Just wondering how many of you have taken a long ride on a Sportster before. That's probably the one I'm going to be getting, and while it will undoubtedly be more comfortable than the crotch rocket I had before, I still wonder if it will be misery if I take it on a long ride. I want to go to Sturgis this year. I've got family in the Black hills, and this would be a great excuse to finally visit. I'd be looking at about 2,000 mile round trip, though.
It would be a solo trip, unless there are other HDF people from Ohio that would plan to ride there that would be up for riding there together.
My concerns are my butt being in the saddle for that long, and just zoning out in general, as sometimes happens when looking at the same scenery for hour after hour.

 

It can be done. But I would swap out the stock seat first. But if you're worried about zoning out, then maybe the need to stop every hour or so to stretch your legs wouldn't be a bad thing.

 

Depends on th rider .....

 

You have to stop anyway(gas).

 

Replace the stock seat, and you'll be good to go. I've done it many times.

 

Been on several trips on my Sportster, just take your time, everytime you stop for gas, stretch you legs, walk alittle bit, you'll be fine...

 

Absolutely do-able! Comfortably, too. Replace the stock seat, think about a windshield and adding some bags...go as far as you want to. My wife and I tour extensively on an 883C, Sundowner seat, quick release windshield, short sissy bar and rack, HD Bags and a Kuryakyn Gran Tour trunk. Many, many 500+ mile days without ANY issues.

 

Changing out the seat is your best bet. I got a Mustang Vintage solo seat and wondered why I waited so long. Not saying you should get the Mustang just that the stock isn't so great. Or you could have Mean City rework the stock seat.

 

Two words for you................Sundowner and AirHawk. HD Sundowner seat, also a great 2 up seat, and an AirHawk cushion may be Rojo, the same people that make wheelchair cushions.

 

gotta agree to a lot that's been said here: Mustang seat, windsheild, bags, sissy bar with bag. But also, I like having my mid controls so I can have the highway bars, that way my feet have two positions (and put stock pegs everywhere. My O-ring pegs suck for the haul). Wear ear plugs too.