ride through Mammoth, cut across Tioga Pass (which I've been Dying to do on my Harley for years now), and spend a couple nights in Yosemite Valley.

And this is the First leg of the ride!!! 😱

So for all you guys that have done long distance rides...

Got any tips or pointers for me???

Thanks in advance. 👍🏼
 
monkeyswrench

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A couple grocery/plastic bags to tie up wet or nasty clothes in to keep them separate from the clean, and "not-so-dirty" other clothes. Spare socks, laces for boots, about 24" of tie wire and a trauma kit...because shit happens.
 
SpeedyWho

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I'd suggest investing in LD Comfort Base Layers. Full face helmet with clear and tinted visors, normal and thick gloves, whatever boots you're comfortable in.
Know exactly how many miles you get per tank and plan fuels stops in advance.
Bring a tire plug kit and basic tools.
 
Rajobigguy

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Pack plenty of cash because cash can fix most problems.
Stop every 100 miles for a few minutes and walk around, even if you don’t think you need to.
Pack several shots of pickle juice and use frequently to avoid muscle cramps and arm pump.
Don’t forget the preparation H. If you don’t have hemroids now you will by the end of the ride and you can also use it for the bags under your eyes.
If you’re staying in Yosemite make sure you have confirmed reservations or you won’t be staying there.

Sounds like an epic trip, wish I were going with you. 👍
 
sonicss31

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Scan the thread for Dave’s recent road trip. Shrink wrap, spare bearings, painters tape and new tires. 🤣 Seriously though, rain gear and cash and have a great time.
 
rivermobster

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SpeedyWho said:
I'd suggest investing in LD Comfort Base Layers. Full face helmet with clear and tinted visors, normal and thick gloves, whatever boots you're comfortable in.
Know exactly how many miles you get per tank and plan fuels stops in advance.
Bring a tire plug kit and basic tools.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was thinking I should wear my Off Road helmet and goggles, rather than just the brain bucket and shades.

It's carbon fiber and super light and comfortable. Although it would kinna suck riding around Yosemite with it.

Maybe bringing both would be a good idea? 🤔
 
havasujeeper

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We rode to Sturgis and up and down the state several times. I had a front tire blow out out of Salt Lake City, and broke my shifter linkage once in all my years of riding. Your biggest concern is having fresh tires before the start. Just remember, most of the fun is the drive.
Lastly, always book hotels with a jacuzzi, since a good soak and a couple of beers make that back pain go away quick.
 
81Sprint

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rivermobster said:
It's a V-Rod. So it's not Really a Harley.

😉
Click to expand...
That's a good looking bike, always liked the V-Rod's. Do you have a windshield for it? if not, suggest grabbing some windex or baby wipes for the bugs on your helmet.
 
rivermobster

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havasujeeper said:
We rode to Sturgis and up and down the state several times. I had a front tire blow out out of Salt Lake City, and broke my shifter linkage once in all my years of riding. Your biggest concern is having fresh tires before the start. Just remember, most of the fun is the drive.
Lastly, always book hotels with a jacuzzi, since a good soak and a couple of beers make that back pain go away quick.
Click to expand...

Pretty much new Avon's right now. 👍🏼

81Sprint said:
That's a good looking bike, always liked the V-Rod's. Do you have a windshield for it? if not, suggest grabbing some windex or baby wipes for the bugs on your helmet.
Click to expand...

No windshield. Thanks. I dig it. 👍🏼
 
Rajobigguy

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Also be aware that if your sporting loud pipes that it might be an issue in Yosemite valley.
 
185EZ

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OC Mike said:
And drinking water.
Seriously, stay hydrated.
The wind, heat etc sucks the moisture right out of you.
Then you get light headed and so....

Always have a bottle or two of water and hydrate.
We're not as young and tough as we once were.....
Click to expand...
On long rides I have a hydration backpack.
Didn't have to stop as often to get a drink
I've had that dizzy feeling
I'm always geared up
I see guys with just a tshirt and it must be rough at the end of a ride
 
LakeMeadLavey

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Tool pack/zip ties/safety wire or bailing wire/duct tape
Tire plug kit (seen this save the day in the middle of nowhere)
Lexin batt air comp ( on Amazon for $60)
Portable batt jumper
Clothing for temp changes and rain

Those IMO are the bare essentials. Otherwise hit the road and enjoy the ride and as long as your bike is well maintained you will be fine.

I always carry that Lexin batt air comp and batt jumper on my Harley. I have saved the day for other riders on numerous occasions. They are worth every penny to carry on your bike.

https://www.amazon.com/LEXIN-Tire-I...id=1724881681&sprefix=lexen+ai,aps,281&sr=8-1

 
dave29

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Ridden twice from So Cal to Wisconsin. Also Oregon, Texas ,Colorado, New Mexico etc. My bike of choice was an HD Ultra.
Put Police tires on your HD. You can run them in an emergency to the next stop due to the stiff sidewalls.
Take a tire plug kit. I assume you're not running spokes.
!2V compressor.
Tools
Gortex boots, Jacket and pants for rain. Bandana to wrap around your neck if it rains so the water won't roll down your torso.
Three sets of gloves. Thin leather, Gauntlets and neoprene for wet cold weather.
Best Western hotel book of the US so you can plan your stops and see what amenities are close by like liquor stores, food etc. In the summer we always stay in a hotel with a pool.
Never ride at night. Too many critters.
Always leave early and arrive at your hotel by 3pm. Book your hotel the night before you arrive.
Wear a long sleeve fishing type shirt so you can pour water on it to act like air conditioning.
Hydrate, Hydrate Hydrate. If you don't pee every other stop you're not drinking enough.
Sunblock.
Tow rope.
Helmet for safety and in case of hail.
If your hands get cold, pull over, keep your bile idling . Take your gloves off and hold them over the end of the exhaust pipe to let the hot exhaust air fill your gloves with warm air.
Two pair of sunglasses.
Extra oil. A small jar of nuts and bolts.
Polar fleece, etc.
Oh.........have fun if it will fit in your saddlebags.
One more thing, take the Harley travel atlas with maps and most importantly, locations and phone numbers of all the dealers in the US
 
ONE-A-DAY

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River Mobster asked me to chime in, have not been on here much in the past few years since we left Havasu. My wife and I have about 20,000 miles in so here is my $.02......

  • Rent a different bike, Road Glide or Ultra would be my choice. No wind protection and forward mounted controls is gonna kill you. I have a Dyna with forward controls and at about 70 the wind tries to blow your feet off the pegs, its exhausting cause you have to fight it and you cant relax. Road Glide cruise control at 90 with your feet up on the highway pegs and music cranking is the way to go. Also with a touring bike you will have music and depending on the bike heated seat and grips, and bags and possibly a trunk. My son used the Dyna from Havasu to Sturgis, 1700 miles, how he managed that I will never know, well he is in his 20's so that helped alot.
  • Buy some cheap rain gear, $100 or so on Amazon gets you something that will work, not a fashion statement but it will work and if it rains you will think its the best $100 you ever spent, especially if your riding buddies did not
  • My longest was 550 miles in a day, that was rough especially since we had alot of wind but there was no where to stop when you leave Havasu early and its too early to stop in Flagstaff, next up was Durango, CO where we spent the night. Set up your trip so you avoid freeways, those suck, take all back roads, takes longer but makes the trip much more enjoyable. A good number for us is 300 miles a day, leave about 7 am and be in hotel by 2pm, nap and then go out to dinner and find some beers. 100 miles is a good stretch your legs break, everybody top off their tanks etc.
  • Dont worry about brining a ton of clothes, all hotels and campgrounds these days have laundry facilities for the most part, you can wash your stuff every few days and be able to bring much less, and you will usually buy a shirt or two on your trip.
  • We stay in KOA campground cabins alot, affordable, pull your bike up to the front door and its a nice to chill and light a fire versus sitting in a hotel room
  • If your group is too big it becomes a pain in the ass. Somebody always has to piss or need gas, etc., if we are in a group, 5 seems to be about it before its becomes a hassle. Personally I prefer to ride alone, really clears my head and you do your own pace.
  • If you are going to be traveling over mountain passes you are gonna get in to all kinds of weather, warm then cold then warm again etc., so wear layers. We went to Sturgis one year and traveled through Rocky Mountain National Park, early August, 14,000 feet, it snowed. ts
  • Im not a full face person, prefer open face with a mask to cover my face if it gets cold. On a touring bike wind really isnt an issue anyway. If we ride two up we have full face helmets with intercoms. I carry a snap on clear shield that I can put on my full face if we hit rain, without it you are basically getting hit with nails. I dont like ear plugs, if you have a high end helmet that fits correctly you really dont need them on a touring bike with a fairing, and I like to hear my music.
  • Turn off your phone, thats the best part
 
Wave Hi

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Something like this , the wind is not your friend on distance rides. It will beat every good intention out of you by the end of your trip. Your neck will thank you..


1724882202039.png
 
rivermobster

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OC Mike said:
And drinking water.
Seriously, stay hydrated.
The wind, heat etc sucks the moisture right out of you.
Then you get light headed and so....

Always have a bottle or two of water and hydrate.
We're not as young and tough as we once were.....
Click to expand...

I figured I'd take my Camelback. I ain't trying to impress anyone! 😜
 
liquid addiction

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ONE-A-DAY said:
River Mobster asked me to chime in, have not been on here much in the past few years since we left Havasu. My wife and I have about 20,000 miles in so here is my $.02......

  • Rent a different bike, Road Glide or Ultra would be my choice. No wind protection and forward mounted controls is gonna kill you. I have a Dyna with forward controls and at about 70 the wind tries to blow your feet off the pegs, its exhausting cause you have to fight it and you cant relax. Road Glide cruise control at 90 with your feet up on the highway pegs and music cranking is the way to go. Also with a touring bike you will have music and depending on the bike heated seat and grips, and bags and possibly a trunk. My son used the Dyna from Havasu to Sturgis, 1700 miles, how he managed that I will never know, well he is in his 20's so that helped alot.
  • Buy some cheap rain gear, $100 or so on Amazon gets you something that will work, not a fashion statement but it will work and if it rains you will think its the best $100 you ever spent, especially if your riding buddies did not
  • My longest was 550 miles in a day, that was rough especially since we had alot of wind but there was no where to stop when you leave Havasu early and its too early to stop in Flagstaff, next up was Durango, CO where we spent the night. Set up your trip so you avoid freeways, those suck, take all back roads, takes longer but makes the trip much more enjoyable. A good number for us is 300 miles a day, leave about 7 am and be in hotel by 2pm, nap and then go out to dinner and find some beers. 100 miles is a good stretch your legs break, everybody top off their tanks etc.
  • Dont worry about brining a ton of clothes, all hotels and campgrounds these days have laundry facilities for the most part, you can wash your stuff every few days and be able to bring much less, and you will usually buy a shirt or two on your trip.
  • We stay in KOA campground cabins alot, affordable, pull your bike up to the front door and its a nice to chill and light a fire versus sitting in a hotel room
  • If your group is too big it becomes a pain in the ass. Somebody always has to piss or need gas, etc., if we are in a group, 5 seems to be about it before its becomes a hassle. Personally I prefer to ride alone, really clears my head and you do your own pace.
  • If you are going to be traveling over mountain passes you are gonna get in to all kinds of weather, warm then cold then warm again etc., so wear layers. We went to Sturgis one year and traveled through Rocky Mountain National Park, early August, 14,000 feet, it snowed. ts
  • Im not a full face person, prefer open face with a mask to cover my face if it gets cold. On a touring bike wind really isnt an issue anyway. If we ride two up we have full face helmets with intercoms. I carry a snap on clear shield that I can put on my full face if we hit rain, without it you are basically getting hit with nails. I dont like ear plugs, if you have a high end helmet that fits correctly you really dont need them on a touring bike with a fairing, and I like to hear my music.
  • Turn off your phone, thats the best part
Click to expand...
My son told me you stopped at the tattoo shop again this year. We didn’t make it. Work sucks when it gets in the way.
 
T

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Before we had kids we took a trip to Yosemite with another couple on the bikes! We rode over the passes and found a motel right outside the park entrance right on river! Probably one of the best rides ever! Check your bike over and have fun! You can always buy what you need on the road. Have fun!
 
Dan Lorenze

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rivermobster said:
Well now I'm committed...

My BIL, nephew and friends are gonna leave SoCal, ride through Mammoth, cut across Tioga Pass (which I've been Dying to do on my Harley for years now), and spend a couple nights in Yosemite Valley.

And this is the First leg of the ride!!! 😱

So for all you guys that have done long distance rides...

Got any tips or pointers for me???

Thanks in advance. 👍🏼
Click to expand...

I would leave the LA area and ride to Three Rivers, it’s right at the entrance to the Sequoias, then wake up the next morning and do Sequoias to Yosemite, Tioga then Mammoth. It’s no big deal on a Harley. I’m in Mammoth now and I almost brought a CT70 to do Yosemite and Tioga. I can send you my GPS tracks.. Do it!
 
rivermobster

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Dan Lorenze said:
I would leave the LA area and ride to Three Rivers, it’s right at the entrance to the Sequoias, then wake up the next morning and do Sequoias to Yosemite, Tioga then Mammoth. It’s no big deal on a Harley. I’m in Mammoth now and I almost brought a CT70 to do Yosemite and Tioga. I can send you my GPS tracks.. Do it!
Click to expand...

I wanted to ride to Bridgeport, and the do Tioga the next day.

Nope! Nobody listens to me! SSDD.

😜
 
81Sprint

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I'll second adding the windshield, even on my crotch rocket I was able to somewhat duck under the wind. It will be tiring not having any protection. My dad thought I looked super uncomfortable, truth was it was actually so comfortable leaning on my tank bag I had to keep myself awake!
 
H20 Toie

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Ive ridden all over the country on all sorts of bikes, have done over 1000 miles in a day a few times, DO NOT ride until you start to feel sore, usually i stop every 100 miles. just a short stretch makes a big difference. Having your hotel booked ahead of time is a good thing. nothing worse than trying to find a room when your tired. figure out what bike has the shortest fuel range and plan accordingly. full face helmet with clear shield is a must, sunglasses , full rain suit. you don't need everything under the sun. i take older underwear. socks and just throw away each night,( that leaves room for new shirts on the way. also only take few shirts to start off and buy new ones on the way.other. you will be sweating your ass off at some point and freezing at others so layers are your friend
 
dave29

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Ship your dirty clothes and purchases home via UPS or USPS
 
Mandelon

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I remember putting newspapers in my jacket trying to block a cold wind. LOL Having your chin so numb you couldn't feel it was not fun.
 
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