Strictly Hypothetical.

Lets say I was invited on a 14 day cruise across the north western states staring at Seattle WA, riding eastwards through Idaho and into Montana. Checking out the Jellystone National Park and then back towards Oregon and then home to OZ.
What wouldd I need to know to hire or purchase a bike of around 500-650cc for about $US1500to $US2000. Looks dont matter as long the thing will go around the distance.
What are my chances. Chances are it wont happen as I only have 3 weeks to organise it.
Where would I look on the computer for WA based cheap bikes for sale? I fond some site, but they tend to be from all over the US.


BTW saw the Billy Connoly Route 66 special on the telly tonite.Tonites episode finished in Dennis's back yard. I've got to do this this trip sometime in the future, cos I cannot get that song out of my head.

I think the best place to look would be here:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/

However, you might check with motorcycle dealerships in the area concerning renting what you want. It may be cheaper.

Why not your Sw?I've travel in Europe couple of times.Average cruising speed 80-95 mph(with passenger and load) with no issues.My avatar pic is from a cruise to Istanbul Turkey, 1600 miles in total in a week and a half.I own a Suzuki hayabusa(1350 cc sport touring) too,but I chose Sw as more comfortable and easier to load bike.Just put a set of 28gr(for higher transmition ratio) DrPulley sliders (60$) and GO for it

Rental's the way to go, there are a few places in large cities. You are almost always able to rent from a large HD dealer and there are rental companies that have Honda and BMW and others.

Looking at rates, the highest is a Goldwing @ around $2k for the 2 weeks.

Thanks guys, food for thought. I resigned today for early retirement, but it looks like I'll have to work past the tour date. I will come and visit but maybe next year.
Thanks for the link Smorkle, it gives me a good insight into prices for gear as well.

My pleasure. ÷)

I just GOOGLE Motorcycle rental Portland,Or. and this is what I found, Good luck. Ritch

https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&aq=0&oq=&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGNI_enUS457US457&q=motorcycle+rentals+portland+or&gs_upl=0l0l0l1748lllllllllll0&aqi=s181