Topic: First long Trip

[Motoguy23]

Hey guys,
I've usually used my 72 cb500 (well it has a 550 engine but I still call it my 500) for just bopping around town and maybe the ocational day trip.  Now I am looking at putting on almost 900 miles going from Minneapolis to Chicago.

Two questions really:

I was wondering what I should bring for tools and spare parts? I'm bringing pre-oiled clutch disks, throttle cables, clutch cable, tire repair kit and new tube, some extra fuel line and some spare fuses.

And

What are some good sights to see in Chicago and Milwaukee?

Thanks for your help.

[754]

 I wouldnt worry about clutch parts.. should be no problem that distance and be the first of many.. hopefully..

[bollingball]

+1 754 No clutch parts. Do a good tune up and take the tools you use for that with you. I keep one of those small leather bags strapped to the front just above the front fender all my tools go there. I like those LED lights that strap one your head so you have both hands free in case you have a problem at night. I stole a led light off my sons pedal bike it is super bright and flashes it mounts with a magnet. if it is dark and I'm close to the side of the road I stick it on the rear fender They have them at WallMart. It does not take long to get carried away with to many tools

Ken

[Rgconner]

New Tubes

Unless you made the front and back wheels the same diameter?

spare plug. I broke one on a ride. Wire jiggled loose and the plug fouled. Dropped it while clearing it. Glad I had a spare!

Duct tape.

Vice grips.

Jumper cables. No perm. Magnets, so dead battery needs a jump. Kragens or ORielly parts sells a small set, a six inch round coil. Perfect for our lower amps.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

When you're convinced of it's reliability you'll probably only take your Honda tool kit.

If it runs good around town and the battery holds up you'll be fine. Oil and adjust the chain, air the tires, and if it's in a good state of tune just hit the road. Do take some chain lube. Always good to have some spare fuses. Hell, it's only 900 miles! I'd bet you've ridden it more than 900 miles since you've had it and it was probably reliable for those 900 miles. Don't over think this, relax, be careful and enjoy. Oh yeah, take some rain gear.

[ChuckG750f1]

I always carry some tie-wraps...always... (and duct tape).

[bender01]

Sand paper for fuse connections.
Map for back rds.

[cgswss]

My ER kits always has an extra plug, extra tube, tire irons, master link, duct tape, zipties, and a CO2 inflator with extra cylinder and I always have an extra 10mm open end, 14mm open end, chain breaker tool, and 5mm allen wrench in my tool kit (along with the normal honda tools) I also normally have a about 10" adjustable wrench stuck somewhere (normality under the seat)  Of course the BIG extras are a cell phone and 2-$100 bills "for ER only"  Of course I always have a CC along-but that's just part of the trip.

[donny]

lotsa lights.

You don't want to be broken down roadside in the dark.

[Motoguy23]

Thanks guys.

I'll ditch the clutch plates and add a spark plug.  I just got done rebuilding the engine this winter and probably has about 200 miles on it since then.  Tie wraps and duct tape also sound like a good thing to bring. 

I think before I go out I'll put in new rear wheel bearings.  My bike only has 12000 and I've read from Hondaman that after 10000 the bearings are shot. I have changed the front bearings already so probably should just so its one less thing.

[BeSeeingYou]

In Chicago I would go to the Museum of Science and Industry to see the U-505 a type IX U-boat captured in 1944.  Also on display a very rare Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber (one of two intact originals left in the world), the Apollo 8 (first to orbit the moon)  and Mercury 7 space capsules.

[750K]

Man I'd love to see a real Stuka up close and personal, that sounds like a great museum.

[TwoTired]

Chain lube, Honda tool kit, Vise grips (For broken clutch or throttle cable emergency), Leatherman tool, Small voltmeter, Spare fuses, Flashlight(s), tire pressure gauge, cell phone for roadside assistance, credit card.

[Hush]

"CAMERA"! we need to see your progress and you might see some great sights you want to show us.

[Deltarider]

and...
♫  ♪...  from Chicago ♪  ♫ into L.A. ♫

[Motoguy23]

Camera for sure.  And I've heard great things about a bbq place called Smoky Jon's in Madison that I think I'll head to.  A guy at work was telling me about the U boat and stuka, that is another thing i have to see.

[MCRider]

All good suggestions, take your pick. I sympathize with Jerry. Think back about the last 900 miles. What did you need? That's what i would take.

Back in the day 900 miles would be a cakewalk. Assuming you're maintenance is up to snuff, you shouldn't need anything, ouside of what you needed in the last 900 miles.

More money, less gear, is my motto.  Have fun!   

[Mayor08]

I'm headed to Minneapolis from Chicagoland in 10 days so was surprised to see your post!  I'll be on my 750K5 and am headed toward Galena, Illinois then north up 35 along the Mississippi. 

I agree that the Museum of Science and Industry is a must see as are other museums.  Directly downtown there are a lot of touristy things to see like the Bean, Sears Tower Sky Deck (locals refuse to call it Willis Tower) And if you've never had one an Italian Beef Sandwich from Portillo's "hot" if like some spice in your life.

If you will be traveling around the first Monday of the month check out Five Star Bar for Motorcycle Mondays or Pint & Pistons at the at the Holiday Club every Wednesday.

Outside of the downtown area (really out there) make a trip to Morrie's Place in Ringwood, Illinois it is classic bike heaven!  Maybe you can stop in on the trip back depending on you route.

Maybe others can chime in for Milwaukee but a brewery tour is always a safe bet and though I've not been yet the Harley museum is supposed to be really great.  Road America has vintage racing the weekend of June 8th- again your travel dates would need to line up.

good luck and take a few pics!

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

12,000 miles is not many on wheel bearings. That's not necessarily an easy job either! Check 'em for play, grease 'em and go! Honda ball bearings are really durable. Now swing arm bushings could be a different story. Perhaps that's what we are thinking here? Steering head bearings - definitely replace but not necessarily for this trip.

[MCRider]

Another issue with the wheel bearings is age. They are not sealed on the inside side. You will get condensation in there from years of seasonal changes and this will bit and corrode the inside. I'd say with HM that the mileage is high and the age thing applies. I'd also say many continue to ride far beyond that point. I've never seen a wheel bearing suffer a catastrophic failure, But you never know.  They usually just wear out, get crunchy and don't roll well. Cause vibrations, etc.

Your new bearings should be sealed on both sides and will last longer than you do.

Well I take that back, young whippersnapper! Last longer than I will.

[bollingball]

Print out a goggle map unless you have that on your cell I like to know ahead where most of the Honda shops are You probably will not need them but good to know how far away one is just in case. I have a towing package on my insurance If I have a flat I'm on the phone. I would rather go eat and get a room and let them fix it Trips are for fun. That is about the only time I would let someone else work on my bike.

Ken

[cgswss]

Do yourself a favor when you get to the windy city... Don't go to eat anywhere that is a national chain.  There are so many fantastic places to eat there that you should pick a different one every noon and every night!