Topic: A Bit Crazy, but may be necessary.

[Dave Mc]

I have a family emergency that includes my mother in a situation that I need to protect family finances and I am essentially broke, but have a 1974 CB750K4 in cent shape at 71,XXX that I could ride from Arizona to northern Arkansas.

The bike is solid ish despite needing careful shifting and otherwise solid running characteristics. What other failure issues could ensue? it's crazy, but I am ready to do trip.

What are your thoughts?

Dave

[MoMo]

Dave,  family would come first and if that is your only transportation it is what you have to use.  If you run into trouble there would probably be any number of forum members along the way to help out. Best wishes and hope all works out for your family...Larry

[vames]

Only you get the daily feedback from your bike that will let you know if it can make it. But don't fool yourself -- the trip will highly likely end up costing you significantly more than the few hundred bucks you'd pay for a plane ticket. Food, gas and accomodations are all predictable. What's less predictable and more expensive is needing a new tire or something welded or fedex-ing cables or points or a long tow or.....you get the picture.

Not trying to talk you out of it, just saying it's probably not a good idea to embark on a 1400 mile trip on a 40-year old motorcycle without a good sized wad of cash in your pocket.

As MoMo says, there are forum members along the way. That's a definite plus.

[madmtnmotors]

I'm with vames on this, a catastrophic failure of the motorcycle along the way could also lead to a failed venture overall. It mainly boils down to your comfort level of the bikes condition and your mechanical awareness of it. Greyhound would be cheaper than gas, even if you were only driving the bike, but it might take an extra day. Good luck, and like MoMo says, if you venture out on the bike then be sure to keep us posted and don't be afraid to reach out for assistance if you encounter any problems.

[iron_worker]

Beg borrow or steal some money to get a plane ticket. Family comes first.

IW

[754]

 Dont know how much you rode that bike, but it should make it easily...

[lucky]

Important question. How old are you?

Plane tickets are really cheap right now. like $100. round trip in some cases.

[camelman]

I would consider that ride an adventure and be prepared for something to go wrong. Add to that the fact that you would be highly stressed if delayed and likely not address problems with the bike in a sane manner. Those points considered... a plane ticket starts to look really nice. Also, if you figure 50mpg for the trip, then you are in $180-$200 already just for fuel negating food and lodging. How much is a plane ticket?

[fmctm1sw]

If you're considering the ride in an effort to save money, I would vote against it.  I always drove when I travelled but I had a family of 4 or 5.  As mentioned, look at plane tickets and bus tickets if it's just you.

[Dave Mc]

To answer the above I am 38. Also I have ridden the bike as a daily driver for the past six months and put 7,000 on it.

The crazy problem is that if I take a plane or a bus or some combination. I will still be 50 miles away from Mountain Home Arkansas. No major airport and no bus service into the remote place.

It's not as much about saving money but being able to get right up to the place I need to be.

My main question is what possible failures could occur? I can repair or deal with some issues obviously. Will the engine running constantly be a huge factor. I have no oil cooler on the bike FYI.

[hondaface75]

Im sure there are a few on here that could help out with a good tool and parts list for the road. Depends on how much time you have to gather these items before departing too. Things like cables, points etc.

[MCRider]

To answer the above I am 38. Also I have ridden the bike as a daily driver for the past six months and put 7,000 on it.

The crazy problem is that if I take a plane or a bus or some combination. I will still be 50 miles away from Mountain Home Arkansas. No major airport and no bus service into the remote place.

It's not as much about saving money but being able to get right up to the place I need to be.

My main question is what possible failures could occur? I can repair or deal with some issues obviously. Will the engine running constantly be a huge factor. I have no oil cooler on the bike FYI.

Turn the clock back to 1975. You'd get on that bike with a duffel bag and go, wouldn't think twice. No reason that's not possible now.

Take care!

[lucky]

Yes that is the Ozarks. 300 miles of winding roads.

Now I understand.

[camelman]

That's tough man. Transportation to your final destination can be a pain if it is remote. Still, there might be cheap rental car prices for short rentals, but a long term rental will add up.

For long trips, I figure on losing points and condensers and possibly a brake and clutch lever in the event of a drop.  Change the oil, adjust the chain, and go. Keep the rpm as reasonable as you can though. No sense over revving on a critical trip.

[seanbarney41]

yep, definately ignition spares and the tools to change them...got a good chain? spare inner tubes? with good tires?  bring spare fuses(lots!), appropriate electrical connectors and wire...last year on the relay rally I had to limp my bike from Milwaukee to Chicago(about 70 miles?) on 2 cylinders because I did not have spare points and condenser...it was no worse for wear after that and 60,000 previous miles

[DJ_AX]

A couple of years ago I had to appear in court... Car wouldn't start... good thing I had fast back up reliable transportation...
But in your case I would tend to agree with the others... fly.

[bollingball]

Agree with MoMo I would help most members that needed it in my area. Make a list of them and shops that are on the way be able to fix a flat cell phone is a must.

Beg borrow or steal some money to get a plane ticket. Family comes first.
 Wait till you are close so they can come visit

Were your 7000 miles trouble free? If so I think you will be OK. Like camelman said keep the rpm's around 5k to 6k my 78 750 feels best at4.5k that is low for these bikes but it just feels right to me not bogging. You said you have to shift carefully Why? You will be doing a lot of this in the mountains so why is important. Clutch,tranny,shifter,cable??

Ken

[Dave Mc]

The trans just requires good shifting technique to avoid false neutrals and occasionally slipping out of gear.

The last 7,000 HAVE been trouble free except for small stuff that are just a part of keeping it running smoothly. It has new clutch, throttle cables and a new front brake line. New back tire and decent front tire.

[bikerbart]

I have spares if you need em,If we all pitch in he can ride.I will look at my box o crap and see what I can come up with.Tires??Are your tires worthy?last trip I took I needed tires when I got to my destination.can you wrench?

[bollingball]

The trans just requires good shifting technique to avoid false neutrals and occasionally slipping out of gear.

The last 7,000 HAVE been trouble free except for small stuff that are just a part of keeping it running smoothly. It has new clutch, throttle cables and a new front brake line. New back tire and decent front tire.

Sounds like you are good to go I would. I like to take the tool I do a tune up with except the timing light too big and stuff to fix a flat chain lube money card phone and phone list big Alice pack to lean on I fold my sleeping bag on the inside nice and comfey to lean back on long straight aways.
                                          Be safe
                                            Ken

[Dave Mc]

I can can wrench fairly well, although I have never changed points and do not know much about a condenser.

I have a pretty good gut feeling about this bike and back tire is basically new and the front would survive barring any damage from metal objects and the like.

May cash level has gone up to better amount that could get me out of trouble.

[rboe]

yep, definately ignition spares and the tools to change them...got a good chain? spare inner tubes? with good tires?  bring spare fuses(lots!), appropriate electrical connectors and wire...last year on the relay rally I had to limp my bike from Milwaukee to Chicago(about 70 miles?) on 2 cylinders because I did not have spare points and condenser...it was no worse for wear after that and 60,000 previous miles

You should follow this but you also need the skill set and tools to install new ones along the way if need be. Take a phone or computer for internet access so you can ask for help if need be.

Spare fuses too.

And good gear (to handle rain, cold get offs).

[Dave Mc]

Thanks for all the support. This really is a great forum. Now I have some more knowledge about the realities of attempting something risky.

I booked a plane ticket.

Thanks once more everyone.

[scottly]

The crazy problem is that if I take a plane or a bus or some combination. I will still be 50 miles away from Mountain Home Arkansas. No major airport and no bus service into the remote place.

It's not as much about saving money but being able to get right up to the place I need to be.

Any members near this area that could help Dave out?

[Stev-o]

Good decision. There has to be some type of transport to get you to Mt Home.