Might visit the USA, where to hire a budget bike?

Hi all

I have never visited the USA and have been considering it maybe next year...maybe a 3 week trip...no idea where yet or when

Would so love to hire a bike for the time and do maybe 4 or 5 thousand miles...or less or more...whatever.

Trouble is all the prices I have seen on the net are way, way above what I could ever afford....$160-$190 USD per day..$1800 for 14 days.
Is the anyway to hire abike cheaper than that....or what could I buy a cheap and ratty Glide or classic for? something with the hard rear box, a screen and side boxes. I then could consider sending it back home to Jersey when I am done...

What about camping in the USA...can I just pull off the side of the road and find a quiet spot to pitch a tent? or are there different local regulations? all over the country? I have travelled in Oman, New Zealand and bits of Africa and always been able to just pull up find a spot and camp for the night...what are you rules and regs regarding this?

Any thought ideas welcome

Neil

If you're looking to rent an American bike (H-D, Victory) that is well maintained and likely to be trouble free during your travel, those prices are reasonably accurate (though a little on the high side). You'd likely not be able to buy a decent ride without putting out much more money, even with the great deals that are plentiful these days. You probably could find a great deal on a used bike here that would be worth transporting back to the Empire, but that would likely be in the $6K-10K range.

As to camping, it really depends on which region of the USA you are in. There are laws in many states, of course, but they are less of an issue than one might think. It really comes down to are you upsetting someone or not by camping at any particular spot. Generally the further west you go, the less likelyhood that anyone would care until you get to California. You'd be better off linking up with folks along any intended route if you're trying to save significant money.
:cheers:

10,000 dollars for a bike would not be that bad...I have been looking at a 10 year old Ultra glide over here with I think 12,000 miles on it, that was selling for $24,500 US dollars, so to get something reasonable in the 6-10 k dollar range would be great...even if it cost another $2000 to get it back home.

If I could find a bike (harley) with the rear box and hard saddlebags, and a screen for the prices you mention...even if it is 10-15 years old and the paint work was looking a bit shabby then I would have to consider it. I so want to trade up from the Sportster, but not at the prices I see over here.

As for the camping, thatnks for the info. I turns out I know people in Nebraska, the father of a work collegue...I showed him around our little island here, when he was over and I have an open invite to go stay at his...apparently he is a harley rider too, so I may be able to get him to look out for me.

Just off to Google a map to find out what part of your country nebraska is....

Hey guys, thanks for the tips. I had wondered about animals, and had considered a firearm, but did not imagine a tourist would be able to get a certificate / licence very easily, even bringing copies of mine from home. Am sure I would not be able to bring my 357 over

Definetly no intention of trying to get round the whole country..well not in 3 weeks anyway. Had always considered takking a year out once the house is paid for and doing that, but for now, just a relaxed look around a smallish area. Being able to do something like Sturgis...or actually preferably for myself a smaller rally would be good.
I do not like the towns/cities, much prefer to be out in the open. Since I have no plans as to where we will go yet, I could even base the trip on visiting a few of you guys......any taker for a couple of freeloaders from a small island? I have not even discussed this with my partner yet, but I am 100% sure she would be up for it

I have a Garmin Zumo (650 I think) at the moment, I did have TomTom but was not that keen on it...Now I have the Zumo....I can see the good points the Tom Tom had.

It is good to know that there are bikes around in the sort of price range we are talking about. In the coming months, if anyone does come across a good deal in a tourer, let me know.......initially probably nothing will come of it, but who knows

First of all...like the new avatar...that is a helmet and beard to be proud of!!

As to where....well...we have cousins in Canada and my father used to be a 'fur trader' outpost manager up north in Canada...James Bay area...so that is waht initially prompted the thought so going to USA/Canada hiring a Harley/and or Cessna and visiting the places my father worked...but now the idea has grown...there are so many possiblilities...so many places to visit..and so little time...only one lifetime.

Being a POME/pommie, (I know, you probably don't consider yourself a Prisoner of Mother England, but my Aussie friends say ya are if you're from England) you'll probably touch down in our eastern USA, but if ya find yourself out in the western Great Wide Open, I can spare ya room & grub for a stay. We can even change your oil here (Abby did).

Cheers, mate!:cheers:

I would really like the West coast/ South West...Texas, but our cousins and the farm that we want to see are up in Ontario,...so that means North east.

I have just been looking at Google Maps, and a taking these things in to account, and seeing Oshkosh and Milwaukee are both near by, I could try and time the trip to make the Oshkosh air rally and a visit to the Harley Muesum...so that would mean mid to end July for Oshkosh

I have seen a few bikes that are within my price range at Mason City Harley, so if there are deals avaiable at a dealers, I should be OK with finding one privately for that sort of price.

Mason City is also on my route up from Nebraska to Westmeath, Ontario,

I would offer a room here in Minnesota but i am crowded. Minnesota would be a perfect fit.

Thanks for the thought anyway