How to Ride a Harley Davidson Coast to Coast in the USA

Many people find hours of safe and enjoyable time riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycle cross-country. In recent years, this has become increasingly popular, leading to the availability of tools and technology that make the trip even more enjoyable! Plotting the route, preparing for weather and planning for emergencies are all part of the prudent riders preparations. Whether riding from county-to-county or coast-to-coast, a bit of this preparation can help the individual eliminate most pitfalls commonly experienced by motorcycle riders.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Harley-Davidson motorcycle
• Helmet and other safety apparel
• Maps
• GPS
• Tools

1. Planning the Trip

   • 1

     Plan the trip based upon time and funds available, as well as the time of year. Generally speaking, plan for two hours to travel each 100 miles while on a motorcycle. Using this calculation, it will take approximately eight hours to ride 400 miles. Use this guideline when planning for places to stop each night.

   • 2

     Consider staying in a bed-and-breakfast instead of a roadside motel. They are generally biker-friendly and can provide information about the local region.

   • 3

     Use a high-quality map or GPS. It will pay-off in the end, especially if you are planning a route that travels "off the beaten path."

   • 4

     Bring an assortment of tools to perform roadside repairs that might pop-up. At a minimum, have wrenches, screwdrivers, electrical tape and wire available. The more riding experience you have, the more you will learn exactly what to take for an emergency.

   Preparing Your Gear

   • 1

     Acquire good-quality wet weather gear for the trip. Brief showers may be refreshing in the summer, but a long, hard days travel through the rain can put a damper on anyone's motorcycle trip. That's where a good motorcycle rainsuit comes in very handy. Beware of cheap, lightweight gear that is not intended to be worn while riding. This gear can and will shred at high-speed, necessitating a stop to purchase another one.

   • 2

     Plan to wear a D.O.T. approved helmet. Many states have different laws regarding motorcycle safety apparel, so check the laws for each state through which you plan to travel. Wearing a helmet can also serve to reduce rider fatigue.

   • 3

     Take your leathers with you. Temperatures can change rapidly when the sun goes down, especially at altitude. A leather jacket can cut the wind and keep you warm.