Topic: Touring USA alone on bike

[Shik]

Hi SOHC4 members!

I'm thinking about taking 2-3 weeks holiday in April to ride in the USA (I'm from Denmark), and I need your help on this subject.
It would be the cheapest for me to fly to New York on a return ticket, but then I couldn't do coast-to-coast, would this be silly?
How much should I count on my budget if I want to rent, let's say a BMW R1200GS or similar, could be less CCM, all gear, luggage boxes, insurance etc?
Are there any non-us members who did something similar?
Would it be dangerous to do it alone?
What about accommodation? Should I just go with the flow and then just find nearest motel when I need to sleep?
What other questions do I need answer for not mentioned here?

Best regards,
Jesper

EDIT:

Full disclaimer: M, 29yrs, experience; motocross, no long road trip experience.
Should I start with something smaller?

[Duanob]

First off April in the northern half of the USA might be sketchy weather-wise. If you can fly into Atlanta then cross the southern half to Arizona, New Mexico, SoCali you will have a great time and great weather and awesome landscapes and roads. Buy a AAA membership that might be worth it's weight in gold. Especially if you have only a few weeks. You don't wnat to be spending days broken down in some podunk town along the way. Sounds like a fun time and good luck.

[the technological J]

I would choose the eastern or western part of the us but 2-3weeks is plenty to see it all... crossing the midwest will be quite dull... shouodnt be dangerous as long as you stay out of the ghetto areas of the cities... if you bring or buy a small tent there are plenty of areas to camp cheaper than a motel... have you made a list of things to see? Maybe we could help with routes or tell you of other cool spots
 Now that I think about it 2-3weeks would be a rush to see it all unless you want to spend it all on the bike.... three def.... just thinking to check stuff out and kind of take your time from new York to Georgia would be 2-3a couple days around the tail of the dragon your prob eaten up your first week no prob


There is a saying here that april showers bring may flowers so bring some rain gear

[fmctm1sw]

First, this would be totally awesome...   I guess the big question is what does your budget look like?  I agree with techj, make a list of attractions.  If I could do it again, I'd hit Arches NP, Death Valley, Grand Canyon probably.  It was in October I was in Utah and I froze my @ss off in my truck at night.  I'd look at amusement parks and stuff like RT 66 and the Lincoln Highway too.  Weather may not permit some of that stuff but you probably don't want to just race across on I-10...

[Shik]

Well, about the budget, a return ticket to Atlanta will cost me around 650,- USD, and then I need a ticket from for example L.A, probably around 200 USD.
I'm thinking it could be possible to do for approx. 5000 USD including plane tickets and everything.
What do you think?

[andy750]

In 2004 I organized the SOHC Easy Rider Trip (see http://www.easyridertrip.de/trip.htm) - 16 days and 5500 miles by CB750. Cost to me (with my own bike) - gas, food, accommodation etc was $800. So for $5000 you could really do it in style!!!

Not dangerous and yes you can do it alone (and yes you will meet people every day!).

If I were you Id fly to LA/Las Vegas and rent a bike there in April then tour Utah/Nevada/California/Arizona in 3 weeks. You could see the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert/Monument Valley/Rt1-Pacific Coast Highway/Redwoods/Hoover Dam etc etc...plenty for a 2-3 week trip!

good luck!
Andy

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I like Andy's ideas. Except if you start in Vegas you might not leave 

I've covered 40,000+ miles touring in the last 10 years, most of which has been in the western US and Canada. Bang for your buck IS the western US. Rocky Mountains westward to the Pacific coast. 2 to 3 weeks can get you MANY miles and amazing scenery but it can be pretty chilly riding in and between the mountain ranges and deserts. If you have to do it in April plan on staying south where it will be warmer. The eastern US is just not as amazing as the west. Too many people and too many cars. You won't find much in the way of wide open spaces but there are many things you could enjoy, you just wouldn't be able to cover as much territory. Try to find a good deal on a western US flight to a city where you can get a good deal on the bike.

$5000 would get you REALLY nice motels ($100+) and more expensive food. There are plenty of $50 a night motels out there to go along with cheap food provided you can stomach American fast food. Yes, camping is always an option but that takes much more planning and luck sometimes. There are tour bike rental companies but I haven't had any experience with them. I've been more concerned about renting that BMW in the Alps 

Avoid big cities and the ghettoes and you should be very safe. Stay out in the great wide open. Much less traffic and people. And the people will be mostly friendly. The US highways ie US50, US1, US40, etc are generally good 2 lane roads. Avoid the interstates - B O R I N G and people get in a hurry in their cars. I ONLY book my first nights motel since my plans and itinerary change as I go. You wouldn't want to get caught out in the desert without food, gas or shelter for instance. Plan accordingly with daily options. Gas is running below $3 per gallon now for 85/87 octane.  Saw $2.81 today. You can do coast to coast in 3 weeks easily provided you stay mostly on the interstates without much site seeing of the REAL United States. But then that's not REAL riding, that is commuting. Something else to think about, our little community of riders and enthusiasts have been know to host visitors overnight as well as point them in the right direction to the best riding.

Good luck planning!

Jerry

[rbmgf7]

Register on ADVRider.com to get some more help and suggestions. I'm sure there's quite a few who have done what you're wanting to do.

Might want to check out The HUBB as well since they specialize in crossing the ponds with a bike.

[Stev-o]

+1 on Andy's suggestions above. Riding across the US might sound cool, but it a long trip. California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, you could spend a week in each and still not see it all! They are all beautiful and wonderful states to ride.
If you are going to ride in the mountains, I would bump the trip to May to reduce risk of freezing temps/snow.
Maybe some of us can meet up with you!

[andy750]

One more thing from me - Ive done coast to coast (again on the CB750) a couple of times. Boston to San Francisco took 12 days and covered 4000 miles. This was mostly not interstate except for going through parts of Ohio/Indiana. As Jerry says above the best riding is past Chicago. The Badlands, SD, Devils Tower, WY and west of there is where the road opens up and the cars get less. Some amazing riding there. If you need specific roads let me know (and Jerry knows a lot more than I do!).

April will be cold in the East and get progressively warmer as you go west. Riding into the sunset every day sounds cool but its not - its hard to see even with shades on. Just a thought

Let me know if you make it to Boston and Ill put you up.
cheers
Andy

[Gruffles]

Post your route when you nail down the details and you may not have to ride alone, just ask Godzilla.

[Kevin D]

I look at these oneway specials from time to time:

http://www.eaglerider.com/hot-deals/onewayspecials.aspx

$50 a day for a road king, pickup in St. Augustine Florida, drop in San Diego, unlimited miles. No postings yet for April.

[Sam Green Racing]

I look at these oneway specials from time to time:

http://www.eaglerider.com/hot-deals/onewayspecials.aspx

$50 a day for a road king, pickup in St. Augustine Florida, drop in San Diego, unlimited miles. No postings yet for April.

This idea of Kevins looks like the one. Fly into Jacksonville Florida, take 40 mile bus ride south to St Augustine.
Hire bike and ride across the southern States to San Diego, nice warm southern sunshine and southern hospitality, it's hard to find better anywhere. Fly home from San diego.
If you fly into Jacksonville the second weekend in April, I'm hoping to be racing at Valdosta just over the border in Georgia, give us a call if you go down this route.

Sam.

[Sam Green Racing]

Google claim 2,439 miles in 1day 15 hours none stop, you have all the time in the world to deviate and go site seeing.

Sam.

[Shik]

I'm very happy about all the replies, but I think that some of you might underestimate the price for renting a non-harley Davidson ie. BMW or similar touring bike for 16-18 days. I would need insurance, free mileage etc.
I agree in only riding around southwest US, but should I start Las Vegas and end San Francisco or what do you suggest?

[fmctm1sw]

Oh, I forgot Zion NP.  That's a must-see as well.  I'm not sure about any accomodations but I can tell you that  you could just throw a tent down out in Death Valley somewhere and nobody would ever find you (except for snakes and scorpions maybe).  The thing I remember about it is how quiet it was.  I never "heard" silence like that.  You could post something on Craigslist about wanting to rent a bike.  It's amazing what you can get accomplished through CL.  I took a picture of a weed in my yard one day and posted it asking what it was.  And got answers!  What I did years ago was fly into San Francisco and drove toward Las Vegas.  Then hit Hoover Dam, Death Valley, Arches, and Zion.  I hiked more in that one week than I have my entire life.  Bring something in case you chafe like I did 

[Shik]

So I found this place in Concord, CA, I believe the rates are fair, was looking at the 2008 KAWASAKI VERSYS 650, same rates for all bikes.
Rough estimate including insurance, gear etc, probably 2500$ for 16 days or something.
Then I could tour california, visit yosemite and go further east and then either go back or maybe make an arrangement to deliver back in another city.

EDIT:

Forgot link: http://www.usmotorcyclerentals.com/index.html

The only thing is that they require 2 years of experience on 400+ ccm machines, which I don't have, will I have to prove this for them?

[Shik]

This place looks also promising: http://www.azride.com/MotorcycleRental.html

[rbmgf7]

Oh, I forgot Zion NP.  That's a must-see as well.  I'm not sure about any accomodations but I can tell you that  you could just throw a tent down out in Death Valley somewhere and nobody would ever find you (except for snakes and scorpions maybe).  The thing I remember about it is how quiet it was.  I never "heard" silence like that.  You could post something on Craigslist about wanting to rent a bike.  It's amazing what you can get accomplished through CL.  I took a picture of a weed in my yard one day and posted it asking what it was.  And got answers!  What I did years ago was fly into San Francisco and drove toward Las Vegas.  Then hit Hoover Dam, Death Valley, Arches, and Zion.  I hiked more in that one week than I have my entire life.  Bring something in case you chafe like I did 

+100 on seeing Zion. If you do go there, you MUST hike Angel's Landing. Camping in Zion is also beautiful. Go out for an evening ride when the sun sets.

IMHO, don't even bother with the Grand Canyon. After Zion, I went to Toroweep (70 miles of dirt road to the edge of the GC). I was there for 5 minutes and left. If you do visit the GC, just visit the North Rim.

Build up a plan and show us your route (I use Google Maps). I'm sure a lot of us can pitch in and let you know where to go. If you need a place to stay or need a stop to do some maintenance, I'm sure some are willing to lend a hand.

2 weeks may get you 4000 comfortable miles with sightseeing in between. I did 3600 miles in 11 days while visiting 7 states and numerous National Parks. If you want to visit more than 4 National Parks, buy an annual Pass. Costs about $80 but pays itself if you visit at least 4 or more.

[weekend_junkie]

I'm very happy about all the replies, but I think that some of you might underestimate the price for renting a non-harley Davidson ie. BMW or similar touring bike for 16-18 days. I would need insurance, free mileage etc.
I agree in only riding around southwest US, but should I start Las Vegas and end San Francisco or what do you suggest?

I did a loop this summer, rode down California Route 1 / Pacific Coast Highway. Starting and ending in the same place saved me a $500+ fee for one-way bike rental.  I did this comfortably in 9 days on a Goldwing with my wife, taking time to see sights and visit friends.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.558029737164.2051876.39300726&type=1&l=b0d83cfdc9

[the technological J]

i would reserve that st1300... thier great well handling bikes un less you plan on doing some off roading but the st's  are the goldwings feisty little brother and would be compfy for some serious miles

[BeSeeingYou]

Like Jerry and Andy say, west of the Mississippi River is the best.

I doubt you would get to Yosemite in April on a bike.  Yeah, it's in California but it's high country.  If you have to do this in April you may want to stick to the Southwest like some have mentioned and stay out of the higher elevations.  Plenty to see and do but I am not as familiar with this as the northern half.

If you came later in the summer you could do the most scenic loop in the country.  Fly into San Fran, cross the Golden Gate and north up coastal U.S. 1, redwoods, Crater Lake, Columbia River Valley,  Lolo Pass Road(U.S. 12), Glacier Park, Yellowstone, Tetons, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and back to San Fran.  Been there done that. The only dull stretch is crossing the top of Nevada to Tahoe.  You always have some dues to pay.

B&B's are not as common here as in Europe so you will have to rely on camping or motels/hotels or a combination.  You have a better chance of meeting interesting people camping. 

[andy750]

Here is what 3 guys did back in 2004 - two flew in from the UK and one from Germany. They had all bought CB750s in the LA area off Ebay. They got insurance for very cheap and were on their way within 2 days. Sold the bikes at the end (would help if you made some friends when you drop it off who can sell it for you...if you get  a CB750 for cheap it wont really matter how much you get when you sell it. It will work out wayyyyyy cheaper than spending $2500 for 16 days!

[Spanner 1]

Yeah Andy!... I'd like sell the OP my 750K8 for say $2,000 and buy it back at the end of the trip for say $1,200.... except I'm in Nashville... but maybe someone on the West Coast would do a deal like that ?

[andy750]

Yeah Andy!... I'd like sell the OP my 750K8 for say $2,000 and buy it back at the end of the trip for say $1,200.... except I'm in Nashville... but maybe someone on the West Coast would do a deal like that ?

Thats a great deal Spanner!