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I did 6 day, 1800 mile trip on Honda CB500X and absolutely loved it. 95% of our trip was 2 lane mountain roads bike was an absolute blast to ride. Don’t need to blow 20K to go on a trip.
Exactly. In that sense Harleys are the stereotypical anti-tourer. Expensive, heavy, thirsty, prestigeous. The perfect machine to ride to the next Starbucks on Sumdays (when the weather is 75-78F) and show off on the parking lot while sipping a double decaf macciato, Bro!
I'm curious how you would compare this to the Pan America on the same ride? By the by, I really appreciate that you use the "have credit card, let's travel" packing style. So many channels make like you need to pack for crossing the Gobi desert anytime you want to go out for a weekend!
I never understood that either. "I NEED ALL THE SPACE OF ALL THE BAGS!". No, you don't. I carry all I need for even a week long trip in one waterproof duffle strapped to the sissybar on the back seat: a pair of shoes, toiletries (including a set of clippers), all the clothes. And there's still room to spare, I could also throw in half the medicine cabinet (if I had one) and a jacket. A duffle bag also has more usable space than any saddle bag or tour pack. There's so many things you can't put in either because of the shape, or ways you have to jimmy stuff around to make it all fit. Even then, I don't understand what you could possibly need on a road trip other than your clothes, toiletries and medicines. You don't need to being the whole house and 50 pairs of shoes. -_-
Yep. It doesnt need to be something that costs a lot either. I regularly do 5 day/4 night trips with just a midsized tail bag. 2 pairs of jeans and 2 shirts, daily underwear and socks, hygiene stuff. Generally the pants and t-shirts can handle two days, but if not, stop and do laundry midway through. Camping is obviously very different, but I've found most midrange hotels have laundry facilities or can point you to some. Obviously depending on potential weather things can change, and how far off the beaten path you're going. But my experience is the VAST majority of trips people take tend to take trips where you're stopping for the nights in civilization. So you're not planning on burning money as you travel, but you know if things go sideways, Mr. Credit Card can get you clothes or whatever. You really don't need to try and be prepared for anything.
Yeah, but it doesn't hurt to have a tire patch kit and air compressor as well as zip ties and a small and efficient tool kit. You'd be a hurting unit if you caught a nail in BFE Texas with no cell phone service. Unlike most other bike manufacturers, HD doesn't provide a rudimentary emergency tool kit with their bikes.
I even tour on my Sportster 48 (swapped the peanut tank for a 4.5 gallon though). After some minor and tasteful mods, ANY Harley can be a tourer! ITS A HARLEY!!!
I love touring on my 1999 883 Sportster Harley. It doesn't make a lot of horsepower but it runs cool to up in Florida in August 200° in the oil tank and the bike doesn't make you to death riding down the road. When the orange blossoms are in bloom we have the sweetest smelling air on earth. I don't ride at night because of the wild pigs and the textures and the trunks Etc. All my trips are day trips on back roads I don't super slab it anywhere if I don't have to that is. My riding Buddies the chaplain of our post Riders chapter has the peanut tank so we stop every hundred miles for him to fuel up he has a smoke or take a piss on top of the tank I have a soda walk around stretch my legs and then we're good for another hundred miles down the road.
Great video as always Spite, this is my motorcycling goal, be able to just take a long weekend and ride to a destination, ride home, hit some good roads along the way. Thanks for taking us along!
It's nice to see the off the beaten path roads in other states. Gives me some destination ideas for when I actually get to ride in the lower 48. Keep up the good content and turn your mic on.
I’m 6’1. Since I’ve had my St, I’ve added a Saddleman SDC pro seat, sissy bar, 10 inch risers with a 1 inch pull back, forwards, custom dynamic led turn signals and grips. Such a fun bike to ride.
Bought my first softail in 2004. FXSTBI Night Train. Soft bags, sport shield and tool bag and that was it. First run long run that year was Ventura, CA to Sturgis, SD round trip. No issues. Rode 1157 miles the last day. You can tour on anything. Run what you brung.
@Spite's Corner, as a truck driver, who lives near the other side of 10 in tx..... my thoughts heading west.... "there's a curve ahead in abt 45 minutes, better watch for it". I've took that shortcut from Houston many times, 290 to Austin, then to 10. That tiny rest area between Austin and 10 is technically Luckenbach, at least it's address is, the town is a few miles away.
Hi from a Aussie 48 sporty rider really liking the tour videos I thought that 3 day adventure bike tour was some your best work yet . This one's just as good stunning countryside with the road all to yourself.
Hell we had guys “touring” Iraq on oversized dirt bike. And they carried all their gear and weapons for the duration of the combat tour. You can tour on any bike if you plan accordingly.
I bought a Heritage Softail new in 89. Rode it coast to coast and back 3 times. When I retired from the Navy in 97 I spent 2 straight months riding every day all over the country.
Everything with two wheels and a motor can be used for touring. You can even use a Honda Monkeybike for it - it all depends on the resilience of the driver.
What an adventure! Thanks for the fun video, and props to you for gutting it out all the way to Terlingua. I DO NOT enjoy riding at night in the middle of nowhere...ever since hitting a deer on my Triumph Tiger 1200 at night.
Good video, but I think you can tour on ANY bike, it just limits your miles per day. My friend and I 'toured' WA state to Tijuana Mexico and back on Kawasaki 500 oil burning triple crotch rockets in the day. well done vid!
Just did this trip in early October 2022 on a Kawasaki Concours 14. DFW > Fort Davis>Presidio >Terlingua>Big Bend>Fort Davis. The river road (Texas 170) was beautiful.. Got a great video of the Rio Grand running deep after rains 200ft below at the spot you mentioned. Presidio was warm as the devils crotch in early October. If a rider has not done this trip, you owe it to yourself. Like the Tail of the Dragon, the Pigs Trail, Independence Pass, Bear Tooths Pass, the Lola Pass, Yellowstone or the Going to the Sun Road.. it just has to be experienced. Thanks Spite for another bundle of giggles.
I'm from the saint louis area and the best way I've found to keep my hands warm is rubber "doctor" gloves under the winter gloves. It keeps you warm till you get into the 20's.
I tour frequently on my 2004 Softail Deuce. I prefer the softail over the 800-900 monstrosities like the streat and road glide. The softail is heavy enough for "stability" but lighter then a bagger.
I rode the world’s record poker run. We went over 3,000 miles. We had some 500 + mile days. We had people on all kinds over motorcycles. We had a lot of touring model Harley Davidsons , we had a few Sportsters and a Pan America, There were a couple Gold Wings, a couple of VTX and even I sport bike. You can tour on what ever bike works for you.
I have a 2018 Low Rider and I’ve been told numerous times by different dealers “you rode all the way out here on that?” I live in NYC and have ridden North to Maine, South to West Virginia, and West to Ohio on my FXLR.
Spite, great video (as always!) I’ve got my used ‘19 Deluxe and I enjoy the best of both worlds in touring and just riding around town. What have I done to make it a touring bike: * Saddlebags (on bike when bought.) * Sundowner seat (on bike as well.) * Windshield * Cruise Control Kit (Waited so long for this. So welcomed!) * Sissy Bar, luggage tail rack, and touring luggage. *Legend Suspension (in back.) When I am just riding around town, luggage comes off with the sissy bar and rack. But, when I ride to an overnight with the HOG group, my bike can go toe to toe with the Street/Road Glides. Thanks!
Sooo true. I took my Sporty 72 from Toronto to Calgary and back. Best ride ever, and I still have ppl saying it can't be done... esp Harley ppl. !! Fifteen grand and fifteen miles don't make u a biker! And it's usually those guys that HAUL their bikes on a flatbed to some far away trail that say they tour.
Funny, I’ve never heard anyone say that. I put 16,803 miles in 14 months on a 2021 Sport Glide before trading it for the Lowrider ST. From Ga to Milwaukee second week of ownership, across through Niagara Ny, down through the Catskills, to NYC through Philly for a bite, DC for changing of the guard, and back to Atlanta. 4000+ in a month. Since then, Ga to Fort Worth Tx and back, as well as a round trip from Ga to Ft Leavenworth Ks. Lookin forward to puttin bigger numbers on my Lowrider.
You can tour on a softail… but after buying my RGS it’s kinda hard to go back. Those thumb toggles make nav/music/menus so much easier to operate on the fly.
Great video, Spite. You're making your point beautifully, by doing. Lovely scenery footage, with that blues shuffle in C. Ps: this bike has GL1200 geometry, I get why it is so capable. Nicely done.
I took a 890 road mile run back from the south of France back the UK on a 1200 custom 2002 sporty ten fill ups and 90mph for most of the journey, 2 hours of this journey were spent on a ferry
I love these types of videos man. Super high quality stuff. Thanks for showing folks our little slice of heaven in West Texas. The drive from Austin to San Angelo is amazing as well.
We tour on Honda Rebel 500, so I guess you should be able to do it on a Low Rider. But hey, great video and thanks for showing us nice places to ride. Keep the good work you are doing, stay safe and have a great 2023!
Last year I rode from DFW, TX to Clearwater, FL to visit my dad. I ride a 2007 Softail standard FXST. I also don't have a fairing or windscreen. Country roads.
I toured comfortably on my 2004 Sportser. Of course, it was the first of the rubber mounted Sporties and I fitted: a Memphis Shades removal windscrean; removeable Leatherpros sadlebags, luggage rack and sissybar; replaced the crap stock rear shocks; and highway pegs.
Had a bunch of Harleys. Had a bunch of bikes. Of COURSE you can tour on a softail. I have a Heritage now, and it's perfect. It's NOT my '16 RGS for touring, but it's OK. Heck, I toured all of Western Europe for 6 weeks on a 76 FLH, with leather bags and no screen. I toured the Western US on a Yamaha 400 a million years ago (bad idea, great ride) and have been coast to coast on a '72 Triumph 650 and '96 Triumph 900 Sprint (not touring bikes). It's down to: how much do you want to stop, what roads are you riding, what do you want to bring with you and how was the weather (last question asked post ride)? Get out there and ride.
My wife and I rode our Ducati st2 to California from Pennsylvania 2up in 2016 ! We left with 186,000 miles on the clock , turned 190.000 in Colorado on the return trip!! Just do it !!! 😀😀😀😀🏍🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺
I had an 08 Low Rider that I commuted on for 85k miles. The main change the I HAD to do... was a windshield. The wind pressure pushing you back without it, is just too much for long distance riding. I went from the HD windshield (quick connect) to a Batwing Fairing for the looks and full coverage after a while. I would also upgrade the seat to a Saddleman with a backrest, if you plan on really putting on the miles. But I did do quite a few 250 mile days and didnt feel that bad at the end. On the other end though... I did get a Street Glide after the Low Rider... Its just way more comfortable for long distance.
Did a 1000 mile on a small Honda cb350 in under 24 hours non stop, in the middle of rainy season, some bad roads and with no navigation (nav glitched). You just gotta wing it and be a bit crazy
Took my Low Rider ST on a 3,000 mile ride this year. Of course it can tour. I don’t know anyone in my circle or riders who have said/think the opposite.
If you love to ride you can tour on anything . I can strap up a canvas and sleeping bag on the sissybar and fill up some throwovers on the sporty go as i please east to west and back and love every minute of it.
I rode a 73 XLH across the country - twice - forty years ago and I'm 6'6". I also wrenched for HD in the late 80s. I've noticed HD dealerships today hire sales people that are more concerned with selling you what they can make the most money from, including stupid accessories, garb and toys. I avoid my local dealer as much as possible.
The restaurant across the street from Hondo's, Catfish Haven, was my first job as a kid. Super cool that you frequent that area and I get to see little glimpses of it in modern times!
i have a 2020 Softail Standard and a 07 Dyna and use both of them to tour on as i ride from Michigan to Florida twice a year and they are both great to ride , great video and content just subbed 👍
I'm pretty sure the definition of mittens is that the fingers are all in one compartment. Those are gloves. I think you're talking about glove liners there. I actually had to find some gloves that were thinner in order to stay warm - the thick ones didn't let the heat from the heated grips get through. I found some cheap motorcycle gloves off Amazon that were thin on the palms and had steel/plastic knuckle guards that pretty much stop the wind coming from the front. EDIT: Oh heck you didn't have heated grips? Yikes.
The solo ride quality on a my wife’s 2016 Heritage Classic is substantially better than my Street Glide Special was or my current FLTRXSE. Her machine has fork mount air deflectors and a “mail slot” windshield. The turbulence behind the windshield on her machine is much less than my Road Glide. Okay, the FLSTC luggage isn’t optimal for lengthy road work. We put Rushmore bags and a chopped tour pac on her bike to remedy that issue. There are kits available, but they really aren’t a “bolt on”. It’s not a huge deal, but you do have to fuss with it a little. Suz put 105,000 miles on her ‘02 Heritage, has 35k miles on her ‘16, and she’s no stranger to 1,000 mile days in the saddle. The early Softail could use more lean angle, for those in need, but otherwise it is an awesome touring platform!
Anyone can tour on anything.. I own a GSXS-750 .. given it's not the comfort of a Goldwing but since I've always owned naked bikes, I don't feel that missing the windshield is such a terrible thing. Whatever you have, just ride, it'll be that much more adventure to talk about. Keep going Spite!
Gotta love riding through roads with a view. I was lucky enough to be stationed in the military in oahu and I loved the views when riding in my street glide
The machine matters only so far as it is reliable for a trip. My ex and I took 2 brand new Evo Sportsters on a 2 week ride up the eastern seaboard. One does not need a "glide" to tour. However it is indeed more comfortable.
I've done turn and burn 48 hour trips from Sacramento to Seattle and back on a Sportster before. Ride what you have. That said, the Lowrider ST is my holy grail for a touring bike, it ticks all the boxes without becoming a giant couch.
It definitely depends on your level of commitment and enthusiasm. That being said... I've rode with plenty of guys and gals, that were riding Heritages and Road Kings, from SW Missouri to see Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, Old Faithful, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. They all loved every mile of it.
You can tour on a moped if that’s all you have. That being said a bike that can keep up with traffic is really a must. Look at the choppers from back in the day who toured way more than we do today. Sure your balance would not be ideal on a chopper with tent tied under headlight and luggage tied onto the back but still got the job done. The main thing is not the fact you can comfortably tour on a sportster but the other 95% that you actually ride the bike not touring. Buy your bike for what you need day to day and if you decide to tour not a problem.
Tour on a softail with no fairing,no saddle bags,lower bars,and forward controls. (Fatboy,Breakout,FXDR,Night Train,Rocker C,Wide glide,Blackline,Fatbob)
You are correct. The big baggers are more comfortable on long rides, but I toured the U.S. on a 1998 XLC 1200 for 10years. It can be done. I will say I was tired after riding that little bike for 500+miles/per day. I have done long rides on a 1997 Heritage Softail, and I was comfortable, but I will say the 2012 Road glide IS the most comfortable motorcycle I own.
You can tour on anything with a motor. I drove the entire left coast and back south on a Kawasaki EX500 twin in 1992. It hurt. It hurt bad but the bike ran perfectly for 37,000 miles in the 2.5 years in between deployments when I traded it in because the clutch cable popped on the way to work, the first thing that failed on the bike.
Points of interest: big red rock sticking out of the ground where the Indians were introduced to the revolver, the Texas Ranger Museum, the world's largest swimming pool. Also scenes from no country for old men.
Another trick is latex gloves...put a pair of latex skin tight gloves under your regular gloves as it cuts wind and surprisingly enough keeps you warmer than expected.
Merry Christmas Spite! Great video! The view of you cruising towards the sunset and the roads really put in perspective how nice it looks there but also how free it can feel to ride. Also great music choices.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Spite! Thank you for the video. Enjoyed watching it. The scenery looks stunning, breathtaking views. And I completely agree - bigger tanks for bigger engines, plus heated grips as a must. Hello from New Zealand.
Try touring on an evo softail from the 90’s was it comfortable, no not really but was it a really fun and memorable experience HELL YEAH! It was a great trip. Then a few months later I rode from buffalo to Pittsburgh and back in the same day and it was all highway riding, would I want to go 70+ on the interstate again like that no not really but yet again it was a really fun day. I’ve ridden all the new softails that Harley offers and I loved all of them, some more than others but all felt so good with amazing power and giddy up and go for days. Nobody needs to go 120 and over all day unless you’re on a track or have a death wish
Negative 90 minutes early for KSU. LoL. I am stealing this phrase. Edit: This was a great video -- it might be my favorite Spite's Corner. Love this motovlog style when it combined with great scenery.
I've done a 500 mile away trip hungout for 3 days and rode back the 500 miles on a sporster I used to ride a 400 mile round trip to meet up with a friend on a 250 rebel it doesn't matter the bike it matters the rider all the bikes can do it if the rider can handle it.
The comment Harley Guy's say that pisses me off is: "I drive a REAL bike" or "I have a big boy bike". Yes, Jim Bob, you have a 1400cc engine that makes 128hp to the wheel. My little japanese bike that's 1,000cc's making 204hp and weighs 1/3 of your "big boy bike" all for $10,000 less could NEVER make a man out of me. 🙄
I have a RK, and severalnof my friends wont go more than 100 miles on their glides. Meanwhile I have other friends on SV650s who have gone from MA to FL.
I have about 100k miles on Harleys. Been to dozens of rallies. I've probably been to a Harley dealership a couple times a month, every month, for the past 4 years. I've never heard anyone say you can't tour on a softail. (Except maybe a salesperson that I wasn't really paying attention to.) 🤷♂️ The only Harley "tourer" I'd have is a Road King. I hate fairings and love big windshields. And my '03 Heritage (88" motor) rides better than any of the M8 models. That isn't what a mitten is. 😄
The gas tank size of almost all motorcycles drives me crazy. It's why I'm looking at a vStrom 650 or 1000. Why in the world should we HAVE to stop every 120 to 150 miles. Just crazy. Fun video.
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Huge shout out to FLYING EYES for supporting the channel! If you want to get yourself a pair use the code SPITE for 10% off your order at: flyingeyesoptics.com/eyewear/?ref=spitescorner
Doodle on a motorcycle has a great long hair guide for no tangle long hair
But Spite, what's the name of the burrito shop worth riding to Marfa for?!?
Ive had my pare of flying eyes for about 4 years now, I fly and ride so I find myself not wearing any other sunglasses now, lol.
@UCObfdz15rUPc57Ob1b6_gtA e❤😅❤
200 bucks a pair??😅😂I pass.
LOL In 1978 I toured on my 1973 Honda CB 175 k1. In 3 months, I covered 5791 miles. It's not in the bike, it's in the heart!
Dude you can tour on a Grom. You just need to be HARD ENOUGH :D
True that
THIS GUY GETS IT!!! 🏆YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYE BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP
Yep!
Groms are for little boys
@@Bluis5445 Yup, like me and all us that aren't growing up. They're a ton of fun. Did you see when Dork in the Road went moto camping on his?
I did 6 day, 1800 mile trip on Honda CB500X and absolutely loved it. 95% of our trip was 2 lane mountain roads bike was an absolute blast to ride. Don’t need to blow 20K to go on a trip.
You are correct,I have done 1,000 mile trips on a Yamaha RD 350. Of course I was alot younger then but it can be done
@@jeffstanford4287 I did it when I was 48. Didn’t kiss a beat and I was hanging with larger bikes
8000km on a Bandit 1200 2 up to tuktoyuktuk. You do NOT need fancy to work
@@5280Roadrunner Thats the spirit, never kiss a beat ;-)
Exactly. In that sense Harleys are the stereotypical anti-tourer. Expensive, heavy, thirsty, prestigeous. The perfect machine to ride to the next Starbucks on Sumdays (when the weather is 75-78F) and show off on the parking lot while sipping a double decaf macciato, Bro!
I know someone that rode florida to Washington in 11 days with 7 other people on 50cc scooters. It's all about how you set up the adventure.
I'm curious how you would compare this to the Pan America on the same ride? By the by, I really appreciate that you use the "have credit card, let's travel" packing style. So many channels make like you need to pack for crossing the Gobi desert anytime you want to go out for a weekend!
I never understood that either. "I NEED ALL THE SPACE OF ALL THE BAGS!".
No, you don't. I carry all I need for even a week long trip in one waterproof duffle strapped to the sissybar on the back seat: a pair of shoes, toiletries (including a set of clippers), all the clothes. And there's still room to spare, I could also throw in half the medicine cabinet (if I had one) and a jacket.
A duffle bag also has more usable space than any saddle bag or tour pack. There's so many things you can't put in either because of the shape, or ways you have to jimmy stuff around to make it all fit.
Even then, I don't understand what you could possibly need on a road trip other than your clothes, toiletries and medicines. You don't need to being the whole house and 50 pairs of shoes. -_-
Yep. It doesnt need to be something that costs a lot either. I regularly do 5 day/4 night trips with just a midsized tail bag. 2 pairs of jeans and 2 shirts, daily underwear and socks, hygiene stuff. Generally the pants and t-shirts can handle two days, but if not, stop and do laundry midway through.
Camping is obviously very different, but I've found most midrange hotels have laundry facilities or can point you to some.
Obviously depending on potential weather things can change, and how far off the beaten path you're going. But my experience is the VAST majority of trips people take tend to take trips where you're stopping for the nights in civilization.
So you're not planning on burning money as you travel, but you know if things go sideways, Mr. Credit Card can get you clothes or whatever. You really don't need to try and be prepared for anything.
Yeah, but it doesn't hurt to have a tire patch kit and air compressor as well as zip ties and a small and efficient tool kit. You'd be a hurting unit if you caught a nail in BFE Texas with no cell phone service. Unlike most other bike manufacturers, HD doesn't provide a rudimentary emergency tool kit with their bikes.
I even tour on my Sportster 48 (swapped the peanut tank for a 4.5 gallon though). After some minor and tasteful mods, ANY Harley can be a tourer! ITS A HARLEY!!!
I love touring on my 1999 883 Sportster Harley. It doesn't make a lot of horsepower but it runs cool to up in Florida in August 200° in the oil tank and the bike doesn't make you to death riding down the road. When the orange blossoms are in bloom we have the sweetest smelling air on earth. I don't ride at night because of the wild pigs and the textures and the trunks Etc. All my trips are day trips on back roads I don't super slab it anywhere if I don't have to that is. My riding Buddies the chaplain of our post Riders chapter has the peanut tank so we stop every hundred miles for him to fuel up he has a smoke or take a piss on top of the tank I have a soda walk around stretch my legs and then we're good for another hundred miles down the road.
Great video as always Spite, this is my motorcycling goal, be able to just take a long weekend and ride to a destination, ride home, hit some good roads along the way. Thanks for taking us along!
Merry Christmas to all and to all a safe ride!! 🏍️💨
It's nice to see the off the beaten path roads in other states. Gives me some destination ideas for when I actually get to ride in the lower 48. Keep up the good content and turn your mic on.
You can spend a whole summer in any one Western state!
I like how Spite's stretching out and going places with these bikes.
im so happy that the community is what it is and that 100k is under your channel. You deserve much more. Happy new year
I was thinking the exact same thing!!
I’m 6’1. Since I’ve had my St, I’ve added a Saddleman SDC pro seat, sissy bar, 10 inch risers with a 1 inch pull back, forwards, custom dynamic led turn signals and grips. Such a fun bike to ride.
"It's 55° and my fingers are cold." And sunshine. Hahaha, I wish I had that problem! 55 and I'm wearing my summer gloves, feeling good.
Yeah, it's cold for Texas lol. Down in the thirties today 😂
Agreed. I've just been hoping for anything near 40 to get out and ride in.
Bought my first softail in 2004. FXSTBI Night Train. Soft bags, sport shield and tool bag and that was it. First run long run that year was Ventura, CA to Sturgis, SD round trip. No issues. Rode 1157 miles the last day. You can tour on anything. Run what you brung.
Oh smokey and the bandit reference for the win. Plus at the end, he's channeling his inner M$B in the dirt. Lol
@Spite's Corner, as a truck driver, who lives near the other side of 10 in tx..... my thoughts heading west.... "there's a curve ahead in abt 45 minutes, better watch for it". I've took that shortcut from Houston many times, 290 to Austin, then to 10. That tiny rest area between Austin and 10 is technically Luckenbach, at least it's address is, the town is a few miles away.
Yeah the bike pretty much road itself to FT Stockton
@@spitescorner "rode".
Hi from a Aussie 48 sporty rider really liking the tour videos I thought that 3 day adventure bike tour was some your best work yet . This one's just as good stunning countryside with the road all to yourself.
Hell we had guys “touring” Iraq on oversized dirt bike. And they carried all their gear and weapons for the duration of the combat tour. You can tour on any bike if you plan accordingly.
Exactly
I bought a Heritage Softail new in 89. Rode it coast to coast and back 3 times. When I retired from the Navy in 97 I spent 2 straight months riding every day all over the country.
Everything with two wheels and a motor can be used for touring. You can even use a Honda Monkeybike for it - it all depends on the resilience of the driver.
1983 went from Oxnard CA to Omaha NE on a RD 250 and drove back on a RD 400 . Touring bike is what you own and ride not a marketing idea.
What an adventure! Thanks for the fun video, and props to you for gutting it out all the way to Terlingua. I DO NOT enjoy riding at night in the middle of nowhere...ever since hitting a deer on my Triumph Tiger 1200 at night.
Good video, but I think you can tour on ANY bike, it just limits your miles per day. My friend and I 'toured' WA state to Tijuana Mexico and back on Kawasaki 500 oil burning triple crotch rockets in the day. well done vid!
Harley riders are just on a different planet. Same reason they seem to think the Sportster is a pit bike for beginners
Absolutely, it’s a bike I aspire to.
Just did this trip in early October 2022 on a Kawasaki Concours 14. DFW > Fort Davis>Presidio >Terlingua>Big Bend>Fort Davis. The river road (Texas 170) was beautiful.. Got a great video of the Rio Grand running deep after rains 200ft below at the spot you mentioned. Presidio was warm as the devils crotch in early October. If a rider has not done this trip, you owe it to yourself. Like the Tail of the Dragon, the Pigs Trail, Independence Pass, Bear Tooths Pass, the Lola Pass, Yellowstone or the Going to the Sun Road.. it just has to be experienced. Thanks Spite for another bundle of giggles.
I'm from the saint louis area and the best way I've found to keep my hands warm is rubber "doctor" gloves under the winter gloves. It keeps you warm till you get into the 20's.
I tour frequently on my 2004 Softail Deuce. I prefer the softail over the 800-900 monstrosities like the streat and road glide. The softail is heavy enough for "stability" but lighter then a bagger.
I rode the world’s record poker run. We went over 3,000 miles. We had some 500 + mile days. We had people on all kinds over motorcycles. We had a lot of touring model Harley Davidsons , we had a few Sportsters and a Pan America, There were a couple Gold Wings, a couple of VTX and even I sport bike. You can tour on what ever bike works for you.
I rode my 2006 superglide from Washington DC to big bend and back 3 years ago and going to do it again this year can’t wait
I have a 2018 Low Rider and I’ve been told numerous times by different dealers “you rode all the way out here on that?” I live in NYC and have ridden North to Maine, South to West Virginia, and West to Ohio on my FXLR.
Spite, great video (as always!) I’ve got my used ‘19 Deluxe and I enjoy the best of both worlds in touring and just riding around town. What have I done to make it a touring bike:
* Saddlebags (on bike when bought.)
* Sundowner seat (on bike as well.)
* Windshield
* Cruise Control Kit (Waited so long for this. So welcomed!)
* Sissy Bar, luggage tail rack, and touring luggage.
*Legend Suspension (in back.)
When I am just riding around town, luggage comes off with the sissy bar and rack. But, when I ride to an overnight with the HOG group, my bike can go toe to toe with the Street/Road Glides.
Thanks!
I took my softail standard from North Carolina to south Florida and back this past fall. No problem
Sooo true. I took my Sporty 72 from Toronto to Calgary and back. Best ride ever, and I still have ppl saying it can't be done... esp Harley ppl. !! Fifteen grand and fifteen miles don't make u a biker!
And it's usually those guys that HAUL their bikes on a flatbed to some far away trail that say they tour.
Funny, I’ve never heard anyone say that. I put 16,803 miles in 14 months on a 2021 Sport Glide before trading it for the Lowrider ST. From Ga to Milwaukee second week of ownership, across through Niagara Ny, down through the Catskills, to NYC through Philly for a bite, DC for changing of the guard, and back to Atlanta. 4000+ in a month. Since then, Ga to Fort Worth Tx and back, as well as a round trip from Ga to Ft Leavenworth Ks. Lookin forward to puttin bigger numbers on my Lowrider.
I tour my Dyna wide glide no problems, people told me it would be uncomfortable but I love it
You can tour on a softail… but after buying my RGS it’s kinda hard to go back. Those thumb toggles make nav/music/menus so much easier to operate on the fly.
Great video, Spite. You're making your point beautifully, by doing. Lovely scenery footage, with that blues shuffle in C.
Ps: this bike has GL1200 geometry, I get why it is so capable. Nicely done.
I took a 890 road mile
run back from the south of France back the UK on a 1200 custom 2002 sporty ten fill ups and 90mph for most of the journey, 2 hours of this journey were spent on a ferry
I love these types of videos man. Super high quality stuff. Thanks for showing folks our little slice of heaven in West Texas. The drive from Austin to San Angelo is amazing as well.
We tour on Honda Rebel 500, so I guess you should be able to do it on a Low Rider.
But hey, great video and thanks for showing us nice places to ride.
Keep the good work you are doing, stay safe and have a great 2023!
Dude, I road my HD nightrain from NC to Sturgis to Yellowstone and back to NC in 11 days. No problem. I was 65 years old at the time.
Last year I rode from DFW, TX to Clearwater, FL to visit my dad. I ride a 2007 Softail standard FXST. I also don't have a fairing or windscreen. Country roads.
I toured comfortably on my 2004 Sportser. Of course, it was the first of the rubber mounted Sporties and I fitted: a Memphis Shades removal windscrean; removeable Leatherpros sadlebags, luggage rack and sissybar; replaced the crap stock rear shocks; and highway pegs.
Yeah snow or ski gloves made of silk are great to go under motorcycle gloves when riding in the cold.
Don’t know if you’ve ever rode through Leakey Hondo Rock Springs Utopia but if you haven’t I’d recommend that. Beautiful ride.
the look i got riding my old 883 to the harley museum looks where priceless
Had a bunch of Harleys. Had a bunch of bikes. Of COURSE you can tour on a softail. I have a Heritage now, and it's perfect. It's NOT my '16 RGS for touring, but it's OK. Heck, I toured all of Western Europe for 6 weeks on a 76 FLH, with leather bags and no screen. I toured the Western US on a Yamaha 400 a million years ago (bad idea, great ride) and have been coast to coast on a '72 Triumph 650 and '96 Triumph 900 Sprint (not touring bikes). It's down to: how much do you want to stop, what roads are you riding, what do you want to bring with you and how was the weather (last question asked post ride)? Get out there and ride.
My wife and I rode our Ducati st2 to California from Pennsylvania 2up in 2016 ! We left with 186,000 miles on the clock , turned 190.000 in Colorado on the return trip!! Just do it !!! 😀😀😀😀🏍🏍🏍🏍🍺🍺🍺
I had an 08 Low Rider that I commuted on for 85k miles. The main change the I HAD to do... was a windshield. The wind pressure pushing you back without it, is just too much for long distance riding. I went from the HD windshield (quick connect) to a Batwing Fairing for the looks and full coverage after a while. I would also upgrade the seat to a Saddleman with a backrest, if you plan on really putting on the miles. But I did do quite a few 250 mile days and didnt feel that bad at the end.
On the other end though... I did get a Street Glide after the Low Rider... Its just way more comfortable for long distance.
Did a 1000 mile on a small Honda cb350 in under 24 hours non stop, in the middle of rainy season, some bad roads and with no navigation (nav glitched).
You just gotta wing it and be a bit crazy
Took my Low Rider ST on a 3,000 mile ride this year. Of course it can tour. I don’t know anyone in my circle or riders who have said/think the opposite.
I toured on a drz400s. Now I tour on a tuono. Just depends how fast you want to get there and how much yoga you do...
If you love to ride you can tour on anything . I can strap up a canvas and sleeping bag on the sissybar and fill up some throwovers on the sporty go as i please east to west and back and love every minute of it.
I rode a 73 XLH across the country - twice - forty years ago and I'm 6'6". I also wrenched for HD in the late 80s. I've noticed HD dealerships today hire sales people that are more concerned with selling you what they can make the most money from, including stupid accessories, garb and toys. I avoid my local dealer as much as possible.
The restaurant across the street from Hondo's, Catfish Haven, was my first job as a kid. Super cool that you frequent that area and I get to see little glimpses of it in modern times!
yes a touring bike is whatever you have. Also congrats on 100k !
Man I picked up an 883 the other day to bring it in for service, lady rode all the way to Sturgis on it.
i have a 2020 Softail Standard and a 07 Dyna and use both of them to tour on as i ride from Michigan to Florida twice a year and they are both great to ride , great video and content just subbed 👍
I'm pretty sure the definition of mittens is that the fingers are all in one compartment. Those are gloves. I think you're talking about glove liners there.
I actually had to find some gloves that were thinner in order to stay warm - the thick ones didn't let the heat from the heated grips get through. I found some cheap motorcycle gloves off Amazon that were thin on the palms and had steel/plastic knuckle guards that pretty much stop the wind coming from the front.
EDIT: Oh heck you didn't have heated grips? Yikes.
Yeah, I just call fuzzy gloves mittens, but no heated grips was a real bummer. It was like mid 30s when the sun went down
The solo ride quality on a my wife’s 2016 Heritage Classic is substantially better than my Street Glide Special was or my current FLTRXSE.
Her machine has fork mount air deflectors and a “mail slot” windshield. The turbulence behind the windshield on her machine is much less than my Road Glide.
Okay, the FLSTC luggage isn’t optimal for lengthy road work. We put Rushmore bags and a chopped tour pac on her bike to remedy that issue. There are kits available, but they really aren’t a “bolt on”. It’s not a huge deal, but you do have to fuss with it a little.
Suz put 105,000 miles on her ‘02 Heritage, has 35k miles on her ‘16, and she’s no stranger to 1,000 mile days in the saddle.
The early Softail could use more lean angle, for those in need, but otherwise it is an awesome touring platform!
Anyone can tour on anything.. I own a GSXS-750 .. given it's not the comfort of a Goldwing but since I've always owned naked bikes, I don't feel that missing the windshield is such a terrible thing. Whatever you have, just ride, it'll be that much more adventure to talk about. Keep going Spite!
You can tour on anything. I’ve had many 600+ mile days on a 2nd gen KLR
Gotta love riding through roads with a view. I was lucky enough to be stationed in the military in oahu and I loved the views when riding in my street glide
You can tour on anything done it on a sporty
The machine matters only so far as it is reliable for a trip. My ex and I took 2 brand new Evo Sportsters on a 2 week ride up the eastern seaboard. One does not need a "glide" to tour. However it is indeed more comfortable.
I've done turn and burn 48 hour trips from Sacramento to Seattle and back on a Sportster before. Ride what you have. That said, the Lowrider ST is my holy grail for a touring bike, it ticks all the boxes without becoming a giant couch.
Like the video, never heard anyone, especially at a harley dealer say you cant tour on a softail though.
I tour on my Street Bob, laid down 2000 miles in a few days all I had was my sea bag and had no issues.
It definitely depends on your level of commitment and enthusiasm. That being said... I've rode with plenty of guys and gals, that were riding Heritages and Road Kings, from SW Missouri to see Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, Old Faithful, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. They all loved every mile of it.
Ive cross country toured on a bicycle with a backpack.
You can tour on a moped if that’s all you have. That being said a bike that can keep up with traffic is really a must.
Look at the choppers from back in the day who toured way more than we do today. Sure your balance would not be ideal on a chopper with tent tied under headlight and luggage tied onto the back but still got the job done.
The main thing is not the fact you can comfortably tour on a sportster but the other 95% that you actually ride the bike not touring. Buy your bike for what you need day to day and if you decide to tour not a problem.
I had a street ball before I traded it in for the ST. I tore it on my Bob all the time just strap a small backpack to the Sissy bar you get to go
you could tour on a moped if you want. but a touring chassis will be more comfortable.
Tour on a softail with no fairing,no saddle bags,lower bars,and forward controls. (Fatboy,Breakout,FXDR,Night Train,Rocker C,Wide glide,Blackline,Fatbob)
Looking to buy a Low Rider ST and this video has brought me closer to getting one. I'm in New Braunfels and hope to see you on the road sometime.
You are correct. The big baggers are more comfortable on long rides, but I toured the U.S. on a 1998 XLC 1200 for 10years. It can be done. I will say I was tired after riding that little bike for 500+miles/per day. I have done long rides on a 1997 Heritage Softail, and I was comfortable, but I will say the 2012 Road glide IS the most comfortable motorcycle I own.
I ride my lowrider s from laredo tx to carlsbad nm for work everytime and im a heavy guy and i have no complains
You can tour on anything with a motor. I drove the entire left coast and back south on a Kawasaki EX500 twin in 1992. It hurt. It hurt bad but the bike ran perfectly for 37,000 miles in the 2.5 years in between deployments when I traded it in because the clutch cable popped on the way to work, the first thing that failed on the bike.
Right on man my xl1200c can do whatever I decide to travel
Points of interest: big red rock sticking out of the ground where the Indians were introduced to the revolver, the Texas Ranger Museum, the world's largest swimming pool. Also scenes from no country for old men.
I been to Marfa once in 1988 just a visit. It's a small golf town.
----- 600 subs from the TON: Merry Christmas, Spite - you'll have them - like the song says :
" if not by Christmas, by New Year's Day "
Another trick is latex gloves...put a pair of latex skin tight gloves under your regular gloves as it cuts wind and surprisingly enough keeps you warmer than expected.
I did a 950+ miles on a Honda VT1100 Shadow Spirit with no problems, in a weekend
Spite is killin' the game! Awesome, seeing you flourish! Thank you for the awesome content!!!
Merry Christmas Spite! Great video! The view of you cruising towards the sunset and the roads really put in perspective how nice it looks there but also how free it can feel to ride.
Also great music choices.
2011, Nov.9th, Michigan. '05 FXSTI. Nov.15th, Walker, California. Atlas in tow. No cell phone. Temperature never got above 55 degrees.
And at 50 yrs of age.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Spite! Thank you for the video. Enjoyed watching it. The scenery looks stunning, breathtaking views. And I completely agree - bigger tanks for bigger engines, plus heated grips as a must. Hello from New Zealand.
Try touring on an evo softail from the 90’s was it comfortable, no not really but was it a really fun and memorable experience HELL YEAH! It was a great trip. Then a few months later I rode from buffalo to Pittsburgh and back in the same day and it was all highway riding, would I want to go 70+ on the interstate again like that no not really but yet again it was a really fun day. I’ve ridden all the new softails that Harley offers and I loved all of them, some more than others but all felt so good with amazing power and giddy up and go for days. Nobody needs to go 120 and over all day unless you’re on a track or have a death wish
Negative 90 minutes early for KSU. LoL. I am stealing this phrase.
Edit: This was a great video -- it might be my favorite Spite's Corner. Love this motovlog style when it combined with great scenery.
I've done a 500 mile away trip hungout for 3 days and rode back the 500 miles on a sporster I used to ride a 400 mile round trip to meet up with a friend on a 250 rebel it doesn't matter the bike it matters the rider all the bikes can do it if the rider can handle it.
The comment Harley Guy's say that pisses me off is: "I drive a REAL bike" or "I have a big boy bike".
Yes, Jim Bob, you have a 1400cc engine that makes 128hp to the wheel. My little japanese bike that's 1,000cc's making 204hp and weighs 1/3 of your "big boy bike" all for $10,000 less could NEVER make a man out of me. 🙄
Went from Cincinnati to sturgis and back (3200mi round trip) on my 22 FXST
I have a RK, and severalnof my friends wont go more than 100 miles on their glides. Meanwhile I have other friends on SV650s who have gone from MA to FL.
I have about 100k miles on Harleys. Been to dozens of rallies. I've probably been to a Harley dealership a couple times a month, every month, for the past 4 years. I've never heard anyone say you can't tour on a softail. (Except maybe a salesperson that I wasn't really paying attention to.)
🤷♂️
The only Harley "tourer" I'd have is a Road King. I hate fairings and love big windshields. And my '03 Heritage (88" motor) rides better than any of the M8 models.
That isn't what a mitten is. 😄
Any motorcycle with a bag thrown over the seat is a touring bike. I read that somewhere about 50 years ago.
I have 100% NEVER EVER heard anyone say that. NEVER. Come on Spite...
The gas tank size of almost all motorcycles drives me crazy. It's why I'm looking at a vStrom 650 or 1000. Why in the world should we HAVE to stop every 120 to 150 miles. Just crazy. Fun video.
99.3k subs, so close to the 100k. Hope you make it this year . Well done!