I'm planning a trip and need advice.

[Opus]

I need to drive from Memphis TN. to Ft. Lauderdale FL. It is about a 17 hour drive and I'm thinking of using my bike to make the trip.
I'm hoping to make it in 2 days doing about 500 miles a day. Am asking too much for a bike trip? Should I take a car instead?
I sure the bike will make the run, but I don't know if 500 miles is pushing it in a single day.

Any thoughts on this?
Thanks in advince for your input.

[TimTyler]

Some riders can do 1000 miles in a day. Some want to stop at 100. Only you know the answer to your question.

[Rick G]

500 miles or 800km as we in Oz say is a comfortable day for me and I will do the same next day but I don't want to do a third day of that distance as it gets a bit much for me at 62 years.  When I was 40 I could do that for days on end.

[wmax351]

500 miles a day isn't a big deal. I've done 700-750 a day for 3 days straight (Lincoln, NE, to Berkeley, CA). When I stopped to camp, I was still up for more, but wanted to minimize nighttime riding in the desert. Could have done a lot more miles if I wanted to get moving earlier in the morning.

But then again, I'm 21. A lot more flexible, etc.

[TimTyler]

The rider's comfort level plays a big part on long rides too. If your bike provides good wind protection and your clothes and helmet keep you warm and dry, it's easier to ride long days. Earplugs too.

What's the longest ride you've done?

[frankenduck]

Seat comfort is the key.  I rode my K75RT coast to coast (2,461 miles) non-stop in about 36 hours.

If you feel tired or inattentive at any time then pull over immediately to take a breather and do some stretching exercises.

[TimTyler]

If you feel tired or inattentive at any time then pull over immediately ...

+1

That can't be stressed enough!

[Opus]

My seat is the BMW (touring) Corbin seat and is okay so far.
I have rode over 400 mile in a day and it took 8+ hrs (Mostly back roads of AR.), but that was some time ago.
I have a really good windsheld with a vent (New) and blocks the wind so good that I don't get alot of wind noise.
My longest time driving was 18 hrs. But that was in a car and I knew the roads very well.
As I will be on unknown roads for most of the way, traveling at night will be as little as possable.

I have driven in FL and find that Drivers in FL respect bikes more and watch out for them better than here in TN.
I plan on using Expressways/Interstates Hwys. as much as I can to make better time. There looks like I will have to use some state hwys thought from Montgomery to I-10.
I should be able to find gas,food & lodging easier that way. (Routing subject to change)

Keep the good advice coming & Thanks!

[wmax351]

Sounds like a plan. Go for it!

[Opus]

Damn. :swear:
Project Over Ride Invoked By S.O. :twak:
She is making me take the car down.  :nono
And we all know that the S.O. has the last word right?

Well anyway, thanks for all the good advice gang!

[motodude]

Seat comfort is the key.  I rode my K75RT coast to coast (2,461 miles) non-stop in about 36 hours.

If you feel tired or inattentive at any time then pull over immediately to take a breather and do some stretching exercises.

A fifteen minute nap can do wonders.

Tom

[TaosBrick]

My S.O. knows better than to mess with the affairs of men and motorcycles. Sounds like you need to lay down some law, son.  :nono

In my experience, 500mi is a very doable day. like Duck sez, get off, stretch, have a cuppa joe, repeat as necessary. Motels are ok too, if ya don't fancy sleepin' on th' ground.

[mystic red]

Damn. :swear:
Project Over Ride Invoked By S.O. :twak:
She is making me take the car down.  :nono
And we all know that the S.O. has the last word right?

Well anyway, thanks for all the good advice gang!

WOW!

[Opus]

@ TasoBrick,
I think I want to keep my body parts where they are for now!  :yow

Besides she has very good reasons that I can't ignore.
She would have no problem with me going to Panama City FL. because we have been there a few times and I know the route well.
As this would be a 1st time driving to the Ft. Lauderdale area, it would be wiser to take a car and test the routes out. Then next time take the bike if I want to.
Also I have only had the bike or alittle over 6 months and have not gone over 100 miles in one ride.
I'm alittle worried about it making a 2000 mile round trip with so little history between us just yet.  :embarass:
So taking the car is the better plan on this trip.

[TaosBrick]

@ TasoBrick,
I think I want to keep my body parts where they are for now!  :yow

Besides she has very good reasons that I can't ignore.
She would have no problem with me going to Panama City FL. because we have been there a few times and I know the route well.
As this would be a 1st time driving to the Ft. Lauderdale area, it would be wiser to take a car and test the routes out. Then next time take the bike if I want to.
Also I have only had the bike or alittle over 6 months and have not gone over 100 miles in one ride.
I'm alittle worried about it making a 2000 mile round trip with so little history between us just yet.  :embarass:
So taking the car is the better plan on this trip.

Lessee... you got four mc's, and I'm guessing a fair amount of overall riding experience under your belt - I think you should give yourself a bit more credit. As to S.O.B.S. , dat ch!t wouldn't fly under my roof! :neener:

[TimTyler]

... dat ch!t wouldn't fly under my roof!

Don't you mean "our" roof?   cool shades

[TaosBrick]

... dat ch!t wouldn't fly under my roof!

Don't you mean "our" roof?   cool shades

Touché, mr. Tim - but it's still the truth of the matter  :yes

[sbeadg]

I've been married 27 years.  My wife does what she wants to do and I do likewise.  I don't ask when I want to go for a ride: I announce it.  Not all relationships are like that but I'm sure glad mine is  :2thumbup:. 
As far as your ride.  You definitely can do the miles.  The question you need to ask yourself is, is this a ride you WANT to do.  I'd prolly take my TDI for the comfort and to get it over with, if you're taking interstates.  An 8 1/2 hour car ride usually means 10 or 11 hours on my whip. 
The other factor for me would be weather.  I stay as dry and comfortable as one can on a bike (KLT) but when there's semi's kicking up spray around me so I can hardly see, that ain't much fun....