Urge to ride coast to coast

[J.B.B.]

I have a desire to ride my 03 1200C from Virginia to California and back. I'd like here some stories of other's that have already done it.
Successful rides and attempts, the good and the bad.
I'll let y'all know when I go.

[smitty901]

If you have the urge.
Save the cash ,prepare your ride arrange the time and do it.
Do it now before your to old or dead.
It is not an unrealistic dream so get with the prep work and make it happen.
My trips have no bearing on yours, you will ride your ride it will be a reflection of you.
Make a loop don't go out and back the same way. Routes you take will depend on time you have be realistic about how many miles a day you can ride expect a few issues on the road.

[MadCity]

I ride the same bike, but if I wanted to ride from coast to coast I'd choose a bigger bike. Your bike and mine have engines hard mounted to the frame. They vibrate a lot, and they're not really designed for the long haul. The bike would do fine, but the rider might suffer unless you take short hops.

[Mr Cujo]

Do it.... You'll have a lifetime of memories.
No matter what, cross country on any bike is a long haul.... Be one of the one who can say they did and you'll be in fine company.
Or--- you can wait until someday.... But someday generally never gets here.

.

[Michael Psycle]

Originally Posted by J.B.B.

I have a desire to ride my 03 1200C from Virginia to California and back. I'd like here some stories of other's that have already done it.
Successful rides and attempts, the good and the bad.
I'll let y'all know when I go.

from Virginia to California and back.

I had the same urge and as a result last year I rode from California to Virginia and back. Sort of got things backwards from your perspective.

A bigger bike would be nice, but the first time I rode from coast to coast was on a 1967 247cc Suzuki X6 Hustler. Just enjoy the ride regardless. It can be done.

But be warned, once you get to California you might not want to leave. We have the best bike riding weather in the country, all year round. That's why I moved here in 1976.

[smitty901]

If your young enough and the body can take it ride it on the Sporty.
It will make the tail that much better for you kids and grand kids

[ThingFish]

Big bikes can be more comfortable, but in my experience, the smaller the bike... the bigger the adventure. Pace yourself and enjoy it. Try not to do more than 200-300 miles in a day. You'll see/do more and feel better. Camp as much as you can too. Enjoy it!

[JayFL459]

Go for it .. Did it on my Ironhead Sportster 40 years ago and still treasure the memories..

[relxn88]

Originally Posted by J.B.B.

I have a desire to ride my 03 1200C from Virginia to California and back. I'd like here some stories of other's that have already done it.
Successful rides and attempts, the good and the bad.
I'll let y'all know when I go.

I was fortunate to have the time and money to take a month and make a circle around the country. I was able to stop and sight see. If you go, expect to stop more often with a sportster(smaller gas tank than dresser) and if you rode 400 to 500 miles a day, you can expect saddle time of 8am to 5 or 6pm every day for a week and then turn around and come right back(never stopping to enjoy sights). It'll cost (for gas,food,lodging)somewhere between 100-200 a day for the 2 week non-stop trip. My 2cent suggestion would be to try a shorter trip first and see how you do. Maybe, go to Daytona, next March, or the Smoky mountains next Summer.

[werdna65]

Originally Posted by J.B.B.

I have a desire to ride my 03 1200C from Virginia to California and back. I'd like here some stories of other's that have already done it.
Successful rides and attempts, the good and the bad.
I'll let y'all know when I go.

When I was younger I rode sportsters everywhere, I rode about 35000 miles on two different one's. Don't know your time, money or how old you are, but get on it and run it. You will put about 5000-6000 miles, through some of the best country, if your going to camp, do some reading to know alittle bit before you go. Bottom line if you can get it together, don't look back just do it.

[ncmedic]

I'm been thinking the same thing, there's a sign in Wilmington NC that states: Barstow Calif. 2,554 miles.

[dm1333]

I ride the same bike, but if I wanted to ride from coast to coast I'd choose a bigger bike. Your bike and mine have engines hard mounted to the frame. They vibrate a lot, and they're not really designed for the long haul. The bike would do fine, but the rider might suffer unless you take short hops.

People have ridden plenty of rigid mount bikes cross country, including plenty of old Harleys. Size isn't really an issue either considering that plenty of crotch rockets get ridden coast to coast and they weigh less than a Sportster. I'd throw on the saddle bags, strap a backpack to the seat so you have something to lean back against and take off!

[Rendell]

DO it. It's about getting the chance to live your dream. Camp when and where you can, ride hard between stop. See sights. Do your thing.

[Michael Psycle]

One more piece of advice. If you have the time, stay off the Interstates as much as possible. You will get a much better sense of America by staying on the secondary roads and putting on fewer miles a day.

[abart]

Originally Posted by Michael Psycle

One more piece of advice. If you have the time, stay off the Interstates as much as possible. You will get a much better sense of America by staying on the secondary roads and putting on fewer miles a day.

This is the perfect advice x1000. Stay off the interstate as much as possible. Everywhere I go on my 03 Sporty is by hitting the backroads. It takes longer but take the time and do it, you will not be dissappointed at the things you see and people you meet. Ride safe.