Custom Hardtail Springer Travel Tips

[Snowbooty]

So I have my 73 Ironhead Chopper that I'm thinking about taking 500 miles north. It's an absolute rattle trap. Thing has obnoxious vibration and is obviously not the most comfortable ride due to being a hardtail and springer setup. I have never traveled that far on any of my bikes, does anyone have any tips for my trip? Things to watch out for, ideas on stuff I should take with me etc. It will be me alone so, any advice from some experienced longer distance riders would be helpful. As I stated before the bike is obnoxious lol. Is it as bad as they say it is?

[kestrou]

How many tools can you carry?

Take a trip of 100 miles and see you feel… I’ve done 200 miles and it was NO FUN after the first 50…

Kevin

[shovel625]

So I have my 73 Ironhead Chopper that I'm thinking about taking 500 miles north. It's an absolute rattle trap. Thing has obnoxious vibration and is obviously not the most comfortable ride due to being a hardtail and springer setup. I have never traveled that far on any of my bikes, does anyone have any tips for my trip? Things to watch out for, ideas on stuff I should take with me etc. It will be me alone so, any advice from some experienced longer distance riders would be helpful. As I stated before the bike is obnoxious lol. Is it as bad as they say it is?

I've done many 350-500 mile days on my rigid shovel, 4 speed ratchet top, with 33.4 front end. Fine tune everything as much as you can, valve adjustment, check every bolt you can. If its points, pack a spare set, depending on the amount of room you have, get some road tools together, depending on the hardware on your bike and hit the road.

to answer your question about how bad is it? how soft are you, its uncomfortable at times, but worth it.

[shovel625]

How many tools can you carry?

Take a trip of 100 miles and see you feel… I’ve done 200 miles and it was NO FUN after the first 50…

Kevin

Thats disappointing to hear. i love long trips on my rigid or any of my bikes.

[tzienlee]

what rear tyre pressure do you run ?,.
I have been riding rigid chops since about 78 & have found 15psi in the rear of a 500x16/130-90x16, give a hell of a lot more comfort, you shouldnt run a rigid with high pressure in the tyres..
A good seat helps a lot as well, skinny 'look at me' 'cool' seats offer little help, but a well made one with contoured seat with a bit of a back to it also helps.