[harleyy_rider22]

Yes.. that's right !

It has always been in my mind to do it....

and the idea is growing more and more, specially with this great weather (before the hot summer hits)

Also having low miles (3200) as of today... and for sure can get my maintenance done on the way ....

the bike is pretty new, reliable, and still got lots of life on it, I can rely on it on such a long trip

from the blogs of different people who have done it, it's going to be 9000 miles round trip (with site seeing)

assuming 180 miles a day (which is pretty low) and I know I can go more in some days, less in other days, that should take 50 days
Just assuming the worst case scenarios

besides, camping, site seeing, and taking it easy and slow is the main purpose

it's not just going the fastest and shortest route, it's more of enjoying the trip...

date is not set.... but I might just wake up at any morning and pack and start it...

I have never done this trip before, but I have done some crazy similar things... (as I used to do lots of Safari and Camping)

I am sure that everyone here have a lot of experience that can share...

So, I'd like to hear your advises and experiences...

and I would be happy if I met some or even all along the way... taking photos and having a cold beer

 

[harleyy_rider22]

not sure how realistic can this be, but suggestions are welcome, every input matters

 

[Schu]

Approximately 65 fuel stops.......whoa!

 

[fastersons]

It’s possible. My friend did this last summer on his multistrada. He didn’t camp as much though

He told me he used Facebook and some app to stay at people’s houses for free at night

 

[fastersons]

I wouldn’t do this myself though because I don’t have much interest in traversing the north or east

However, next summer I’m planning a small trip from Dallas to Colorado

 

[fastersons]

EAR plugs
Rain gear
Full face helmet
A spare tube
A spare key
Multiple credit cards
I actually prefer to travel lightly because I don’t camp much
A MAP!!! Just Incase technology fails
Get one of those motorcycle roadside assistance service

Also get an extra fuel bottle, I remembered running out of gas on my way to El Paso and had to push my bike for like three miles smh

I have a small kriega r20 backpack and a kriega us40

 

[fastersons]

Also plan your trip according to how the sun sets/rises because it sucks riding when the sun is directly in your face

Start your riding very early in the morning and rest early to avoid this

 

[harleyy_rider22]

Approximately 65 fuel stops.......whoa!

even more... I think I will get a fuel bottle with me... just in case

It’s possible. My friend did this last summer on his multistrada. He didn’t camp as much though

He told me he used Facebook and some app to stay at people’s houses for free at night

AIRBNB and another one I think (find a couch) or something like that

 

[ChopperCharles]

A 30oz and 20oz MSR fuel bottle both tuck under the seat nicely. Nice to have just in case. I've had to push a 600lb bike before... it's not fun. Every little bit of emergency fuel you can carry helps.

Charles.

 

[harleyy_rider22]

A 30oz and 20oz MSR fuel bottle both tuck under the seat nicely. Nice to have just in case. I've had to push a 600lb bike before... it's not fun. Every little bit of emergency fuel you can carry helps.

Charles.

So True
I saw these saddle bags today in the Facebook page... and thought I could fit a Gallon or a 2 Gallon bottle in one of them....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/162191006981?ul_noapp=true

 

[fastersons]

I use this bottle. I strap it onto the left-front side of the frame

https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/lowb...MI1Maaiujz2gIVjbXACh1pjgzbEAQYASABEgLscvD_BwE

 

[ChopperCharles]

I'm building mine for a cross-country trip as well. Using modified OEM saddlebag brackets and Tusk medium aluminum panniers. I'm also thinking about building an under-seat fuel tank. I'd weld it together out of sheet metal, and move the fuel pump down to the under-seat tank. Weld up a block-off plate with a bung to run a large diameter fuel line from the original fuel pump location to the aux tank, and plumb in a vent line as well. Then do something about the fuel sensor. It's doable, just a lot of time and effort... might just do with a 1 gallon gas can strapped to one of the panniers instead.

Charles.

 

[higworld]

Rotopax, they're stackable.

RotopaX 1 Gallon Gasoline Fuel Pack | TwistedThrottle.com

Best advice I can give, based on my stupid mistakes, is don't overpack. But make sure you have the necessities. Sounds simple, but when you need a spoon for the campsite, and all you have is a tire spoon, they ain't the same. LOL! Figure out what you realistically need, and then get stuff that does double/triple duty.

Oh, and start a blog. Here, or somewhere like advrider. Plan to meet folks and do some couch surfing. Oh ... and gas stations out west are farther than they appear.

 

[harleyy_rider22]

I'm building mine for a cross-country trip as well. Using modified OEM saddlebag brackets and Tusk medium aluminum panniers. I'm also thinking about building an under-seat fuel tank. I'd weld it together out of sheet metal, and move the fuel pump down to the under-seat tank. Weld up a block-off plate with a bung to run a large diameter fuel line from the original fuel pump location to the aux tank, and plumb in a vent line as well. Then do something about the fuel sensor. It's doable, just a lot of time and effort... might just do with a 1 gallon gas can strapped to one of the panniers instead.

Charles.

I like those panniers more than the leather saddle bags, not sure if the mounts can work with my luggage rack (since it'll use a common mounting point)

another modification I'd definitely be looking at, is changing the shocks... (with the sporster's) as in your bike
not sure also if it's a straight easy installation or requires some work around)

 

[flatrack]

I like those panniers more than the leather saddle bags, not sure if the mounts can work with my luggage rack (since it'll use a common mounting point)

another modification I'd definitely be looking at, is changing the shocks... (with the sporster's) as in your bike
not sure also if it's a straight easy installation or requires some work around)

I believe Hagon makes a Bolt specific shock now. Probably be worth looking into. Definitely a step up from Emgo..

 

[jobirobi]

AIRBNB and another one I think (find a couch) or something like that

I think you're most likely thinking of https://www.couchsurfing.com

 

[harleyy_rider22]

I think you're most likely thinking of https://www.couchsurfing.com

Yup... already downloaded the app, paid the $60 (for lifetime)
not a bad deal at all.. (specially that it works at all countries)

people who used it said that you will have to message an average of 20 something persons in order to get a response.... not that bad at the end of the day... specially when you get the couch after a long exhausting day

 

[ChopperCharles]

One thing I've found is the numberplate flyscreen is too small for touring. It directs airflow directly at my helmet, and all the buffeting is fatiguing after a while. A clip-on deflector does work to remedy that, but with it on the shield flexes far too much (especially when passing a semi), and I'm afraid it's going to break. It also looks like ass. So I'll keep the deflector for around down and get something else for long tours. Deflector was 90% for looks and 10% to get the wind off my torso in the cold months anyhow.

Charles.

 

[harleyy_rider22]

One thing I've found is the numberplate flyscreen is too small for touring. It directs airflow directly at my helmet, and all the buffeting is fatiguing after a while. A clip-on deflector does work to remedy that, but with it on the shield flexes far too much (especially when passing a semi), and I'm afraid it's going to break. It also looks like ass. So I'll keep the deflector for around down and get something else for long tours. Deflector was 90% for looks and 10% to get the wind off my torso in the cold months anyhow.

Charles.

I've just got this yesterday... something in between.... not as big as the huge windshield (that would be scary in the cross winds) and not as small as the deflector...

it does break the air pretty good so far, just need to test it on one of the bridges up in San Francisco or a Bay Bridge

 

[SCRBen]

..... just need to test it on one of the bridges up in San Francisco or a Bay Bridge

Oh, it’s a hard life. What wonderful place to have to do some testing!!
Ben