Honda Nighthawk road trip?
About to take my first big motorcycle road trip. Going from Kansas to Texas on my 1992 Honda nighthawk 750. My question is if the bike that old will make it there and back without much trouble and if they make saddle bags and windscreens etc that fit that type of bike? Any pointers would help thanks!
'92 is pretty old for a bike, even a Honda. 8^)
Do you take your bike on long trips? I mean like a 200-300 mile day trip? Even a 100 mile trip, continuous, on the Interstate. How it holds up on these trips will tell you how it would hold up on a longer trip. After all it's just more of the same! In good condition a Nighthawk 750 should be more than up to the task.
Do a search for 'motorcycle touring' or 'motorcycle camping' on YouTube and see the wide, almost ridiculously diverse range ideas people have about how to travel on a motorcycle, what to take along, etc.
A windshield is almost a total necessity on a long motorcycle trip. (And I would leave out the word 'almost' except I'm trying to sound reasonable and moderate.) They make a number of 'generic' windshields that clamp to your handlebars.
Bags are available the same way, generic, made for any bike. 'Throw-over' bags are best for occasional use. There's a wide strap between them. You take off your seat, strap them over your rear fender, then put the seat back on. You can leave them on permanently or use them just for long trips. Coleman makes a pair of fabric saddlebags, similar to a soft-sided ice cooler, that cost $50. I think they have them at Wal Mart! Alternatively you can pack your stuff in waterpoof 'stuff sacks' or a large sports duffel and just bungee them to the back of the bike. It's amazing how much you can fit in these bags strapped to the back of a bike!
I would strongly suggest taking one or two 'shakedown cruises' before you go on the long ride, trips as long as you plan to go in a day, but just one day. Those will show you the problems you might expect on the long trip, but it will be closer to home. This will also boost your confidence enormously. There's no substitute for experience!
Best of luck! Sounds like a fun trip!
2 water bottles, can of Fix-a-flat, couple hundred dollars in cash and a good credit card to start. Windshield should already be on cycle- if not, get one on. Saddle bags or a locking tailtrunk for securing bits and pieces needed now in most cities- basics even for short around town trips- locally needed for rainsuit storage. Fairing, shields, saddlebags for that vintage available new or used- check the catalogs at the Honda dealer and ask if the dealer has a salvage shelf. Tire pressure gauge, duct tape, hose clamps, vise grips, flash light in a utility bag, cans of sardines and crackers can get you through a hungry night. Motels or campout is your choice- a Coleman folding cot is about $40.00/50.00 and can be strapped crossways on back fender or seat with a blanket and tarp, quick set up and take down.
Buy a tank bag, buy a set of soft saddle packs and a seat bag if you need that much storage. Make sure it's strapped down well and off you go.
You will want a windshield of some sort if you don't have one.
It's really, really hot out there. You need to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water while you ride. If you aren't peeing every couple of hours, you aren't drinking enough. Strap a camelbak backpack to your back so you can drink water while riding.
Buy a tank-bag, throw in a pair of socks, a change of underwear, a toothbrush, a comb and off you go.
Okay, (sorry I like to rough it) but the wind in your face and the bugs in your teeth are all part of the adventure and once you cross the Texas state-line that is all you will have, wind and bugs.
Suggest you find a better direction to travel.
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