So, first month into the ownership, had couple trips to the dealer due to oil leak, but that is all fixed. I am enjoying my new to me 19 SGS. I ordered new 6.5 wishscreen from KW, because stock one is impossible for freeway riding. Also, still trying to figure out how the stock seat works for me. I didn't go on long trips to find that out yet, which brings me to my main point of this post.

I am thinking about taking a 500 road trip from Ohio to NC. I never did long trip like that. The most I ever did in one was would be little over 300 miles when we rented Streetglides in NC and rode all day long. I have a open face helmet. I would have a better screen to go with it. To be honest, I don't want to wear a full face helmet. I wore those back in my sportbike days, doing track days, etc. I love the freedom being able to breathe the air and not be confined. I understand the risks and I know full face helmets are much much better than half face and that is the risk I am willing to take.

To those of you who do longer trips, what advice would you provide? Is 500 miles in one day something that more "seasoned" riders would do? At times I think it wouldn't be that hard, but then I think about sitting at the same position, with my arms extended for 8 or so hours...seems very tiring lol...

Any tips?


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When doing 500 miles a day I stop and take "rest" break every 150 miles or so. No need to push it....have fun!

 

That’s a long day, even for veteran riders. I would start as early as possible and give yourself some mini breaks and a couple of .5-1-hr breaks.

You’ll know if you can do it when you try it.
Go with an adventurous mindset.

 

You have to stop and take on fuel, so you're not going to be sitting in the same position with your arms extended for 8 hours. Go and have fun!

 

Breaks every hour to hour-and-a-half as outlined. The purpose is to enjoy the journey so stop - often - and look around. Take in the beauty of the area that you're in at that moment. We live in an awesome country despite the on-going craziness.

You'll be happy you stopped later in the day.

 

Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more!

 

you're looking at it the wrong way. 500 miles in one sitting would be difficult, but you've gotta stop for gas, pee break, food, etc. so it isn't really 500 miles. its 125 miles, four times. and that is not that difficult.

go, and have fun. and you'll find what works for you. but i do recommend sunscreen, long sleeves, and a cupholder with one of those stainless steel insulated mugs of water. dehydration is a bitch, and if you wait until you're thirsty, it's too late.

 

Great responses! Thank you so much! I am the type that just plows through this trip (my friend lives in N.C. so I go visit there 2 times a year) in my car, sometimes with just one stop to get lunch and that's it. My car can make over 500 miles per tank.

How about the helmet? Having half face helmet for a trip like that would be a problem? Considering tall windscreen, I would imagine some sunblock would be necessary? lol

 

I only wear a half helmet no matter how far I am riding. Just did 250 on Tuesday. With a couple of breaks and not wearing a full face is okay.
I use sunblock on my nose and ears. Bandanna around my neck and good to go
I would recommend ear plugs as well. I always wear them, even when I was wearing a FF ( on a previous bike)

 

When you stop for gas make it a 15 min. stop, walk around and stretch, you will only add 1 hr. to total time and feel much better.
Sunscreen, Lots of Sunscreen, it helps with wind burn also. Be careful not to get it in your eyes.

KenK

PS: Don't forget Sunscreen for your ears if your helmet doesn't cover them. The only thing that burnt on one of my long trips and they hurt for a week.