what motorcycle would be good to use to cross the USA?
what motorcycle would you recommend? I’m looking into crossing the US from east to west on a motorcycle…long time dream of mine…
what used bikes under approximately $ 2000 would be good/reliable/big enough to carry luggage?
$2K, huh?
That’s not a whole lot of money to spend, but you might be able to get creative. People (crazy people, but people nonetheless) have done the Iron Butt Rally on a Honda Helix 250 scooter.
If I were in your position, I’d look for an older UJM (a broad term, standing for Universal Japanese Motorcycle; usually an inline four with a standard or mildly forward seating position), something like a mid-80s Suzuki GS1100 or Honda CB900F, or a Yamaha XS 650,750, 850, or 1100. I hope you’re mechanically inclined, because bikes in your price range will either have lots and lots of miles on them, or be in relatively poor shape.
You might be able to find a relatively new Kawasaki Concours (not the brand new one), as well. Good bikes, and they still make parts for them.
Look for a used bike that comes with luggage, instead of adding luggage afterward. You’ll pay a hefty premium for new bags over used.
Good Luck!
August 12th, 2009 at 3:23 am
yamaha R6 lol just kidding
A honda Goldwing mabey
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August 12th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Any well cared for Honda,Kawasaki,Yamaha,Suzuki,etc. would be fine. I would stay away any HD bike as I find them more prone to break downs and the parts are very expensive. I would recommend at least a 500cc for a x-country trek.
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August 12th, 2009 at 4:57 am
Aint my choice but for that kind of money a OLD goldwing they will fit the bill but just make sure the only reason its cheap is the year model
2K aint gonna buy much
Ever think of renting one ???
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August 12th, 2009 at 5:38 am
A Guy just did a similar trip on a mid 90’s Honda 1100 Shadow, no problems. Lots of them around and good dealer network.
http://www.ridingacrossusa.com/forum/index.php/topic,250.0.html
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August 12th, 2009 at 6:10 am
$2K, huh?
That’s not a whole lot of money to spend, but you might be able to get creative. People (crazy people, but people nonetheless) have done the Iron Butt Rally on a Honda Helix 250 scooter.
If I were in your position, I’d look for an older UJM (a broad term, standing for Universal Japanese Motorcycle; usually an inline four with a standard or mildly forward seating position), something like a mid-80s Suzuki GS1100 or Honda CB900F, or a Yamaha XS 650,750, 850, or 1100. I hope you’re mechanically inclined, because bikes in your price range will either have lots and lots of miles on them, or be in relatively poor shape.
You might be able to find a relatively new Kawasaki Concours (not the brand new one), as well. Good bikes, and they still make parts for them.
Look for a used bike that comes with luggage, instead of adding luggage afterward. You’ll pay a hefty premium for new bags over used.
Good Luck!
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August 12th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Torchwood is an idiot. Harleys are built for the long haul, but its out of your price range. Check out Harley fly-n-ride program.
Good luck finding any vehicle for that kind of money thats relible enough to go cross country.
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August 12th, 2009 at 7:32 am
Under $2000 is going to be tough to pull off since you are going to need a fully maintained and ready to go bike for that trip. For what I see listed for that kind of money you’re going to get an old or beat bike. Then again it depends on your level of comfort with breakdowns. How about a rental?
For me those types of trips are done on a K1200GT.
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August 12th, 2009 at 7:58 am
For that kind of money if you can find a old Gold Wing maybe
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August 12th, 2009 at 8:09 am
a gold wing is a good bike to cross japan on
you wanna cross usa, it should be on a harley, a victory, or an indian…. and you aint gonna buy that for 2K
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besides which, you cheap out and only spend 2K, you’ll be lucky if it makes it
August 12th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Good luck on this one. Finding a bike under 2000 roadworthy enough to cross country. Again, good luck
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August 12th, 2009 at 9:38 am
Like others suggested a goldwing if you want big and smooth and want to carry lots of cargo. Otherwise an older Honda or Kawasaki four cylinder, which will be sportier and a little easier to find for the dollar.
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August 12th, 2009 at 9:50 am
If you could find an ‘86 or so Kawasaki Concours or Voyager XII, you’d be pretty well assured of being able to get parts. Kawasaki kept those models pretty much unchanged for nearly 20 years. Or an >81 KZ1000 or 1100, the 1000cc chain drive bikes were sold as police bikes for about 20 years as well.
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August 12th, 2009 at 9:59 am
You don’t get alot for 2000….best choice would be an older goldwing in good shape they tend to run forever and remain turnkey
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August 12th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Please let us know how far you get before you break down the 1st time.
You will probably spend another 2 grand on repairs, hotels and food. You might even breakdown on the freeway and get run over by the semi behind you when you can’t get outta the way fast enough. You should place more value on your life
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