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Me and
@Menhir have agreed to disagree about this in the past. As much as I love camping and motorcycling, I never mix the two if I can avoid it. I've got all the lightweight gear for backpacking and back country camping, but it's high dollar and I'll be damned if it will ever get strapped on to the back of a motorcycle.
I haven't seen him on here in a while but
@Nuh_auni took a "budget" ride a couple of years ago and it sounded great. Hopefully he'll pop his head in and see this and give you a bit from his perspective.
In addition to all the excellent advice above, a couple of thoughts: Start hitting up friends and family now for food gift cards. Everyone has them. Subway. Micky D's. Cracker Barrel. Everyone. Gas station hot dogs are doable, I've covered many a mile living off of them, but an hour or so sit-down meal can do wonders. Friends and family have also been known to gift pre-paid gas cards and credit cards.
I recommended to
@Nuh_auni to check out a site for "couch surfing". I think it turned out good for him.
Others have mentioned quality rain gear. I cannot concur with that enough. Crappy gear, wet clothes = recipe for disaster.... or at least ruining a day. Don't skimp on rain gear. I'm a believer in two piece gear. Pants have to have a stirrup. That's my .02/
Me, I'm more about destinations than the ride itself. Call it a personality quirk. I've crossed this country from coast to coast a number of times. Always had to have a destination. Always had a bit of a plan. I used to enjoy watching Diners/Drive-ins and Dives. I routed to ensure I visited a couple that seemed most interesting. I route to see and visit Americana as well. Go check out that big-assed ball of twine. Do a couple of miles on the old route 66. "Illegally" pull over and get that classic picture of Mount Rushmore.
I can't see "modifying" a good bike. Personally, I hate a windscreen. Won't have one though one can protect you from flying crap. Take your bike in to a decent upholsterer and have them tailor your seat. Probably a whole lot cheaper than something aftermarket. Luggage is nice, but your bike is only so big so use common sense. New tires before taking off is a must. Front and rear.
Either way, whatever you decide, I hope you do it. Don't let "common sense" talk you out of it. Every year you get a year older. More responsibilities. Less opportunities. I've did the trip you're talking about. One day I made it 800 miles with ease, the next just a little over 80. Oh yeah, there was a bar, loose women and cold beer involved but that's a whole different story.....
Let us know what happens.