April 2023

A close-ish pass while parallel with or going away from isn’t scary because no line change is needed by the slower rider; a close-ish pass while the slower rider is coming toward you often stimulates a steering input by the slower rider to avoid what they think will be a collision, or in fact would be a collision.

This guideline clearly delineates passing zones because when we pass riders who are parallel to our path of travel or going away from our path of travel, passing is easy and safe. This approach to passing has no caveats or exceptions. Faster riders must plan where and how the pass will happen.

Where the Expedition truly distinguishes itself from the Norden 901 is in componentry. It shares the more stout Xplor suspension with KTM’s 890 R, gets a burly skid plate, as well as touring amenities like a more protective windscreen, centerstand, and luggage as standard.

To keep that momentum going and give riders a better plan of attack for the actual journey to the homecoming, H-D has plotted six different Ride-In Routes, each starting from different points in North America and ending in Milwaukee, with an arrival date planned for July 12.

Driving the Himalayas is a challenge when it comes to weather and gear. We chose August which is rainy season. Hot enough to avoid most of the snow, but with the compromise of expected rain. Motorbikes move quickly up and down mountains. With huge fluctuations in altitude come huge fluctuations in temperature.

True off-roading is actually quite hard to find in the Himalayas, if the road exists on the map then it seems to have some regular ongoing maintenance. Gravel, large rocks and ‘rivers’ on the road are common, but there is no deep mud or challenging driving.