I've got a Harley

[Major_Grooves]

...booked for three days when I go to California next week!

So I fly on Monday to California for a conference for a week, and after that I have booked flights up to Oakland/San Francisco where I will have a weeks free. I have booked myself a Harley Davidson Sportster - the smallest and cheapest bike you can hire at 883cc and $70/day.

https://www.harleymc.com/models/sportster.gif

So I was thnking of taking it out to the Giant Redwood Forests, or going down the Pacific coast or something. Not decided yet.

I have a few considerations that I thought I would get your opinion on...

Should I take my own helmet? I can get a helmet from the hire company but it would be nicer to wear my own helmet. However it's a full face Roof diversion which isn't exactly Harley style, but more importantly I will have to take it on lots of plane journeys which could be annoying. Are there any restrictions to taking helmets on flights particuarly American ones?

What to wear? First off *disengage safety nazi mode* . I will probably take my leather jacket and leather gloves. I think there is no way I am wearing my leather trousers for three days in sunny Cal so jeans will do. Last thing though what to wear on feet? Should I take my bike boots or ride in trainers? I get the feeling that I won't be able to extend my ankle to use the Harley clutch and brake with bike boots on as I will have my feet in front of me rather than underneath me. What do you think?

Luggage. I'm planning on taking a big rucksac for the two weeks I am out there but not pack it too much. The Harley comes with "saddle bags" but I guess I won't fit much in there. The bike is small, so do you think I will be able to ride with the backpack on whilsts stuffing as much as poss into the saddlebags?

Any comments/suggestions very welcome!
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[Bendy]

Helmet?

Bandana and sunglasses mate.

[Sadie]

[Claud 14.7 to 1]

Excellent!

I would wear jacket, jeans, gloves and put either boots (ie timberland style), or trainers on...

The thing is you will not be exactly going fast/flat out on one of those those things, they are meant to cruise ...

Not sure about hemlets, because those half-fact ones are a bit wack. If you come off you mess up your face... Id probably not risk it and go full-face. Im not exactly purrtey, but id rather be facially intact...

Half face ones look better though, with shades...

[Steve H]

I've been to that area a few times MG, it's bloody hot out there at the moment for a start and you'll be in the minority wearing any sort of safety gear at all!

The hire companies will have a wide range of helmets to suit your requirements and if I'm being totally honest a full face in that area is gonna be hot to the point of uncomfortable. It may not be the P.C. answer and you're obviously not going to be as safe wearing minimal kit' but personally I don't see the point in hiring a bike to experience the ultimate in American cruising and then spoiling/restricting the experience by wrapping yourself up in cotton wool.

I rode one of those Harley's last week (a friend of mine's) for approximately 10 miles and it was an alien experience, the brakes are poor in comparison to sports bike standards and the clutch was really heavy. In saying that brakes and gears aren't a necessity once you're out on the Highways and smaller roads in California as out of the cities the traffic is minimal - You'll have a fantastic time, I'm extremely envious of you.

I'd recommend the coast road from SF to LA, it's absolutely fantastic with gorgeous views., In land the ride through Death Valley is another amazing road to travel.

I could go on but I'll leave it for you to sort out your route as the 'go there' and 'do that' advice get's right up my nose

Have a great time and ride safely

SteveH
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Mellow Yellow
The BCF Top TEN - 2010, 2009, 2008, The Original.

[Korn]

Having to doff up in protective gubbins would spoil the experience, in my opinion. Just slap on some sunglasses and try not to fall off
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3516 Miles, 11 Countries

[Kris]

Leather waistcoat with tassles You know it makes sense...

Have fun you lucky sod.
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[mazza]

Have fun Dainesefreak but you might find the clutch a bit stiff, they tend to be on the Sportster. Also, you might find that a lot of vibration is trasferred to your wrists after a while. These were the two things a mate of mine was unhappy about when he took his Sportster for a long spin a month or two ago.
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Laugh!? I nearly bought a drink!

[stinkwheel]

[TheShaggyDA]

How can you ride a Harley in trainers? Boots, man! Boots!

Seriously, unless it's the 883C the pegs aren't that far forward.

Quite envious here, looking forward to a pile of photos and a road review
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Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[Mr C]

shorts and flip flops and don't forget the factor 60 sun cream

fill the saddle bags with water if you go through Death Valley
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187.3bhp = 201mph

[Robby]

Is a helmet compulsory is CA? Worth borrowing an open face one off the hire place, but only wear it if you have to.

Lucky bitch. Going alone?

[dainesefreak]

[Major_Grooves]

Helmets seem to be compulsary, but you've convinced me just to take the hire company one which is good as I really couldn't be arsed taking mine on 4 flights, and I knew it would be a bit hot.

There's no way I'm going to Death Valley - either one of the National Parks, or the PCH.

Still not sure about the rest of the kit.

My boots are hot enough in the British summer, especially when worn with jeans as they rub the skin. I don't have any other boots, so I think i will have to be sacriligious and wear trainers.

Jacket - my jacket is pretty heavy and hot, so maybe not the best idea. Maybe I could wear my "fashion" leather jacket. Probably still too warm. Maybe I should invest in some white t-shirts.

Gloves - also sweaty in the British summer. Maybe I could go with naked hands...

I am planning on doing a steady 55mph and as you say the roads are quite quiet once you get out of town.

It would be difficult for me to lose my "semi safety nazi" attitude and ride without max protection though!
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About me|@Major_Grooves|My company|Digg|Flickr

[Major_Grooves]

[stinkwheel]

What you need are chromic leather buckskin gloves. Those kind of yellow leather ones you see rodeo riders wearing. You will get them in K-mart a lot cheaper than you will over here. The chromic leather (it is kind of white on the inside, something to do with the tanning process) helps stop you getting too sweaty
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Sadie]

If it is really too hot, then I would suggest the following:

Leather waistcoat - it will give you some protection for your back and chest if you come off.

Gloves - if it's too hot for gloves, why not buy some leather fingerless mitts? Again, they at least offer some protection, if only against sunburn and blisters. Try https://www.nortex-products.co.uk/en-gb/dept_21.html - they are available for £4.50

Boots - regardless of heat, do not compromise with trainers. It's not worth the risk. You will look cooler in boots anyhow!
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With experience comes age.

[Mr C]

leather chaps would complete the ensemble

and a Chips helmet and mirror aviators

and a large bushy moustache, especially in SF - you will blend right in on your gehay Harley


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187.3bhp = 201mph

[Robby]

So glad I can pick locks.

You could just give me your postcode and the best time to call now, saves me lots of stalking.

[aqualung1]

whatever you wear just enjoy, roads are wide and good, plan a route and go for it..
clothing in america dirt cheap, so may be worth picking some up there..

you could always go the armoured denims route, heine gerrick etc do some if want look and safety

ps cheers for tip on gloves stinky i will look some of those up

[stinkwheel]

Gerricke do those gloves at 15 quid a pair. I was told about them by a leather fetishist who owns a motorbike clothing store (found his true vocation?). Lets just say, he knows his subject!

https://www.hein-gericke.de/shop2001/prodpics/P0004324-1.jpg
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Grubby]

Be careful with all that raw horsepower

[bugsy46]

ENJOY! i worked for harley as a technician (unqualified at the time) the sportster is cracking fun (the rubber mounted engine is alittle nicer so hope u get a new harley!!!!)

enjoy

love you sexy
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Laura - "And where did looks come into this and bugsy leave steven alone. You are not gods gift to women you may think you are but you're not."
Keith - "All the best"

[Major_Grooves]

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