Need advice on riding across the country..

[jthornton]

Thanks for the post jthornton, I do notice how the bike sways in even mildly windy conditions
(say 15 to 20 mph cross winds)... n boy the turbulence form the semis... I need to slow down to around 55 to 60mph for the bike to feel stable again.
Hope there are places around Acton that do the laser alignment.

I dont think i can afford the sway bars n the shock relocator as of now maybe once i have recovered enough from the financial shock of buyin the RT-S

The sway bar is $200 and is the best bang for the buck. Very easy to install yourself with a couple of tools. And Ron is a sponsor here and well trusted with service you can't beat with a stick. When I got my RT my wife rode with me one time and would not get back on and kept saying lets take the Goldwing today... I put the sway bar on and took a test ride. Next time I got her on the bike she was much more comfortable (much less sway) and now likes to ride the Spyder as much as the Goldwing.

JT

 

[Raknid]

Good raingear for a long trip. I carry a tire repair kit and tiny compressor to run off a Powerlet. I carry water and energy bars or trail mix.

Take time to enjoy the sights. As you mention... this is your opportunity to ride cross country... may as well see the sights and meet some good people. I also carry baby wipes to freshen up, on a very hot day before going into a restaurant, etc.

I try to set some goals of where to get to each day but I like to be flexible. You will have delays and also days I which you cover more ground than planned. Better to adapt and adjust than stress.

Enjoy the trip...I am jealous.

Edit - also... if using a GPS, I still bring along some good paper maps from AAA. Tough to get overall perspective on a small GPS screen.

 

[praries880]

Hope i had my tools here... unfortunately my home is San Jose, hence all of my stuff is there... Well, once i get back.. this will be a good project to work on then.. Thanks for the info jthornton

 

[mrfats]

My advice is simple...PM Murphybrown! She's been across the U.S. many times!!

 

[Woodsrider]

Not much to add. I'm a 2 wheel LD rider. Did a couple of ironbutts (1k, 1500). I use wickers underwear. That anti-monkeybutt is the bomb, I use it for woods races too.

Get off the spyder every hour or so, walk around, do some pushups if your able. Keeping fatigue from happening is a lot easier than dealing with it once it occurs.

 

[TicketBait]

Hi Guys,
I am fairly new to motorcycling (6 months in all). Have done just about 1200 miles on my Rt-S (2012). I recently came over to the Boston region (from San Jose,CA) for about 4 months in Apr 2014. Headed back in late july. On my way over i had my can-am shipped. I intend to ride it back though... My plan it to take about 9 to 10 days riding back from Acton, Ma to San Jose, CA. My longest trip thus far has been about 150 miles one way... Im taking another 400 mi round trip this wknd (to the white mountains, NH)

I will be riding solo...
My bike is a basic 2012 RT-S with no mods. I plan to ride back starting 25'th Jul and get to San jose by 3'rd Aug. I wish i could have taken longer, but thats the amount of vacation time i have left
I know its not gonna be a cake walk... but im not sure if i will have an opp like this again any time soon... and i have this urge to just go do it

Any tips/tricks from people who have either done the trip or done long distance riding will be welcome.

Above all, any strong reasons i should not do the trip (other than my lacking experience )? (should i be concerned about the tornado season in the northern plains/mid west this time of the year?)

Lookin forward to usefull insights
Pary

PS : As for stuff i will take with me, i'll have one bag on the passenger seat in addition to whatever fits in the various compartments (i do not have the trailer, nor do i wish to get one now).

I would get a Reda gas can, it will fit in the left side compartment,

http://www.directcycleparts.com/touring-luggage-cans-reda-innovations-harley-saddlebags-gallon-p-7565.html

Also bring along at least 1 quart of BRP oil-

When I had a Nolan helmet it had quick release, I got spoiled, so the BRP helmets I added this to it.

Make sure you have good wick drying underwear, and bring along neosporin, just in case

Have an extra key on you, I once dropped mine in the photo (where the Guitar picture is)

praries880,

You might benefit from contacting a member here with the screen name Dudley. He lives in California and drove (his Spyder) cross country and back, and I believe when he finished his trip he had 10,000 miles. He did a great job of documenting his trip, here on SL's.

here is a link to Dudley's trip http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...udley-and-Jennifer-s-10-000-Mile-Journey-Blog

Enjoy your trip.

 

[PAul]

PAul

Hi Guys,
I am fairly new to motorcycling (6 months in all). Have done just about 1200 miles on my Rt-S (2012). I recently came over to the Boston region (from San Jose,CA) for about 4 months in Apr 2014. Headed back in late july. On my way over i had my can-am shipped. I intend to ride it back though... My plan it to take about 9 to 10 days riding back from Acton, Ma to San Jose, CA. My longest trip thus far has been about 150 miles one way... Im taking another 400 mi round trip this wknd (to the white mountains, NH)

I will be riding solo...
My bike is a basic 2012 RT-S with no mods. I plan to ride back starting 25'th Jul and get to San jose by 3'rd Aug. I wish i could have taken longer, but thats the amount of vacation time i have left
I know its not gonna be a cake walk... but im not sure if i will have an opp like this again any time soon... and i have this urge to just go do it

Any tips/tricks from people who have either done the trip or done long distance riding will be welcome.

Above all, any strong reasons i should not do the trip (other than my lacking experience )? (should i be concerned about the tornado season in the northern plains/mid west this time of the year?)

Lookin forward to usefull insights
Pary

PS : As for stuff i will take with me, i'll have one bag on the passenger seat in addition to whatever fits in the various compartments (i do not have the trailer, nor do i wish to get one now).

Put a gas door on your seat, it will save a lot of time. Stay hydrated, when passing big trucks GO man GO! Get around ASAP. If a blowout occurs while you are beside one you may be a gonner. be alert, Always give yourself an out. Don't ride close behind any type vehicle, you can't dodge whatever he straddles. After you ride awhile I believe you will consider a trailer. I bought an escape XL diamond plate aluminum trailer and am glad I did. You can hardly tell you are pulling a trailer even when it is loaded.

 

[Air Force PAO]

Long Road Trip

Howdy.

IF you have one, CARRY a spare key. Don't lock it in anything you can't open.

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Howdy.

IF you have one, CARRY a spare key. Don't lock it in anything you can't open.

I always wear a lanyard with keys to my Spyder, the trailer, and the padlock I use on the steel rope I have for securing my trailer at a hotel.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

SpyderAnn0vests Can the cool vests be worn under a biking jacket? Mine is on the tighter side (i thought it made sense to buy one thats as snug as it can get )?

Yes, you want to wear it under your jacket. Ideally you would wear it with a textile jacket and open the vents. If you wear it with a mesh jacket it may dry out to quickly and then you just have an extra layer to heat you up. Do you have a Cycle Gear near you? They always have them in stock. If not, most of the motorcycle dealers will carry them too.

 

[oldblindjohn]

.
7. Check out your route for availability of gas. When you get out west there are places where you could run out

 

[CapNCrunch]

TOOLS & FLAT REPAOR

Hi Guys,
I am fairly new to motorcycling (6 months in all). Have done just about 1200 miles on my Rt-S (2012). I recently came over to the Boston region (from San Jose,CA) for about 4 months in Apr 2014. Headed back in late july. On my way over i had my can-am shipped. I intend to ride it back though... My plan it to take about 9 to 10 days riding back from Acton, Ma to San Jose, CA. My longest trip thus far has been about 150 miles one way... Im taking another 400 mi round trip this wknd (to the white mountains, NH)

I will be riding solo...
My bike is a basic 2012 RT-S with no mods. I plan to ride back starting 25'th Jul and get to San jose by 3'rd Aug. I wish i could have taken longer, but thats the amount of vacation time i have left
I know its not gonna be a cake walk... but im not sure if i will have an opp like this again any time soon... and i have this urge to just go do it

Any tips/tricks from people who have either done the trip or done long distance riding will be welcome.

Above all, any strong reasons i should not do the trip (other than my lacking experience )? (should i be concerned about the tornado season in the northern plains/mid west this time of the year?)

Lookin forward to usefull insights
Pary

PS : As for stuff i will take with me, i'll have one bag on the passenger seat in addition to whatever fits in the various compartments (i do not have the trailer, nor do i wish to get one now).

And, don't forget your tool and a tire repair kits, including a compressor.
Have a great trip!
CapNCrunch

 

[TonyMac]

Relax your back

I found that I was unconsciously tensing my back muscles and after a couple of hours felt like I'd gone ten rounds with Mike Tyson.

Got the BRP backrest to go with the stock seat and it makes a real difference in being able to consciously relax a bit.

Also use the cruise control and move your hands around on the bars. Resting not squeezing.

Keep the windshield at a comfortable level for the wind conditions. Use ear plugs as the wind noise will make you more tired. Slow down a little bit. You'd be surprised how much more relaxed a ride is at 65 rather than 80.

Everyone here has mentioned hydrating and it cannot be emphasized enough. Stop often. Have water or Gatorade. Go easy on soda or tea. You'll want the caffeine but I've found that in warm weather bouncing around on a bike, water and Gatorade are easier on the stomach.

Enjoy. I'm jealous :clap:

 

[ChicoFowler]

don't forget

Good advice from everyone. But don't forget a first aid kit and a few extra tools that may come in handy.

 

[stillriding]

​Never leave home without rain gear!

 

[Hecam17]

touring tips

I would google Fred Rau, he's one of the Spyder Five, I worked with him at MCN, helluva guy and his touring tips are spot on. He shares so we don't all have to learn from the same mistakes. What to put in the bags, in your pockets, even how to route for gas stops. Wish I was taking a trip like that. Ride safe.

 

[Mspiv]

All superb advice.

Sun screen is a must out west and thru the desert. Put it anywhere you will be exposed. Amassing what happens to your nose after a day or 2 in the desert.

mike s

 

[Highwayman2013]

If that gas can fits the saddlebag use it. Have a nice trip.

 

[Silvervette05]

500 miles a day is not that hard of a trip, we have done 700 miles a day (freeway Driving) on several occasions, just relax, keep hydrated and when you stop for fuel, walk around for a few minutes and relax.

(500 miles is roughly 4 fuel stops)

Cruzr Joe

:agree:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Take a look at this web site. http://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=100

Consider getting the Spot Gen3 GPS tracker unit. You can use it to send messages to let someone know all is OK, or send a message that you need help, or send an SOS message in an emergency. It uses satellites so you can send a message regardless of cell phone coverage. I just bought one to use for mountain ATV trips as well as my next long Spyder trip.