If I drive a new medium to small motorcycle from Fla. to Nevada one way is that too much for the bike?

Question

I'm concerned about it overheating, or other breakage that such a trip could inflict on the bike. I would drive it 6-8 hours a day, taking my time not pushing it until I got there.

Answer 1

i would say you'll be OK as long as you listen to the bike you should be fine i am not on to like to go for high rpm at long distances but but if the bike is not winding out when doing 65 i say let the wind blow freely through your hair and enjoy the ride

Answer 2

It's not too far for the bike. I know a guy that rode cross country on an RD250 back in the 70's
If the bike doesn't overheat in 20 minutes on the highway then there's no reason other than a coolant leak or water pump failure for it to overheat ever. An air-cooled bike will actually be more reliable in this regard. The things to look out for are your chain, tires, oil level, and other fluid levels. Keep your chain oiled very regularly even if it's an o-ring chain. Make sure your tires keep good tread and are inflated up to pressure. It would be a good idea to get some experience in riding and paying attention to things like tread wear in order to fairly judge the remaining life on your tires.
Like a couple of other posters have already commented on. The main concern is actually you , not the bike. Your comfort. How long can you sit on a the seat and stay comfortable? Make sure the bar-end weights on your handlebars are tight. Make sure your steering bearing is well adjusted. Dehydration is a very big concern. With the wind constantly blowing by you you don't realize how much you may be sweating as all your sweat evaporates quickly. You can dehydrate pretty severely without even being aware of it. A good helmet is also a good thing to have. Yes it protects your head. That's obvious. But other important features of the helmet where your endurance is concerned are how well ventilated it is and how quiet it is. That constant loud drone of wind noise can be both fatiguing and mesmerizing. bad things for a motorcyclist.
I actually want to encourage you to do the ride. Just be prepared that's all. The dangers of doing a long ride are very real.
One last thing that may save your life. Bring with you a good way to fix a flat tire and the knowledge of how to fix it. This is by far the most common mechanical failure that no amount of preparation can eliminate completely. And if you flat on your front it may completely prevent you from being able to ride any further. The green tire slime works fairly well and would be a good idea to use it, but it's still no guarantee.

Answer 3

The bike should be fine. I should think the bike will last longer than your posterior will...

Long cross country rides can take quite a physical toll on a person who's not prepared for it. Be sure to keep yourself well hydrated while riding across the Southwest deserts by drinking plenty of water or sports drinks like Gatorade. I normally buy two 12-16oz bottles of water every time I stop for gas. I drink one right away, and keep the other in my tank bag so I can get to it during the ride.

Also, even if it's seems like it's too hot, wear a long sleeve jacket or shirt to give yourself some protection from the sun. Use sunscreen on your face, and even if you have a full-face helmet wear ear plugs to cut down on the wind noise.

With the proper preperation and a few precautions, a long ride in the desert can be an event to remember!

Good Luck and Ride Safe!

Answer 4

What, are you afraid the bike will get tired? You buy motorcycles to ride, so ride it! If you don't have confidence in the bike you bought, bag it & buy something you trust. A new bike of any highway legal size should make the trip easily. Your butt might not. 8hrs a day on a small bike will make a grown man limp & look around for a 4-sale sign to stick on the bike real fast! Just take your time & enjoy the ride.

Answer 5

It will BE FUN and do just fine -
I took my 1968 Honda 305cc Scrambler around the whole US of A one summer 8,962 miles and only had a rectifier go out 380 miles from home. It kept discharging the battery..
PLUS I did all this for $265 dollars.
When I got within a week from home the movie Easy Rider came out or as I called it PETER FONDA on his HONDA..
Also I missed WOODSTOCK by 3 days.
PEACE LOVE wew some good ole daze : )

additional details: I forgot to mention I wore out a chain and rear sprocket.... but you are only going less than 2000 miles

Also T E X A S is really big when you are on a small bike -
I got pulled over twice for having LONG Hair

MARK - Have a good and safe trip
(698 minutes ago)

Answer 6

hey go for it,if this is a new bike it should be under warranty and that would be the best time to take the trip.you will probably only have to change oil once since your only going one way and that is something you really should do.if it is a smaller engine the oil will heat up more and should be changed.if you can try to stay off of big main highways and you can travel at your own speed which is more fun anyway.so let the wind roar and have a good trip. fellow rider in illinois.

Answer 7

8 hours in the saddle is a long time, you'll probably give out before the bike does, but most people that go for the cross-country thing opt for something a little bigger. I would recommend that for long trips you'd want nothing less than a 750cc engine, and preferably a cruiser over a road-burner...

Answer 8

Remember that the first few hundred miles you put on the bike is really the last step in the manufacturing process. Make sure you can get service along your chosen route, and ride cautiously, and bring rain gear, tent, ready to eat meals, and a cell phone.

Answer 9

Any car or motorcycle runs a risk of break down. Think positive and you can do it .I would still carry a cell phone with me on a trip like that. Plus wear SAFETY GEAR IE, helmet ,gloves,boots Even the best driver falls.

Answer 10

The bike should be just fine. Your backside may not. The biggest question is whether you will be comfortable riding it for six to eight hours a day.