what if I went to born free and smoke out?

Who would be up for that grinder of a round trip in my van. One bike in the van, one towed

isnt it about riding your bike? this isnt strugis

Very true but going from coastal NC top Cali and back to NC for smokeout on a 79 ironhead only didn't seem feasible

Rad! I say go for it. Sounds like fun but I agree the van just takes away from it. Drive there roll em out stand around roll em in next show same shit. Sounds boring back and forth 2 wheel adventure sounds awesome. Id add a few extra days for the just in case and for going slowerish on IH

How did they do it in 1979?

In the late 40's to debut the new Triumph Thunderbird, they rode 3 production bikes to a track, rode them at an average speed of 92 mph for 500 miles, then rode them back to the factory.

Actually, chuck out that iron head and get a triumph.

If it was 79, I'd hop on out and go, because it'd be brand new. Its 2012 unfortunately, and while I did rebuild the top end this month and the lower end is in good order, I'm going to wait until its had a few straight months of running well before I tempt fate like that. Plus I plan on sleeping in said van on the way (with an Aussie shower hanging off the side) and I want to have a way to transport parts etc back that I find. Plus I'll have my tools, including a small welder in case something happens to my bike or someone elses. Its ask about pppppp, that's what the army taught me

You mean they didn't trailer bikes in 79?

I.knew the trailer jokes were coming. I bought the bike as a non running basket case, I literally just got it running this week and I'm still working out the kinks. Its not like I have some show bike that I'm afraid to hurt, its a ratty ironhead that I'm building, and bring stranded on it doesn't appeal to me

Originally Posted by SleezyRider

Very true but going from coastal NC top Cali and back to NC for smokeout on a 79 ironhead only didn't seem feasible

Despite the IBR judges thoughts,John Young pulled all 50 states in 11 days on a '69 Triumph Trident (perhaps the most cantankerous and quirky of all Triumphs.) I think his biggest issue was his chain came off, and removed his license plate for him. As for having all your tools with you, John had enough tools to do a complete rebuild of his engine. You won't know if it'll make it or not, if you don't try.

On the same note, if you truly feel it won't make it, or your just unwilling to attempt it in its current state, its somewhat understandable. No shame in showing up with your shit in the back of a van, or truck, at least you showed up. I've done it before, and may do it again in April, because, I'm a broke looser and likely won't get my shit together in time for the Just Kickers event.

i say go for it if you want to, who cares what others think...there's a big difference between jumping on your bike solo, riding 6000 miles round trip and going on a run with a ton of other bikes and chase trucks.

from what your saying it makes sense to take the van, maybe get out there a little early and ride around cali for a bit. then at least if something does go wrong with ur bike your still not that far from your destination...it would suck to be broke down in the middle of east bum fuck and end up missing it all together...

if i had the time and money i'd love to do a cross country trip on a bike but i wouldn't want to do it if i had limited time and money...

take the van and leave it a good 2-3 hours back maybe and ride the rest of the way.

that kinda sounds dumb but fuck it

Finally some people who get it. I look forward to riding.my bike in Cali, maybe I can even find some mid controls for it while I'm out there. And its win win for everyone. I'll get my bike to Cali, and I can help other people on the way who might break down. With my roll around tool chest in the van, I can do pretty much anything on the fly

Another thing is the proximity of the event days. I want to make it to both of them. Not break down and miss one or the other... Or even both

In order to get an ironhead running right, you need to put the lime in the coconut and stir it all up.

Originally Posted by SleezyRider

Another thing is the proximity of the event days. I want to make it to both of them. Not break down and miss one or the other... Or even both

If all else fails dude, you're in a van and vans are the balls right now!!

Just get two hot chicks to drive the van as a chase truck while you and your buddy ride. The chicks can keep all the tools,guns and angel dust in the van so your not riding dirty.

Originally Posted by Capino

Just get two hot chicks to drive the van as a chase truck while you and your buddy ride. The chicks can keep all the tools,guns and angel dust in the van so your not riding dirty.

You offend me. I live in the east coast..we don't do angel dust...we do meth.