Topic: Serious Road Trip (for Me, anyway) - Your Advice?

[igraul]

I'm planning a road trip on my 71 CB750 from Portland, Oregon to Nashville Tennessee and back in October. It's the first trip close to this size that I've ever done. What advice do you all have for a trip like this? The motorcycle has about 54K miles on it, but it had a top-end rebuild about 4 thousand miles ago. I'm having the entire motorcycle checked out from front to back next week for mechanical issues. Are there any specific things you would look for? What tools/parts would you carry with you? What else would you pack?

I've read a lot of good advice on this board. Appreciate any advice you can spare my way.

Thanks!

Ike

P.S. Just searched (duh) and found this, so I guess if there is anything you would add, due to the different size of the trip, thanks; this gets me a good part of the way I think.

[MCRider]

I'm planning a road trip on my 71 CB750 from Portland, Oregon to Nashville Tennessee and back in October. It's the first trip close to this size that I've ever done. What advice do you all have for a trip like this? The motorcycle has about 54K miles on it, but it had a top-end rebuild about 4 thousand miles ago. I'm having the entire motorcycle checked out from front to back next week for mechanical issues. Are there any specific things you would look for? What tools/parts would you carry with you? What else would you pack?

I've read a lot of good advice on this board. Appreciate any advice you can spare my way.

Thanks!

Ike

Uhhh...HAVE FUN!  Lucky You!

[PJ]

Bearings and seals....If your not sure if they have been replaced It will pay off to spend some time on wheel bearings and the final drive including your chain. Get the work done early and put some miles on locally before leaving on your road trip. Resist the urge to do last minute work on the bike, it will either be ready or you'll make it worse.

[coyotecowboy]

Take pics along the way.  Go to an Octoberfest somewhere and take pics of frauliens.  Take pics of stiens of bier and pics of schnitzels.  Make us wish we were there.  Post your pics here and maybe here too http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=2  They like old school stuff as much as we do.

Have fun mang!!!

[fuzzybutt]

make sure you carry a sufficent set of tools and be sure you have tire irons, 2 spare tubes (for front and rear) sets of points and condensors and a hand air pump. throttle and clutch cables too.

[martino1972]

spare engine,set of extra carb's oh,and bring a spare frame...

kidding,bring a good sense of humor,some beer money and take in the trip,wish i could join..

[okie]

American Express.  Don't leave home without it.

[fixahonda]

When I do a long (usually a 300-400 mile/day) trip I bring the basic tools, some ignition stuff, tube patches, irons, a small electric pump and most importantly of all, my cell and AAA card.

You really can't plan for everything or you would end up with a whole extra bike in tow. I just plan for stuff that I can fix on the side of the road or at the hotel.

[mrbreeze]

You should get in touch with Andy. He has documented some of his long distance trips and even listed his gear inventory. I like everyones suggestions....beer $, American Express,spare engine,tire tubes,etc. Have a good and safe trip and......oh!!!......damn!,I envy you!!!

[seaweb11]

Zip Ties and a spare throttle cable

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Your tool kit, a small socket set, universal screw driver tool, multi-tool, duct tape, fuses, 1 spare set of spark plugs for altitude fouling sickness, liquor and any other intoxicating substances you might wish to partake AFTER you finish your ride each day. To each his own. Don't forget cash and plastic plus a list of Honda dealers along your route or your AMA card.

You obviously have confidence in your bike with it's miles so enjoy. Just stay within your usual limits.

Oh yeah, since you're going to TN you might want a butt plug 

[doobiebro]

Make sure your forks and shocks are serviced properly.  Bouncing for some two thousand miles may be somewhat uncomfortable.  And, don't forget to a kidney belt or you might make it past 500. 

[misterpunch]

tools too tighten your chain and a can of chain lube.

oh and rain gear.

[MRieck]

You should get in touch with Andy. He has documented some of his long distance trips and even listed his gear inventory. I like everyones suggestions....beer $, American Express,spare engine,tire tubes,etc. Have a good and safe trip and......oh!!!......damn!,I envy you!!!

Andy left home with 10.00 in his wallet and a 2 pockets full of hope.

[fmctm1sw]

Most important item to bring:  Cell phone....

[333]

The only thing I would add is a full set of cables, not just a throttle.

Oh yeah, since you're going to TN you might want a butt plug 

I wouldn't worry about that one.  I just got back from Nashville, and never got F'd from behind.

Although, I was just in the city.


Check out this thread for things to do in Nashville.  I asked before I went and got some great suggestions, and found some others on my own that I reported at the end of the thread.

[HondaMan]

My typical trip pack:
1. Before leaving, good chain and sprockets. (Personal favorites: Honda sprockets, Diamond chain for the long, hot runs). Can of chain lube.
2. Spare spark plug set.
3. Spare points (or points plate, with condensors), and 2 clip leads (from Radio Shack) to use as temporary wiring jumpers in a pinch, or for setting those points, if necessary, using the NEUT light's bulb. If your points and condensors are fresh, you likely won't have any problems, though.
4. Tubes: on 18", the other 19". I carry 3.50x18" and 3.00x19" all the time. Some sort of air supply, like bicycle pump at least, electric pump at best.
5. Check battery for "good" before leaving, and take extra fuses (2 at least). Check the battery every 3000 miles to make sure the water is OK. If you run with headlight on, it will help keep the battery from overcharging on long road trips, and it's safer.
6. Bare minimum: Honda's whole 750 toolkit. This includes 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm wrenches, axle wrench, screwdrivers (flat and crosspoint) with the "T" handle for the stuck ones, and .003" feeler gauge. Add: tiny chain breaker, extra master link to fit your chain, consider a 6" Crescent wrench, too. They will all fit in the toolbag, as will those extra fuses.
7. Half roll of toilet paper. 1000 uses, from wiping hands to starting campfires, and helping out when you find bad food...

Don't forget to change the oil along the way, and use 20w50 for the trip, nothing lighter (except possibly 15w50 synthetics). Change filter every 3rd time on a constant road trip like this one, every 2nd time in town riding.

Take leathers. NOTHING works as well: there's good reasons for bikers and leathers. They don't 'flap' when riding like other materials: this wears you out slowly, so you don't notice it, until you find your reflexes down. Stop and take a drink with your bike.

And think about me once in a while, I'll be wishing I was alongside! 

[GammaFlat]

4. Tubes: on 18", the other 19". I carry 3.50x18" and 3.00x19" all the time. Some sort of air supply, like bicycle pump at least, electric pump at best.

Have you ever carried tire irons/flats?

And think about me once in a while, I'll be wishing I was alongside! 

I think of you often when I ride - don't take that the wrong way  .  I'm sure I wouldn't be riding nearly as much without your advice for the simple fact that my bike would not be running or running as well.  And who wouldn't wish you WERE alongside with your knowledge and skills 

[igraul]

Wow. Thanks everybody, that's really helpful to me. I will be taking pictures and journaling, and posting it on this website, and I'm sure I'll have more questions before October. Thanks again for all of the advice.

i

[coyotecowboy]

3. Spare points (or points plate, with condensors), and 2 clip leads (from Radio Shack) to use as temporary wiring jumpers in a pinch, or for setting those points, if necessary, using the NEUT light's bulb. If your points and condensors are fresh, you likely won't have any problems, though.

{Hijack ON}
Hey Mark, what is the trick behind that?  I couldn't find anything with search

Thanks Rob

{Hijack OFF}

[strangedaze39]

Thought I might be able to add something. I would suggest buying yourself a full engine/engine covers allen bolt replacement set. I bought mine from stainlesscycle on ebay and had good luck. But lately I've heard complaints...not sure how valid they are but better be safe and sorry and go to Z1 enterprises.

 And then of coarse bring a foldable allen wrench tool. This will save you a lot of hassle with stuck/stripped screws. Might as well deal with it now instead of later.

Have a good trip,
Cody

[HondaMan]

4. Tubes: on 18", the other 19". I carry 3.50x18" and 3.00x19" all the time. Some sort of air supply, like bicycle pump at least, electric pump at best.

Have you ever carried tire irons/flats?

Oops. I completely forgot that part: yep, I have a set of 18" long tire irons mounted under the seat on my 750, been there for many, many years. Except when they're gettin' used, like lately...

[HondaMan]

3. Spare points (or points plate, with condensors), and 2 clip leads (from Radio Shack) to use as temporary wiring jumpers in a pinch, or for setting those points, if necessary, using the NEUT light's bulb. If your points and condensors are fresh, you likely won't have any problems, though.

{Hijack ON}
Hey Mark, what is the trick behind that?  I couldn't find anything with search

Thanks Rob

{Hijack OFF}

If you borrow a little light bulb from your instruments, you can use it to statically time the points. It will get you pretty close to accurate timing, too. Just insulate one set of points (put a business card or something in between them) and work on the other set, one at a time, to keep the battery drain to a minimum...

1. Hold the bulb so the base terminal is touching the timing plate and the side of the bulb is touching the moving arm of the points. (Turn on the ignition and KILL switch first, or there won't be any power.)
2. Using the HONDA axle wrench, turn the crankshaft toward the front (to your right) until the points just break open and the bulb lights. Look into the slot to see where the "F" mark is for the points you are adjusting (1-4 on the left, 2-3 on the right): you want to be as close to it as is possible. Adjust the points gap to get it set.

Essentially, repeat steps 1 & 2 several times for best accuracy. To repeat the 'points opening' action, you can back up the engine, then turn forward (right) again and again, but turn it back at least 45 degrees when you do, and do it slowly, not hard or fast. There is a little 3/32" pin on the back of the spark advancer that lets you do all this, but it's not REAL strong, and can be bent if you do it too aggressively.

This method will get you running well enough, and without damaging the engine, but it may vibrate more than normal until you get a timing light on it and set it spot on. It's a great roadside backup plan.

For many years, this was the timing method HONDA taught to mechanics, until timing lights got cheap enough for everyone to have one. I got my first timing light after I had been wrenching for 5 years!

[coyotecowboy]

Well I'll be damned, I'd have never thought of that!!!

Thanks for the explanation, is this in the FAQ?  If its not then it should be.