Taking my R12R to the US from Oz

[Mark]

Hi,

Am in the early stages of planning a big trip to the US and I'm hoping to take my R12R with me (from Australia).

Two initial questions I had that I was wanting to get some local input on to start my ball rolling -

* When is the really busy period during the summer that I need to avoid? As I understand it, there is a summer holiday season when many US folk hit the road in large numbers. Not that I don't want to be part of the shared experience of travelling this magnificent country, but I am concerned about availability of hotel/motel accommodation and the number of RV's etc. on the road. I am thinking, Mid July, August, to mid September window for my trip (4 weeks during that period I think). Is later better to avoid the crowds and local holiday makers?

* Secondly, I am concerned about the daily temperatures. I am thinking about a loop that would run down the West Coast from Oregon, across Death Valley to the Grand Canyon, up through Salt Lake City etc. towards and into Canada, across to Vancouver and Seattle, and then back down the West Coast. Part of this is in the hottest area and then up to the colder areas. Once again, I am thinking, Mid July, August, to mid September window for my trip (4 weeks during that period I think). Is later better to avoid the heat down in the south west region? Not keen on riding in 42C heat (107F) only to get off and try to take in the Grand Canyon.

Any and all input would be appreciated.

[mogu83]

I guess it's up to the West coast guys to get specific but July and August are the heavy tourist months because the kids (children) are out of school. September is a better month if you can extend your window by two weeks. It's usually much cooler,drier and less traveled than the Summer months.

[Mark_1]

Hello Mark,

That is quite an ambitions trip you are planning. Are you going to get off the R1200R during your visit to the North American continent or just zip through?

As a former resident of Arizona, Colorado, and Wyoming (currently Northern California) I've spent a great deal of time exploring the "West" and "Desert South West". These are great places to travel and explore and you could spend a month in either of these areas and not begin to fully appreciate the major attractions. For example, the Desert Southwest (a small portion of the area on your trip) has Mesa Verde NP, Canyonlands NP, Arches National Park, Bryce NP, Zion NP, Grand Canyon NP (North and South Rim), Petrified Forest, Monument Valley, Hopi Lands, Route 66, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Death Valley, to name just a few. Most of these are a days ride apart and each would take a day to just stop at the major attractions. July is definitely the prime tourist season with many European (German) tourists at the Grand Canyon (south rim) in rental RVs. However, The real problem would be the temperature - in July/August the average temperature in this area can easily reach 110+ F. Death Valley is even hotter. With humidity levels close to nill, riding would be very uncomfortable. Even Mad Max would have second thoughts.

Unless your goal is to cover as much road as possible during your four weeks, my advice would be to cut down the area you are planning to visit and give yourself some time off the bike enjoying the sights. California and the Pacific Coast alone could easily take up your four weeks of vacation time (and would be much more comfortable). Don't mean to rain on your parade. If interested in CA attractions let me know. Also, if you buzz through Northern Ca. I'll be glad to fire up the barbie and even supply a Fosters, or two.

Mark_1

[angellr]

Mark,

I live in Salt Lake City and would be happy to fire up the barbie as well. Lots to see in 4 weeks and would suggest a few things - I would find a place that would RENT or have an R12R loaner that you could ride (dealers have to have at least 2500 miles on their loaners before they can sell it - might be a win/win for them) and try to cover the West the best you can - early June or late August is always a good time as most people still have kids finishing up or going back to school.

If I can help in any way, please let me know.

[Mark]

Thanks to Mogu83, Mark_1 and Bob for the feedback.
It would certainly seem like September is the preferred month for temps and crowds.

I also appreciate what you guys are saying about the balance between racing through and taking some time to see what's on offer. I am trying to create that balance, and am trying to get a feel for how I may achieve this.
Our intention (wife and I, and possibly another couple) is to look at this as a motorcycling adventure. To that end it is about the thrill and experience of riding (isn't it always) with the added bonus of executing it on roads in the US. It's not about racing through but it is also not about using the bike as a form of transport between tourist destinations. If we wanted to do that I would hire a car.

This is all (or mostly) about the riding. The thrill of getting up each morning and heading off; knowing you don't need to return in the evening. The excitement of knowing that every single piece of black top is new and not only have you never ridden it before, you probably will never ride it again.
On the way there will be lots to see, but I don't want to park the bike and transition into "on foot tourist mode". We want to be able to absorb the experience on the back of my bike as much as possible. Stop at diners and restaurants to re-fuel and absorb snippets of the local culture. Spend the night in a motel and hang out at the local bar or cafe and talk to people.
I've seen some of this area as a tourist in the past but not on a bike, and that is the key.

I can get my a bike there and back (Oz to USA and back to Oz) for around $3,000. The rental for a bike is at least $6000 per month. The option of striking some deal with a local BMW dealer is interesting but I am still hoping to ride "my" bike. I know her, she knows me and we take care of each other. My wife rides a F800ST and it is also equally set up and part of her. To turn up and grab an unknown machine and look to ride some 14,000 km over 4 to 6 weeks is too scary.

Anyway, thanks for the tips. It's still in the early stages and I thank you for your input and your offers of hospitality. That is what will make this trip memorable. Riding and meeting people. I'll skip Disneyland but I'd kill to ride through Zion or Bryce with some old friends and possibly some new ones.

[sky_sailor]

You could buy a couple of bikes with a "buy back" arrangement with a dealer? 3000$ a month should "buy" a couple of pretty nice touring rigs. I'd be looking into that, even if your bikes really "fit", something else would "grow" on you for 3K, I'd think.
Lyle

[deilenberger]

I looked into renting an R12R when I was in California in November. There is a place in San Francisco that rented one at around $125/day - and discount for a week. That would be much less then $6,000 for a month. If you're interested I can dig out the name of the place.. (or someone here will know them..)

[Mark]

All information at this stage would be greatly appreciated.