Author Topic: Thinking of taking my first loooonnnggg trip (Read 5152 times)

Lumbee · « **on:** February 27, 2006, 09:12:38 AM »

Greetings SOHC hedz. I've had my 750 about a year now, and have not ventured any more than 30 or 40 miles from home. The wifey will be out of town this weekend, and I'm thinking its time for a real road trip. I'm thinking in the neiborhood of 1000-1500 miles over Saturday and Sunday. What are u'r mechanical/maintanance recommendations before I undertake this? I'm sure checking the valves/timing ect. will come up...just want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Second what planning should I do in case of a break down? I like to plan for the worse, so any recommendations on anything I can do in a worse case scenerio where I'm 1000 miles from home and the bike dies. I was thinking of printing out a list of rental places, where I could rent a truck and haul myself and the bike back.

...any and all opinions/observations/experiences welcome...

bwaller · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2006, 10:12:34 AM »

Breakdown??

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2006, 10:26:52 AM »

First of all, if you're not used to that kind of trip, I'd limit myself to 400-500 miles a day max. "Stuff" happens from pilot error/being tired. Stop often to drink water (not soda/coffee). Even without a windshield, you can drift off to sleep or make stupid judgements.
Check chain tension, oil it, tire pressure, good rubber, engine oil. I like a sheep skin to sit on (Alaska leather is great).
Other than that- a swss army credit card should take care of everything.

Jay B · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2006, 10:31:47 AM »

Good advice from Uncle Ernie. Also, another tip I've gotten from long distance guys is never to make any changes to your bike without putting some miles on before leaving on a trip. Including tune ups. Gives you a chance to find screw ups before you're out in the middle of nowhere.

upperlake04 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2006, 10:35:06 AM »

cellphone and cash will bail you out of troubles

Lumbee · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2006, 05:47:34 PM »

...good info guys...Karma points for all!!!

Uncle Ernie · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2006, 05:59:54 PM »

I just remembered- Many MANY places ONLY take VISA or Master Card. Leave Discover/The Blue CArd home.

neilbron · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2006, 06:33:00 PM »

These tips might seem a bit odd coming from the south in Oz ,but:

I agree, 300-400 miles is a fair ride in one day until you get yourself sorted.

I always carry a good quality map and work out my fuel stops a night or two before hand - sometimes I get into the zone and ride straight thru a town where I should have filled up. Then spend a lot of miles wondering how far I have to go on reserve.

Same deal for accomodation - have a rough idea of where you'd like to stop, but be flexible.

A camelbak is great if it's warm, otherwise a tankbag with a water bottle easy to get to.

A small pocket flashlight for the worst case scenario - accident or breakdown in falling light.

Small tool kit including multi purpose screwdriver, common spanners, duct tape and zip ties.

If you wear a helmet with a visor - visor cleaning cloth or similar - often hard to find something non-scratch at the fuel stops.

A friendly disposition - I've found that a cheery conversation with the guy/girl at the pump/counter makes the miles seem a lot shorter!

Have a great ride,

Cheers,

Neil.

Kevin D · « **Reply #8 on:** February 27, 2006, 07:11:33 PM »

Quote

30 or 40 miles from home

Quote

1000-1500 miles over Saturday and Sunday

Hey Lumbee - That's a mighty big step you're taking there pal. I have found that these days my arse gives out after 150 miles and I am beginning to think my Honda will never quit. But I'm 20 years older than you. I used to be good for 300-400 on a big day, or maybe a little more if I had to get somewhere.

I carried chain lube, spare chain/master link, inner tube, pump, tire spoons, fuses. I fixed my buddy's flat in a canyon above Longmont, CO once upon a time, the only unexpected repair I ever encountered. These days I think I'd want some of that Garmin stuff that could tell you what's ahead. And for sure, something with weather radar.

I am a subscriber to RoadRunner motorcycle touring magazine. They always have a "shamrock" tour where they do several loop day trips(200 miles or so) from a location carefully chosen in a good motorcycle riding area. They even give you tank maps. MC friendly hotels, restaurants, sights are mentioned. That sounds like a nice long motorcycling weekend to me.

A 1000 mile weekend around here would be lots of Interstate riding dodging semis.

That's all more about the travelling, and less about the Honda, and I hope it's helpful.

amattel · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2006, 07:37:01 PM »

I would drop estimated miles travelled to 500 or less and make it all backroads (as much as possible) where you can have a nice chill ride and enjoy the scenery!

If you aren't doing interstate speeds 500 miles is easily 10 to 15 hours of riding...

Have a great ride!

Adam

Lumbee · « **Reply #10 on:** February 27, 2006, 07:40:13 PM »

...I know I'm a light weight with only the half day treks...thats why I'm ready to clock some serious miles. I was planning on going from Baton Rouge to St. Louis; 800 miles. I got a buddy in Little Rock though...thats only 400, so that maybe more my speed.

heffay · « **Reply #11 on:** February 27, 2006, 07:56:41 PM »

don't let these guys tell you what to do... go 2,000 miles if you want to!

btw... is that a cherry bomb for a muffler?

seaweb11 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 27, 2006, 09:03:03 PM »

Spare throttle cable, Spare throttle cable, Spare throttle cable........

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #13 on:** February 27, 2006, 09:18:21 PM »

How far is it to the magnificent ones ? go see Don, it dont snow down there.

Have a safe ride Mark.

Sam.

skamania19 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 27, 2006, 11:58:41 PM »

Good pair of gloves.
Good rain gear.

Lumbee · « **Reply #15 on:** February 28, 2006, 06:07:52 AM »

...yep, its a cherry bomb

Lumbee · « **Reply #16 on:** March 02, 2006, 08:15:44 PM »

...Ok gentlemen, heres my route...

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1ffi=&1l=&1g=&1pl=&1v=&1n=&2ffi=&2l=&2g=&2pl=&2v=&2n=&1pn=&1a=&1c=&1s=&1z=70808&2pn=&2a=&2c=little+rock&2s=ar&2z=

...looks like sunny skys except for a chance of rain on Sunday. Scoot is al gased up, packed and ready to go. Adjusted and lubed the chain tonight, and shes def. got a tight spot in the middle of the chain. I considered canceling the trip, but not sure when I'll get to do this again, so I'm going for it. I'll drop a line when I'm in Little Rock...

skamania19 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 02, 2006, 11:02:30 PM »

Looks like fun, wish I was going! Be safe.

Kevin D · « **Reply #18 on:** March 03, 2006, 04:07:53 AM »

Quote

wish I was going

Me too, It'll be a month before there is any decent weather around here.

Lumbee, FYI I found a RoadRunner back article (Jan 05) on Eureka Springs, AK : A Motorcycling Treasure.

http://www.rrmotorcycling.com/mags/frames.html

I've never been, and I'm sure it's no secret around those parts, but it looks like it would be nice.

cb(r) · « **Reply #19 on:** March 03, 2006, 05:40:03 AM »

All these are things are great but there is nothing more comforting and safer than having another biker riding with ya. I did dinner trips in the past where I would make a 600 mile radius from home. I would pick a city in that radius, then get up early on a saturday morning to start my ride. I would have dinner that night at a nice restaurant do a little night life and come home the next morning. Then I started travelling with my brother in law (old harley guy). I am not holding that against him at all it is just more fun kicking back at end off each days ride and BS about the ride with someone that enjoys riding. I wish you a great ride and take some pics if you have time. I am envious it is still to cold in the midwest.

upperlake04 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 03, 2006, 05:53:41 AM »

Im envious. its -18C with 14"of snow here now. anyway, all the best, keep her between the ditches and wow - all on the bike that was the culmination and peak of development of the 750sohc!

Vatch · « **Reply #21 on:** March 03, 2006, 06:09:28 AM »

Envious here too. I got out for a quick ride yesterday when it hit 41 deg. F.

Some other advice, if you've got some of those stretchy black bicycle shorts they do wonders for the butt and inner thighs, especially after the 1st day (a tip from my Beemer riding brother). Helps a lot with chaffing. Just remember to wear them under your pants

.

Have fun!

cb(r) · « **Reply #22 on:** March 03, 2006, 06:51:57 AM »

Quote from: Vatch on March 03, 2006, 06:09:28 AM

Envious here too. I got out for a quick ride yesterday when it hit 41 deg. F.

Some other advice, if you've got some of those stretchy black bicycle shorts they do wonders for the butt and inner thighs, especially after the 1st day (a tip from my Beemer riding brother). Helps a lot with chaffing. Just remember to wear them under your pants .

Have fun!

lol

VitaminCB550 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 03, 2006, 08:30:04 AM »

Someone mentioned flashlight: There is only one option for me. Wal-mart sells a headlamp powered by 3 AAA batteries. It has 1 white LED, 2 red LEDs, and 1 krypton (incandescent) beam. The one white led (enough for emergency bike repair) will last over 100 hours. I was in the woods in a "lean to" (open front) when racoons mounted an assault on my space. By leaving the light on and shining out all night, I dodged rabies. Good gloves are a must.

Lumbee · « **Reply #24 on:** March 03, 2006, 04:34:45 PM »

...whats up all...left Baton Rouge around 7:30 this AM, and pulled in Little Rock at 5:30. First half of the ride was pretty good...second half required a little more effort. I guess the wind takes a toll on you after 5 hours! Bike ran well except for my swingarm and exhaust getting sprayed with oil. I knew I had a leaky head gasket, but with all the oil on the rear I'm thinking the oil pan may be where its coming from. Stinks because I'll have to pull exhaust if I want to retorque the bolts on the pan. I'll check it out tomorrow before I head back on Sunday. I'll be sure to check in when I get back on Sunday...

...thanx again to all for the tips...

News:

Author Topic: Thinking of taking my first loooonnnggg trip (Read 5152 times)

upperlake04

neilbron

amattel

upperlake04

Vatch

VitaminCB550