How To Ride Route 66 On A Harley

An old Aussie rides Route 66 on a Harley Davidson Road King and if I can do it then anyone can. Tips and advice on how I did it with photos and video of one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Post production tips below. (Click "SHOW MORE")
Read over American road rules before hitting the highways as the 4-Way stops signs threw me and I also got caught out with the turning right on a red light thing.
In two trips hiring both cars and bikes I DIDN'T need an international driver's licence.

[@cavecookie1]

Glad you liked Oatman. That was home for me through the '90s! Managed the Oatman Hotel restaurant. One of the best things about living there was meeting folks from all over the world...even people who speak foreign languages...like you! LOL! Thanks for the memories, and safe travels!

[@colinculverwell325]

We came from the UK, three of us on two Electra Glides hired from Eaglerider in Chicago. The key thing is to spend plenty of time planning your trip before hand, in our case nearly three years. You don't need a guided tour, in fact I'd say its better not to as you could end up stopping at places you don't want to and even going to places that were never even on route 66. We had never been to the US before and were all in our late 50's/early 60's but it wasn't an issue. It was exceptionally hot when we were there but we carried water on the bikes and made regular stops. Top tips are; plan,plan, plan. Watch all the videos on KZbin, decide what you want to see along the way. Stay in the classic 66 motels (not the corporate ones you will end up in on a large guided tour) and get a copy of EZ66 guide book, the bible for travelling 66. We used this in conjunction with Google maps on my brothers tablet. The Satnavs fitted by HD are not the best. Eat in small town diners, great prices and friendly locals. Dont wear leather. Parts of the trip will be way too hot. We took textile jackets' denim type motorcycle jeans, long sleeve white t shirts, work boots and an open face helmet. If your thinking of going do it! Its the best trip I've ever done.

[@cavecookie1]

I cooked in Arizona on Rt. 66 for 15 years, and I applaud you for your very good advice. Done right, it's the trip of a lifetime, and the whole idea of getting your kicks on Rt. 66 is to experience all the different, and odd people and places along the way, so be sure you are experiencing it, not just travelling it!

[@CarlGraber-kt7ps]

My wife and I did it on 99 Ultra 5 years ago when I was 72 and she was 65! We also Stood On The Corner!😊! Our Bucket List done! 😀! We started it in Ontario Canada!

[@charlesharrison2248]

Heading in an organised tour in Sept,thanks for the video,looking forward to it,little trepidation as one would expect,but collating more info all the time.

[@adrianslow_seat7668]

Really enjoyed the video. My mate and I did the trip in 2017 and this brought back some amazing memories. We hired a couple of Harleys, booked a hotel in Chicago and LA and then just went for it. Truly one of the greatest experiences of my life.

[@1couple2bikes]

Sounds brilliant!

[@lonniecross4698]

We’re riding US66 next summer(2022). It’ll only be half the trip. Thanks for the great video and info.

[@1AXMRDR]

Truly enjoyed our video. Liked your storytelling and sense of humor. Taking the ride this June '19 solo from Carthage Missouri to Tucumcari New Mexico where I'm meeting up with a couple of riding buddies. We're heading to Oatman and then backtrack to ride Utah. Give me a shout if you want some company the next time you ride it. Ride smart.

[@thecomet1948]

I’m 73 years old. I’ve owned 16 Harleys. The one I have now I’ve been on for 10 years and has 60k miles. I’ve been just about everywhere but not 66. I even kept a bike here for a friend from Switzerland and he and his wife rode 66. Yet I have not, but I will, don’t have enough time left on earth to keep putting it off. Just wanted to say your video on 66 is now my favorite. I ride with you anytime.

[@josepgarciahidalgo9477]

I've done it twice...the first time it was guided and the second one on my own...the first time was good but the second time was the best experience of my life! I hardly recommend everybody to do it on their own!

[@aotearoastu]

We're about a month away from going over to ride it, and loved watching your video, thanks from some excited Kiwis 😎

[@lateapex9420]

Really enjoyed that mate. I'll be doing a 10,000 mile, 4-5 month trip in March 2021. New York to Florida to Texas to Montana to Seattle to San Diego. Over 10 years of planning and saving. A lifelong dream.

[@BrazenBrits]

We are Brits on a trip in our RV from Virginia to Florida to Texas, then back to Virginia through Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, etc. It's really cool.

[@1couple2bikes]

Sounds brilliant mate, hope the covid thing doesn't stuff it for ya

[@inn2558]

7 years ago I ride on route 66 by harley davidson bike Really it was nice trip unforgettable

[@119topdawg]

Loved your video and your take in the whole experience. My buddies and I are riding 66 this summer - several of us are retiring this year and it’s our Wild Hogs ride. ThNks for posting

[@mccgunter]

Very well done! Enjoyed your story sir. Hope you have many safe miles ahead!

[@PovilasPanavas]

Watched all the 5 videos on the channel. Enjoyed the editing, humour, and storytelling skills.

[@1couple2bikes]

Thanks mate, I do put a bit of effort making these. Just got back from a ride to the top and of Australia and back and just starting to piece the footage together. Stay tuned!

[@beazerthebiker]

Definitely on the bucket list!!! If you ever back to the states you should try riding the blue ridge and smokey mountains..absolutely amazing

[@Road_Rash]

I'd love to just take off on my Harley & do this...gonna be a while before I can save up enough to do it though...got too many projects right now...gotta get a few builds done first...

[@samei22]

Thankyou for this video it was very helpful. My partner and I are planning this trip in this next few years. We have chosen a self guided tour through eagle riders.

[@adriandunn1830]

Thank you so much for sharing your KZbin video that was amazing I'm seriously thinking about doing Route 66 on a Harley I have owned 4 Harley Davidsons . I have got a triumph America now but I did name my son Harley lol thank you once again ride safe 🇬🇧🇺🇸🏍

[@ozziejim8472]

Thanks mate. Honestly, I think KZbin can read my mind sometimes , I thought, travelling parts of the US of a hog …. and your video pops up. Suppose I’ll have to do it now!

[@fpreston9527]

I rode route 66 with Eagle Rider. It was amazing.

[@kenross812]

Great job. I grew up in AZ and I take it for granted. Glad you got to experience my back yard. I would love explore yours.

[@kgs_7186]

I was in flagstaff last year. I followed the signs historic route 66. Took me to I-40 west for about 5 miles then I exit onto a road with another sign historic route 66. Rode about 3 miles and came to a dead end surrounded by woods. Where did I go wrong?

[@kenross812]

@@kgs_7186 no idea I-40 is Route 66 in that area. Doesn’t follow it exactly but here and there it’s the same route.

[@kgs_7186]

@@kenross812 Ok thank you

[@bigoil7]

Wow, I've watched a hundred cheesy Rt. 66 videos, but yours is not, and you really captured it better than any I've seen. Actually doing it with two buddies this year, although I've driven great portions of it in a car many times, really looking forward to doing it on two wheels finally. Great job!

[@jacobkhakshouri2557]

great video and insight. Thanks for the share.

[@1couple2bikes]

Thanks mate

[@richard9444]

Thanks for this ,I'll do it on my own .

[@mathewhephill8686]

Thank you. That's a great video.

[@HarlridersCVOIreland]

Your right it's life changing and the Best ride in the world ,sorry you had problems in the bar 🤠🤠

[@1couple2bikes]

It was the whiskey that got me

[@johnlevantis8425]

Awesome video!

[@ronalvey103]

Nice video of your great trip!

[@1couple2bikes]

Onya Ron glad you enjoyed it.

[@GhostRider-uz5sw]

Very good and very honest, true blue thanks and all the best 👍

[@steelhorsecountry5245]

Hope you come back to do Route 66. It's on my list hope to see you on it.

[@1couple2bikes]

I reckon there's a good chance I'll be back in the next 5 years.

[@john-yp5ux]

Brill job thinking about doing it in 2023 do you know the best month think i will do solo if eagle rider set up my sat nav i should be ok cheers for tips

[@markstevens3108]

Hi we enjoyed your video. My wife and l have now decided to take it on. You have now convinced us we need to do this. You said you hired the bikes from Eaglerider Harley shop but what company did you book the tour with. Was it booked from Australia. Mark and Yvonne

[@innovationgroupofsouthflor4744]

Thank you great video.

[@1couple2bikes]

Cheers mate

[@cj8172]

Cool man love the vid. I'm a Kiwi and have wanted to ride Route 66 for ages just hope this new Chinese Flu won't bugger it up for me.

[@skyking4501]

Damn brother you are hilarious. And you gotta a shit load of balls to come to a strange country and take a ride like that. Hey I’ve done that ride but I’m from here. I don’t think I’d come down under and try that. So glad you got to come here and enjoy yourself. Here’s to ya🍺🥃🍹

[@1couple2bikes]

Nah it's not that scary... except when you get confused. Great rides in Aussie mate, c'mon down!

[@aljotock]

great video, thanx

[@1couple2bikes]

Cheers

[@veronicasanchezmontiel2369]

Wife and I plan on riding from our home in Maryland, down all of Rt. 66, any tips? Bring spare gas and water? We've already done a 12 state 3 day ride up to Canada and back to Maryland on a 99 Sportser. Yes, we are old school, we like sportsers and dynas with the wind in your face not a glide recliner with a windshield, heat and radio 🤣. I've had 2 glides, sold them to buy a sportster with enough money to build it faster than a glide and to fit my style still with money saved in my pocket.

[@SSM2015.]

How much was the tour/bike hire if you don't mind me asking?

[@ericdarcy]

love your oz accent

[@thebeartk]

Follow 3 simple rules when riding 66. Make no plans. Make like Peter Fonda and throw the watch away.Treat each day as it's own. You'll have a blast. Guarantee you will ALWAYS find a room and there is food everywhere.

[@seanta2]

good and funny video !

[@1couple2bikes]

Thanks mate!

[@charlesharrison2248]

Irish by the way,might check out the Irish pubs,,,,...

[@C_Marty9101]

I just thought it was jump on fill it up with gas and go and pray it didn’t break down

[@everycornerhasastory70]

Great videos, what personal injury insurance did you take out?

[@1couple2bikes]

I honestly can't remember but it was pretty comprehensive, I didn't think the missus would have appreciated selling the house to get me home if something happened.

[@BrazenBrits]

Rampaging Donkey. haha. Great video. Any more detailed tips for somebody wanting to do this not on a guided tour?

[@1couple2bikes]

The donkeys where hilarious. The only tip that comes to mind is have a few days up your sleeve so if you want to stop somewhere unplanned you can. It's always about the ride and not the destination.

[@101southsideboy]

the worst part of the trip is the first 30 k till you get out of the chicago Loop and as you can by my name i am from chicago and i will not even drive it in a car I take METRA or the CTA instead

[@1couple2bikes]

We had a police escort so it wasn't a drama. It's not what you know it's who you know mate.

[@robertrockwell7581]

would love too do this but not on a guided tour.

[@1couple2bikes]

Probably the best way to do it but you will get lost I can guarantee that! But that can sometimes be the best part

[@mikerobinson2201]

How about just getting on your bike and riding? Oh that maybe a unique idea...just do it!!

[@stephenwoods4175]

Im still waiting on the "How To" bit. A bit of a disappointment in that respect but none the less inspiring!

[@805gregg]

Do like all the other HD riders do put it in a trailer and take it out every 500 miles

[@richwilsey2881]

How? Tow a tool box!

[@royanderson7963]

Riding it this summer and can't wait just going to throw a leg over the bike up here in nova scotia Canada and just ride.thats what its about for me

[@joeswartz8286]

How about a 66 trip on an Indian?

[@servicarrider]

Too much extraneous information.

[@1couple2bikes]

Sorry mate. can you make a list of only the points you wanted to know and i'll make a special version for you.

[@servicarrider]

@@1couple2bikes Yes, I will do that. It will be a big improvement.