How many miles per day for American Southwest on a Harley?

[Hamslay]

Hey guys

A mate and I are flying in to Vegas next April to do a number of "local" sights: Pacific Coast Highway, Golden Gate Bridge, Death Valley, Bryce and Zion, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon etc. and then back to Vegas. (I think the main road east through Yosemite will be shut in early April so we'll have to go the longer route north via Lake Tahoe).

We've not booked bikes yet but it looks like we might be on Harleys.

We have 12 days of riding time. My initial route in Google Maps comes in at 2800 miles, which is 233 miles per day average. That's about our normal daily mileage for European tours. Is that realistic for cruising around California and Nevada on the sort of roads we're likely to find ourselves on? We don't tend to stop much but prefer to keep riding unless we're somewhere really special.

Any advice on distances per day? I'm booking flights and bikes this week so need to know if 12 days and 2800 miles is realistic.

Thanks!

 

[Wapping]

Sgt Bilco is your man for most things American.

You can't PM him, hopefully he'll pick up this thread. I've sent him a PM which might help.

 

[Hamslay]

Thanks Wapping.

 

[Khulu]

Hey guys

A mate and I are flying in to Vegas next April to do a number of "local" sights: Pacific Coast Highway, Golden Gate Bridge, Death Valley, Bryce and Zion, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon etc. and then back to Vegas. (I think the main road east through Yosemite will be shut in early April so we'll have to go the longer route north via Lake Tahoe).

We've not booked bikes yet but it looks like we might be on Harleys.

We have 12 days of riding time. My initial route in Google Maps comes in at 2800 miles, which is 233 miles per day average. That's about our normal daily mileage for European tours. Is that realistic for cruising around California and Nevada on the sort of roads we're likely to find ourselves on? We don't tend to stop much but prefer to keep riding unless we're somewhere really special.

Any advice on distances per day? I'm booking flights and bikes this week so need to know if 12 days and 2800 miles is realistic.

Thanks!

The coastal highway, golden gate bridge (they'll charge you a toll by axle, unless it's changed since was last over it!) death valley (apart from the visitor centre where I bought a cuddly scorpion) are all viewed while riding so they won't slow down your day's progress. (That's the way my wife and I ride too!) Zion and monument are similar, apart from photo stops (I usually do these while riding too). Bryce will require time off bike to absorb the wondrous nature of the place. Grand Canyon is similar. If it's the south side then you leave Vegas and head for Williams and it's a T-junction from there to the canyon. En route stop at Hackberry, Arizona where Easy rider started their Harleys from - it's a tourist stop ex-gas station. You'll probably end up doing more miles/day than your estimate above so you could, maybe, fit in some Route 66 around Peachtree - great atmosphere and fun.
Wherever you go it'll be a blast!
Enjoy.

 

[ManhattanMcC]

I'd say that's pushing it, but it can be covered in that time. Your "enjoyable" Mileage will drop significantly on the PCH and in/around the Bay Area. And if you take a zero day or two you find yourself having to really jam to get where you want to be. That pace is 7-8 hrs a day in the saddle.

Some of those will be out-and-backs and some will depend on taking 15 out of Vegas (in both directions...), through Peach Spring on 66, getting slowed down on 395 through Big Pine, etc.... You can pad some of the more fun spots by taking some highway miles then hooking up with the good stuff.

Don't knock the Harley thing... Get yourself a nice Glide(either) or Road King and enjoy that whole experience. If you're looking at Eaglerider, they also have the new Indian bikes, I hear that new Chieftain is a treat on long tours.

 

[AustinW]

I have crossed USA or Canada three times by bike and generally find travel to be easy: most roads are wide, well surfaced and lightly trafficked such that average moving speeds of around 60mph are realistic. Not all roads are mythologically lot straight though, especially in the hills and mountains where roads can be torturously twisty and distances travelled easily double the crow flies distance. Nevertheless a moving average of around 40 on a GS was not pushing it.

IMHO 250 miles is around 4-6 hours riding time, so with a prompt start (nice and cool too) you can allow around a further 4 hours stopped time. But the "big sights" really warrant a day or most of it. However most of USA is geared around cars so most NPs can be quite well appreciated from the roads that go right into their hearts.

Bryce & Zion are close to each other with a trip up and down Bryce needing 3-4 hours and Zion needing most of a day (Zion deffo best seen from the bus that goes up the otherwise traffic free valley). Yosemite will take nearly all day to ride through even with just a few photo stops on account of traffic. Grand Canyon warrants a whole day.

I was completely underwhelmed by the PCH. Shrouded in fog most of the way and cold with it. Expensive compared with the rest of USA too (although California is generally more expensive anyway). I also didn't like Moab town much either although the Arches and Canyonlands were good to ride around. We missed out Monument Valley as it was thronging with tourists and buses but did ride up and through The Valley of the Gods about 50 miles north. It's remote and quiet with a rough dirt road through it and like a mini monument valley. Much much better experience and doable with care on a Harley (we were two-up and fully loaded GSA and it was fine).

You will have a great trip whatever you choose to do it is an awesome part of the world.

 

[JJH]

If it's any help distance is usually measured in hours rather than miles in the USA. I've driven a lot over there never ridden. JJH

 

[Khulu]

If it's any help distance is usually measured in hours rather than miles in the USA. I've driven a lot over there never ridden. JJH

Same in Canada!

Arches and Canyonlands are brilliant!

 

[The Grey One]

I'd say try a Harley here before you commit. I hired a Heritage Soft tail years ago now. 6 days in California based in Newport Beach. I gave it back after 3 days as it became a real pain after 80 miles forcing us to abandon thoughts of Highway One. Being used to the GS it had poor performance, limited ground clearance, handled like bikes of my youth and almost no real brakes. People like them, some ride vast distances, but it was not for me. Better to find out if you like a Harley before you book one.

John

 

[Clifton]

We don't tend to stop much but prefer to keep riding unless we're somewhere really special.

Any advice on distances per day? I'm booking flights and bikes this week so need to know if 12 days and 2800 miles is realistic.

IMO your 230 mile days might be on the PCH and the day you visit the Grand Canyon but other than encountering bad weather which is possible in April, your 233 mile per day estimate is probably conservative. Allowing for gas/snack stops you should average 45-50mph when riding paved roads in the western US so it depends on how many hours you ride in a day. I'm typically up at 6 and after packing and breakfast on the road by 8am then stop for the day around 6pm so that's 450- 500 miles in the 10 hours. Obviously this is only those days just enjoying the ride and sight seeing from the road. It allows an extra 20 minutes or so every other gas stop one being lunch which is more like a snack in my case. If you take an hour for a sit down lunch and allow four 15 minute photo stops you'd be riding 8 hours which is around 350-400 miles.

For April I would suggest the later the better, May probably being best. Last time I rode Utah in April we encountered cold and light snow in the medium elevations like Bryce, Torry, Boulder etc. The more dramatic view of the Grand Canyon is at the north entrance which doesn't even open until sometime in May.

I agree with Grey regarding at test riding a couple different Harleys at home ahead of time. The 14+ Touring line have plenty of power, handle and brake, well but some may not fit you comfortably. In my case I rode my 15 Road King across to Arizona. I had changed the seat and lowered the shield 2" but against my better judgement left the stock 12" bars on hoping to adjust to them which didn't happen. This resulted in my shoulders and back getting sore by late morning (bars have since been remedied). However my previous Electra Glide was perfectly comfortable stock once I lowered the shield. Interestingly I found both the EG and RK to be more comfortable wearing a 3/4 helmet, for some reason full face helmets generate a loud resonance noise.

 

[twizzle]

I'd say try a Harley here before you commit. I hired a Heritage Soft tail years ago now. 6 days in California based in Newport Beach. I gave it back after 3 days as it became a real pain after 80 miles forcing us to abandon thoughts of Highway One. Being used to the GS it had poor performance, limited ground clearance, handled like bikes of my youth and almost no real brakes. People like them, some ride vast distances, but it was not for me. Better to find out if you like a Harley before you book one.

John

Softail - that was your issue - Road Kings and Glides are much stronger mile munchers, better suspension and brakes for sure.

 

[Khulu]

Softail - that was your issue - Road Kings and Glides are much stronger mile munchers, better suspension and brakes for sure.

As ever it depends on what you're used to. My wife rode all over the USA (inc. Alaska) and Canada on her Heritage Softail and I was with her on my Softail Custom (both Evo series bikes).
A guy I used to work with did the fly ride thing last year, rode a Heritage and loved it. His UK bike is a 916 Duke!

 

[Rocketman]

Interesting info on peoples preferred mileage ,me and the wife to be are planning our honeymoon for next May starting in billings ,montana and riding a big anti clockwise circle type route .
taking in such places like ,going to sun rd ,glacier np, lolo pass ,boise id for a few days to see relatives and then over to Yellowstone ,beartooth highway, Teton np and back to billings to drop the bike off .
Planning the mileage per day is puzzling to say the least I've settled on around 250 to 300 at the end of the day it's a once in a lifetime holiday/ occasion and we don't want to feel we rushed it.
Hopefully they've got booking .com over there and we will just play it by ear each day



Can I have the biggest glide you've got please fella ,while in Rome

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Clifton has it about right I reckon.

Leave it as late as possible in April as you will be at a fairly high elevation for a lot of the trip and it will be cold. Take some warm clothes and be prepared to change your route if it's too bad!!

Your daily mileage will be fairly easy as traffic is light for the most part and you will surprise yourself how far you can actually ride over there without realising it. Start fairly early and finish early as the US generally shuts down after 8pm out in the sticks. Riding into town at 8pm expecting to find food beer and motel is a mugs game in my opinion and it's great to relax at the end of the day.

The northern part of the PCH is by far the best IMHO and you'll enjoy empty roads and great views over the Pacific. The weather should be perfect for riding but can get cool on the coast. Ride inland half a mile and you will be fine and there are some fantastic roads to ride and places to visit.

If it's very cold, Yosemite may be difficult to get into but there is loads more to see so I wouldn't worry too much. Bryce is fantastic as is Zion but remember you are riding so spending loads of time at these places may not be on your radar. The bus trip through Zion though is a must. The Grand Canyon is a fantastic view but once you've looked over teh edge and been utterly awe inspired, there isn't too much else to do unless you want to take a hike down and again IMHO, there are much better places to spend time. It will still be cold up in the mountains there so hanging around too long may not be a good thing.

Death Valley should be pleasantly warm which is a bonus and check out Bodie Ghost Town just north of Mono Lake which you will ride past.

A big bonus of the time of year you are going will be the lack of tourists and the fucking RV's which trundle along.

A couple of tips: don't bother pre booking motels as you will find them easy enough as long as you are in town at a sensible time. This allows you to be flexible with your trip and you won't be tied to timings etc. Fuel when you can as it's very easy to be caught out over there especially on a Harley with a smallish tank.

If you need any help nearer the time give me shout and I'd be happy enough to give you lots more idea's

You can mail me at [email protected]

 

[Wapping]

Great answer, Sgt B adding to what the others have said, too. Thank you.

Everyone I know who has ever ridden a bike in America has (near enough) always had a good time.

 

[Khulu]

Interesting info on peoples preferred mileage ,me and the wife to be are planning our honeymoon for next May starting in billings ,montana and riding a big anti clockwise circle type route .
taking in such places like ,going to sun rd ,glacier np, lolo pass ,boise id for a few days to see relatives and then over to Yellowstone ,beartooth highway, Teton np and back to billings to drop the bike off .
Planning the mileage per day is puzzling to say the least I've settled on around 250 to 300 at the end of the day it's a once in a lifetime holiday/ occasion and we don't want to feel we rushed it.
Hopefully they've got booking .com over there and we will just play it by ear each day



Can I have the biggest glide you've got please fella ,while in Rome

Love your routes Rocketman! My wife and I have ridden them too and they're all great but the Lolo Pass is THE best - just love it!
I'm sure you'll both have a blast - enjoy.

 

[The Grey One]

Softail - that was your issue - Road Kings and Glides are much stronger mile munchers, better suspension and brakes for sure.

I wasn't trying to put the OP off the idea of a Harley, just pointing out that they are a bit like Marmite, you either love or hate them. When I came back from my California trip a good friend was just about to achieve a lifetime ambition to own a Harley. He had never ridden one, I persuaded him to get an extended test ride. He rode two, one for the morning and one for the afternoon. His dream was shattered and he ordered a new Triumph.

My experience was one of disappointment, I booked a Harley for the genuine American experience. I should have tried one here first. I ended up with a machine which had only one redeeming feature-it's ability to set off car alarms are we rode past! At least I now know that cruiser style bikes are not for me.

Next time I might try a Goldwing-also made in America.

John

 

[Khulu]

I wasn't trying to put the OP off the idea of a Harley, just pointing out that they are a bit like Marmite, you either love or hate them. When I came back from my California trip a good friend was just about to achieve a lifetime ambition to own a Harley. He had never ridden one, I persuaded him to get an extended test ride. He rode two, one for the morning and one for the afternoon. His dream was shattered and he ordered a new Triumph.

My experience was one of disappointment, I booked a Harley for the genuine American experience. I should have tried one here first. I ended up with a machine which had only one redeeming feature-it's ability to set off car alarms are we rode past! At least I now know that cruiser style bikes are not for me.

Next time I might try a Goldwing-also made in America.

John

You're quite right John.
It's all down to individual preferences and I, for one, wouldn't want to ride a crotch rocket by any stretch of the imagination. If I was still a teenager (or even early 20s) then the answer would probably have been yes but I'm now decades on from that. Tourer, cruiser or off-road I am fine with (good job as I own and ride all of these types) and my H-D is 1995 FXSTC which I rode all over USA (inc. Alaska) and Canada but I wouldn't have thanked you for a Glide - not for me. It was in Alaska in 2003 that I got hooked on owning a GS and it took me until 2015 to get one! I had test ridden one in 2004 so I knew I'd like it but you are correct in what you say that it's always best try first!

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Nothing wrong with a Heritage soft tail......especially on the dirt

 

[ManhattanMcC]

Nothing wrong with a Heritage soft tail......especially on the dirt

I really do need to start taking the "I was there with my bike" pic... I'm terrible at that.