Cross country (USA) trip. What bike would you choose?

[Hawaiirider]

Aside from Goldwings, the other machine you see lots of out on the open road across the mid-west are the big H-D baggers. Say what you want about them, but lots of folks are out there putting plenty of miles on them - but, for sure, they aren't doing it on a budget !

I upgraded a couple pieces of gear for the trip and while it all was nice and worked well, one thing was clear - I COULD have done it without spending half of what I did, I can afford comfort, but having reeled off some consecutive 600+ mile days I can say that you eally can do it with less than you might think.

But yeah, I was fully in the 'want a shaft-drive for the CC trip' camp and can't say I regret it at all, the FJR handled wonderfully on all manner of roads and has great brakes. Had a fresh set of Michellins installed prior to setting out from the east bay and checked them regularly - they didn't lose a pound of pressure the entire trip. Nice.

Modern gear is kinda cool that way.

 

[moto-rama]

On the cheap & reliable, Honda Blackbird (CBR1100XX).
I haven't ridden a BMW GS yet but I am also planning a x-country trip and that is what I am considering purchasing.

Here is a pic of my 'Bird, it's definitely stable enough to do long freeway jaunts.

I second this recommendation. Power, comfort (get a Sargent seat), Givi makes luggage options, reliabilty.
Do it

 

[squidhunter]

If money is no object, the GS-ADV would be my #1 choice for that kinda ride. It'll handle anything you throw at it.

But you can easily mod the SV to be a good choice. A windscreen, decent seat, luggage and Buell pegs are all you really need to make the SV a great sport-touring bike.

 

[Hawaiirider]

Yeah, the Blackbird, the ST11 and ST13, and R1100RS/RTs were my short list (aside from the FJR). I found a really ratty ST11 that wasn't worth the trouble and then the FJR - all good except for cosmetic scratches from the previous owner dropping it in his garage !

My kinda bike.

 

[goodness-707]

An unmodified first generation FZ1: You can pick one up CHEAP, unmodified means 50+ mpg with a 250 mile range

really? Is this an honest 50+ MPG, or is it an "It'll get 50 as long as you don't go over 50." kinda thing. If they really get that, I may get one as a commuter.

 

[Kornholio]

If money is no object, the GS-ADV would be my #1 choice for that kinda ride. It'll handle anything you throw at it.

Including the ugly stick. :|

 

[Kornholio]

really? Is this an honest 50+ MPG, or is it an "It'll get 50 as long as you don't go over 50." kinda thing. If they really get that, I may get one as a commuter.

X2. I'd love to know how it gets better mileage than virtually any other liter bike.

 

[goodness-707]

X2. I'd love to know how it gets better mileage than virtually any other liter bike.

My last two bikes; the Futura and the ST3 were both 1000cc ish. ON the futura I could get 43-44 if I took it easy. The ST3 is a few better than that, I can eek low 50s out of it if I baby it, but I never do. It's also well down on power compared to the Futura. I'd have to think the Fz1 spanks the crap out of both of them in terms of power. I was *this* close to getting an Fz6 when I
bought the ST3. I do like the Fz6 & Fz1 bikes, but I've never ridden either. Anybody with an Fz1 wanna rideswap?

 

[cbrf3]

X2. I'd love to know how it gets better mileage than virtually any other liter bike.

I know my Gen2 FZ1 did not get 50, I rode very gently and got 35-40, but it was FI, I have heard that the Gen1's get much better and can get close to 50, the only reason I can think of is because they are CARBed, and maybe the Gen2 FI was just too tuned for emissions and not fuel economy..

BTW the GSA is definitely one of the best touring bikes, can do anything a sportbike, touring bike, cruiser, etc can do and handle some dirt also..

 

[goodness-707]

BTW the GSA is definitely one of the best touring bikes, can do anything a sportbike, touring bike, cruiser, etc can do and handle some dirt also..

but it's so fargin huge. I like the regular GS, but the GSA... it's like 3 or 4 inches taller in the saddle. My feet dangle.

If I were doing XC on roads though, I'd go with an RT. Yeah, yeah... old man's bike, but soooo nice to ride. Now if I could only find one for half price? Hell, even 3/4 price.

 

[GAJ]

X2. I'd love to know how it gets better mileage than virtually any other liter bike.

The average for the three FZ1's tested over the years by MCN was about 40mpg.

I usually get a few more mpg (2 or 3) than they do when they flog their bikes during the tests...so 50, stock, sounds optimistic, but low 40's sounds quite possible.

 

[GoNotShow]

really? Is this an honest 50+ MPG, or is it an "It'll get 50 as long as you don't go over 50." kinda thing. If they really get that, I may get one as a commuter.

I have an Ivan's jet kit and get low to mid 40s when crusing at 70mph. (Spirited riding in the twisties drops MPG below 40). In stock form you might get a few more MPG than I do, but I don't think you'll get over 50 mpg running the crap gasoline we have in CA. The ~10% ethanol robs you of a few MPG. However, I bet you could get 50 mpg on a stock FZ1 running gasoline w/o ethanol.

 

[FickleBiker]

For the doubters (re first gen' FZ1)....

I'm hard on the throttle, I like to ride fast, and I normally get 38-42 mpg on any bike I've owned. However when the Fizzy was a new toy (to me), had the factory can in place, and was acquainting myself with the bike, I got 48 to 52 mpg(!!!!) And I don't commute, I RIDE. Amazing bike!

Note: It's an anal thang, I check my gas mileage EVERY time I fill up.

Now.... when I replaced the jetting with Ivan's Jet Kit, stuck a Holeshot can on the bike..... was well acquainted with the bike, to include an upgraded suspension, I got anywhere from 36 to 46 mpg, averaging a rather surprising 38 -42 mpg (!).

It's all about how ya ride. And if I would/COULD ride like I was when I first got the FZ1, I would get 10,000 miles out my Roads, NOT the 4,500 I normally get.......

Edited to include:
It's entirely possible that I was doing Monitor Pass (& the others), and buying the (better) gas in Nevada when I was getting over 50 mpg. It's a favorite place to point the bike, around September, and YES.... all my bikes have run better and got better mileage with gas purchased in Nevada.

 

[boney]

Threadjack complete.

 

[tuxumino]

this is how I've rolled to tucson and back 5 times.

note the givi windscreen, chain maintenance is the only issue I see, when I'm going long distance I just lube the chain every night.
I've accidentally ridden 850 miles in one day on the SV650.

 

[phr0st]

If you don't mind riding across the country with a woody, try one of these. (with the hard bags of course)

 

[Ogier le Danois]

I did it on a 234cc nighthawk.

Get a bigger bike.....

 

[silversvs]

Another vote for the FJR1300.

Rode to Nebraska and back through wind, rain, snow, and sunshine. Hit the twisties and mostly all backroads for the entire trip. Did one 900+ mile day only stopping for gas and a 20 minute lunch. Super super comfortable, extremely reliable, and with a topcase will allow you to carry everything ya need.

 

[Asphaultnaut]

+1 more love for the Feej 1300! Good enough for aussie cops, good enough for anyone

I plan on running mine up to my folks in WA state this spring. the rest of the time, it's daily commuter. If it survives the insane drivers and the crappy roads here, it'll survive anything...except offroad.

I was just about to bring up the FJR1300 also. Pretty hard to beat for the comfort/sporty/used bike prices ratios.

 

[AOW]

Since most folks like to pick up trinkets and such while on a road trip, packing throw away clothes is a good idea. Save your hole ridden shirts, underwear, socks, and such, then just throw them away after you wear them. If you already have planned stops and places to stay, shipping clean clothing ahead of time saves space and weight as does shipping the dirty clothing home instead of repacking it.