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Author Topic: Will we make it?  (Read 5358 times)

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Offline torrinh

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Will we make it?
« on: April 21, 2009, 07:46:21 PM »
So my college career is nearly over, and I'll be headed back to my hometown of Portland, Maine from Arcata, California where I went to school. While I've been here, I've managed to collect two bikes, a  Kawasaki GPZ 750 and a '78 CB750K. I love both bikes and don't want to sell them. So my plan is: My brother and I and ride them back!!! My plan is to take them on 80, from Sacramento, all the way to Chicago then to Ann Arbor, MI swing into Canada, back to the U.S. through Niagara, and head over on 90 to Boston, then up I-95. All this in about 6-7 days, we both have to get back so we can work.
A little history on the bikes: The Kawasaki has about 18,000 miles on her, and the Honda about 44,000. The Kawa had a recent valve shim change, new tires, chain, sprockets and a battery.  The Honda has new tires, chain, sprockets, and I've been working on the carbs. Both start and run reliably.
My question to everyone: WILL WE MAKE IT?
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Offline heffay

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #1 on: April 21, 2009, 07:49:33 PM »
will never work in that amount of time if you travel like i do.

the bikes will... but...
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Offline bwaller

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #2 on: April 21, 2009, 07:49:48 PM »
Why not, it'll be a great adventure. I envy you.
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Offline uthinkimodd

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #3 on: April 21, 2009, 07:51:53 PM »
give it a shot but that's a lot of ground to cover in 7 days..... I'd do it..... once!
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Offline my78k

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #4 on: April 21, 2009, 07:52:00 PM »
Eventually yes...and you will be better for the experience! With any luck you'll make your timeline but just remember it isn't all about the destination!

Do you have some roadside assistance? CAA+ covers bikes too. Also have a cell charged and handy. If you do these two steps it will likely mean you won't have any probs....if you prepare for it it won't happen!

Dennis
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Offline nokrome

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #5 on: April 21, 2009, 07:54:06 PM »
read my signature line...........go for it ;)
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fuzzybutt

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #6 on: April 21, 2009, 08:01:23 PM »
i'd do it in a heartbeat. i also have AAA rv plus so i'm never more than a phone call away from help
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Offline myhondas

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #7 on: April 21, 2009, 08:02:27 PM »
YOU WILL NEVER MAKE IT ! ! ! !....Not only is that too short an amount of time for a trip of that distance, but you will find yourselves not going as fast as you had planned. You will be having too much fun and enjoying all the sights and sounds and smells that you will be subjected to. And besides, you will have to stop and go see a doctor every day for his help in wiping the enormous grin off your face. But then again, what do you have to lose except a once in a lifetime opportunity to really LIVE LIFE.

ray#?
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Offline Duke McDukiedook

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #8 on: April 21, 2009, 08:07:16 PM »
Seven days for that run on old bikes. Sounds sketchy at best.

Good luck and hope for no breakdowns or flats.
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Offline imamotohead

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #9 on: April 21, 2009, 08:11:44 PM »
Don't be in such a hurry to go to work! ;)  Chances are you'll never have an opportunity like this again.  Go for it and give yourself enough time to enjoy the trip.  The rest of us are jealous as hell!  Be sure to post a write up when you finish - photos please!

Good Luck!
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crinklesmith

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #10 on: April 21, 2009, 08:26:17 PM »
Bring tools and spares, get some nice tires before you go, and stay off anything with three or more lanes. Timetables are a waste of time.  8)

>http://www.advrider.com/
« Last Edit: April 21, 2009, 08:29:02 PM by crinklesmith »
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Offline deck99

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #11 on: April 21, 2009, 08:31:53 PM »
Wave as you go by Omaha.  More people need that "Can Do Attitude"!

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Offline torrinh

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #12 on: April 21, 2009, 08:36:33 PM »
Believe me, i had a much better trip planned, and was going to take 10-12 days, or longer, but we both have to get back to start our work for the summer. It's the kind of job where if you're not there, you can lose your spot. If it wasn't for that, it would be a much better trip, but we're going to be rushed for sure. Thanks for the confidence though, guys.
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1983 Kawasaki GPZ 750
1978 Honda CB750K w/ 1976 CB750F1 motor
1979 Suzuki GS550L

Offline alltherightpills

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #13 on: April 21, 2009, 08:45:19 PM »
Also, check out the member map:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=37828.0

There are a lot of people along that route that you could get a hold of if something breaks that you can't fix.
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Offline Really?

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #14 on: April 21, 2009, 08:47:09 PM »
That's sounds like a fun trip but sounds like you will be 1up for an extreme amount of time.  Those seats will need to be good enough to handle so many hours in the saddle.  Bikes might make but y'all might not.

A good day should be about 500 miles but can your backsides handle it with the current seats on your bikes?  Test it by taking a 3 to 4 hour ride.  If you end up with monkeybutt, it will be over before it starts.  Unless, you have the foam reworked in those seats.  Prolly have them turned into 8+ hour seats for between $125 to about $285 depending on where you go.  Unless you got a hookup that can do it for cheaper.

If you can do an 8 hour in the saddle day, then you may make it and have a good time too!

On another note, have access to this site so you can get some help hopefully if needed.  A few number from some members on hand on the path you take might prove helpful as well.

People with bikes setup for long rides like you are talking about have had their seats redone (not all but many), the club/forum knows that the trip is taking place, they will carry a membership list (for needed help and let everyone enjoy the trip with them) and they will have access to the forum they belong to.

Some of y'all might put this off but if you think about it, it is smart.  I am a member of another forum that have done and do what you are talking about all the time.

I hope you can do it.  It something you will always remember.
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Offline mrbreeze

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #15 on: April 21, 2009, 09:23:16 PM »
Giga said it right.........500 miles per day.....x6=3000 miles which is coast to coast.I did it in a big rig back in 1985 by myself. There were problems with the rig so it took some extra time. 500 miles is about a full days work (legally) and isn't too bad in the comfort of a rig but it will kick your a$$ pretty good on an old Honda. You will have your work cut out for you. You will have to do the work everyday for 6 straight and with no problems. The idea to get some members phone #'s on your route is a good one. You have to pack smart and bring tools and spares (especially when you have to race the clock).
I'm not saying this can't be done...............just that it has to be heavily planned with no unforseen problems to deal with. If you do this trip....you need to pop pictures along the way and keep a travel log. Also .....you must remember......any time missed one day will stack up on you the next.......don't wanna push it too hard.Good luck on your trip and your new job when you get back home. Were you going to Humbolt?
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Offline martino1972

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #16 on: April 22, 2009, 12:26:19 AM »
Quote from: alltherightpills on April 21, 2009, 08:45:19 PM
Also, check out the member map:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=37828.0

There are a lot of people along that route that you could get a hold of if something breaks that you can't fix.

+1
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Offline Don R

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #17 on: April 22, 2009, 12:42:47 AM »
How about you get a list of those like me near the route that would be willing to help if you have trouble in our area. The street rod guys have a book they call fellow pages for the same purpose. I live in western Illinois 35 minutes south of I80. 8)
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #18 on: April 22, 2009, 01:04:25 AM »
Try buying a thick piece of sheepskin, like the thick woolly seat covers......does wonders for the Butt and it comes off when you are finished so no mods needed for the seat.

Mick
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Offline Hush

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #19 on: April 22, 2009, 01:22:08 AM »
The one thing I would take on a ride like that is a tire pando (do you have those in USA?) inflates tires and seals at the same time.
OK forum members of America here's a really interesting mission these young guys are anticipating so support them if you can with encouragement along the way. :)
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Offline torrinh

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #20 on: April 22, 2009, 07:38:13 AM »
Mrbreeze: yeah I did go to Humboldt.

Our plan is to ride about 2 hours, then break for 1 or so, and repeat. So really we'll be on the road for like 12 hours, but driving for eight. I think I'm going to get some of that sheepskin padding. Where can I find it? My original plan was for 6 hour days, but like I said, we both have to get back.
Hush, what's a tire pando? I'm getting the Stopngo tire repair kit that uses a cylinder as a compressor. We're also both AAA members and i have Progressive insurance roadside assistance, so that shouldn't be too much of an issue. My biggest worry is losing a coil on one of the bikes, and having to fork out a lot of dough for a new one in some podunk town in Nebraska. When I'm not in class I'm driving a bus, so I know what it's like to be sitting for long periods of time. I'm more worried about my brother. 2 hours is the longest he's been on a bike. We might end up doing 6-hour days if it's too uncomfortable, but we're young, so screw it, right?
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1983 Kawasaki GPZ 750
1978 Honda CB750K w/ 1976 CB750F1 motor
1979 Suzuki GS550L

Offline heffay

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #21 on: April 22, 2009, 07:43:21 AM »
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=40096.0

check out this thread... pictures about halfway down the page.
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Today: '73 cb350f, '96 Ducati 900 Supersport
Past Rides: '72 tc125, '94 cbr600f2, '76 rd400, '89 ex500, '93 KTM-125exc, '92 zx7r, '93 Banshee, '83 ATC250R, 77/75 cb400f

Offline Gordon

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #22 on: April 22, 2009, 07:46:54 AM »
Quote from: torrinh on April 22, 2009, 07:38:13 AM
what's a tire pando? I'm getting the Stopngo tire repair kit that uses a cylinder as a compressor.

Neither will do any good for tires with tubes and spoke rims, unfortunately.  If you want to do roadside tire repair for that type of wheel you'll need a spare tube (or at least a tube patch kit) and some tire irons.  

Good luck on your trip! :)  
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Offline tlbranth

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #23 on: April 22, 2009, 08:09:16 AM »
I've done 500 miles in a day on my '99 goldwing but back in the 70's when i was young and more-or-less healthy, 300 miles a day was about it for me on the K0. I think you should go for it but allow more time.
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Offline stresssolutions

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Re: Will we make it?
« Reply #24 on: April 22, 2009, 08:39:20 AM »
What spares would you rec taking?  I can think of: fuses and bulbs, chain lube, and oil if it burns/leaks it.  I've seen on bigdogadventures that they will take tires along, but those are knobbys and don't last as long as streets.  I suppose some zip ties and tape...but what else would you pack???

monkeybutt??? wth?
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