Reason for the trip to LA is our son lives there and we want to work in a quick visit.

 

Well that explains the desire for the visit to LA traffic. I'm glad because I thought you had a desire to be punished. Family is also a beautiful sight.

 

Well if LA is the destination, then grin and bear it on the 395 heading to the 14. If you can cross over to the coast towards San Luis Obispo and south into LA better route.

 

Few years back I took my Wife on a little ride up to Tahoe from San Diego. Going up the 395 was a great route and we both enjoyed it a lot. Stayed the night in Bishop and rode to Reno and then Tahoe.

 

I lived in southern Cal. for 48 years....30 of 'em on a Harley.Stay away from Death Valley in July....120 degrees plus temps,not good for an air cooled motor,or a human.The run out of Reno/Tahoe up the East Walker River,to Bridgeport and Lee Vining is spectacular.Me,I like Sonora Pass down to the Giant Forest.But Mammoth Lakes,Bishop,Lone Pine,down the Eastern Sierra Scarp is the best mountain view in North America.14 thousand footers on both sides of you in the White Mountains and Sierras.From there it's all Mojave Desert until the San Gabriel Mountains.I'd take Hwy 2 (Angeles Forest Hwy) down to Glendale and into LA.It's one of the finest rider's roads there is,steeply banked turns with jagged peaks and deep canyons all around you.Have fun.

 

If you have the time I would jet over to San Fransisco on the I 80 then down the Rt. 1 through the Big Sur area down to LA. Much, MUCH better in my opinion than the 395. Beautiful coastal ride in the summer. Rt. 1 is one of the best rides in the state.

 

The trip sounds like a good one. I lived in CA for about 35 yrs.
Starting in Reno and heading for Tahoe will be a great start. Follow hwy 50 West and come into the bay area both of the Golden Gate. That way you can ride across it.
Follow the cost to Moro Bay. It will make for a longer day, but it will avoid the desert and the boredom of the central valley. From Santa Barbra to LA you'll be in heavy traffic.

 

395 might be enjoyable anytime except June through August.

The ride to SF and down the coast will be much more enjoyable and memorable.

Because of business I've probably traveled the length of CA more than 98% of the people alive today. Trust me.

OK. Maybe not 98%. Probably closer to 99.9%.