Newbie Lessons Learned from My first Long Distance Trip

[Rukpub]

Hi All, I just returned from my first long distance trip on my 2012 RT SE5 from N. Georgia to Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Here is my 2cents...


Lessons Learned on My First Long Distance Ride.

• Good Ride but not a lot of fun on the Turnpike or major Highway
• Have money on a credit card for incidentals.
• Beware of road construction in the cities, travel the best roads.
• Highway pegs are a must have!
• The backrest provided lots of comfort
• check fluids before, during and after your trip.
• Know your exact fuel range my analog dials are inaccurate
• Download the Spyder codes App it will come in Handy.
• Keep a good eye on the weather.
• Keep appropriate riding gear. (for rain, warm and cool weather)
• Keep an electric air pump with you.
• Keep proper tools allens, torx, and appropriate sockets
• Plan, Plan and Plan again
• Know were the local motorsports dealers/ mechanics are located.
• Be prepared to meet a lot of people you will become a “Spyder Ambassador”
• BookMark Spyderlovers. The forums are priceless.
• Have FUN!

[Bob Denman]

on the first trip, of what will be many!
Do you think that you might consider a trip to Springfield, MO in a couple of weeks?

[Chupaca]

Thats a nice trip. I have traveled those roads many times but unfortunately not on a spyder. They were not around back then. Great review on what to have on hand, be aware of and avoid. Glad you enjoyed the trip...

[RussRT]

Awesome trip. I can't wait for my first long trip. Thanks for the good advice

[robmorg]

You learned a LOT on that first long trip. You put together a good list. Don't worry too much about the turnpikes and highways, though. The Spyder can handle them well, and as you get a little more experience, you won't find them bad at all. In many ways, traveling on the interstates can be easier - especially if you want to get some miles in before you stop.

[Bfromla]

Each trip will be diffrent Best to have an open time line & enjoy as much as you can The out of the way extras you find on some roads are well worth the visit, if nothing else to gather info to come back & revisit with more time. Like this find.

[bronzeflex42]

to you on your first long trip. That's some good to know info. I plan on taking a long trip like that on my 2012 one day. Glad to hear the Spyder did good without any mechanical issues.

[PrairieSpyder]

Those are good tips. But I hope you didn't learn them all the hard way.

Now you're ready to graduate to ryding to Spyderfest!

[Cruzr Joe]

I will add one thing.

Keep your meds in your pocket, not on your Spyder or in your trailer or in your hotel room. True Life lesson learned in Florida.

Cruzr Joe

[crafty]

We go on a lot of motorcycle trips. I have a small soft side cooler with a frozen water bottle that I freeze each night in the hotel freezer. In the cooler goes medicines, deodorants and toothpaste and anything else that may "melt" on the road. Works everytime. I just don't pack it near the exhaust pipes because of heat. I plan on going on long road trips on my 2015 RT-S special this year. I always rode 2 up on my husbands Indian Roadmaster. It will be fun to ride the spyder on trips this year and he will continue to ride his Indian! We both get popular with questions on our bikes.

[ARtraveler]

on that first long trip. Looks like a good list.

[armyspydervet]

Good list. My first long distance road trip will be from DC to Spyderfest. I'm happy to be riding there with seven other experienced riders (all clowns but decent people ). I can't wait until we leave on the 24th!

[whitespyder1189]

We are taking our first out-of-state trip in May-Akron, Ohio To Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV. It won't be our longest ride, but it is our farthest distance ride from home. We are going to ride back roads if possible and take our time. Very excited and will take your tips into consideration as we get ready to go.

Thank you!