Choose a bike, any bike?

smitty901

Don't over think this trip just do it. Your a young man you could make this trip on a mopped if you had too.
You will have a life time to remember the good and the bad, as the years past the bad will turn good, God will you get a chance to tryit a few more times down the road.
Good luck with what ever bike you go with and enjoy the ride and view from two wheels.

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The Infantry leads the way

Hobbit

sorry im late to this party, i wish i could spend those 9months with you on the road
Having sat in the saddle as have a few on here for over 1000miles i would say any of the touring range of bikes will suit you and being 6Ft you have all the choice in the world, you weight is a none issue as all HD's bar sporties carry there weight low down, i am 5.5 and ride an ultra and if i can do it you can
i also ride a Street Bob (what is it with that bike ), 1st up its is a stripped down bare knuckle bike that can be made more comfortable, if you buy one of these then invest in a good seat for those miles, and also invest in a set of either Forward controls or at the very least highway pegs to allow you to stretch out, the mids are great if your short like me but for you the extra reach afforded by the above will make life easier.
A few pointers on the Bob the 06 is a 1450 and has a few issues and if the biggy rears its ugly head your trip will be over unless you have a few $$$ packed for engine repair as they prone to the compensator failing and the bolts that hold it together eating the engine, even HD replace the old one with a newer welded version, and a friend over here has just had his fail ruined his trip to Scotland, an 07 or later with the already upgraded kit would be a better choice plus they have the 96" motor
as for the softails a second had Heritage or Springer would do the job admirably comfy seat and forwards.
Enjoy the trip and keep us post on how it goes

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RetiredJake

Here is the link to the Bikers Friend bag in case you need it.

Motorcycle luggage motorcycle saddle bags from Biker's Friend

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Roaming the country, Tasting the wine,
Having fun, Life is good

fin_676

As a thought on the living rough old scottish infantry saying is any fool can be cold wet and miserable
so look into military surplus gear for living rough (sleeping bag, cooking equipment, water carrying, foul weather gear etc) because the infantry are good at that sort of thing

Brian

cedarbrook63

As the old saying goes - there's no such thing as bad weather - just bad clothes. Be prepared. A dependable bike is fundamentally important, but if you're cold and wet on a $20,000 Ultra with all the bells and lights - you're still cold and wet..... Use some of your $$$ on good goretex clothing with some crash protection and a decent lid.

Jim B.

I second this advice. Rode back to Sturgis from Mt. Rushmore this year in 50 degree weather while I was wet from a rain shower. Thought I was going to freeze to death. Went out the next day and bought the clothes that I should have brought with me. Now, I always carry them in the saddlebags regardless of where I go for those big temperature changes, rain, heat, etc.

NEWHD74FAN

Yeb, weather 'cross the pond will give the rider a "jump" on what is important, once the ride goes beyond a few hundred miles. Temperature and weather changes make it important to have good preparation and reliable equipment. Do not want to be out in the middle of nowhere with out a bit of light (strap on headlights keep hands free), some small handtools kit, for a bit of roadside work as well (spare fuses, tire plug kit, etc.), cellphone charger & GPS, canteen & snacks).

The bike is a given, there are plenty of bikes that will do the deed as Smitty says, but to make it a memorable one, you MAY want a good used bagger a couple years old, get the same enjoyment and not be out the cash while you work whatever skill set and touring style in to what you choose. Just don't make the long trip your equipment "shake down" cruise...you want to be riding awhile and get some good practice maneuvering your bike in some rather routine "tests" that occur with day to day riding. You want to be very well introduced to your machine and know how she handles when in knarly stuff as well as the super slab.

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Wayne R

I agree the bike is the ultra, for that trip, and I wouldnt worry about being too comftorable after miles and hours on any bike I think a lot of us are aware of some of the discomforts youll feel. but dont get me wrong its a lot of fun Have a good time .: rider

SkootchNC

Sorry for the late jump in
ANY bike... and I do mean any bike currently for sale will get you from coast to coast, with ease... maybe not comfort, but seats, handlebars, ans controls will help in most cases.
If you want to cross the country, and meet people across the way... look into a URAL.... (smile just kidding) while they are getting better, you might likely find your self doing side of the road repairs...while they aren't much fun at the time.... when you re-tell the stories, they really bring the crowds in

You might want to look into the "gently used" market... there are many Touring bikes that can be had for your price range. but they ain't new.

the Road Glide is MY favorite... but they aren't the most popular... this works in YOUR favor when buying a used one. A good clean FLTR will fetch a few grand less than the popular bikes like a road king, street glide, or the electra's. Same bike.. everything BUT the RG has the shark nose... which turns off some folks.

If you're budget minded... and you want a BIG bike....I'd road test one ASAP.. The best kept "secret" of the MOCO