Just returned from a cross-country ride!

[prospector23]

Hi, folks. Some of you may recall that I was planning a solo ride from CA to NY at the end of last month (October). Well, I did it, and it was great! I actually began in Phoenix, where I closed the deal on a used '99 LT, bought from the original owner with almost 55K on it. To make it an "official coast-to-coast" trip, I then rode to LA, down to San Diego, then ever eastward (staying in the South for the warm weather) until turning north in SC. The weather was actually perfect (sunny and warm) the whole way until Maryland, when a front came through dumping tons of rain while I slept (whew!). Next day, I had to quit after 150 miles in PA due to really strong side-winds, but arrived home in Albany, NY a day later--250 miles at 80MPH in 36 degrees. It was cold even on the LT--my wind-chill chart doesn't go up to 80MPH, but maxes out at 60MPH with a "feels like" 17 degrees. Trust me, it "feels like" a lot colder than that! Here are the bottom-line stats from my log and the trip computer:
-Total miles: 4,526
-Travel days: 13 (including 4 half-days for various reasons)
-Total number of riding hours: 83.5
-Number of states traveled through: 15
-Average travel speed: 59.8 MPH
-Average fuel consumption: 46.8 MPG
-Highest miles traveled in 1 day: 523
-Number of mechanical problems: 0
-Number of accidents/incidents: 0

The LT was the perfect bike for a trip like this, but I have to tell you, it was like getting into a comfy old pair of jeans when I rode my Harley Wide Glide again a couple of days later. More fun to ride, easier handling at low speeds, more pickup, better sound. Still, if I'd taken the Harley on this trip, I KNOW I would have enjoyed it a lot less!

Questions?

Bill

[Road Warrior]

Sounds like you had a good time. I am planning a similar trip cross-country for July. Some questions. Do you think the low speed handling had more to do with the bike or just getting accustomed to the new ride? Did you plan on doing about 500 miles per day or did it just work out that way?

[prospector23]

Hi, Road Warrior. I've owned 6 other bikes since 1967, and still have a Harley Wide Glide in addition to the LT. NONE of these other bikes have felt so heavy at a stop or very slow speeds (read my post under a thread titled "LT dead lift" in the LT forum for my horror story!). When I got back on my Harley after this trip, it felt like a kiddy bike it was so easy to handle, and it's almost 700 pounds itself. But for long-distance touring, I don't see how you could beat the LT. Once rolling, it rides like a dream--no problems at all in the twisties--but it really excels on the freeways. At times I rode at 80-85MPH almost all day and felt like I was sitting in my easy chair back home (that's how I happened to make over 500 one day--it was getting late, and I just noticed the mileage had gone over 500 as I started to look for a motel). On the Harley, it would have taken all night to stop vibrating after a ride like that(I'm talking about ME, not the bike!). If I lived in the West, where everyone goes by freeway--and fast--I'd probably ride the LT exclusively. Here in the Northeast, though, I prefer the Harley, since I generally avoid interstates in favor of state and county highways. Good luck with your trip in July!

Bill

[Michaeldale]

Sound like a great trip. This is the reason I picked the Lt1200 over the goldwing. If i'm lucky, I'll retire soon from 30 years of law enforcement and I can be off on my cross the country trip. Are there any tips you can pass on, to us who have not made this under taking

Crankieperson
North Carolina
2001 Lt1200

[danbrew]

Just do it. :)

Build up from shorter trips to longer trips and you'll soon find that you're doing 1000 mile days. The LT is an awesome long distance bike. Take pictures. Post stories!!! (hey, i gotta live through you guys during the winter months in Chicago - there's snow on the ground here...)

[meese]

there's snow on the ground here...)

I thought that's what your GS is for. ;) Anyone make spiked tires for those?

[danbrew]

heh heh, i know. i'm gonna take it out this weekend. am on the road this week, but am back tomorrow. they're building a new subdivision a few miles away - thought that would be a good place to go play.

:>