Topic: Coast to Coast on a 78'

[jas750]

Hey guys,
Looks like I'm going to be laid off in a few weeks, after busting my ass for the past 10 years, I think I'm going to enjoy a little break. Instead of starting a new job right away, I've decided to take a month of unemployment, finish fixing up my 78 Cb750K and hit the road.

I've always wanted to do it. And now seems like the perfect time. I have not yet planned a route, I'm on the east coast, so I figured I'd start out in O.C. Maryland, then head west, I'd like to do some of the ZMM route, ride up the coast in cali, and see a few places inbetween. Maybe stop and meet carpy while I'm out west. I'm going to camp as much as possible to save money, this trip will be on a tight budget, I don't have much cash on hand.

What do you think? any suggestions? encouragement? Try to talk me out of it? 

[andy750]

Having done it 3 or 4 times on a 74 750 I can tell you its very possible. If you camp it will be relatively cheap but budget $500 - $700 for 3 weeks of travel. Gas adds up. As long as your bike is running well there is no reason not to do it...

good luck!
Andy

[mick750F]

   You could look into this in order to save some money too. Couch surfing...http://www.couchsurfing.org/ I haven't done it but my neighbors have hosted a bunch of people this summer. Everyone has been very nice.

Mike

[BeSeeingYou]

Congratulations, the recession has some benefits.  Don't do it!  Stay home, watch TV, and surf for porn on the internet instead.

Kidding aside, go for it. I had to look up the ZMM route and now I realize that I have traveled much if not all of that on my XS650 back in the 1980's.  The highway 12 route from Minneapolis to Miles City is much more pleasant than the freeway.  It is actually a beautiful route all the way to the Pacific Ocean too.  By late September snow and cold is very possible in the high elevations and in Yellowstone so bring warm cloths.  The weather through September/early October should still be okay in the lower elevations.  We have had a warm summer and so far it shows no sign of letup so if luck holds we may have a nice September/October.  The sooner you get going the better.  Like I said I have covered this route so if you want any info let me know and if you come thru Minneapolis I can put you up but I will not be here from September 14th-October 3rd.

[Bwana]

Ocean City eh?  Are you a resident of Worcester Co? 

 

My suggestion would be, given the nice hot weather we're having, head west via more northern route and return by a southern route.   Steer (pun intended) clear of west Texas on that return route.  Take it from me, when you're in cattle country where they have feedlots the cattle are standing in large  groups in relatively small areas.   The ammonia & methane levels in the air are stifling.   Otherwise the southwest US is spectactular. 

Don't forget to lube the chain frequently and if you're running a points ignition inspect & adjust them on occasion.

Make plans to spend a fair bit of time talking to complete strangers at rest areas and gas stations.   IME solitary riders  seem to be very approachable to the general public. 

Pack ratty clothes that you can just chuck in the garbage or use for shop rags as you go.   Consider room for a digital camera too. 

Try to guestimate your total mileage and budget maintenance items accordingly.  A new back tire, possibly a front, aren't out of question for a distance ride.  Take note of fastners on the bike and pack in tools appropriate for simple roadside repairs.  $hit happens.    I had my key switch go dodgy on the way to Lansing MI a few years back and had to do some roadside bodging with the switch on the road to keep the bike from shutting down all the.  Then build up the contacts with solder  once I hit Lansing.

By all means, do it if you can!

[754]

Good luck on the trip..
 Hope you use a map rather than GPS..
 If your ignition switch goes south , hotwire it, but make sure to remove wire or unhook battery at night..

 Have fun..

[Elan]

sooo did it happen?