Planning a X-Country trip - suggestions?

[tha_chimney]

My Buddy and I are starting to plan for a cross country trip we've been talking about for years. We plan to leave at the end of June 2010; no time limit because we're quitting our jobs.
We're looking at Honda Shadow's; figured they're the best based on reliability, price, and comfort. I'm estimating the whole trip to cost us about 10-12K including the bikes, insurance, repairs, and gear. We'll be sleeping outside most of the time to cut down on cost.

Has anyone done a trip like this? Any tips (cost, gear, etc.) would be great.

[GixerJockey]

Extra light bulbs... windscreen... tire plug kit... Co2 tire inflator...

[mycirus]

Yes

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...ight=cali+8500

I think It cost me around 900 in gas and maybe 1200-1400 in lodging and food. It was worth it. I would do it again. Plan a couple days in Yellowstone, nice country there. Also Crater Lake in Oregon was amazing. I am sure there are more places to see. Just plan it well. Sounds like fun.

[catamount]

I tried to do this last summer but my schedule wouldn't allow. Here is what I did though: I had people suggest places/roads that I absolutely must see/ride and put them onto a Google Map. Then I based the potential route off of that.

Maybe it'll give you some ideas?

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UT...490234&t=h&z=4

My Dad has a Honda Shadow. Comfortable bike but I wouldn't want to cross the country on a single cylinder. Maybe the bigger ones are twins?

[kb1]

Honda St1300....that's the way to ride across country. I am hoping to do this at some point in the future, and that's the bike I'll do it on.

[RandyO]

Has anyone done a trip like this? Any tips (cost, gear, etc.) would be great.

I recommend taking a couple shorter or weekend trips first, get used to packing, riding laden with heavy gear

why Shadows? is short inseam height a concern, IMHO, a V-strom or Versys or even a KLR might be a better cross country choice, reliability of any Japanese bike should not be a concern