Next year I am riding across the northern states to Washington, down the coast to San Francisco then some (?) route back across the country to New England. I won't be riding my 250, but, just wondering if anyone has done this? I am sure It could be done, you would have to really pare down the gear to take, get good waterproof side bags and top bag, ( lighter than metal?). It would be a fun trip, but not on any 80 MPH speed limit highways,

Mick F

 

There was a couple that rode from up state NY to Washington State on TW200’s about 3 years ago. There is a whole thread about their trip on the ADVrider forum and a smaller thread on the Yamaha TW200 forum. I know they took mostly dirt roads the whole way and kinda zig-zaged across the US, not a direct route. They mostly spent their nights with forum member’s that offered a place to sleep and a meal. They also camped. That’s a hell of a trip for a guy and gal on 2 small 200cc bikes with a top speed of 60mph. I know its not what your looking for, but an interesting read before doing your trip for sure. You my get some good ideas. I think they were a couple from Australia. I know one of their bikes was bought from the same guy I got my old TW from. Their bikes were older with some miles on them already.

 

Why not. Rode mine back from Colorado last year after doing part of the Trans America Trail. It's not the best tool in the box for highway miles but if you except its limitations (stay off the freeway) it could be an enjoyable adventure. This is what I used for luggage https://wolfmanluggage.com/products/...ry-saddle-bags and https://wolfmanluggage.com/products/skyline-duffel-bag can't go wrong with the Wolfman.

 

I know quite a few guys and gals that have done coast to coast rides on smaller thumpers under 400cc. Also many that have done the full TAT. Something like a DRZ400 is perfect in my opinion. Hey, my motto has always been, why ride fast, you’ll miss all the sights. I’d prefer to do a long trip like that on a smaller bike. I ALLWAYS avoid highways if I can anyway. Way to straight and boring as hell. Plus the twisty’s are much more comfy on you butt.

 

I've done several long trips on my KLR250. One trip was 2,300 miles and the other two where around 1,700 miles. All you need is time and stay off the highways. Here's my ride reports to both of them:
2300 miles on a 250 all for a sticker | Adventure Rider
A fall ride to the UP on the little 250 that could | Adventure Rider

 

Size of machine for a comfortable ride was demonstrated in your video... ride the right roads and a 250 is fine. When on the bike the scenery is more about those dirt/gravel back roads that gets you places you wouldn't otherwise see. Even in the most pedestrian places one can find breath taking scenery. Even if it is a common woods overlooking a bald eagle nest with some "chicks" or a canope of greenery or the fall colors over some back road that looks like a covered wagon would travel it.

I hope to try to do some longer riding when I retire. It will be on a small bike, back road riding. Your report gives inspiration that there is so much close to home. None of us really has to go that far to have some great adventures riding, no matter what continent we are on.