I'm thinking of doing a one-way 1200 Sportster rental from LA to Wash D.C. this summer, taking about 10 days to 2 weeks. Since it's a rental, I wont be replacing the seat, though I might consider getting a windshield.
Want to hit Zion and Bryce Canyon, have friends to see in Denver and Des Moines, othewise, I dont have a route. (Maybe the Oshkosh Wisc., air show, though that might be too far out of the way). I will probably have to average at least 300 miles a day. I figure the heat will be an issue, not sure what other problems I might face.
Is this crazy? I will be 57 years old, but am in very good shape. But havent ridden more than 100 miles at a stretch since I was in college. My current bike is (dont laugh) a Vespa 200, so I'm not accustomed to big iron and the demands it might place on me.
Candid comments and advice are welcome.
Thanks

Why don't you try renting one for a weekend and get up early on a Sunday
and put in a few hundred miles. That ought to give you an idea
of whether you can deal with the stock seat on such an adventure.

Everybody's definition of crazy will vary. You could do the trip on your Vespa if you really wanted to (yes, that would fall into my definition of crazy).

Why did you select a Sportster in the first place since you are renting a bike to begin with? Why not something bigger and cushier?


You may regret not getting a better seat. You may regret not renting a Goldwing. Your question can only be answered by you - your comfort requirements. I'd probably try a couple of full day rides on a Sportster before I commit to anything.

Xena - beat me to it.

ill speak for myself... cross country on a sportster? u better buy a buns of steel tape!! lol
i couldnt do it

If I were renting I would lean towards something more set-up for touring, even as some suggested a goldwing. I would not choose to ride across the country on a stock sporty, and no offense but at your age I have a father that has problems on shorter trips sometimes. I would practice by taking a couple shorter trips first to make sure you don't have any issues with your butt. I would definately rent and ride before your big trip to see what suites you best. Good luck and hope it all goes as planned.

Good advice from Xena and Manny.
To find out what would fit best my need for comfort, I would rent me a Sporty and a Cruiser (on seperate dates) and take 'em for a short (200 +miles) weekend trip.
Might sound expensive, but i think it's better than being the 4th day in your actuall trip and you cant get out of bed or even get back on the bike 'cause you're so f:censorg sore.

Darn. Jhard beat me to it. :(

:smoke

Oh, almost forgot.
No, it doesn't sound crazy.
At least to me.

And.
:welcome

I wouldn't have a problem taking a Sporty cross-country (I'm taking mine from PA to Florida & back this coming September) but I wouldn't be doing it with the stock seat and suspension....

At least consider an aftermarket seat and windshield if you decide to do it. Your body will thank you for it.

The reason I'm doing the sporty is that Eagle Riders has a really good deal -$49 a day, to essentially deliver the bike to DC. I could get a bigger Harely cruiser for a bit more, but the dates they are available don't jibe with my plans.Since I'm not only old but small (5-5, 150 lbs) not sure how happy I would be with a road king or other beast.
Would renting an 883 give me a decent idea of how a 1200 would feel? I live in Sacramento and would have to travel to the Bay Area -- about 100 miles -- to rent a sportster. Local Harely shops say they wont rent to soembody without a year of heavy bike experience. (I doubt a Vespa qualifies)

Would renting an 883 give me a decent idea of how a 1200 would feel?

Yes, absolutely.

There will be a difference in power for top-end roll-on's on the highway, but the bikes should handle really close to each other.

I think this is a good idea...

Well, I'm 56 years old, 5' 7" and 145 pounds and I'm in fairly decent shape. My Sporty fits me fine but I've never spent more than a full day on it. I owned a Yamaha RoadStar (1600 cc and about 150 lbs heavier) for two years - bigger, softer and probably a better choice for me if I was going cross country. The extra weight of the big bike is a non-issue on the highway (I like it the extra weight on a highway).

Again - there's no substitute for a test ride.

Test ride fer sure. I'm 5'6", 160lbs, 57 years years old and cross country on a stock Sporty does not sound appealing. I've done lots of all day trips but many of those in a row would be a bit much. Plus, how will you carry your gear?

If you decide to do it then good luck and take it easy for the first few days.

If you're renting, get a touring bike... IMHO...

I'd do it without hesitation. I rode an RD350 Yamaha all over the US anywhere from 300 to 700 miles per day and the Sporty's a whole lot more comfortable than the old Yamaha was, for sure. It wouldn't be my choice for a tourer, if that's all I were going to do mind ya, but based on the time you've allotted, which is ample, I'd say go for it.

If you decide to, you might want to consider one of these since you can't modify the rental:

http://www.airhawk.net/

I've seen them online, small size for around $140 and I hear they're the bomb and you can take it off and use it on yours, or ebay it (the beemer folks love em' so you can probably get more than you paid for it) when you get back.

For sure take the advice of others and rent that 883 first though.

g'luck!

arjay

Go for it,I'd maybe go with a Dyna over a Sporty for the longer wheelbase and smoother ride but either way you can do it.
I'd suggest a touring bike but it sounds like you have little or no experience with big bikes.
57 ain't too old,I'm 50 this year and regularly do 500 to 700 miles a day on my Electraglide and riding two up for weeks on end.
300 a day is easy, if you get up early you should have plenty of time for breaks along the way. ;)

I went to KC and back from the bay area last year. 4800 miles round trip. The ride through Utah was awsome. I recommend taking the road up to Capitol Reef after Brice. When I checked into the Motel just this side of Capitol Reef, there was a pile of rags on the check in desk with a sigh "for wiping down your motorcycle". The Diablo Cafe in town is the best resturant in Southern Utah.

I had a Sundowner seat and a quick disconnect windshield. However, the stock seats aren't too bad, so at your weight you might be OK. Traveling long distances without a windshield can be quite tiring.

Even though you are short, I recommend not going for the Low. The shock travel is just not enough and the ride will greatly suffer.

If your experience is with a Vespa, the 883 might be better. However you can get in trouble with both. Just practice your countersteering technique. The Sportster is a lot heaver than a Vespa, and can not be effectively steered with body lean. Being able to counter steer properly is essential to your safety.

The BT's will be a handfull at parking lot speeds. Any application of the front brake below 10 mph may cause them to flop unless the front is straight. Until you get a little more familiar with heaver bikes, it may be better to stick with the Sporty.

Enjoy the ride, I did.

My street bike experience consists of 5000 miles on the sporty I own now. I have had it for 8 months... personally, I do 100 - 200mi rides no problem, and love it... I am working up; attempting to get ready for 300mi rides and then up to 400 in a day.

I'm young, 26... it would be my personal preference not to try a cross country ride at this time.

You are your own best judge in knowing whether its a good idea or not. Depends on the person...

Not me.

(Now. :D)

well, I have twice ridden long hauls on the stock sporty ... DC to Santa Fe and back, Chicago to sturgis and back. I'm older now, and have a better seat, but I'd do it again, if I had the chance.
300 miles a day is not bad at all, in my opinion. I sometimes ride 300 miles on a sunday ride with my buddies.

Hi.

Ok, First off, almost every Harley dealer that has rentals, those bikes are owned by that dealer, so a one way I don't think would work, unless you have it shipped back to the dealer when you are done. That will be like another 500ish to have done plus the rental on the time it takes to get it back to them.

Away from that. the ride you are plaining is about 3600 miles, so riding like 360 miles a day is not a bad thing, but I would invest in a seat, and once you are done, sell it on e-bay.

I strongly suggest you rent a 1200, it will take the mountains far better and you can carry more with you.

I like Xena's Idea of renting one for the day, and do a 300 mile ride, and then see how you like the bike. If it will do, then Buy the bike, in the long run, after the rental charges, the shipping back and all that, in the long run, you can be money ahead.
Because after all the time in the saddle, you will hate your currant bike, and end up buying a Sporster.

Just a thought.

Im 5'7 170lb and Im more comfortable on it in town around parking lots ect. and also have no problems on long rides (after I found a seat I like) But Ive test rode a few larger bikes, dyna, and a softtail. On the freeway they are more comfortable, and cruz better at high speeds, Esspecially a dyna 6 speed. But I wouldnt trade my bike in because They are bigger bikes and suck in town, and I could barley reach the pegs on the dyna. For long trip like that, mostly highway, Id try and find a larger bike with a windsheild that you fit on.
Find a dealer that does test rides on the weekends. I beleive Sana Barbra Harley does them every weekend when weathers good. Are maybe a rental place will let you try 2-3 bikes for paying a 1 day rental fee.

I'm thinking of doing a one-way 1200 Sportster rental from LA to Wash D.C. this summer, taking about 10 days to 2 weeks. Since it's a rental, I wont be replacing the seat, though I might consider getting a windshield.
Want to hit Zion and Bryce Canyon, have friends to see in Denver and Des Moines, othewise, I dont have a route. (Maybe the Oshkosh Wisc., air show, though that might be too far out of the way). I will probably have to average at least 300 miles a day. I figure the heat will be an issue, not sure what other problems I might face.
Is this crazy? I will be 57 years old, but am in very good shape. But havent ridden more than 100 miles at a stretch since I was in college. My current bike is (dont laugh) a Vespa 200, so I'm not accustomed to big iron and the demands it might place on me.
Candid comments and advice are welcome.
Thanks

Go for it!!!!!!

Start by taking some long rides on your Vespa--it's Interstate legal, and will do 75mph all day. So do it. Try to get up to 300mi/day on the Vespa, then you will be fine. Start early AM, a little before dawn if possible. Try to stay off anything but an Interstate highway at night, and only ride at night if absolutely necessary.

If you don't have earplugs, buy at least one pair. They lessen fatigue.

Have fun! You will remember this trip for the rest of your life.

If you need any help along your route, post in this forum. There will probably be someone able to help you out no matter where you are.

I sould say go with a touring bike but since thats not in your time frame I say if you do it I would rent it before hand and go on a good 200mile trip or two and see what you think of it and if it is going to work for ya. And would like to know what your outcome is and what you decide to do. Keep us informed.

A sporty is "only" 550 lbs. You gonna hold that up if it starts going over in the parking lot?

I would say get a 6 speed dyna or a softail. They might be heavier (a little), but they got a lower center of gravity and would probably be easier to maneuver around on your feet, than a sporty.

Once you get rolling its easy peasy.

The stock sporty seat is not gonna cut it either. Not sure about Dyna's and Softails stock seats.


All that being said, it looks like the Sporty is a good deal and the times work out so....on we march..................

I would do it in a second on my 883C sporty, with my Sundowner seat.

No your not crazy, sounds awesome. Go for it. Hell, get the sporty, get a Sundowner, and ship the stocker. When the trip is all done, keep the Sundowner for you when you buy a bike:D , or sell the Sundowner on Ebay afterwards.

I've done a few 500 mile days on the 883C. Much more fun on 2 laners than freeways. It'll run 75/80 all day long on the superslab if you must. Keep us posted!!

P.S. I think Vespa's rock!

Great advice, everyone. Thanks
With all the talk about seat comfort, wonder if I might be used to butt discomfort. I do a lot of bicycle riding (generally 30-60 miles at a time) and my butt never bothers me. The thighs, of course, are a different story.
I know that I will have to test a sporty to be sure, but I'm thinking that maybe I have lower standards when it comes to comfort.
On a different note, can anyone tell me if they listen to an iPod or radio w/earphones on a long trip. Is it dangerous, hard to hear, illegal? In california it's illegal to drive with headhphones, but I dont know what the rules are for bikes.
Again, thanks for the feedback.
If I decide to do this, will be posting againt to ask for route advice.

The reason I'm doing the sporty is that Eagle Riders has a really good deal -$49 a day, to essentially deliver the bike to DC. I could get a bigger Harely cruiser for a bit more, but the dates they are available don't jibe with my plans.Since I'm not only old but small (5-5, 150 lbs) not sure how happy I would be with a road king or other beast.
Would renting an 883 give me a decent idea of how a 1200 would feel? I live in Sacramento and would have to travel to the Bay Area -- about 100 miles -- to rent a sportster. Local Harely shops say they wont rent to soembody without a year of heavy bike experience. (I doubt a Vespa qualifies)

I'm small too about 5-6 160 and on the standard Sporty I can't flat foot the ground on my friends. So I got the 883 L and it fits perfect. You might want to try to rent the new 1200 L for long distance cause it has a bigger gas tank and might fit better. If you haven't rode for a long time cruising with a standard on the highway 60MPH + (without a windshield, etc or FF) might be kind of hard for you. I also rode my friends Softtail deluxe which I can flat foot. In the city trafic, I was kind of scared cause of its weight and nimbleness between trafic ,etc.. but on the highway its perfect for cruising , you feel very confortable and solid. And, the seat is bigger better, etc... I would also recommend trying the bikes out a couple of times just to be 100% sure. Also, everyone is different you just have to try it out. For example, I still have the standard solo seat and it give me no problems, but the f$#@@% clutch is killing my hands in stop-go trafic in the city.

The stock seat might kill your butt.
Maybe get a sheepskin buttpad that you can also use on your scooter later.

I did a couple of days at 670+ miles each, which was too much as all I did was blast down I-70 at full speed.

I would recommend the smaller, slower, mor scenic highways, but don't forget water and a cell phone and make sure you cat get to the main roads often for gas.

Without a backrest, it might be a tad hard to get enough baggage on the bike.

I second the notion of a trial weekend ride. Load her up and do an overnight trip somewhere fairly far away, like 300-400 miles.

I'm thinking of doing a one-way 1200 Sportster rental from LA to Wash D.C. this summer, taking about 10 days to 2 weeks. Since it's a rental, I wont be replacing the seat, though I might consider getting a windshield.
Want to hit Zion and Bryce Canyon, have friends to see in Denver and Des Moines, othewise, I dont have a route. (Maybe the Oshkosh Wisc., air show, though that might be too far out of the way). I will probably have to average at least 300 miles a day. I figure the heat will be an issue, not sure what other problems I might face.
Is this crazy? I will be 57 years old, but am in very good shape. But havent ridden more than 100 miles at a stretch since I was in college. My current bike is (dont laugh) a Vespa 200, so I'm not accustomed to big iron and the demands it might place on me.
Candid comments and advice are welcome.
Thanks
____________________________________
Love the idea. Too bad you're going from west to east because I've thought about traveling from Iowa to California. I've driven to the coast many times and boy, is it boring and desolate in areas out west. Pretty areas also but another rider would be a feeling of comfort. The 1st time I traveled to CA. (1981) there was a sign at the edge of town at Green River, Utah. It said "No Services for the next 106 miles", to the next town Salina, Utah. They mean nothing out there! Other than the road, you didn't see power poles, buildings, nothing at all! If I had my '75 Sporty, I would have had to carry gas to get across. I drove the same stretch of road (I-70) in July 2004 and it was still the same. 106 miles of nothing! Carry water because there is no chance of finding any out there. Even the rest stop was just a small outhouse that they had to pump out. No running water.

Cell phones are good to have but coverage out west may be another issue.

I like the rental fee. Great deal so I can see why you are getting a Sporty. Besides, the others are taken. Put the miles and wear on a rental bike.

Windshield would be needed. No sense in being beaten by the wind. bugs (we have BIG June bugs, they hurt) and it helps when you hit rain. Different seat is highly recommended. I have two Mustang seats (different looks & deals from eBay). The stock seat would hammer me in the kidneys after a 200 mile ride. The Mustang seats made a huge difference as I can ride all day long and not feel it. You can always sell the seat on eBay when you're done.

883 or 1200? No difference in size or weight but the 1200 has the extra (and appreciated) power. Handle the same. Once you start riding long miles, you'll become one with the bike.

I've been to Oshkosh for the EAA Fly-In. Unique experience if you're a flier or non-flier. Try to stay at the Universitys dorms. Get there, park the bike. They used to release the extra rooms at 6:00 PM. Stand in line and get a cheap room w/towel and soap. It was a deal. The fliers stayed there also. Bus would pick you up and drop you off at the gate. Didn't have to find a parking spot then and the price for a ride was the same as the parking fee. There was a cafeteria at the dorm also. Didn't have to look for a place to eat but the dorms are close to restaurants if desired.

I live by Dubuque, IA. If you get in the area, I'd be glad to show you the sights and ride with our H.O.G. group. Drop by the oldest bar in Iowa (1852) in Balltown (real name and very biker friendly) and they have the best food (real potatoes) and home-made pie. The rides along the Mississippi River bluffs are awesome. During nice weather, 100's of bikes will stop there for the food and for the sights. Iowa isn't all flat! When we have RAGBRAI (Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) it's funny to hear the out-of- staters ask "Where did these hills come from as they gasp for breath?" If you bike, you've probably heard of RAGBRAI. I've done the full ride 9 times. Fun ride.

Age....? Ignore it. I'm 59 and been retired 2 years. Did my 1st RAGBRAI at 49. Thought it was something I wanted to do before hitting 50. Took the bike off the hooks, knocked the wasp nests off the pedals, put air in the tires and rode into town and back. 12 miles. That was my entire "training" for RAGBRAI before starting on the 500+ miles of the week long ride. (Hadn't ridden for years.)

If you do the ride, it'll be a life experience you won't forget. I intend to do Iowa-California some day. ( I have a 2002 1200 Sporty). Probably go north route, see Custers Battlefield, etc., into Washington and come down to CA. I like to go to San Luis Obispo, CA. (My favorite town.) Did it in a car but had to be somewhere at a given time. Retired now, no time schedules. Good luck and if you need a guide in Iowa, glad to help. I go to Des Moines now and then to visit my son. Always looking for an excuse to ride. Good luck.