How Much Does It Cost To Ride A Motorcycle On A Cross-Country Road Trip? 

What a memory you will have forever doing this with your dad.

Traveling across country with your dad and uncle, priceless ❤

That’s an awesome video and you’re very fortunate to have a 75 year old dad out there still getting it done.

My wife and I just got back a week ago from a Colorado-Key West-Tennessee-Colorado trip on our Road Glide Limited (4966 miles round trip). Did it in 11 days, although I only really count about 8½ to 9 days for traveling because we spent an extra day in Key West, one leisurely/short day riding the Cherohala Skyway (only did about 260 miles that day), and one extra night 59 miles from home in Colorado due to weather. It was a great ride, but I wish we had a couple more days to take it easier and see more sights (my wife was limited on the number of days she could take off work). We stayed in hotels/motels every night, and that was a good thing just for the shower convenience alone. I don’t know the cost yet because I haven’t gone through all the numbers, but I figure around $3k counting gas, food, overnight stays, and shopping (maybe less). Most of our meals were quick/cheap/simple, but we did have several nice dining occasions along the way at local establishments. It’s a trip we will be talking about for some time to come. 👍🏻

Road from Ohio to LA then up the PCH across the Golden Gate Bridge and back home on a 2018 Goldwing. Gas cost $500 and camping/hotels cost $300. Was a 8 day trip. 5,300 miles

I live in California and deal with 'high' gas prices. I think that is a mental thing. There was a small window last year when gas approached $7 for a gallon in premium gas, but every where else in the country was also experiencing gouging by the oil companies. It's running about $5 now. That said: The difference between $5 a gallon and $4 a gallon on a full tank of gas on a Harley in California or Tennessee is about $5 total: $25 vs $30. I'd say if that is make or break for you, you probably shouldn't be riding a $30,000 bike. In California, we have much favorable riding conditions throughout the year. We have the PCH. Lake Tahoe. Yosemite, Mammoth... Over the course of a year, I might spend $50-$60 more in gas than you will in any other state. California doesn't deal with tornados. No deep freezes. And frankly, our wages are way higher and our health care costs are better. Its odd to me when folks from 'out of state' couldn't live here because gas is too high or folks that own homes here, leave their $500,000 home getting 5% a year leave to save $300 a year in gas for their car. LOL "Penny Wise, Pound Foolish." Everything is all relative. I enjoy your channel though.

Great video! I have been on several long distance trips and started trying to camp to save a little money, however I’ve migrated to using hotels like you have. Some of the reasons that I’ve done so, is to camp you must carry a lot more items. Also the time it takes to setup and pack the stuff takes away from your time on the bike or adds to your day. Most importantly sleeping on the ground and not having a shower is not worth it to me. I understand that one of the drawbacks is cost. Everyone has a different perspective on this and do what makes you happy.

Great video! I have a trip from Maryland to New Mexico in July. Straight out and back along the Gulf Coast to Orlando, then up the coast on the way back to Maryland. Looking at potential retirement locations along the coast and want to see how the heat and humidity are in different locales in the peak of summer.

Great video tall!! I already have my hotel booked for run to hills 3 and should be getting my crank back from darkhorse in about 2 weeks!!! I am installing new oiling system and star racing cam along with man o war crank and all new gaskets and pistons!!! I'm super pumped and will be getting banquet tickets too. (I hope) thanks again and can't wait to ride with you in Tennessee!! Have a blessed day!!

Great video. Every time I see you and your dad riding together makes me smile. 👊

I've made 8 cross country trips 4 on my road king 4 on my electraglide std. Cheapest way is with 4 guys sharing motel room 2 guys on air mattresses on floor 2 on beds really saves on lodging. Most expensive way is when my wife comes she's a motel snob and won't stay in any hotel for less than $200. Most my trips average $1200 round trip if the wife goes just double that.

You remind me of a child laying on the floor because like me when I was a child I always wanted a motorcycle and I would lay on the floor in the living room in front of the TV with a map laid-out fantasizing about the day I'll be old enough to get me a motorcycle and go travelling. Athleta say that day has come and gone. Enjoy the time you have with your dad and your uncle .. you gentlemen be safe and ride tall

If you are in an area where it's just too dang hot I found a long sleeve moisture wicking fishing shirt works great. Helps with cooling plus fishing shirts usually have an spf rating and they take up equal or less room in the bag than a t shirt

Pecos TX Only hotel is expensive! You could of gotten cheaper in Odessa or Midland if you could of run one more hour! Awesome vid. Would like to do cross country some day. But I need to save up and move up from my Dyna into a SG 😤

Agree riding through south Texas is ridiculously hot. I rode from Chicago to South Padres Island in July for a motorcycle rally, brutal but fun.

Great info. Cross country trip is on my bucket list. Keep living the dream.

I'm flying to Washington to get my Brothers bike and riding back to Eastern Tennessee. I've been watching your videos, much appreciate the insight.

Hey Tall, just found your channel a week ago. Love your videos! Thank you for saying “ have a Blessed day “ at the end of every video.😊

This is a lifetime memory, it's priceless. Respect!!

Haven't tuned in for a while, but as always, another informative and well thought out video. Thanks for sharing Tall!

Tall my man, thanks for the info for riding cross country. Much appreciated 🙏

I watched your 2 days across the country and thought it was insane. Then one my friends posted on Facebook that her husband (also an old friend) just set the new coast to coast motorcycle record.. Jacksonville to San Diego in 28hrs 28min. I'd just be happy getting my butt burner running from my house to key west.

I wanna get out and do a cross country trip but my friends are all city riders lol. Gotta build up the courage to go alone I guess.

I've been cross country twice and at 3 tanks of gas per day I avg 100 dollars per day plus lodging. The lodging is where it adds up for me so splitting it does help. I also like the KOA cabins. Hard to find a cleaner/safer place for the price. setting up a tent and sleeping on the ground after a long day sucks so I don't that

That is cool riding with your kin folks look like a great time 2 thumbs up 2 u mr. 2 tall

This was a very informative video. I was surprised at cost for 20 days on road. Guess also need to ensure you start out on fresh tires and bike well serviced and road ready. Or cost could soar if any mishaps occur. We just need to be prepared

The Jordan’s stole the show 🔥🔥

Just found your channel, some great videos .... and solid advice

It’s costing me twice as much now compared to my 2020 cross country trip. Mostly Gas. But camping/lodging is also way up.

I ride solo 99% of the time so I don't worry about motels much (weather permitting). I camp when I can and have camped on Bureau of Land Mangement land which is free. The most I paid for gas was last yr when I rode from Ohio to California. California gas was $8.55 for 91 octane. I like KOAs and have stayed at the camping cabins. I have also tent camped and several weeks ago stayed at the cabin where it had linens and indoor plumbing. Now that was nice. Pricy but nice. I also reuse a water bottle on my trips which saves money. I appreciate the breakdown of your trip and I will see you in June at RTTH3. Last yr I tent camped at a KOA and plan to do the same in June.

I started out with a Honda 250cc all terrain bike, going up in size and power throughout my 59 years of living, I currently have a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000cc, and a Harley Davidson street glide with a twincam 103ci engine ")

Great video. Hadn’t seen anyone provide $ info for trip. Looking at doing some long rides in near future. Thanks for info, love your videos

Awesome just awesome. Thank you for sharing

That was a really helpful video! Thx for putting this out. 🙌🙌

It's so funny how I was just looking for cross-country tips, and your videos came up for today. Taking my Challenger cross country next week. My gas stop was on point. I figured 1k round trip.

Thanks for all 💯 on the totals on those expenses on your trips...

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

Great advice. Planning my first Sturgis trip from Florida and back.

Thanks Tall. Headed from Boston down through Tennessee via the Blue Ridge, Dragon, etc. then across to the Grand Canyon and up through the National Parks to Yellowstone, Montana, Sturgis, Badlands and back through Kentucky area and back in August with 2 buddies. Hopefully good weather.

Stumbled upon your video, maybe by Google analytics? I'm from Lebanon, Tennessee which is about 35 miles east of Nashville. Great information that you share sir! I'll be doing trips like this, probably starting in 2024. Travel the country by motorcycle and see our great nation!

those are awesome Js! I actually got that same colorway.

TY for the info and breakdown on the costs you had for both trips! Live in NEFL and a few years ago I did a quick 3-day trip to Dallas TX to help out a friend, (2k rd-trip). Since that ride, been wanting to do a cross-country trip to SOCAL, ride north up Coastal HWY, and come back thru the midwestern states. Looking @ 6,300+ Miles total. My question to you on your 20-day trip; what did you do for maintenance (3-hole change)? I normally change every 3500 miles, maybe to 4k, but couldn't do 6k+. Watched a few cross-country videos, and you have been the only one to break it all down. TY - I enjoy the channel...

I just ride from Florida to Washington DC…I would love to travel to Los Angeles next year…

Someday, someday soon lol. Thank you for the run down sir!

Hope to do this one day. Not a bad vacation!

Thank you! I appreciate this information, I always watch you on Roku TV and give ya thumbs up but I had to get on my phone to say thanks for this great info Be Blessed Brother Tall!😎🙏

Super useful information, thank you

I would like to do it sometime in the near future. I'll probably have to get a trailer for my bike. I have plenty of camping equipment from when my son was in scouting. I can bring along such as a tent, camp stove, small cooler, inflatable mattress, sleeping bag, etc. You can save even more at KOA locations if you bring a tent and use that. I'm also debating whether to buy another bike to do it on. My current ride is a 2007 Yamaha Royal Star tour deluxe with almost 80k miles on it. I have complete confidence it would make the trip with a trailer with no issues as it's been reliable as heck. I have been thinking maybe it's time for a lower mileage bike for road trips and to relegate the Yamaha to local rides.

Thank you for the info, helps me plan a ride that have always wanted to do.

That would be cool to have a whole family riding across country!!

Good Stuff

Thank you very much for the info Tall.

Thanks for this video. I'm going on a big trip in June and this was helpful.

Big bikes are nice cruising on the open rode, but in cities and towns, it's like wrestling a 900lb gorilla, you'll be worn out fighting through traffic and such, my favorite rides have been on bikes in the 800cc to 1200cc range, weighing between 500lbs and 700lbs, easier to handle more enjoyable to ride 😊

Rode Chicago straight through to Key West 1300 miles(Iron Butt but short of a silver) in a little over 18 hours. One thing you didn't include was maintence(6000mi oil service?) on the road. In Key West I stayed in a Hostel for less than 1/4 cost of hotel(shared room,kitchen and bath).

Great Breakdown!

Thanks Tall.

Thank you for sharing

Great content! Thanks for all your work .

Nice review keep up the good work traveling tall

Dang even at home... I don't spend more than $5 for a meal... Enjoyed your video dude very good

Hey Tall, great video as always. I think maybe this year I'll head west on my long ride.

Good information 👍🏿

Great information thanks for the video.

Great info Tall.... Thanks..

Great info Tall, thanks.

excellent review...point out the differences between the Indian and HD and then go ride a BMW...nice work - oorah.

Great stuff man as always...

Lucky man. Thanks for the vid

Awesome video

Nice job.

Tell Dad and uncle to join AARP.

Fantastic content brother 👏

Very informative, and I have to consider a KOA on my next trip.

Cheaper than I expected. We have a couple of trips planned, not across country so I'm curious to see what that costs us.

You stopped in Pecos? I’m sorry. You were right down the road from me.

Just guessing but id say a big power harley have no trouble traveling but in a few yrs. I'd say that b different story keepem traded u b good

I’m going to try to make the ride this year just live up the road in Johnson city

For 20 days?!? That's a good, inexpensive trip!

Good Job Tall

Great Video ... thanks for tips and would like to know how you packed for 20 days ? I heard no cost for laundry But probably was only like 5 bucks

tough dude your dad,77 and still kicking

Great video Tall. Did you notice an appreciable difference in fuel economy between the Indian and your SG?

For me, the money aint the big issue...It's getting the time off work. 🤣🤣🤣

For a bike that you don’t like very much, you sure have kept that Indian Pursuit for a long time. Are you sure you’re not a closet Indian owner? J/K. Hope you make some Indian Pursuit content.

So, am I the only one that camps overnight at the truck stops more than half the time?

Hey Tall, what bars do you have on your STREET GLIDE?

Just wondering if you sent the paperwork in for that iron certification?

Ok,why do you still have the Indian. Did I miss where you did the full review. I’ve been wanting to ask, because it was in a video peeking out a few months back.

Great video. What about maintenance cost?

That plus your regular bills 😅

Has anyone heard of bunk-a-biker?

👍

where do you leave your bike at hotels?

@travelling Tall, are you running any oil coolers or cooling fans on your harley engines?

Wait wait wait wait… hold up. There is NO WAY there were no mechanical costs on that trip. Oil change?

you road from temecula ca

Tall, do you find the Indian to be a roomier bike?

Hey Tall, what mileage do you get to a tank of gas on your street glide after all your upgrades to the engine?

Dad looks closer to 55 not 75.