Total Motorcycle Community Forums

How unrealistic? Nuts?

So I've completed MSF, other than that no riding experience. I live in the middle of the city, and it doesn't suit well to new riding. But I'm moving out west in a month, and I'm rearing to take the trip I'e always wanted-- cross country.

So tell me I'm crazy, if in your experience you believe so. Should a new rider get a bike (i.e. Ninja 650R) , break it in a bit.. take it through maintenance..
and head from DC to LA?

The highway with carefully chosen routes such to avoid weather (I can afford to make time to wait it out if necessary and ride in only decent conditions) seems pretty controlled.... nothing nuts, no crazy speed, just cruising. I'd have time to prepare, research, and plan. Any recommendations on how to make it fairly safe and rational?

Or is it completely rediculous?

Do not ride tired. Have enough spare cash to be able to stop and get a room when you need it.

Have a roadside emergency plan (Like AAA or something)

Don't stick to highways only. Get lost. See the sights. Highways blow.

Take an hour or two ride around your local area a few times beforehand. If your a$$ hurts after these, you're going to need a new seat or some kind of air/gel seatcover for the big one.

get some practice in your local area first.

dont expect to do more than a few hundred miles a day, endurance comes with experience for the most part.

definately take the senic route, take your time, take lots of rest stops, dont ride tired

i'd get at LEAST a few hundred mile of local riding under your belt before you deicde to go across country. trying to navigate in an unfamiliar city/place can be challenging in a car, but on a bike, it can be even worse. but i wish you the best of luck. i'd like to do some touring myself this summer. but i dont think the girl friend will let me go off by myself and she doesn't ride so i don't know how that will work out?

Sounds like fun!!! Practice and go for it!!!! You won't regret it.

I dont think riding a brand new bike across the country on the highway fits within the breakin procedure.

something really important I did not see mentioned....make sure to keep yourself hydrated properly...drink water as much as possible.....try to make a few day trips of 200 to 300 miles...to get a feel what it is like. Because DC to LA...would be a long trip. I have done 2 bike trips...

1st one 10 days 4400 miles...Northern Cali to Iowa...then back
2nd one 7 days..2600 miles...Northern Cali to Idaho...to Montana to Washington, back down to Cali.

Water is the most important need on trips like these....don't forget to smile!

I'd say go for it. Break in the bike before going. Try not to drive at nite.

Buy a camel pack.

check your machine often, if there is a problem you don't want to find out about it going 65