I think making sure all the bikes on the trip are maintained and mechanically sound is huge. It’s not only an enjoyment issue but a safety issue. If your bike breaks down due to simple neglect and causes someone else to be in an accident, now you’re stuck with that, too. So it’s not being a jerk at all. It’s being concerned for everyone’s enjoyment and safety.
I was talking to the guy from Cycle Fanatics he was telling me how to use tires in motorcycles in this whole time I've been listening to ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2qJsgEqiNQU.htmlsi=W3nF6H78j3TQUnHK.
Chopper and adv guys are different in my experience. We know there's only so much you can do to maintain it but when we break down we always help each other to get it going. The majority of us are very mechanically inclined. There's no rush on a trip, small convenience but part of the adventure
@@MrMikeDao I think we all know breakdowns, flats, and dead batteries are part of the game now and then. We look back on it and laugh. That part of the video is more directed at those forget about their bike for months, jump on and start it up, and think they are good. Of course you can do all the due diligence in the world and things can happen. Just don’t willfully neglect basic maintenance and think you can just roll your bike out do the garage for a multi day trip.
This kind of stuff was exactly what I was talking about when the wife and me met you last month. Great video as always Matt. Plenty of insight for my trip to Spain this year. Thank you 🙏🏻
I’ve used Google Maps for decades but never thought of viewing the route with the little orange guy! Where have I been? 😂. Thanks Matt, I always take at least one thing away from every vlog and a whole lotta inspiration to ride my Harley-Davidson.
I've been the planner leader for our small group for 40+ years. We use to always camp which made planning easy but we got old...motels now. Used Garmins for years but more than once was lead astray. In fact coming home to then Washington from Texas got lost and realized I didn';t have any maps. To this day I still carry maps! Also old days I was the only one with a GPS and more than once missed a turn adding time to the day to which they didnt have a clue until they got bikes with build in GPS's. Preplan as you do with Google maps on my computer, great tool! Great video!!
And you’re one of the very best at not only planning these trips but also capturing amazing shots, sharing important information of the places you are traveling through and narrating throughout each video my brother
Great vid Matt! Google Maps Issue: Make sure Google Maps pre-planned route users (on each device) turn off the "use fuel efficient route" Google Maps option. If left on, it will most often change preplanned routes back to freeways, etc...defeating the purpose of scenic route planning.
I just wing it, and follow the weather and book as we go. I like to feel out a spot prior to booking. I always make sure my bikes in the best condition as possible before we head out. Typically I’ll do a 3 hole service, check tire tread and brake pad wear beforehand plus go through entire bike top to bottom. Lived off the street glide for over a month on the road and never had one mechanical issue or flat.
Enjoying your content from northern British Columbia. We ride in the States a lot and have gotten some great ride ideas from you. We are currently planning a cross-Canada trip, and really appreciate the heads up on the strengths/ weaknesses of GPS/Google Maps. Keep up the great content!
I have bought tires on trips many times. Different areas have different road surfaces and wear tires out differently. Thinking I easily have 4000 miles of rubber left only to find I’m at the wear bars at 3000 miles. Start calling around in larger and larger circles until I find a tire. Have had to ride an additional 250 miles to get a tire but those detours have exposed me to areas and roads I wasn’t planning to explore. Made those trips more memorable. Of course those were all solo trips.
Dang sounds like you do some really long trips. Yea, if you gotta start planning around tires and fluid changes on the road that adds a whole new layer of planning dynamics.
Thanks Matt 😊 ... Yes you do it right ... You take the Way between safe Points and free Riding, so you have Joy with a little HD Group ( with Guys you now the Best Way ) ... I have do it so too ... In my Time the Planing of the fix Points on longer Trip are need a little more Time ... We have had only a Road Map / Book and Notice Letters on the Tankbag ... but the same Fun at all ... Without elektrical Helper, or Mobilphone ... So Guys wish you ever a free, safe and happy ride Your Arne ☺👍
Great video, I lead like you almost all the time. I also have played with most gps units and for Harley, I prefer the built in gps. I’ve spent some time understanding all the nuances of it and getting my routes across the country dialed in. Google works ok for relatively simple routes but when you want to have complete control of your routes with several backroads it also has its shortcomings. And as you noted , when you share a google maps route it changes the route . When planning my routes I have both the Harley ride planner up and google maps. For hr Eys with the GTS units, HD ride planner does work great and it’s super easy to share with the rest of the group. For those without the GTS units, they can follow the route on the HD app on their phone. It has gotten a lot better. I also run wireless CarPlay on my Harley so I can bring up google maps on my screen for those times when you need a quick route to restrauant or gas station. Great job on your videos Matt!
Thanks for the comment. This is encouraging to hear. I didn’t have the GTS so I didn’t have much experience with using the ride planner with it. It’s good to hear that you had good luck with it.
Matt! You always make good sense! I make sure my bike is in tip top shape before any ride. If something is wrong. She gets towed to the dealer. I am so bad with directions and maps. Thank you so much for those tips on how to navigate Google. Your demo on that trip was (as you say) Rad! 😊
I have been riding for decades, everything you said is spot on!! in the old days we didn't have Google so it was a roll of the dice when it came to accommodations, routes etc. when it comes to road trips I'm not fond of surprises, you'll get them regardless but with preparation you will limit them, stress to me is not fun, and like you said, fun is why we do this!!
Exactly. There are going to be surprises regardless but the key is to minimize them right. Yea, I ride to have fun, not to put myself in a struggle that I can talk about later.
Love the channel Matt. I used Google maps for years but recently discovered the Harley Davidson app. You can save, name and share your routes. No street view but you can drag your route to suit. Also shows petrol stations, restaurants etc which can be turned on and off to suit. Really worth a look. Keep up the good work!!
Great video! My approach lines right up with yours. I loved the line: It's nice to be the rider in the back enjoying the ride...I haven't been that guy in years. I use the Ride Planner for my multi-day trips only because of the ability to put in waypoints. If Google/Apple would let you do that, I'd be more likely to use them.
Matt, you are so right in bike and rider prep. I have had to deal with riders who dont maintain their bike and are questionable in their riding ability. I will never do that again, hurt feelings or not. Thanks for a great video.
When I ride for hours with a couple of other riders; I try to shift the leader every 30-45 mins. Another excellent vlog Matt and crew. Thanks for all the tips and content
Thanks for laying it all out there Matt. The little things can become big things very quickly. Just finished a 3886 mile road trip on my 2023 CVO Street Glide, and the Apple Car Play was fantastic. It warns you of radar ahead, and really helped when it warned me of severe thunder storms ahead, which gave me time to suit up before hitting the severe wind and downpours.
Wow nice. I didn't realize it warned you of bad weather. Or maybe I did. Either way that's good to hear with had a good experience with the apple car play on your bike.
Another ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ video, Matt. Awesome videography and great information. I learned something new about Google Maps for trip planning. Thanks again for amazing content!
Funny... I've bought my first HD this April (Sportster Iron1200, don't judge plz) and because I'm an iOS engineer, I've got a Carpuride (Apple CarPlay) unit for it and been toying with an iPad / Mac app to plan my routes using Apple Maps engine. Your notes about how to plan actually helped me a lot to figure out basic needs for it. If I finish it someday I'll sure give a few keys for the lads in Laidlaw HD. Thanks a million.
oh nice man! Yes I'll take a key. Congrats on the bike. Sportsters are rad, I think people think they will be judged a certain way for riding one. Not the case man. Different tool for a different job when compared to a touring chassis bike. And if you do a long ride on a Sportster you have even more bragging rights. Thanks for the comment. Enjoy the ride
Matt outstanding video , I’m planning a trip from Boston area to the tail of the dragon with seven friends. The tips on your video for route planning are very helpful. I too agree well maintained bikes are a must. I also agree that rider’s ability and skill set are very important. I would also add riders physical conditioning to be able to handle the long miles and rigors of the road are key to a safe ride. Keep up the good work brother
Good stuff Matt! I didn't know a few of those little tricks. I'll be putting them to use for our trip to HD Homecoming in July. As always, great video and safe travels out there with your guys! 🤙🏼
Really enjoyed the Google tutorial as I’ve never really used it in that manner before. Very cool! This was definitely a great video that answered a lot of questions I think. Definitely looking forward to more short films of your travels, Matt. This is a great little niche for you and you’ve proven yourself as a top notch videographer and content creator. Gotta admit though, I miss Andrew and his seemingly always comical presence. Lol…..
Matt again an excellent video! The dealership looks legit! I agree wholeheartedly with you, bikers need to have their bikes and skills up to par. It's not being arrogant or conceited I believe it's looking out for your guys and yourself. I used to go on rides with guys and I wish we would have had the same standards you implement. I was rear-ended by another biker who shouldn't have been on our ride. It caused me and my bike some damage. I loved the video so much I'm turning my cousin on to it and he's super OCD with everything. Keep it up brother see you June 29 for the grand opening.
Thanks Matt! On Navigation I couldn’t agree more. I seem to have the best experience using Apple Maps. Getting lost can be have the fun “sometimes” Great vid as always! ✌🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Great video. In addition to planning routes on GPS before the trip, I also like to bring a paper map with the planned route incase I have problems with my phone or gps during the trip.
Hey Matt, awesome video as usual. I have pretty much the same rules with my group rides as you and also use Google maps for planning. However, I keep my HD navigation map database updated every year and buy the update in case I’m in a remote area without cell service. It actually works pretty good on my Boom GTS system. Later……
Thanks for this, Matt. I’ve known about Google maps but I did not know that you could send the directions to your phone. I thought I had to memorize the path., which makes it hard if there are a lot of intersections and routes to take. Very helpful video- thank you!
Yea it’s handy. Then you can just click on the text message and your route is good to go if you have a handle bar mount for your phone. Or Apple car play.
Very helpful, especially the reminder to check the bikes and have basic tools on hand (which I don't at the moment but going to Amazon now). I would only add that carry a paper map too, just as a back up. Not sure why I am giving advice as I have only been on one nighter trips so far :). This is my favorite HD channel.
For my group, planning a trip starts 6 months ahead of the trip itself. It starts with a destination or purpose for the trip. This year we are doing the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. Then we look at lodging. That way we can get the cheapest rates possible. This also allows our trip leader (usually me) to scope out the routes possible. I’ve definitely taken wrong turns and put us on a gravel road. I try to ride a route if it’s close, or scope it out on google maps by looking at the roads themselves. 3 months out I put a reminder out about going over the bike. Service Dates at dealerships by us are at least 20 days out, and there are no same day service dates anymore. So it takes time to get a bike in, and get it back. Even tire swaps are a 3 day turn around. The last thing we do is each person is given a responsibility. They have to choose the lunch stop or dinner stop for the given day. It makes the trip belong to everyone. Last I ask if people have a point of interest they want to stop at. Then I map it all out on the H-D Trip Planner. (I’m just familiar with it.) I then go over my route on google, with the little man, to look for current construction to avoid, make sure the roads are paved, etc. I’ll update the route, and after the map is set I share it with everyone. Just a side note, the 2024 Navigation on Harley and Indian is a WiFi / Cellular signal navigation system. It’s no longer satellite. So like your phone, you need a viable signal or service, unless you download the map into the gps. There is a work around for android auto on the new bikes as well. It’s dongle that you can get. Thanks for sharing Matt. Can’t wait to see your next ride video.
Great to see how others plan, we have the very same process on google. I’m always the leader and navigator. Before the advent of smart phones and all that kind of integration, I used to hand write all of my directions on paper, tape it to my tank and head out. Either way has been super fun but now with it being able to put directions and what not in your head set and seeing a live map, it is game changing. Love this channel, you got a new subscriber and love the camaraderie in your crew.
Great video! I plan my routes on google earth, then load them onto my Garmin satnav using their basecamp software. I plan every stop, including petrol (gas) stops because my friend has a Ninja which doesn't have a fuel gauge and his tank only holds enough fuel for around 130 miles.
Hey Matt! I click on the "options" button below the destinations and click on "avoid highways" and "avoid tolls" when I want to avoid the freeways. It lays out a good base to build a more adventurous trip with more twisties and better scenery than mile after mile of freeway.
Very informative Matt. I do use the Harley Planner alot though. I like the drag feature and then send to the bike. I do though have my cell phone with car play for backup. I need to check out the google maps more though especially the send to phone feature.
Google maps can be set to avoid interstates and unpaved roads. Plan the mileage for each day. I try not to exceed 300. Also, I get tired sooner after a few days, so I plan fewer miles as the trip unfolds. Finally bring gear in case you have to stay an extra night due to weather. I’ll ride in a light to medium rain, but not thunderstorms.
Another great video with good tips and advice! I'm a planner too and riding to Sturgis this year so will try out using Google Maps as demonstrated by Matt.
I’m usually the one who leads - often 6-12 bikes. Cardo units really help. We use Ride Planner, but it stinks. Often freezes, tries to redirect to way points, and cumbersome to use.
Great video highliting the important issues on planing a roadtrip and using navigation. Myself I have mounted a Garmin Zumo XT above my Pan America´s infotainment screen using a Wunderlich mount. That works perfectly for me, and I also have my iPhone on the handlebar.
More power to guys who ride group rides. I prefer to ride alone. I also don't really ride in extremely remote areas. I do like to plan a place to sleep so I don't end up stuck somewhere trying to find a bed. Usually I just look on a map and remember where I'm going. I don't even have a mount on my bike. My phone just stays in my pocket.
Route planning is extremely important with groups. We have a couple guys here we've been doing epic trips the last 10 years. Last year was Mt Rainer from Dallas TX. Then to Oregon Coast, down to Mendocino, and then west back to Dallas with a couple National parks. Had 7 nights hotel and 7 nights camping. The lead likes to plan the route with a web base service called Furkot. I've tried it but I'm use to Garmin's program Basecamp. (from the old Zumo 665 days)The lead will plan a route then I will duplicate it Basecamp. Basecamp shows dirt roads when you dont want the route on dirt. This last trip that saved us from getting on Navaho 7 going into Gallup, NM. He will load his route into the boombox and I load mine. Gives me a way to check we haven't missed a turn. I keep my phone in the glovebox on the Roadglide because I like the clean look and it keeps everything charged and dry. Enjoyed this video. I ride 2019 RG Ultra
Plan the mileage for each day. I try not to exceed 300. Also, I get tired sooner after a few days, so I plan fewer miles as the trip unfolds. Finally bring gear in case you have to stay an extra night due to weather. I’ll ride in a light to medium rain, but not thunderstorms.
Thanks for the tips, as usual very useful! I don’t know if you have plans to do something in Oregon, since we are neighbors. Very close to the border we have Crater Lake National Park which is awesome and the road from Northern California, specifically from Lake Tahoe/Reno is a great ride. Also the majestic highway 1 that turns into 101 all the way to Canada is another option to get to Crater Lake.
Some older Wing guys were complaining about their never again leader. He rode through a town AND back to where they started. Gas was about 5 cents cheaper, so he saved about twenty-five cents.
For me it depends on where I’m going. Take 2 years ago on my trip. For the 10 day trip, I only prebooked one night and that was in Cottonwood,AZ, which I didn’t really need because I could have crashed on my uncles couch. But that was the only night where I prebooked. Everything else, yeah I had a plan of where I wanted to get to but no real plan. Booked rooms when I stopped for lunch.
Thx. It’s a statement against onboard systems, call it what you want. And that’s a valid preference. Just consider using a secondary phone as a motorcycle navigation device, just like you don’t ride naked on your bike. It’s your choice, but it has similar reasons. I won’t teach people why who don’t want to take the moment to even think why that’s better or not. Learn your own lessons. Same with Google Maps. Choose whatever App, and learn your own lessons. Instead of bullying your way as the lead ball carrier. Quad-Lock and SP-Connect seem to be the best systems available. Sadly there’s a HD dealer in LA that has no clue about Harley’s Onboard Navigation System and can’t show how it works. But at least he seems to have a decent procedure worked out for himself aside from that. And considering that not all HD bikes have such Onboard system, the presented solution fits all fine and works.
The only time I use the Harley GPS is on my road trips. I like using Ride Planner and exporting to USB and loading on the bike. I usually do this every night in my hotel. The only reason I prefer this is the ability to set waypoints. Waypoints force the route to stay on the track I want. In my experience, if I don't do this, apps or even the Harley GPS will be like, "Nope, this way is faster" and skip over the road I wanted to take. I also kind of like the trip summary stats that tell me how many stops I took and my MPG for the trip. If I have to go through a city though, I absolutely loathe the built-in GPS.
Yea I’ve heard people having good luck with way points. Yes, the suggested routes are usually not great or not the desired route. Way points are required when using HD ride planner. Thanks for the comment!
we usually dial up everybodies #1 place we wanna see. and just wing it. when we plan, we always get hammered with rain. while we do still plan, milestones if you will. but we allow a buffer between places. 1 or 2 days give or take between say 800 miles/
As a bus driver, I’m with you on Google Maps. Even as a person needing public transportation, the app will tell you which bus, and all. Right down to how far you need to walk. I also have the quad lock with the mag case. Even works with my Verizon car charger. Case is tough as nails. I don’t have the charging head yet. Any suggestions for best GoPro settings that record longer than 5 minutes?
As stupid as it sounds, I miss the HOG Map Book which members got. Always liked having a physical map for those areas where cell service was not available. Plus, there were motorcycle routes highlighted!
Planning for Mr. Murphy is always good. Do have enough money for a U-Haul or tow to get your bike home if things break ? Always have enough water on your bike for obvious reasons. And most importantly Never and I mean Ever Trust a Fart on a road trip. Great video Matt 🤘⚡️🤘✨✨✨
