Topic: Getting bike ready for trip

[Kevin D]

I've never been a windshield rider, but since I am also

Getting closer to retirement

I can see the value of it if you're doing continuous big mile days. I did a 7000 mile cross country ride without a windshield.... when I was 18 years old. If you're gonna do 100 miles a day at 50 mph on backroads for 100 days maybe you dont need it, but at 70 mph and 500 mile days it will be a different story.

I have 18/48 sprockets and make about 48 mpg, whats your numbers?
I'd carry enough tools to do an oil change and tire change, how are your tire changing skills?
I've seen MC oil and CH6009 filters at chain store auto parts and Walmart recently. I'd carry one filter, tubes, patch kit for when you pinch your spare tube.
I'd know the arrangements if overnight parts shipments are available.

I wish you well on your journey and will be paying attention, I'd like to think that something similar is in my future as well.
 

[Schnell]

Thanks Kevin. I'm getting about 39 mpg.

[750cafe]

Might I suggest lashing your spare cables onto the existing ones with cable ties?
They will take up less room that way and be easy to find if one should fail.

Eric

[alacrity]

Well based on your map I can already see one problem you're gonna face:  The right side of your tires are gonna wear out way faster.

[Schnell]

Ha, ha! That's why I'm looking for twisties.

Otherwise my trip would consist of only 3 right hand turns! 

[alacrity]

Seriously:
Look at getting butler maps and mad maps.
Both offer terrific pre-scouted riding routes to certain key areas

[Grinnin]

I'm sure you'll put a color copy of your wiring diagram in with your maps.  Right?  And a little multi-meter?

I swapped the sealed beam bulb on my '750K to a CanclePower reflector for H4 bulbs.  Better light and available anywhere.

I didn't see exactly where the windshield comments started, but I rode my '75 750K on two trips in '12 for about 6,000 miles.  No windshield.  In '13 I rode a different bike to Alaska and NWT and such for about 15,000 miles with no windshield.  I'm only 58 so perhaps I'll get windshields when I'm older.  Or not.

I've never used them, but occasionally I'd write down the part numbers for worrisome parts and include phone numbers for the retailers that sell them.  Always something else that goes wrong.  With enough miles the chance for something wearing out goes up.

[Schnell]

Multimeter, good idea. I have a clymers manual with colour wiring diagram for my bike. Thanks!

Yeah, I don't like windshields either. I'm going to need the breeze to stay cool. I've never experienced 100+ heat.

[750cafe]

Multimeter, good idea. I have a clymers manual with colour wiring diagram for my bike. Thanks!

Yeah, I don't like windshields either. I'm going to need the breeze to stay cool. I've never experienced 100+ heat.

Not a problem...



Just keep moving...


Eric

[Pecantree]

Well based on your map I can already see one problem you're gonna face:  The right side of your tires are gonna wear out way faster.

Made me snort
Mooshie/Schnell
Here's a map I made up of my faves out in west Texas. This is a tiny url of a google map.
tinyurl.com/n44bvcn
I'm describing this from west to east
Two big ones I missed is Balmorhea State park (incredible swimming hole) and Devils River.
Starting out in Truth or Consequences (hot springs)
Head down thru Hatch valley (hatch chilies)
Over to Guadalupe Mtns. (some beautiful hikes)
Down to Valentine and the Prada store
Cross to the Davis Mtns. Fort Davis State Park and the Mcdonald Observatory.
Down to Ft. Davis , Alpine, and Marfa.
Down towards Presidio, passing thru Shafter and check out the graveyard.


Head up the river road to Chinati Hot Springs and soak a couple days.
Then down the river road thru Lajitas, Terlingua and on into Big Bend. Camp in the basin.
The River Road from Presidio to Terlingua is one of the most beautiful roads in Texas
Head out of Big Bend and up to Marathon then down to Del Rio and Seminole Canyon state park.
Then on to Camp Wood and FM 337 to Leakey One of the best motorcycle roads in Texas.
Stop in at the Lonestar Motorcycle Museum and have a burger.
On to Medina and Hwy 16 up to Kerrville, Continue north to Enchanted Rock state park.
Then either follow Hwy 16 up to Witchita Falls  or head into Austin, then take Hwy 79 up to east Texas.
The thing about Texas back roads is that they are usually really good.
What reads on the map as a podunk road is usually nice 2 lane with shoulders.
I know lots of folks will have different ideas, this is just my two cents worth.
Also, I'm a big camping/hiking kinda of guy so thats what I've focused on.
Steve

[78 k550]

Ha, ha! That's why I'm looking for twisties.

Otherwise my trip would consist of only 3 right hand turns! 

You should swing up through Colorado then.

Paul

[thirsty 1]

Got tools, place to stay just east of Seattle. If you miss the North Cascades, you're blowing it.

Thank you, sir!

+1..N Cascades highway (HWY 20)
Most scenic in the state.

+2 0n Hwy 20 all the way across the state. Good luck on your travels. I've done Hwy 1 up the Ca. coast a couple times, along with Death Valley = awesome.

[Schnell]

Ha, ha! That's why I'm looking for twisties.

Otherwise my trip would consist of only 3 right hand turns! 

You should swing up through Colorado then.

Paul

Colorado has just recently been added to my list.

[Schnell]

Thanks Paul and Thirsty. Great picture Steve!

[Deltarider]

I have done all my holiday trips (the longest was over 10.000kms) with Honda's boardtools, chain lube, multimeter (automotive), some tape and iron wire. Oh, and one of these little black filmcontainers filled with workshopsoap. You can attach that container to a frametube with the above mentioned tape. My old Abus U-lock fitted exactly lying over and around the carbmouths.
The rest is adventure and meeting people. Pack as light as possible. Remember: the idea is to leave it all behind.

[Wobbly]

Pack an extra clutch and brake lever. Even if the bikes just tips over, you are stranded when one of them breakes. Make sure the spare fuses are in the fuse box. The CB 750 is the most reliable motorcycle I know. Mine has well over 200,000 miles on the clock. I have done this trip across the U.S. before without any special preparations. On my trip through Africa, on the other hand, I even took ignition and generator coils with me. The bike needed nothing and ran great. I got very sick instead.
All you really should need is a camera to report to us and your AAA card--just in case.
Have a save trip.

[Schnell]

Excellent suggestions, thank you wobbly and delta rider!

[Deltarider]

I should clarify that some of the items in the Honda boardtoolset were replaced by me by the same but in a better quality. But essentially it was he standard set.

[Duanob]

+1 on the AAA card!

Also as far as the extra cables go just replace them now and not worry about storing them on the trip. On the hiway the clutch cable won't be getting much use anyway.

Oh yes, don't forget your sunscreen and an extra water bottle that's always full. Once you get out in the desert you will probably shedding clothes. if it gets over 90F you won't be cooling down at speed.

[Schnell]

I've never tried it, but I've read about underwear, socks and t-shirts of moisture wicking material that also dries overnight after a wash in the motel sink. Any experience with these, and recommendations? Again it's about the heat.

[thirsty 1]

If it gets really hot out I usually soak the fronts of my pant legs with water at the gas stations. You'll be dry in about 5 minutes but it does help.

[Bankerdanny]

I've never tried it, but I've read about underwear, socks and t-shirts of moisture wicking material that also dries overnight after a wash in the motel sink. Any experience with these, and recommendations? Again it's about the heat.

Yes. If you buy hot weather base layers they will easily dry overnight after a wash in the sink. Bring some Woolite in travel size container to use. Cycle Gear's house brand stuff is very reasonably priced. I haven't used the shirts, but I have the shorts and used them for the Relay Rally last summer. They worked well.

[zeech]

What you need is really endless, but here's a list of stuff I would carry.

Tools (All open end sizes, pliers, allens etc. etc. etc.)
Fuses
Zip Ties
Wire
Hose Clamps (various sizes)
Tubes (good idea as not all places have right sizes)

Make sure all cables are in perfect order and not frayed etc.

[Schnell]

Okay, I've found a bunch of info on wicking base layers. That should really help the laundry situation and keep packing to a minimum.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Great input, many thanks!
I have a spare complete points plate, then plugs, oil filter, cables, tubes, wheel bearings, easy to pack won't need to rely on parts in stock.

Front tire, chain, and steering head bearings are new last year. I'll need a new rear tire along the way.

This is a solo trip, to break away from my high regimented work life. I'd love to meet as many people as possible along the way. If you have a couch, I'll bring a bottle and conversation.

Get it running right before you leave obviously. Extra key stashed seperately. Rain gear. Skip packing the wheel bearings and oil filter. Your other stuff is good. Change the oil, your filter will do fine. If it gets THAT bad then you got worse problems. Chain lube a must. Tools and fuses a must and a little aluminum foil wrapped around a bad fuse may get you to the next stop. Take 3 or 4 changes of underwear, an extra pair of jeans and shoes, long and short sleeve shirts, a good jacket as you WILL get cold. I'd say most people think this is a vacation and not a bike trip and will invariably OVERpack. You'll be surprised at how little you can get by with. Members and motels have washing machines. Use them once a week. AND don't forget swimming trunks for pools and hot tubs. Some extra unused trash bags don't take up space, are light and come in REAL handy to water proof your clothes. Always good to have some fresh dry clothes after a nasty wet day.

I'm 1 mile off I-25 at exit 151 in Colorado Springs. You're welcome to stop over if your journey brings you this way. We can go over the bike, do laundry, soak in the hot tub and have a nice drink or 3. 

Oh yeah, a AAA card was mentioned. It had better be the RV type or it won't do towing last I heard. I have an AMA membership that has road coverage/towing on any/all bikes and cars and it's the least expensive with the highest coverage I've found.