Manitoba/North Dakota to Panama Canal
 

How long would it take to get from the Canada/US border at North Dakota to the Panama Canal? Not planning on any side trips. I'm just in the beginings of planning so I'm just checking options. Thanks for all your help.

John

Eta
 

Well, I did nearly that same route in 2003 (we left from Brandon, MB). If you're motivated, you can be at the Canal in under two weeks of riding... but you wouldn't have much fun! When I did the trip, Canada to Panama and return, I did it with a friend in four months, but we really took our time and had some mini-trips/adventures on the way. So, there it is.

2 weeks if daily riding (comfortable pace, but steady).

2 to 3 months if stopping to smell the tequila (one way).

I don't normally suggest this but, because your trip sounds so similar to mine, you may want to check out my book, "Motorcycle Therapy," during your research phase. (Click the link below.)

Canada to Panama and back
 

Done that trip several times ,can confirm that it can be done in both time frames mentioned .I chose a median kind of approach with calm riding style and enjoyment of the scenery, not a mad rush or a bee-line route, just meandering along. Numerous little side trips and scenic stops with everyday some riding sometimes only 150 km other days 300. Total time round trip 5 to 7 weeks. It all depends on you, the ride is the thing.
. I should add that I usually bomb across the US segment in 3 days because it is so familiar and/or it is winter and I want out of that!!Also, I work from the premise that living on the same continent it means Panama is just down the road so if I miss seeing something along the way it is no big deal, just another reason to take another trip and catch it then. It is impossible to see everything on a single trip unless of course you take a few years.. If you can't swing making other later trips then you will have to pick and choose as to what you will visit or bypass.

Thanks
 

Thank you both for your info. I kind of thought it would be that kind of time frame. Looks like I'll just not go quite so far so I can enjoy the ride more. Quality over quantity.