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Here in South America people will tour chinese, carburated, 200cc adapted supermotos all along the Patagonia and back. Trust me you don't need car sized motorcycles to have an adventure.
As a disclaimer, I say this as someone who loves small displacement bikes. It bears understanding that touring in North America is wildly unlike South America. In North America you need to expect (even if you're going out of your way to hit winding roads when they're an option) literally hundreds of miles of open straight highway, where you're literally not turning for hours at a time. A 250 is miserable in such circumstances. If you can't do 85-90mph for hours at a time, that becomes *extremely* tedious.
@@Wintersdark Try touring the south of Argentina, you will find thousands upon thousands of kilometers of roads that wouldn't be too different from what you are describing. To be clear, though, people would choose something like an HD Pan America over these smaller bikes if they could, of course. Since the economy over here is in the toilet, they would need five lifetimes to afford it, so they cannot choose the better bikes. Anyway, what I am getting at is that any cruiser bike over 500cc is plenty capable of some hardcore touring, so the debate between a huge bike and a not so huge but still pretty big bike is somewhat pointless from my perspective. Ride safe! 🏍️
Congrats on the 100K - if you can ride you can tour on anything, I hope one day to leave my home state on my Road King but I'm scared it won't make it as I keep hearing how unreliable Harley Davidsons are....
Whoever is telling you Harley’s are unreliable is full of it. If you do all your maintenance they will take you far and wide. I work as a tech at an Indy shop and see high mileage Harley’s above 60-70k all the time. Mine alone has 40k hard miles with zero issues. Cheers and go ride your bike! ❤
I once forgot to latch both saddlebags on my street glide and some woman kept waving at me.. I thought I was getting hit on but she was trying to tell me my bags were open lol.
Im enjoying your product Spite. You were what made the yamchan watchable. Best thing that ever happened (imo) is you producing your own. I look forward to seeing future content. Be safe, be well.
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!
harley people exist in this weird world where its okay to pay double the price of what somehting worth and has half the performance of that. So they over pay by 4x t
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.
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!
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.
By far, one of my favorite rides of the year so far. Thank you for taking me along, brother. And that look-out spot at 22:00 was SPECTACULAR! I'm also beginning to really like that bikke.
You can tour on any bike! I toured the entire eastern US on a 1972 BSA, and also on a 1975 750 Suzuki! Just pack up and ride. On the Suzuki we toured 2up with camping gear!
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 toured America for 3 months on Honda 750CB. Next year I went to Mexico Baja an third year across Canada, so, if you can tour on 750cc you can tour on any Harley! Then came Bronson TV series was on Harley Sportster!
That sentiment likely comes from the pre 2018 redesign Softail when they had 2" of rear suspension travel from the underslung shocks, and would break your spine over bumps. The 2018+ bikes are an entirely different animal.
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.
lol, people are wild, same dudes that have a 2y old bagger with 3k miles on it. Looking at trading in my FXLRS I got new back in August 2021. I'm currently sitting just a tad under 34k miles, and that's in New Hampshire where winters are pretty much guaranteed to put your bike up for 2-3 months (this winter has been mild though, been off and on it depending on road conditions). In a bit over a year my FXLRS has seen almost every state on the east coast. I rode from Concord, NH to Fayetteville, NC last Memorial Day weekend, stopping in Baltimore to relax and get a couple hours of sleep. Sure after 4hrs or so I'm getting a bit sore on it, but there is no reason you cannot go cross country on a Softail, or just about anything for that matter. Doing the same run again this Memorial Day weekend with a friend of mine. Might be doing it on an ST this time, I'm really digging the white ST... it's sexy af. Anyway, dudes that talk shit like this are usually the weekend warriors that play dress up like Wild Hogs, stfu and ride your shit and let other people ride theirs.
"dont get stuck dont get stuck dont get stuck!" I felt that to my core...I have uttered those same words many times. never on a bike though. But hey now you know!
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.
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.
@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.
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.
Man if thats your favourite road to ride on in the US you'd be ecstatic to ride some roads in Morocco where its mile and miles of scenery like that, haven't had the chance to go through them myself (*very* beginner rider) but I understand your love for it.
First time I took a multi state trip on a bike - it was a Honda 350 with canvas saddlebags - I was just north of 6 feet and about 175 lbs - nobody told me I needed a TOURING bike - oh wait - back then we just had motorcycles without all the marketing department assigned categories - ride what ya got and enjoy the ride
What, no heated grips?? BTW, you can tour on anything with the right equipment/gear…and Terlingua is almost in Mexico👍🏼Entertaining vid…Merry Christmas.
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.
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.
I will say it. At my age and with all the parts of my body that I have destroyed getting here, I cannot tour on a Softail. Even having done the bars, seat, and windshield on my old Fatboy, I was in agony after doing a 5 hour ride. Even without doing the seat and bars on the Street Glide, I can do 5 hours and still function. I want you to do this same video when you hit 50 and see if it holds up.
Old fat boy. Was this a twin cam model? If so, that suspension has no travel and is a different capability range. I have a 2016 fat boy and it’ll beat you up after a while but the new soft tails have more capability and shock travel - especially the heritage and one this guy is riding.
I'm 50 with a bad back and knee, I can still ride for hours on my street bob. An hour on my son's sportster s and I'm almost a cripple after I get off it 🤣
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.
@@spitescorner But which burrito place in Marfa? Google shows at least half a dozen. As much as I like a good burrito I'm not going to drive across west Texas that many times.
I've never heard that saying in my life, "it's fast...for a Harley" I hear all the time, after getting a z900 I fully understand what that means since my dyna makes 106hp/122tq I thought it was the fastest thing on the road...definitely not!!!!
I work with an OG that rode from Maryland to California to Canada and back to Maryland again on a springer softail with a rucksack and a rolled-up canvas tarp he used for a tent.
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.
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!
Love this post! I've ridden 1200+ miles to Sturgis from Ohio three times on 2012 and 2013 Heritage Softails at age 50, 52, and 53. In 2010 I rode a '91 Sporty 883 with straight pipes from Ohio to North Carolina and rode Deal's Gap. Not bragging. Just driving home the point that if you love to ride enough, you'll ride long and far on what you have. I love my 2012 Heritage. Can't wait to ride to Sturgis on it again.
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.
@@jordanbabcock9349can confirm, I’m Canadian and my winter beater is a 07 Honda cbr125r. Little wiener of a bike, it is more noticeable with the louder pipe. Without it I’d question whether the bike is running at idle
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'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.
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 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.
I have an almost stock Dyna wide glide, no fairing, and I went from Houston to Salt Lake City and back, 6 days on the road, 500 miles daily, camped in a tent a couple nights, yeah, you can easily tour on a cruiser.
You can tour on anything. It depends of the level of discomfort you can put up with. 8) Ive got a Yamaha vStar 650, Ive toured and camped with that, I just make sure I plan time for frequent stops.
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.
The Heritage is THE ultimate touring machine. If you’re talking US-only, then there could be a case for a Touring model, but I love to strip my Heritage down at each destination across Europe. It’s like having a Slim for the narrow cobbled streets of Portugal or Italy. With a batwing fairing, it’s a bit like having a poor man’s Electra Glide. Amazing versatility.
I just 1600 miles on my 2024 low rider st. Before that I did 1000 mile trip in a triumph thruxton R. You can tour on anything that’ll reliably do highway speeds. My friend calls my st a “poverty Bagger”. He rides a 24 Indian challenger. It’s funny when we hit the twisties cause this poverty bagger sends him to GAPPLEBEES. Sick video bro 🤘🏻
Awesome! I was a river guide and worked a season in Big Bend (Rio Grande) - both in the State Park and the National Park. Was driving or riding on that road every day ( also lived on it in Study Butte)...State Rt. 170 is an awesome road, amazing views... just gotta watch for fallen rocks (mostly in the mornings) when the rocky hills are by the road (wildlife sometimes sends rocks down, mostly the mountain goats.) Terlingua/Study Butte is approx. 120 miles (and possibly an expensive helicopter ride) from the nearest hospital you would want to go to... so, yeah.... out of the way. Fun facts: Big Bend National Park is the least visited of all the National Parks... It is also the most re-visited. ;-) The Big Bend National Park is about the size of Rhode Island. Big Bend Ranch State Park is about 60% as big as the National Park.... so, lots to see. A great place to take your KLR (an ADV or Duel Sport) next time... Peace and love, brother.
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!
I rode from Cali to VA and back on a 2008 Night Rod Special. No faring, wind shield, or bags. Just me pushing wind through 22 states and 7740 miles. You can tour on damn near anything.
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.
I'm jealous, this is a type of motorcycling that I've never had the opportunity to do. Experiencing an adventure (no pun intended) on a bike, a long ride, new areas, as a sportbike guy it's not something I've ever really done. Love to see you able to provide content like this. Happy holiday Spite.
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.
Best tip of this video: rain gear is absolutely baller for keeping you warm. Thus it's always worth bringing on a trip even if you don't expect actual rain. You've got it for rain, and you've also got it for cold. Best, it tends to back down very small and tends to be light.
Who says that ? I started out in the early 70’s cruising on a RIGID ! Everyone I knew then rode Panheads, Knuckleheads and Shovels. Up 83 I got my first Brand new Harley and Electro Glide and after doing a 500 mile day I was amazed I could sill go out and do stuff instead of being worn out. But I wish I still had my old Panhead.
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 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 👍
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 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
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!
My 2019 fxbb. RWD T sport fairing. Saddlemen dxt bags. Kuryakn foot boards. Have done 4 single day trips around 16-18 hours at around 1,000 miles each. Ironass rides, and two trips straight from Indiana to the badlands South Dakota. All you need is the right seat, bar height, and a small wind blocker and something to carry basic items. You can tour on anything. The dealership bros are usually not real bikers tho. Just my two cents.
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.
Ya keep forgetting the taller suspension in the rear , a big help for comfort. I’m considering one of these bikes in the future. Harley made a good bike with this one.
My wife rode her custom 09 HD Deluxe on a little road trip back in September. Left Tampa FL alone and met me in Youngtown in Ohio , then we visited Niagara Falls, into Canada then Catskills, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before riding down to Boston and across to Dollywood TN and home to Tampa, did a total of 4500 miles...all on her 09 softail Deluxe in 2 weeks... it can be done, also prior to this trip she had NEVER rode more than 50 miles on her own..oh and she's a 110lb 61yr old woman who's only been riding for 8 years!!!
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.
Here in South America people will tour chinese, carburated, 200cc adapted supermotos all along the Patagonia and back. Trust me you don't need car sized motorcycles to have an adventure.
.. and more fun.
As a disclaimer, I say this as someone who loves small displacement bikes.
It bears understanding that touring in North America is wildly unlike South America. In North America you need to expect (even if you're going out of your way to hit winding roads when they're an option) literally hundreds of miles of open straight highway, where you're literally not turning for hours at a time.
A 250 is miserable in such circumstances. If you can't do 85-90mph for hours at a time, that becomes *extremely* tedious.
@@Wintersdark Try touring the south of Argentina, you will find thousands upon thousands of kilometers of roads that wouldn't be too different from what you are describing. To be clear, though, people would choose something like an HD Pan America over these smaller bikes if they could, of course. Since the economy over here is in the toilet, they would need five lifetimes to afford it, so they cannot choose the better bikes. Anyway, what I am getting at is that any cruiser bike over 500cc is plenty capable of some hardcore touring, so the debate between a huge bike and a not so huge but still pretty big bike is somewhat pointless from my perspective. Ride safe! 🏍️
Here in North America, you will need minimum a 1000cc to keep up with highway traffic…an you will do about 500 miles per day on average.
@@LooxJJ Minimum 1000cc? Just to "keep up with traffic"? Sounds kind of insane to me, but ok!
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?
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!
Congrats on the 100K - if you can ride you can tour on anything, I hope one day to leave my home state on my Road King but I'm scared it won't make it as I keep hearing how unreliable Harley Davidsons are....
Love your videos Danny hope Marine 1 survives South America, ride safe!
as proof of that me and a friend of mine went from Melbourne to Adelaide and back on 250cc motorbikes no fairings, no phone mounts and they went fine
You da man Danny!!
Whoever is telling you Harley’s are unreliable is full of it. If you do all your maintenance they will take you far and wide. I work as a tech at an Indy shop and see high mileage Harley’s above 60-70k all the time. Mine alone has 40k hard miles with zero issues. Cheers and go ride your bike! ❤
Hang in there M$B, you'll get there someday 😁
I once forgot to latch both saddlebags on my street glide and some woman kept waving at me.. I thought I was getting hit on but she was trying to tell me my bags were open lol.
😂😂😂same happened to me she was trying to let me know about it 👍
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.
Im enjoying your product Spite. You were what made the yamchan watchable. Best thing that ever happened (imo) is you producing your own. I look forward to seeing future content. Be safe, be well.
Totally agree. SPITE'S content meets and far exceeds the content of the previous channel-he-was-associated-with-but-shall-not-be-named.
Funny I was just thinking the same thing. I haven’t watched a yam video since the whole debacle. I’m so happy that he is up over 100,000 subs now!!!
"Yam-Chan" is sooooo funny lmao
@@karlreinke cringe
@@michaelvick2872 Yo no entiendo
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've never heard anyone say you can't tour on a soft tail, but I've heard people say they wouldn't tour on a soft tail.
I've never heard that either, I thought this was going to be a rant on the phrase "it's fast ...for a Harley"
harley people exist in this weird world where its okay to pay double the price of what somehting worth and has half the performance of that. So they over pay by 4x t
@@USAMAXI42069100hp is plenty of power
Ok, this is true. I've heard that too
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.
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!
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.
By far, one of my favorite rides of the year so far. Thank you for taking me along, brother.
And that look-out spot at 22:00 was SPECTACULAR!
I'm also beginning to really like that bikke.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a safe ride!! 🏍️💨
You can tour on any bike! I toured the entire eastern US on a 1972 BSA, and also on a 1975 750 Suzuki! Just pack up and ride. On the Suzuki we toured 2up with camping gear!
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!
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 like how Spite's stretching out and going places with these bikes.
I toured America for 3 months on Honda 750CB. Next year I went to Mexico Baja an third year across Canada, so, if you can tour on 750cc you can tour on any Harley! Then came Bronson TV series was on Harley Sportster!
That sentiment likely comes from the pre 2018 redesign Softail when they had 2" of rear suspension travel from the underslung shocks, and would break your spine over bumps. The 2018+ bikes are an entirely different animal.
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.
Oh man, that looks like a real adventure! You really put in a lot of dedication and deserve the 100k.
Proper motorcycle channel this one my man. I'm serious, this is what we wanted to see when we subscribed to a channel
"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.
lol, people are wild, same dudes that have a 2y old bagger with 3k miles on it.
Looking at trading in my FXLRS I got new back in August 2021. I'm currently sitting just a tad under 34k miles, and that's in New Hampshire where winters are pretty much guaranteed to put your bike up for 2-3 months (this winter has been mild though, been off and on it depending on road conditions).
In a bit over a year my FXLRS has seen almost every state on the east coast. I rode from Concord, NH to Fayetteville, NC last Memorial Day weekend, stopping in Baltimore to relax and get a couple hours of sleep. Sure after 4hrs or so I'm getting a bit sore on it, but there is no reason you cannot go cross country on a Softail, or just about anything for that matter.
Doing the same run again this Memorial Day weekend with a friend of mine. Might be doing it on an ST this time, I'm really digging the white ST... it's sexy af. Anyway, dudes that talk shit like this are usually the weekend warriors that play dress up like Wild Hogs, stfu and ride your shit and let other people ride theirs.
"dont get stuck dont get stuck dont get stuck!" I felt that to my core...I have uttered those same words many times. never on a bike though. But hey now you know!
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.
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.
@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.
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.
Haha, hell! I did some touring on a Honda shadow 750 w/o a screen. Good times!
Man if thats your favourite road to ride on in the US you'd be ecstatic to ride some roads in Morocco where its mile and miles of scenery like that, haven't had the chance to go through them myself (*very* beginner rider) but I understand your love for it.
First time I took a multi state trip on a bike - it was a Honda 350 with canvas saddlebags - I was just north of 6 feet and about 175 lbs - nobody told me I needed a TOURING bike - oh wait - back then we just had motorcycles without all the marketing department assigned categories - ride what ya got and enjoy the ride
What, no heated grips?? BTW, you can tour on anything with the right equipment/gear…and Terlingua is almost in Mexico👍🏼Entertaining vid…Merry Christmas.
@textme-2810 piss off
Dude you're about to hit 100k! 10 fold the goal for the new year. You deserve it. Great content as always. Merry Christmas 🎅 🎄
Let's get Spite over 100k for Christmas!!
Ive cross country toured on a bicycle with a backpack.
Oh smokey and the bandit reference for the win. Plus at the end, he's channeling his inner M$B in the dirt. Lol
Man I did 1500 miles on my Vulcan 900 Classic this past Semptember. You can tour on anything, you just need the willpower!
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.
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.
I will say it. At my age and with all the parts of my body that I have destroyed getting here, I cannot tour on a Softail. Even having done the bars, seat, and windshield on my old Fatboy, I was in agony after doing a 5 hour ride. Even without doing the seat and bars on the Street Glide, I can do 5 hours and still function. I want you to do this same video when you hit 50 and see if it holds up.
Fair point. 55 myself and Scotland don’t have weather like Texas.
Old fat boy. Was this a twin cam model? If so, that suspension has no travel and is a different capability range. I have a 2016 fat boy and it’ll beat you up after a while but the new soft tails have more capability and shock travel - especially the heritage and one this guy is riding.
@@stevencorry5790 I did 40 days 16 hours a day...on a sportster...didn't feel a thing
I'm 50 with a bad back and knee, I can still ride for hours on my street bob. An hour on my son's sportster s and I'm almost a cripple after I get off it 🤣
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.
Spite Rules!!! Burrito Time!!! Sweeeet Spites Corner hoodie! Can’t wait to buy one!
Marfa Burrito, best burrito
@@spitescorner But which burrito place in Marfa? Google shows at least half a dozen. As much as I like a good burrito I'm not going to drive across west Texas that many times.
1:30 into the video, and I can already say... you can tour on any motorcycle. It's the adventure, not the machine.
I've never heard that saying in my life, "it's fast...for a Harley" I hear all the time, after getting a z900 I fully understand what that means since my dyna makes 106hp/122tq I thought it was the fastest thing on the road...definitely not!!!!
Rode my 2005 V-Rod from Florida to Sturgis in 2010 with 3 other friends. The V-Rod had Roadglide faring and bags. It was a great trip.
I really need to get out that way on my Guzzi. Such a pretty part of Texas.
"DEWIT" Chancellor Palpatine
I work with an OG that rode from Maryland to California to Canada and back to Maryland again on a springer softail with a rucksack and a rolled-up canvas tarp he used for a tent.
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
Did 300 miles on my 96 Honda Shadow 600. Realized why windshields are a thing. 😆
I want to take it from Virginia to Florida next summer.
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!
Enjoying your 'recent' tests/reviews. Up here in Western Canada, I can relate to the vast distances that need to be covered. Keep up the good work.
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.
Love this post! I've ridden 1200+ miles to Sturgis from Ohio three times on 2012 and 2013 Heritage Softails at age 50, 52, and 53. In 2010 I rode a '91 Sporty 883 with straight pipes from Ohio to North Carolina and rode Deal's Gap. Not bragging. Just driving home the point that if you love to ride enough, you'll ride long and far on what you have. I love my 2012 Heritage. Can't wait to ride to Sturgis on it again.
Real riders can tour on anything. Some are more comfy than others. But they all put your knees in the breeze.
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 still think the dumbest thing that harley riders say is "loud pipes save lives", they don't, it's just an excuse to be loud and annoying
*checks notes....
Agreed.
Oh boy, someone's about to get a lot of responses...
I guess no loud aftermarket exhaust exists for sportbikes or anything else? People swap pipes on GROMS to make them louder. Lol!
What do you ride? Loud pipes do save lives
@@jordanbabcock9349can confirm, I’m Canadian and my winter beater is a 07 Honda cbr125r. Little wiener of a bike, it is more noticeable with the louder pipe. Without it I’d question whether the bike is running at idle
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.
Spite, the guy who tries and makes everything an adventure bike. Loved the sand section man!
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 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
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
During COVID, I did back to back 1000 miles days.
SF to Chicago 48 hours
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.
I have an almost stock Dyna wide glide, no fairing, and I went from Houston to Salt Lake City and back, 6 days on the road, 500 miles daily, camped in a tent a couple nights, yeah, you can easily tour on a cruiser.
Congratulations on breaking 100,000 subs. I’ve been waiting and watching, excellent job!!
yes a touring bike is whatever you have. Also congrats on 100k !
Had a pair of leather gloves lined with thinsolate. Came up over the cuffs of my jacket. Lived in Wisconsin where it gets a bit colder.
You can tour on anything. It depends of the level of discomfort you can put up with. 8) Ive got a Yamaha vStar 650, Ive toured and camped with that, I just make sure I plan time for frequent stops.
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.
The Heritage is THE ultimate touring machine. If you’re talking US-only, then there could be a case for a Touring model, but I love to strip my Heritage down at each destination across Europe. It’s like having a Slim for the narrow cobbled streets of Portugal or Italy. With a batwing fairing, it’s a bit like having a poor man’s Electra Glide. Amazing versatility.
I just 1600 miles on my 2024 low rider st. Before that I did 1000 mile trip in a triumph thruxton R. You can tour on anything that’ll reliably do highway speeds. My friend calls my st a “poverty Bagger”. He rides a 24 Indian challenger. It’s funny when we hit the twisties cause this poverty bagger sends him to GAPPLEBEES. Sick video bro 🤘🏻
Awesome!
I was a river guide and worked a season in Big Bend (Rio Grande) - both in the State Park and the National Park. Was driving or riding on that road every day ( also lived on it in Study Butte)...State Rt. 170 is an awesome road, amazing views... just gotta watch for fallen rocks (mostly in the mornings) when the rocky hills are by the road (wildlife sometimes sends rocks down, mostly the mountain goats.)
Terlingua/Study Butte is approx. 120 miles (and possibly an expensive helicopter ride) from the nearest hospital you would want to go to... so, yeah.... out of the way.
Fun facts:
Big Bend National Park is the least visited of all the National Parks... It is also the most re-visited. ;-)
The Big Bend National Park is about the size of Rhode Island. Big Bend Ranch State Park is about 60% as big as the National Park.... so, lots to see. A great place to take your KLR (an ADV or Duel Sport) next time...
Peace and love, brother.
Never heard someone say that before. Especially about the Low Rider ST. Who you hangin’ out with?
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!
I love that part of Texas, the desert and mountains are beautiful and remote. Not a lot people to deal with.
I rode from Cali to VA and back on a 2008 Night Rod Special. No faring, wind shield, or bags. Just me pushing wind through 22 states and 7740 miles.
You can tour on damn near anything.
I tour my Dyna wide glide no problems, people told me it would be uncomfortable but I love it
Perfectly timed video. I'm in Austin too, and planning a ride through Big Bend this spring. Great tips! Thank you!
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.
I'm jealous, this is a type of motorcycling that I've never had the opportunity to do. Experiencing an adventure (no pun intended) on a bike, a long ride, new areas, as a sportbike guy it's not something I've ever really done. Love to see you able to provide content like this. Happy holiday Spite.
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.
currently building my tourer. Super excited for my future road trips.
Best tip of this video: rain gear is absolutely baller for keeping you warm. Thus it's always worth bringing on a trip even if you don't expect actual rain. You've got it for rain, and you've also got it for cold. Best, it tends to back down very small and tends to be light.
Who says that ? I started out in the early 70’s cruising on a RIGID ! Everyone I knew then rode Panheads, Knuckleheads and Shovels. Up 83 I got my first Brand new Harley and Electro Glide and after doing a 500 mile day I was amazed I could sill go out and do stuff instead of being worn out. But I wish I still had my old Panhead.
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 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 👍
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 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
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!
My 2019 fxbb. RWD T sport fairing. Saddlemen dxt bags. Kuryakn foot boards. Have done 4 single day trips around 16-18 hours at around 1,000 miles each. Ironass rides, and two trips straight from Indiana to the badlands South Dakota. All you need is the right seat, bar height, and a small wind blocker and something to carry basic items. You can tour on anything. The dealership bros are usually not real bikers tho. Just my two cents.
Spite is killin' the game! Awesome, seeing you flourish! Thank you for the awesome content!!!
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.
Ya keep forgetting the taller suspension in the rear , a big help for comfort. I’m considering one of these bikes in the future. Harley made a good bike with this one.
My wife rode her custom 09 HD Deluxe on a little road trip back in September.
Left Tampa FL alone and met me in Youngtown in Ohio , then we visited Niagara Falls, into Canada then Catskills, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine before riding down to Boston and across to Dollywood TN and home to Tampa, did a total of 4500 miles...all on her 09 softail Deluxe in 2 weeks... it can be done, also prior to this trip she had NEVER rode more than 50 miles on her own..oh and she's a 110lb 61yr old woman who's only been riding for 8 years!!!