How's riding in Florida early January? - Harley Davidson Forums: Harley Davidson Motorcycle Forum

tallroller · 10-31-2009, 10:52 PM

I need to be in Boca Raton around Jan 10th and I am thinking to mix business and pleasure, extend my stay there, and trail my Road King down for some ridin. It will be a long haul from Toronto, but shit, it would be worth it to escape the winter hibernation - anything but this.

Any advice, suggestion re good, scenic rides, good spot to stay and leave the trailer, good pubs, etc?

I just did the 103 big bore kit and had limited chance to drive due to rainy and cold weather. The engine will likely be broken-in overthere so I wouldn't mind knowing a good shop to do my second 1st service.

I am thinking to check out the Keys. Good idea or are there better rides. Some crap to avoid like boring, straight roads or places to "must visit"?

badinfluence63 · 11-01-2009, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tallroller

I need to be in Boca Raton around Jan 10th and I am thinking to mix business and pleasure, extend my stay there, and trail my Road King down for some ridin. It will be a long haul from Toronto, but shit, it would be worth it to escape the winter hibernation - anything but this.

Any advice, suggestion re good, scenic rides, good spot to stay and leave the trailer, good pubs, etc?

I just did the 103 big bore kit and had limited chance to drive due to rainy and cold weather. The engine will likely be broken-in overthere so I wouldn't mind knowing a good shop to do my second 1st service.

I am thinking to check out the Keys. Good idea or are there better rides. Some crap to avoid like boring, straight roads or places to "must visit"?

I'm guessing but going out on a limb here I suspect its more reasonable then where you're starting from. Although Florida does get chilly. You shouldn't have to worry about snow and I would bring the stay warm gear just in case.

You could also use the internet and it'll give a projected temp range for Florida for that time of year.

I lived in NC for awhile and there was little to no snow(it would snow in pinches) it never got colder then the low 30's. Maybe upper 20's briefly.

I was just in Key West this past April and I really enjoyd the ride there and being in Key West. I would take my bike if I was you. I would be more worried about whats gonna be going on in Toronto and Northern USA when you head out. That time of the year could very well be snow shiet central.

If you get to Key West check out the Pirate Soul and Mel Fishers museums.

DCLXVI · 11-01-2009, 09:17 AM

It's the best time of year to ride. FL winters are very dry so even if it gets cold you most likely won't get wet. Cold is also relative. We think it's freezing and have all our winter clothes on and all the tourist are at the beach getting in the water.

DCLXVI · 11-01-2009, 09:22 AM

As far as long boring roads, we have plenty. We don't even have hills. There are lots of places on the beaches in the east coast to stop in and get a beverage and a meal. Ft Lauderdale is a short ride (maybe 20 miles) from Boca Raton and you can take rte A1A which is all beach cruising. Key west is nice and the ride down there can be fun. Not so much because of the scenery but because of all the places to pull into on the way down.

tar28usa · 11-01-2009, 10:00 AM

If you're looking for parts/service around the Daytona area,I suggest stopping in at Daytona Black Gold.They are at the west end of the main street bridge,just north of Daytona Harley on Ballough rd,which is n beach street south of bridge.Mike and Mark will treat you right.

tallroller · 11-01-2009, 06:25 PM

badinfluence, I know what you are saying, but it gets so desparate here in Winter that I am willing to drive through winter storms as lons as there is a sun at the end of the rainbow. Yeah, on the way back is going to suck.

DCLXVI, thanks for the advice, and yeah, I might be one of those tourists to dip in the Ocean in January

Thanks for the tip tar28usa. I may need to use their services. I'll keep it in mind for sure

My son is thinking of joning me now on his Springer. It may end up being a nice Father-Son-Harleys reunion and man, unless some severe winter crap starts happening around that time, I am going to enjoy FL on two wheels.

**Dave63** · 11-01-2009, 06:26 PM

If you're riding a Harley in FLA in January......you suck.

tallroller · 11-01-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave63

If you're riding a Harley in FLA in January......you suck.

I know. Forgive my weakness but this is what the local dope dealer prescribed. Getting bad shakes lately

**Dave63** · 11-01-2009, 07:32 PM

I'm off to Miami in 2 weeks........... no bike included.

badinfluence63 · 11-02-2009, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tallroller

badinfluence, I know what you are saying, but it gets so desparate here in Winter that I am willing to drive through winter storms as lons as there is a sun at the end of the rainbow. Yeah, on the way back is going to suck.

DCLXVI, thanks for the advice, and yeah, I might be one of those tourists to dip in the Ocean in January

Thanks for the tip tar28usa. I may need to use their services. I'll keep it in mind for sure

My son is thinking of joning me now on his Springer. It may end up being a nice Father-Son-Harleys reunion and man, unless some severe winter crap starts happening around that time, I am going to enjoy FL on two wheels.

There is a huge motorcycle trade show January 24th in NYC that I am looking to attend:

New York Show Facts - Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows