Chicago trip

[rcwheelman]

Planned a trip to Chicago coming up in about 22 days from
New jersey. Going for my saddlesore 1000 certification also from Iron Butt.
Now I don't have a touring bike so I know this trip is going to be
Interesting to say the least.
My question is, how should I prepare myself and the bike for this trip?
I've already purchased a duel pouch tank bag for the bike. No saddle bags.
Mailing clothes to destination. Bought a full face helmet since the
Train has no shield. The total round trip mileage should be around 2000 miles within a
1 week period.

Thanks.

 

[rcwheelman]

You didn't say whether you are using GPS? It is really handy when doing a IBA ride. I find that Interstates have fuel at good intervals, but I do most of my riding during the day. When I had a 5 gallon tank, I would try for 120-140 miles per tank, but you will likely get better milage. I hope you've read the 'Wisdom' tips on the IBA site. If not, do so. Good luck, and welcome to the insanity!

No GPS accept for the one in my phone. Not much room for one on my night train. unless I mount one to the bars which would look really tacky I think.
I'll have to wait until I get a road king for that

Yeah as far as mileage goes I have 700 miles on the bike now, think she's broken in. I'm getting 190 miles to a tank.

Read all the Wisdom tips on the IBA site twice
Thanks, It will feel good when the trip is done and accomplished.

 

[rcwheelman]

Just remeber to cut out as much caffine and alchohol as you can at least 3-4 days prior. It will help your body prepare.

oooo cutting out caffine? really? thats going to be rough 3 to 4 days before? wow that long at work with no coffee, people won't like me by friday lol

I don't drink so thats not a problem.
What about the day of the trip. can I drink caffine that morning? I'm leaving at 3am I will need coffee!

 

[Springer Fan]

I just did a 1500 mile round trip in 4 days on a Haritage Springer. I loved every single minute, even in the rain! I found that having a small flashlight, zipp ties, rain suit (don't go cheap, mine ripped and some melted on the pipes!), small bag of the tools I use most when working on my bike, one quart of oil, SUN SCREEN!, chapstick, and a bottle of water where good to have. I stopped every 140 miles give or take just to make sure I had a chance to get off and walk around a bit to keep the blood flowing to my legs and butt. I also planned a route on mapquest because they have a gas station feature that let me plan where I would stop for gas. I have a small back rest on my seat and highway pegs that were both a life saver. Check your tire pressure and check your oil everytime you gas up. And most importantly, what out for the cages that are not watching out for you!

Have a great trip!

PS. I drank coffee, coke, and beer (once stopped for the night) the entire time. I am sure it helped to wipe me out, but not so much that I couldn't make it. I rode 9 - 10 hours a day.

 

[Springer Fan]

My ride was not certified and I only drank what I would normally drink. I would listen to biglew55 if you are wanting certification.

 

[CIB1Infantry]

All I can say is be very careful in and around Chicago (You have to pay even more attention to the cages there)
I rode up to one of my V.A. appointments in Chicago and they are definitely "BIKE BLIND" especially on the toll raods.