USA trip plan

willmac · Apr 20, 2015

Just looking for some advice please folks.
I'm planning a trip to the US in 2016. Hope to tour around Utah, Nevada, California for around 3 weeks or so with a friend who lives in Utah.

Now here is where I require some advice please. I want to use a Hyperstrada to do this trip ( plus or minus 3 to 4000 miles maybe ). So do you think it would be cost effective to buy a used bike to do the trip.Then try and sell the bike on afterwards ?
I'm guessing I would drop maybe 1.5 to 2K or so on the bike buying and selling like this for a trip.

Unfortunately it would not be cost effective to try and ship my bike out of Vietnam and then back again, Would be too much paperwork and hassle , and also cost wise it would no doubt work out the same as the depreciation I would lose on buying a second hand bike. Renting may be an option, however costs would mount up here too from sort of mileage I'm looking at.

I'm sure there will be other cheaper bikes to make the costs more attractive , however I love the Hyper that much and would feel a lot more comfortable on a bike I know for such a long trip. I could also bring over my own gel seat , rear carrier , sat nav etc. So I would basically have everything I need.

Apologies for the long post , but would appreciate any input you may have , constructive or otherwise

Bsucardinalfan · Apr 21, 2015

you might have better luck trying to rent a bike for the trip, vs. trying to buy, register, get insurance, then ride, sell, etc. but if your buddy can take care of the shopping/buying/registering for you, and you just give him the money, then why not?

appliance821 · Apr 30, 2015

Look at an fj-09 - looks like fun to me. But on second thought - a used cb500x might be just the ticket. These bikes are greatly underrated and can be picked up for +/-$5k.

BlueSwede · May 1, 2015

For myself, I would definitely consider renting a bike, since it's for a limited time, and selling a used bike can be a hassle. I would also look at it as an opportunity to test and enjoy another bike that I might not otherwise ride or buy. I have rented from Dubbelju in San Francisco before it it was a very smooth experience.

peoples1234 · May 1, 2015

You could always check with a Ducati dealership in the USA and see if they would give you some type of guaranteed buy back value since you bought the bike from them after a period of a few months. Something similar to an unofficial lease. Not sure, but renting a bike for a few months would be very expensive. You'd have to make your trip start and end at the same dealer, but from their perspective they make money on the sale and then on the resale, win win.

willmac · May 1, 2015

Thanks for all the replies so far folks.
I will check out the various options suggested.

RSL · May 18, 2015

3 or 4 weeks? The rental idea is the best because it would be a challenge to get insurance.

Rent a Motorcycle at Dubbelju in San Francisco, California

Flights into SFO are probably your best value. From there it is an easy BART ride to Dubbelju to rent one of a variety of bikes. No hidden charges. Leave you luggage there while you ride.

Fly & Ride - Great for folks who live in the frozen north too.

willmac · May 18, 2015

RSL said:
3 or 4 weeks? The rental idea is the best because it would be a challenge to get insurance.

Rent a Motorcycle at Dubbelju in San Francisco, California

Flights into SFO are probably your best value. From there it is an easy BART ride to Dubbelju to rent one of a variety of bikes. No hidden charges. Leave you luggage there while you ride.

Fly & Ride - Great for folks who live in the frozen north too.

Thank you very much for your reply and appreciate the time you have taken to include maps as well. Cheers.

I have had a look on the website and they indeed seem to be very up front and have a good selection of bikes. Feel like I could jump on a plane tomorrow

I will update as things get to the next stage.

RSL · May 18, 2015

If you want to concentrate on the very best roads over the short time you plan to ride, I'd stay in California. Northern California, Southern Oregon and the Sierras. Plenty of riding to occupy you for months.

Here are some of my favorite roads:

Below are ride summaries for a couple of my previous rides.

These summaries may be more info than many wish, but it graphically displays the differences in the type of roads in the different parts of the state. By comparing elevation changes, severity of corners and average speeds, you can get a feel for where you can best find the riding you desire.

Each ride above is one week in duration.

Best of luck narrowing your routes down to only 3 or 4 weeks.

Jokeshopbeard · May 18, 2015

Amazing info there RSL - what software did you use to gather all that data?

GR8 · May 18, 2015

If you can find a HS for 1,500-2,000 dollars I would be VERY weary of it.... Renting is going to be your best option because you can just buy insurance from the rental agency. I'd recommend not going in the summer months but shortly after like September because it can get VERY hot, especially since they have a severe drought situation.

Lots of great roads in all of those area just be careful in central CA. Going on the inter state 5 and state highway 99. There are a lot of cows which means nasty smells and **** particles floating around in the air. I did a trip from Fresno to Santa Cruz and when I got back to Fresno there was **** dust all over my rental car.

One last thing, make sure there is a towing service included with the insurance just in case.

RSL · May 18, 2015

Jokeshopbeard said:
Amazing info there RSL - what software did you use to gather all that data?

Garmin and MapSource and Bootcamp for Mac. Bootcamp for Mac has additional features over Windows.

willmac · May 19, 2015

RSL said:
Garmin and MapSource and Bootcamp for Mac. Bootcamp for Mac has additional features over Windows.

Fantastic info RSL.
Much appreciated.

appliance821 · May 19, 2015

I'd look into a used cb500x -ride it and sell it for what you bought it for - throw your friend a few bones for the effort.. I think I'm repeating myself - sorry.

agsurf5 · May 19, 2015

If you come to LA, we can figure out a way for you to rent mine. I have another bike I can use for 3 weeks or so. Otherwise Rent a Ducati.com :: 1199 Panigale, Diavel, 848 Superbike, Multistrada 1200 ABS, Hypermotard 1100, and Monster 696! . They don't have the HS, but they have multistradas available I think.

appliance821 · May 21, 2015

GR8 said:
If you can find a HS for 1,500-2,000 dollars I would be VERY weary of it.... Renting is going to be your best option because you can just buy insurance from the rental agency. I'd recommend not going in the summer months but shortly after like September because it can get VERY hot, especially since they have a severe drought situation.

Lots of great roads in all of those area just be careful in central CA. Going on the inter state 5 and state highway 99. There are a lot of cows which means nasty smells and **** particles floating around in the air. I did a trip from Fresno to Santa Cruz and when I got back to Fresno there was **** dust all over my rental car.

One last thing, make sure there is a towing service included with the insurance just in case.

I agree. After June the roads are packed with RVs, campsites are booked, and as you say - the heat can be overwhelming. still do-able but not as much fun.

willmac · May 21, 2015

agsurf5 said:
If you come to LA, we can figure out a way for you to rent mine. I have another bike I can use for 3 weeks or so. Otherwise Rent a Ducati.com :: 1199 Panigale, Diavel, 848 Superbike, Multistrada 1200 ABS, Hypermotard 1100, and Monster 696! . They don't have the HS, but they have multistradas available I think.

That's an interesting offer and certainly something else to consider agsurf5.
Appreciate your input, and will be in touch for sure once I have looked at all the options.

USA trip plan

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