To ride or trailer

[itspossible]

I'm making preparations for picking up an LT in a couple of weeks and am trying to decide whether to ride or trailer it home. Its a 1500 mile trip and I have 3 days to complete it. I've been riding a Honda Shadow 750 for the past 3 years and have been riding for 20 years on smaller bikes (500CC). I would certainly like some advice from those who have graduated to an LT from a smaller bike.

I"m 5' 9" tall, 32" inseam and 160 lb., not a heavy person and a little concerned with my lack of riding an LT and undertaking such a long trip. 98% of this trip will be hwy miles.

I have been following this board for the last 6 months and am aware of the top heavy issue. Advice would be welcome, looking forward to the bike but not sure of the learning curve, what were your experiences.

thanks

Ron

[Jerod521]

I'm on my second LT. Both of them used. my first was 1600 miles from my house the second was 1800. Three days should be NO problem even. My first I got home in 2 days and my second I got home in 2.5 days (had to stop at the in-laws) I hadn't ridden in over 2 years when I got my first one so don't worry about that. As soon as she's moving it's a dream to pilot. Just bring the right gear and a good attitude and enjoy your trip. If the bike is in good shape it will probably be less of a headache to ride than to trailer it in the long run.

[zippy_gg]

I'd say ride it home!

I have done 3 cross country trips to ride home 3 bikes we bought in the last 3 years. 1st trip was Pittsburgh to Los Angeles in 4 days on my new to me 03 LT, second trip was from somewhere in TN to Los Angeles on Kathy's F650 in 4 days, and my last trip was from Miami to Los Angeles in 3 days on my new to me 05 LT.
You will be amazed at the LT ability to eat miles...! Watch your speed... I got a performance award in West TX :o and now travel with a radar detector.

[DavidTaylor]

For me, 500 miles a day on the LT is a breeze. While you're not used to the bike you will quickly find the protection of the fairing and windscreen, not to mention smooth motor, cruise control, stero system, etc., make it pretty easy to cover a lot of miles, especially compared to the cruiser you've been riding. I say go for it, it's all about the adventure anyway, right!??!

[slowflyn]

If you have been hanging out here, then you know the core issues. With that in hand, ride it home. No better way to get acquainted with your new sweetie.

[waynelt]

I'm 5'9", 31-32" inseam ~170 lbs and just bought a used LT 2 weeks ago after riding a R1100GS for 2 years (and 350's and smaller about 30 years ago). The first test ride I was doing tight circles in the neighborhood. No problem at all with the LT. Now my LT did come with a low seat that lets me flat foot the bike.

I would guess you're looking at three full 8 hour days + rest stops. That could be a bit much for the first trip, you wouldn't want to make a stupid mistake near the end when you are burned out. The motorcycle safety course I took as a refresher recommends quitting at 6 hours each day. I'd suggest budgeting for 4 days, then you won't feel pressed to make it home in 3. If all goes well and you get home in 3, then you can either go back to work early, or relax for a day.

Take one or more of an Airhawk pad, beadrider, or sheepskin seat cover. You never know how you'll react to the seat.

Good luck!

Wayne

[355pilot]

As others here have said, go ahead and ride it home and enjoy.

Only word of warning though is do not play with the toys while on the move. No different to new car or bike but you start to feel comfortable after a few miles and look around for things to play with (radio, cd etc) next thing you know you have bumped into something. Learn the extras in the parking lot or back home.

Stay safe
Mike.

[itspossible]

Seems to be unanimous...the original intent was to ride and it sounds like others in my situation have done similar with no bad consequences.
Waynelt...I have an extra day if needed thx
355 Pilot...I agree, just don't need the distractions but I'm sure I'll be playing with them after the first couple of days.

thanks for the comments

Ron

[sheldan2]

Might as well ride, get used to the bike, your riding season doesn't last much longer up there, you should be able to get at least another 10k km's before it gets too cold

[rattler50]

I trailered mine home. That's the only time I ever trailered a bike but the issue was snow. Otherwise I would have ridden it......... :)

[NOGILLS2]

I can think of no better way to become familiar with your new bike and to get to know it. I bought my 03 in San Antonio and rode it home, near New Orleans. What a great ride, I was freezing, forgot about the heated seats and grips.

[SanMan]

If you don't ride it home you will be missing a great opportunity to get to know your bike. 500 miles is a good ride but "like budder" on the LT. Good luck no matter what you decide.

Scott

[Newf]

It is sad day when one puts a bike on a trailer. (unless snow as mentioned above). Enjoy the ride. Take the proper gear as one does not enjoy being wet and cold.

:bmw: :bmw: :bmw: :bmw: :bmw: :bmw: :bmw:

[jzeiler]

I borrowed a trailer to bring mine home (100 miles). Looking back it was silly - I should have just ridden it home.

[itspossible]

OK, the decision is made, let the adventure begin....riding it is. I guess I should approach it as an opportunity to use the bike for its intended purpose rather than a delivery task.

thanks all for the encouragement.

Ron

[niel_petersen]

Congratulations on your new LT! And maybe good luck getting through our Twin Cities with our bridge problems......

'05 LT :yeah:

[quickbeemer]

Good luck Ron and be careful................

[dougholck]

+1 regarding the Beadrider, make sure seat is in the LOW position (adjustment underseat, seat release knob is in left saddle bag).

Get a tankbag (Cortech make a nice small one that words nicely on the LT) to keep camera and small water bladder in. Important to stay hydrated on longer mileage days and the LT goes forever on tank of fuel.

Things to do before you take off;
Check tires and pressure
Check all light bulbs are working
Adjust clutch and brake levers handles to fit your hands
Familarize yourself with heated grip and seat controls

Enjoy the ride:

[itspossible]

thx Doug, good advise, my checklist is growing.

[NascaLT]

I recently returned from my annual South Florida to Buffalo (NY) trip which is in the 1500 mile range one way. I cover it in two days, I would be wiser if I did it in three. I also use the "superslabs" 99% of the trip. The only "gadget" I'd encourage you to learn to use is the cruise control. It's tough to cover a lot of miles if you have to keep the throttle cranked manually. You set the cruise at a "law enforcement friendly" speed and go on for hours. Better gas mileage, less tiring and really comfortable. And, as others have mentioned, you may wish to get something for your seat. I use the Alaskan Sheepskin, others have different viable suggestions. But a little extra padding is nice. The LT is a magnificent tourer; being "top heavy" is never a concern. Drink plenty of water, get off the bike every 100 miles or so for a minute (if you drink enough water there will be a need to stop anyway) and throw some powder down your drawers so you don't chafe.

[Big_E]

One more thing. Post your route here, with this group, you might just find another L.T. riding with you from time to time along the way.

[zippy_gg]

Another thing to bring along... a spare H7 bulb for the low beam (unless your bike has a Xenon HID setup), since your low beam is also your daylight. Should your stock light burn, it is easy to replace, although not necessarily the first time.

[wacolt]

Ride! Don't worry about nothin'! Ride!

[pkpr1998]

To err is to trailer; that's what the HD boys do!

RIDE son, RIDE!

[ibbones]

Come on Ron, you can do it.

[bblalock]

I'll weigh in on this: if.....you have been riding an LT then I say ride it home. However, I remember many accidents happen to the rider unfamiliar with their ride. I recommend getting the bike home, get used to her and then take an extended trip. I think the MFS course would recommend this too.
Riding position, controls, weight and brakes are all different from what you are used to. Add in the fatigue factor and you might be looking for trouble.
Just my .02

[pickerbiker]

Ride it. Nice private time for you and the new missus to get to know each other.

[BobW]

When I got my LT 6 years ago I flew to San Antonio and rode it back to Dallas. Not a long ride but it did give me a crash course in LT Riding 101. And it almost was a "crash" course. I almost dropped it a couple of times getting used to the big beast. I had been riding a Yamaha 650 and they are as different as night and day. But after I got used to it and relaxed a bit I really enjoyed the ride.

I would highly recommend you not take any passengers until you have ridden for a few hours and gotten comfortable with the bike. The balance is different with a passenger and you don't need any distractions either.

[Demo-man]

If the LT is used I would ride it home. If it's a new LT I would trailer it only to get a better break-in and the oil changed at 600 miles.

Demo-man

[kip]

the first hour you will be glad you decided to ride it....
3 days should be no problem....
just make sure whoever has it has it all serviced and road ready....or be prepared to go over it before you hit the road....

[itspossible]

thanks everyone for your comments and advice, I've made the decision to ride, my wife will be in the car nearby, no 2 up on this trip.

Looking forward to the bike and will be taking advantage of the knowledge and tech. forums on this board once home.

thx all

Ron