NYC TO SAN FRANCISCO ON MOTORCYCLE - Has To Be 5 Days Or Less

[RDSRFR12]

I need to drive from NYC to San Francisco in 4-5 days. It seems like I-80 is the fastest route. However; I would really appreciate some guidance on this. If I can get any scenic views into the trip in my 4-5 day time frame, that would be very welcomed too! Thanks for the help and this forum!

RDSRFR

[Mark Sedenquist]

I need to drive from NYC to San Francisco in 4-5 days. It seems like I-80 is the fastest route. However; I would really appreciate some guidance on this. If I can get any scenic views into the trip in my 4-5 day time frame, that would be very welcomed too!

What is RDSRFR12? I bet it is something clever? What size bike? What is the farthest you have previously driven it? I think I-80 is your best bet for over-all speed, but depending upon your experience (& how many hours you are comfortable in the seat) I would suggest cutting down to I-70 at Harrisburg -- that way you can pass through some of my favorite cities -- Pittsburgh, Columbus, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City and Denver. I-70 through eastern Utah is awesome on a bike. When you get to Salina, you can jump on US-50 and follow the Lonliest Highway in America all the way to San Francisco. It is doable in your time frame.

[RDSRFR12]

Thank you so much for the quick reply! I have quite a bit of time in the saddle. I am riding a BMW R1150 GS which is a very comfortable and versitile touring bike - quite forgiving for long distance travel too! So you still think that your proposed preferred route can get me there in 4-5 days (I-70 route)? Thanks so much again

[Mark Sedenquist]

I am riding a BMW R1150 GS which is a very comfortable and versitile touring bike - quite forgiving for long distance travel too! So you still think that your proposed preferred route can get me there in 4-5 days (I-70 route)?

Yes, and if you find that it is taking longer in the section west of the Colorado Rockies you can always head back to I-80. You might also find some useful information on our motorcycle page.

Have a fun ride!

[Robert Schaller]

I agree with Mark's recommendations for your route. But if you have time for ONE detour (the better part of a whole day), take SR24 from just west of Green River, UT, down to SR12, and that out past Bryce Canyon to US89 before going back north to US50. If I could only choose ONE route in Utah to ride, it would be this one. I realize you may not have time to do this, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

You sound like an experienced rider, so there's not much I can tell you about that. I always take plenty of Advil, which can help me stretch a riding day a bit farther than I otherwise could go. Also, once in the west Utah & Nevada areas, gas stations can be far apart -- so pay attention to your map and your range. I suspect your BMW has enough range that it won't be any trouble for you as long as you are careful about filling every place that you need to.

Bob