Cross-Country on the Heritage... : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

savin1968 · 10-28-2009, 09:43 AM

Hi everybody,

I am planning a really long trip on my Heritage'09, from the ocean to the ocean. I would really appreciate any tip in regards with potential mechanical problems I could encounter, and any tip in general. Any tip will be helpful. Thanks to everybody in advance...

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nightrob · 10-28-2009, 09:56 AM

There is a good chance you will need tires before the end of the trip. So set aside some extra cash for that.

Pop's Cycle · 10-28-2009, 10:51 AM

Ride that bitch and worry about mechanical problems in the unlikely event one occurs.

20538 · 10-28-2009, 06:30 PM

I'd plan on an oil change maybe at mid point of your trip. who knows ask around here and maybe someone would let you use there garage to do it.

you might encounter rain, snow, high winds and many nice people to talk to along your way. sounds like a great trip, enjoy it.

BigD · 10-28-2009, 06:43 PM

My wife and I did a 6000 mile two-week trip on our then new 1995 Heritage. To date, and 100,000+ miles of riding across the country...

it's still the best frick'n trip we've taken!!!

Being an '09, I can't imagine you'd have any major mechanical trouble. You can expect to replace the rear tire (if two up, replacing is a definate), but probably not the front. Tail lights, etc. can easily be replaced at any auto store.

I started using AMSOIL Synthetic on that trip to avoid the on-the-road oil change - consider that. Been using it ever since and love it.

Oh, the weather. It can (and WILL) change at a moments notice several times a day. Be prepared for all of it.

Have a great time!!!

redhill · 10-29-2009, 12:52 PM

enjoy !!!

bring you gold card

once you select you route... plot out dealerships along that route

avoid this place in the summer

cheers

savin1968 · 10-30-2009, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigD

My wife and I did a 6000 mile two-week trip on our then new 1995 Heritage. To date, and 100,000+ miles of riding across the country...

it's still the best frick'n trip we've taken!!!

Being an '09, I can't imagine you'd have any major mechanical trouble. You can expect to replace the rear tire (if two up, replacing is a definate), but probably not the front. Tail lights, etc. can easily be replaced at any auto store.

I started using AMSOIL Synthetic on that trip to avoid the on-the-road oil change - consider that. Been using it ever since and love it.

Oh, the weather. It can (and WILL) change at a moments notice several times a day. Be prepared for all of it.

Have a great time!!!

Hi there,

I understand you used that oil for the engine. Did you use anything special for the transmission?

chickenleg · 11-03-2009, 02:01 PM

Make damn sure you have enough money for beer.

20538 · 11-03-2009, 04:30 PM

I would maybe think about having new tires or at lest a new rear tire before leaving. changing it along the way to me sounds like a pita. I did a trip to Cali from Michigan and back and went with Amsoil so I wounldn't have to change the oil and it's some good stuff.

BigD · 11-03-2009, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by savin1968

Hi there,

I understand you used that oil for the engine. Did you use anything special for the transmission?

At that time, I used AMSOIL in all three holes, but three different grades. Engine Oil, Gear Oil and for the Primary. Now, AMSOIL recommends the same oil in all three holes. I still use gear oil in the trans, but the engine and primary are the same.

Cop_Stanger · 11-03-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhill

enjoy !!!

bring you gold card

once you select you route... plot out dealerships along that route

avoid this place in the summer

cheers

Just get a Garmin Zumo and load up the dealership POI's and you're good to go. Works great for finding the nearest one.

BigD · 11-03-2009, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cop_Stanger

Just get a Garmin Zumo and load up the dealership POI's and you're good to go. Works great for finding the nearest one.

NO, NO, NO!!!

Personal opinion --- screw the Garmin! I still like to use old fashioned paper maps and a HOG atlas for dealership info. And if I get lost, well, it's some of those wrong turns that have been the most memorable.

Besides, let's face it, these days you can really only get so lost.

BigD · 11-03-2009, 08:14 PM

Oh, and I've met some of the nicest people while sitting on the side of the road reading my map

anubisss · 11-03-2009, 09:13 PM

Transmission oil try Redline heavy shockproof. Enjoy the trip. Get the tires and all that sorted out before you leave and you should be fine.

BigD · 11-04-2009, 07:50 PM

TIRES:

I never leave on a long trip without putting new tires on the bike. However, you really need to keep an eye on that rear one. Long miles, all day running does wear it down pretty quickly, especially loaded down with gear.

I only get around 7k out of a Dunlop when I'm 2-up and pulling my trailer... and that's running the tread pretty slick.

Just keep an eye on it.