Long Distance Riding ~ Starters Guide 101
Aug 2022 – Chardhi Kalla RC’s First Ever Ride to Sturgis Bike Rally (Sturgis, SD)QUICK OVERVIEW
Long distance riding really became a thing for our club around 2017-18 when we all started exploring more than just the California. Every long ride requires a lot of preperation, and we won’t bore you with paragraphs here and lets get to the point! The first thing comes to our mind is the safety especially if this is your first time experience. Talk to our most experienced riders and clear any doubts you may have after reading this article.
Safety
When it comes to making sure you get to ride and get the best experience out of it, safety becomes our #1 priority. We hold many local rides before an actual long ride in order to talk about all the important tips and ways of becoming the best and safest rider. We highly encourage to do more local rides with us if you are interested in going on long rides.
Topics Covered
Helmets
MODULAR HELMETS
- Ultra-light, strong yet flexible shell using LS2’s proprietary Kinetic Polymer Alloy (KPA)
- Twin Shield System drop down sunshield is operated by a cable slider for smooth and dependable sun protection
- Chin bar flips 180 degrees allowing the rider to easily swap between a full or open helmet
- Removable Thermo Form comfort padding is made of a fabric that keeps the rider cool and comfortable
- DOT approved. Meets the FMVSS 218 Standard
Price = $246.99 – $284.99
BUY ON AMAZON!
FULL FACE HELMETS
- Shell is made from LS2’s proprietary ultra-light extra strong High Performance Fiberglass Composite
- DOT approved. Meets the FMVSS 218 Standard
- Twin Shield System drop down sunshield protects your eyes and is easy to operate with a gloved hand
- 3 shell sizes make for the smallest, best fit
- LONG OVAL FIT with multi-density EPS for the utmost in protection
Price = $279.99
BUY ON AMAZON!
Half Shell HELMETS
Riding Gear
- See all the recommended gear as below with links.
- VESTS
- Espinoza Leather Vests
- Milwaukee Leather Vests
- Renegade Classics (In-Person Store)
- Harley-Davidson
- RAIN GEAR: Do NOT get cheap ones (they will rip easily)
- HWK Rainsuit (Max 4XL)
- Milwaukee Rainsuit (Max 5XL)
- IRON JIA Rainsuit (Max XXL)
- Waterproof Shoe Sleeve/Cover
- JACKETS: to help in cold or snow
- GLOVES
- FOOTWEAR
- JEANS | CHAPS
- VESTS
LUGGAGE IDEAS
For easy riding with luggage on your bikes requires specific parts. Make sure you either have a Sissy Bar or a Passenger Backrest installed (not required if you have a tour-pack with luggage rack on it)
- Harley-Davidson Brand
- Backseat Roller Bag (w/ wheels)
- Luggage Touring Bag (no wheels)
- Luggage Bag on Rack (tour-pack)
- Fly & Ride Bag (w/ wheels)
- See All
- Amazon Brands
Bike Security & Tracking
These are some of the items to have for security while parked at hotels out in the open without any security.
-
- Disc Brake Lock w/ Alarm (110db)
- Disc Brake Lock NO Alarm
- Modern GPS Tracker + Alarm
- Alarm only (120db)
- Apple AirTag ($29-$99) – Can also be used for your luggage and other items!
Service & Maintenance
Before we go on a 3k+ miles ride, we MUST check and make sure our bikes are fully ready too, not just ourselves. Here are some of the things to do at least 1-2 months before the ride.
-
- Engine + Transmission + Primary OIL (depending on your last service)
- Highly recommended if your last oil change was more than 1000 miles ago. Do not overfill, it can cause multiple issues (if doing it yourself).
- Extra 20W-50: All M8 motors (2017+ Models only) must carry at least a single bottle of Engine Oil (1 Qt). These engines are known to burn extra oil as we ride them longer and longer (Confirmed by YCHD Service Dept.)
- Tires Check: Replace if tread is low (total ride 3000+ miles)
- Battery Check: Visit your local Battery+ store and have them do free battery inspection especially CCA (cold cranking amps). New Bikes less than 2 years old won’t need this but it is still recommended.
- Setup PIN Code: The Smart Security System is equipped with a PIN override to the system, allowing you to use your bike in such a scenario where you may have a dead key fob battery, lost or misplaced key fob.
- H-D Article: https://powderkeghd.com/pin-number-help
- Youtube Guide: https://youtu.be/zFiWqkILcBQ
- Motorcycle Insurance IDs: Some states may not accept digital insurance ID. Please make sure you have a waterproof copy of your insurance papers.
- Engine + Transmission + Primary OIL (depending on your last service)
Parts & Recommendations
There are many other things that will become a need as we ride all day long. Here are a few things to be mindful of and be prepared with.
- Handguards (protection for our knuckles from debris & bugs on the road)
- CKRC Members Only – 10% discount [Ping @GillzGlide on Instagram]
- Bungee Cords (will be needed to secure your luggage and other items on bikes)
- Tool Kit (everyone won’t need to buy this – carry 1 or 2 max in case we separate)
- Phone Mounts for Handlebars (optional)
- Quadlock
- Rokform
- RAM Mounts (can also use for mounting cameras and other items as DIY)
- KLOCK Werks
- Other Brands on Amazon
- Cup Holders (some holders may be handlebar size specific, buy carefully!)
- Rider Footrest & Mounts (be mindful of the sizes depending on your motorcycle)
- Phone Chargers
- Get a phone charging setup as well if using it while riding for music, etc.
- If you have any questions or need help, please reach out to one of us.
- Sometimes a wire can go bad or get damaged, always carry a spare one.
- Sissy Bars | Passenger Backrest
- This will be REQUIRED if you are going to mount luggage on your bike
- There are many kinds to choose from, but cheap ones can be found below:
- Get Comfortable Seat
- If you have been riding a little longer and the seat seems uncomfortable, it may be time to upgrade it or change it to something better.
- Corbin Harley Seats | Corbin Indian Seats
- Saddlemen Harley Seats | Saddlemen Indian Seats
- Mustang Seats (Set Filters to view Bike Specific Seats)
- Harley-Davidson Two-Up Seats | Solo Seats
- If you have been riding a little longer and the seat seems uncomfortable, it may be time to upgrade it or change it to something better.
