Best motorcycle for long-distance, beginning riders?

Question

My dad and I were thinking of taking Route 66 on motorcycles from Chicago all the way out and then back again, as soon as I get my motorcycle license. Which motorcycle would you recommend for a beginning rider for this long ride. I know how to make repairs, fix minor problems and my dad knows the major stuff. He's got a 2000 Harley Electra-glide. Would a Harley be a good decision? it's the main/only brand I trust.

Beginners limit is 150cc which is pretty much a moped...until I've had my license for eight mos.

I know people say that a Harley is a bit too heavy, and I agree that the Electra-glide is extremely bulky and slightly difficult, but I learned on it, so another Harley (that isn't a touring bike) should be okay. I mean, when you learn on one of the hardest motorcycles to ride, then others can only be a bit easier, right?

Answer 1

Traveler, you've got an interesting question, a great dad, and an awesome adventure planned. I hope you do sort out the details.

As for answers...here's what I'm thinking...I wouldn't go with something as heavy as the Electra-glide. It's got a low center of gravity, but it's still a really big heavy and powerful bike to learn on. When you're learning, there's a really good chance you'll make a mistake or two, and really...a lighter, less powerful bike would be more forgiving if you accidentally drop a clutch or lean over a bit too much. Personally, I'd go with a smaller engine, and lighter dry-weight. But because you want to do touring distances on it, I would say you should not aim for truly beginner sizes like the 250's. Lots of folks learn on Honda Rebel 250's, which are rock-solid bikes, but can get tiring if you're pulling down 400miles on one @ highway speed. I would consider some of the smaller displacement bikes that suit your style. If you're really aiming for the harley style, try looking at the Suzuki boulevard, which has a 40cubic inch version (about 600cc) and a 50 cu in version (about 800cc). The 50 cu in version comes in a touring package too, with excellent wind protection, and is a more manageable size. The harley sportster 883 isn't a bad choice either.

I did a few x-country jaunts. Here's a few things to keep an eye out for. A little wind protection on a touring bike is good to cut down on the wind buffeting...you're going to be riding for hours at a time.

I dunno if you're open to something other than a cruiser, but having done a good amount of riding on a Fat-boy and on a BMW R1150GS (and a bunch of others), I would also throw out there that you may also consider something purpose-built for touring in terms of seating position. The cruiser seating position is comfortable, but can get tiring on your lower back bcs you start slouching. Plus, all your weight is on your butt, which makes for one sore butt at the end of the day, whereas a more neutral riding position balances your weight a little on your butt, and a little on your pegs. I could last much longer on a bike like the R1150GS, which is made for serious touring and dual-sport riding. You need more inseam in your legs though, bcs they're taller bikes. Other bikes that have more of a touring or sport-touring posture than the cruisers (and fit the smaller engine criteria): the V-strom 650, the BMW F650GS, maybe an old 600cc vfr...all very solid dependable bikes with good touring options.

And make sure you have enough storage options...saddlebags, etc. And pack light!

Oh...btw...the 150cc license is not a motorcycle license. It's a moped license. And in Chicago, it's called a "motor-driven-cycle." Whatever, basically you're limited to a Vespa 150, a Vino 125, or something smaller. And while you can go across country that way (check out http://vespa-vagabond.blogspot.com/) it's definitely not something you'll be doing with your dad next to you on an electra-glide. :) A 150cc scoot will go 55mph tops, and won't be able to hold much extra luggage. There're a few folks I know who've done long trips on one, but it's a different animal.


G'luck!

Answer 2

As a beginning rider a couple years ago, I went out and bought a Sportster, it was my first bike. I added some of the customizations that have been previously mentioned, the comfy seat and the engine guard were the wisest ones. I've been able to ride long distance no problem - hence the comfy seat. As a women rider I was discouraged from buying a Harley because of the power and weight. When first starting, I took the power into consideration and just went a little easier on the throttle. I've never had a problem with the power, in fact I quickly learned to enjoy it. I'm only 5 ft 4 and average build, but the weight hasn't been an issue either. While stopped I have no problem keeping it in control, the weight isn't that noticeable. Yeah, it has tipped over - thankfully not while riding and this is also why I'm thankfull for the engine guards. The weight is notice when this has happened, but with a little trick and a little use of the leg muscles, it's pretty easy to get upright again without any help. When choosing your bike, shop around and go with your gut (regardless of brand, only you will know which one feels right) and when riding just be sensible and use your head. For me, a Harley was a good decision as a beginner's bike.

Answer 3

for a ride of this distance, u definately need a touring bike IFu can afford 1. touring bikes in the harley line-up: electra-glide, ultra-classic, street-glide, or road king. road kings and ultra classic's being the most popular choices; these bikes were built for long hauls.
honda gold wing's are probably the 'cadillac' of the non-harley touring bikes.
that's not to say that a sportster wont make the run; the bike will go that far, but will u be able to handle being on the saddle of a sporty for that distance? sportster's CAN be turned into 'mini-me's' of the touring club, if u do some slight add-on's to it.
scenerio: u cant afford a road king, but can easily afford a 1200 sportster. ok, here's what u need to put on the sporty, and turn it into a decent bike to make the long hauls easy.
1: detachable windshield. this is a gotta have. the windblast does get tiring after about 150 miles at high speed.
2: a good seat. best harley seat: sundowner. best non-harley seat: mustang touring. be advised...these seats are expensive, but very worthy.
3: handlebars that have a comfortable reach. i cant stress the importance of this. unless u have long arm's, the stock bars generally wont cut the mustard.
4: engine guard with highway pegs...to put ur feet in a different posistion.
5: saddlebags....a must have for any bike.
6: tool bag...just in case a spark plug fouls out, or anything along the lines of a minor case of downtime that's easily fixed.

i ride a 2005 xl1200r harley sportster, and i can vouch for the sundowner. i can easily put 400 miles on the bike in a day with only stopping for gas or food/bathroom breaks.
there's a guy that's on a harley bike board that i haunt. he also rides a 1200 sportster, and when he decides to take it for a weekend camp-out trip, this guy has packin up a sporty down to a work of art. if there was a way to upload a pic of his bike, i'd add it.
dont discount the sportsters; they'll be able to hang with the big boys, fairly lightweight and very nimble and easy bike for beginners, and they're real good on gas, i get 53mpg usually. u wouldnt be able to rent a harley until u have at least 1 year of being licensed, and be 21 or over....permits dont count.

Answer 4

I have a Harley FATBOY, so my answer is a little one-sided. You need a big comfortble big for long distances - no other way to say it. But for a beginner you need something smaller until you have more experience. A good mix of both is a Harley Dyna (either the wide glide or the super glide) or a Harley Sportster. It is light, but good for long distances. If you don't want a Harley, BMW makes very nice road bikes, an 850 or 1000 would be the most you would want. Finally, get a windshield. Its safer and more comfortable - even if it may not look as cool. Great Question!. E-mail me if you want more info. DZ

Answer 5

I'm on a Dyna now, and I think the Harley might be a bit too heavy. Maybe a lowered Sportster with a custom seat? I saw a lot of good alternatives listed. I was kind of surprised to see the 454LTD. It's a good bike. If you can find one the price should be pretty good. I test rode one a while back. I wasn't comfortable. I felt like my weight was up too high for the wheelbase. But that's just me. It's still a good bike. A lot of people liked them. The Harley didn't fit until I changed the seat and it's position, It went down the day I got it. Kinda funny, actually. Whatever you pick, having your feet under you is a benefit. It helps to be able to sit up in city traffic and absorb shock on bumpy roads. I use highway pegs for more leg options. You will want at least a small windshield. The constant pressure on your chest can get tiring.

Answer 6

are you into sport tourers? check out the yamaha yzf600r. it was yamaha's top sport bike back in the early nineties but the ergos and comfy seat make it a nice sport tourer too. it has great reviews for a beginner bike and is supposed to be very comfortable for long trips. the bike pretty much hasnt changed at all since 1997 so some will say its outdated but i think that it is a pretty bike and has real world power and comfort, not like sport bikes nowadays that are basically racer replicas. check out this forum if you are interested. www.yzf600r.com. they are a great bunch of guys and can really help if you have any questions.

ok i missed the part about you only liking harleys, sorry. if that is the only bike youve been around then you are going to be biased. you are only going to look at the bikes your pops or other biker buddies have because they have strong opinions and they are going to flame you if you get a jap bike. you should keep an open mind about what bike to get and investigate all options. ive never ridden a harley but know a few owners who love their bikes to death and argue about how they are much better than jap bikes but are always complaining because there is always something else wrong with their bikes. they dont stay fixed for too long. if you have mucho money and time to fix your bike then go for the harley but if you want dependability imo go jap. good luck on your 1st bike!!! most importantly have fun on your trip and ride safe!!!

Answer 7

Best Long Distance Motorcycle

Answer 8

id stay away from a Harley. thats a little too big and heavy for a beginner. look for a used jap bike some where from 400 cc to 750cc. you will dump your first bike a few times, and i mean who cares if you scrape up a $500 honda? try to get a liquid cooled bike, the longevity is amazing. ive got a 454 limited Kawasaki with 25000 miles on it and it still builds 120 lbs of compression.

Suzuki boulevards, and Kawasaki Vulcan's are nice bikes. they are a little more well behaved than Harley's, and you dont have to talk nice to them. they ride well too. if you can pick up an old 454 limited, they are a great bike. i ride mine every day, and its never let me down.

hope this helps,
Possum

PS
Doolittle Missouri is a much nicer town now that im not there. its on rt 66 by the 179 mile marker (I 44), any way, stop in at cookin from scratch and have some pan fried chicken....its good.

Answer 9

I would stick with a Harley. Check out a Sportster, normally not good for long distance but with the right after market seat you will be just fine. If you think you can handle something bigger look at a Road King they are real nice long distance bikes.

Answer 10

Providing you dont want to corner, turn, stop or beat cars off at the lights a Harley is perfect.

I assume that there are no restrictions on what a beginner rider can start on in your area.

That is unusual in that most countries limit beginners to 250cc or below for the first year or so.

Since you only trust Harleys this question is a no brainer..........best motorcycle for beginner , long distance.........ummmmmm I know what about a Harley!!!!