Taking my first road trip soon, any tips?

[redxblack]

^^^ what he said.

It's insane that AAA treats motorcycles and giant RVs as the same thing. One can be towed w/ a pickup, the other can tow a pickup. But even if you run out of gas once and they bring you some fuel, you've paid for your annual membership.

[Mike Qube]

They do - but it's not part of the basic plan.  You need the RV+ plan

I just called to see about getting on that plan and they said they dont cover motorcycles at all. They said that other parts of the country might have that option, but not here.

Does anyone have the AMA Roadside assistance plan? Opinions on it?

[somegirl]

Does anyone have the AMA Roadside assistance plan? Opinions on it?

I have it but haven't had to use it yet (knock on wood).

Pricewise it's a much better deal than AAA, covers bikes, cars, trucks, RVs, trailers for you and your spouse.

[Mike Qube]

I have it but haven't had to use it yet (knock on wood).

Pricewise it's a much better deal than AAA, covers bikes, cars, trucks, RVs, trailers for you and your spouse.

I'm going to sign up for it. Doesn't seem like a bad deal for the $40.

[greenohawk69]

Tire patch kit and a small compressor.  Worked for us in Sturgis this past week.  I'd suggest getting a 100 oz. camelback for water as you can drink while you ride and not only when you stop.  I'd suggest some tools as others have suggested.  Check over your bike at least two weeks prior to your trip just in case something big is wrong and it won't delay your trip. 

I also take along these energy gels (GU) and they work well. 

[Mike Qube]

Tire patch kit and a small compressor.  Worked for us in Sturgis this past week.  I'd suggest getting a 100 oz. camelback for water as you can drink while you ride and not only when you stop.  I'd suggest some tools as others have suggested.  Check over your bike at least two weeks prior to your trip just in case something big is wrong and it won't delay your trip. 

I also take along these energy gels (GU) and they work well. 

What do you recommend checking over on the bike? Like bring it into the shop?

[Slide Panda]

Unless there's some issue you can't handle, no need to go to a shop.

Just give it a better than normal going over - dot all your i's and cross all the Ts.  Check your various fasteners, inspect the drive line, brakes (perhaps bleed them) etc.  Doing it two weeks out leaves plenty of time to resolve small issues like needing more brake fluid if you good bleeding for example.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I don't take a lot of parts/tools because I have a cell phone and AAA, .

Idk about you guys, but where I ride (and obviously, it's rare anyone would notice or check this), but up in the middle of nowhere where an awful lot of us ride, there is little to no cell phone reception. This can only be descibed as possibly being epically bad.

[Mike Qube]

Idk about you guys, but where I ride (and obviously, it's rare anyone would notice or check this), but up in the middle of nowhere where an awful lot of us ride, there is little to no cell phone reception. This can only be descibed as possibly being epically bad.

I think I'm going to be going through some areas where my cell isn't going to work. Extra tools are gonna be packed.
I started mapping it out today and tentatively, I'm going to be going from Boston to Burlington VT on the first day. Then on the ferry over to Port Kent NY and to Kingston NY on the second day, on the third day I'm going to go from Kingston NY over to Foxwoods casino in CT, and the next day ride around that area in CT and back to Boston on the 5th day. It comes out to just about 700 miles in 5 days.


 

[Jumptship]

IMHO, stay off the interstates.  Slabbing is fine if you need to get somewhere but it is no way to see the country.  700 miles in 5 days is very do-able on backroads.  A buddy and I took all backroads from Indy to Atlanta last fall (to include the Tail of the Dragon) and were never rushed.  Good ride!

Above all be safe and enjoy yourself!

[Danmack_98]

Avoid interstates!  Back roads are the way to go.  If you're going on a ride just for the sake of a ride and don't have to get anywhere fast, avoid interstates.

[Mike Qube]

IMHO, stay off the interstates.  Slabbing is fine if you need to get somewhere but it is no way to see the country.  700 miles in 5 days is very do-able on backroads.  A buddy and I took all backroads from Indy to Atlanta last fall (to include the Tail of the Dragon) and were never rushed.  Good ride!

Above all be safe and enjoy yourself!

I plan on taking mostly back roads. I just did a quick map today on google. I'm going to use my road atlas to map out the actual route that I'm going.

[Popeye the Sailor]

I plan on taking mostly back roads. I just did a quick map today on google. I'm going to use my road atlas to map out the actual route that I'm going.

Idk about you, but I always liked the 110 along the merrimac. If you get off the slab in Lawrence you can hop on it there, which will take you to 3A north.

[Jumptship]

I plan on taking mostly back roads. I just did a quick map today on google. I'm going to use my road atlas to map out the actual route that I'm going.

Good call!  You won't be sorry.

[maillotpois]

Do a little search.  Someone had a near identical question a couple months back. 
 

That was me, I think.  I got a lot of excellent advice and my trip (2400 miles in about 10 days) was great!

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=26817.0