Topic: First bike, first long trip, looking for advice and tips from the experienced

[markreimer]

Hi there,

First, a quick introduction. After wanting a motorcycle for years but being put off by the cost, a friend of mine introduced me to his Honda cl350. Not only did I love the aesthetics of the bike, but was amazed at how simple they were to break down and repair. It was enough for me to finally take the plunge. I found a 1974 cb750K for $400. Brand new tires, half the wiring harness replaced, engine rebuilt a year before, no rust on the bike, amazing condition. Only thing was the carbs were in nasty shape and actually had mis-matched bodies. Several months reading the SOHC4 forums and two manuals later, I got the bike fixed up, rebuilt the carbs (with matching bodies...), replaced and tuned up a bunch of odds and ends and the bike roared up first kick. Has tons of power, idles great, very happy with it. I walked out of Manitoba insurance last night with my new plate and registration in hand - on the road at last!

So here's my question to you all. It was my plan from day 1 to ride the bike to Vancouver (from Winnipeg) for a friends wedding. I know I'm a new rider, so I'm doing it over way more days than would normally be required. I want to go easy while I still have so much to learn. However I am worried about all the things that can go wrong mechanically on such a long trip. Have any of you taken your SOHC's on trips this long? Are there any breakdowns that seem to be fairly common that I should watch out for? Any riding tips, maintenance tips, or any other experience some of you would care to pass on would be greatly appreciated. Maybe if some of you live in western Canada we could meet up for a ride, who knows!

I know the manual has some recommended check lists for every 'x' miles which will be a good start, but I figure experience is the best teacher. Thoughts?

[the technological J]

i would put a couple hundred miles on it to work out the kinks... i put over 1200 miles on mine in week of riding and it handled fine.... i would advise a good tool kit an extra set of points and maybe some way to do the timing an extra quart(or liter i guess) of oil... a new battey... you really wanna make sure your charging system is working


 i know that when i ride i feel especially close to the bike after a four or more hr ride you will understand her more when you spend some time in the hills and bends

[Rgconner]

Some just general touring comments:

Take a break every 1 to 1.5 hours. Stretch, bio break, have some Gatorade. This is doubly important since you are a newer rider... there are "riding muscles" and they get fatigued.

Hydration is important! You don't feel yourself sweat and you can "bonk" very easily.

Wear earplugs!

[Syscrush]

Start with the 5/50/500 rule:

Do at least 1 trouble-free 5 mile ride before you try a 50 mile ride.
Do at least 1 trouble-free 50 mile ride before you try a 500 mile ride.
Do at least 1 trouble-free 500 mile ride before you consider the bike to have all its glitches worked out.

Then there's the Syscrush rule:

Make sure you've got your cell charged and some room on your credit card.


A buddy of mine did a Toronto-Calgary-Toronto round trip 2-up on a CB750 about 5 years ago.  If they're set up right and the conditions aren't too troubling you can definitely use these bikes for long trips.  It wouldn't hurt to call a good shop in Vancouver to look the bike over for you while you're at your friend's wedding and make sure everything looks OK before you head back.

Winnipeg-Vancouver is about 2300km or so if you go by the most direct route.  It's definitely possible for your bike to go there and back without incident, but on a trip that long you'll encounter a range of weather and road conditions that will stress you and your bike, including:

1) Extreme heat.
2) Rough road surfaces (vibration can cause/uncover a variety of problems).
3) Very steep uphill and downhill (you'll be crossing the f'n Rockies).
4) Large elevation changes (see above).
5) Rain (can mess with brakes, chain, electrical).
6) Cold.

The one change I would strongly suggest before doing this trip is getting a voltmeter on there.  Your charging system doesn't have to be really wrong to leave you stranded, and that's not limited to these old bikes (don't ask me how I know).  I am a very big fan of this one.  It's just 1 LED, easy to mount and install, and it tells you a ton of info.

Another thing to consider is putting some kind of crash protection on the bike (like engine guards) at least for the trip.  If you have a gravel-induced low-speed low-side, it's nice to be able to stand it back up and ride to the next town for repairs rather than having to call a tow.

Sounds like a fun adventure.  Let us know how it goes!

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Sounds like very good fun.  Sunscreen will allow a good nights sleep after a day in the saddle. You don't know you are sweating and you can't tell you are burnt until it is way too late.

[markreimer]

Thanks guys!

I should have said this earlier: When I took it in for a safety inspection at the local Honda dealer, there was a problem with my charging circuit. But I have some friends there and It was fixed for a very reasonable price. So my charging circuit is working as it should, and there is a new battery in the bike. I've also changed the oil, plugs, and all filters before I took it out.

Definitely agree with that 5/50/500 rule. The next few weeks I will be focused on doing just that - longer and longer rides to test the bike, build up experience/endurance, etc.

I have a crash bar that came with the bike, probably a good idea to put it on. Also picked up some good riding pants and jacket. Safety first..

Also, the ride home will not be solo. My friend with the cl350 is meeting me out there and we're riding back together. Great tip on having it checked out while at the wedding, I'll definitely do that.

Thanks guys!

[Syscrush]

I should have said this earlier: When I took it in for a safety inspection at the local Honda dealer, there was a problem with my charging circuit. But I have some friends there and It was fixed for a very reasonable price. So my charging circuit is working as it should, and there is a new battery in the bike. I've also changed the oil, plugs, and all filters before I took it out.

Good.  Get the voltmeter anyhow, it's a million dollars' worth of peace of mind for $25 and an hour's work.

Definitely agree with that 5/50/500 rule. The next few weeks I will be focused on doing just that - longer and longer rides to test the bike, build up experience/endurance, etc.

Good.  You have to get your body in shape, too.

I have a crash bar that came with the bike, probably a good idea to put it on. Also picked up some good riding pants and jacket. Safety first..

Nice.  What gear did you get?

Also, the ride home will not be solo. My friend with the cl350 is meeting me out there and we're riding back together.

AWESOME!!!!!!!!

[markreimer]

Yep, I've got a nice little voltmeter, check. As for gear, I picked up a leather jacket with added elbow, hip and back padding, as well as a pair of all weather riding pants from Honda (helps to have known the guy working in their shop for 10 years... $300 pants for $90!)

*There are actually two guys joining me on the way back. cl350 and a cb350. Sweet!

[DJ_AX]

Syscrush... I like that LED. Functional yet minimal ... bling

Be ready for the rain!
I went all out and got Goretex pants and jacket form Arcteryx... best stuff on the planet. Expensive yes but I get a really good discount I've ridden in torrential rain for hours and stayed nice and dry without ever feeling like I was wearing plastic or rubber. The stuff breaths great!

http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Alpine_Climbing/Alpha-SV-Jacket
http://www.arcteryx.com/Product.aspx?EN/Mens/Pants-Shorts/Stingray-Pant

[Bankerdanny]

Consider adding a windscreen. I know plenty of riders go long distances without. Skonnieboy and his wife are riding from Cali to Chicago right now on their bikes without them.

However, the right size screen has a huge positive impact on fatigue. A 2400 Km ride likely means lots of time at 100-120kph and the wind protection of a screen makes that time MUCH more pleasant. There is a good reason why long distance bikes all come with large screens or fairings.

[DJ_AX]

Consider adding a windscreen. I know plenty of riders go long distances without. Skonnieboy and his wife are riding from Cali to Chicago right now on their bikes without them.

However, the right size screen has a huge positive impact on fatigue. A 2400 Km ride likely means lots of time at 100-120kph and the wind protection of a screen makes that time MUCH more pleasant. There is a good reason why long distance bikes all come with large screens or fairings.

+1

[Syscrush]

Syscrush... I like that LED. Functional yet minimal ... bling

I add one to every bike I get.

[markreimer]

When I bought the bike it actually came with a fork-mounted windscreen. It's pretty large though, so I'm looking at whether I can cut it down a bit. That, or find a smaller used one kicking around.

Already have great water-proof clothing - I bike (as in bicycle) to work year round so it's a must.

[Duanob]

Consider adding a windscreen. I know plenty of riders go long distances without. Skonnieboy and his wife are riding from Cali to Chicago right now on their bikes without them.

However, the right size screen has a huge positive impact on fatigue. A 2400 Km ride likely means lots of time at 100-120kph and the wind protection of a screen makes that time MUCH more pleasant. There is a good reason why long distance bikes all come with large screens or fairings.

+1

+100! Especially if it's bug and storm season crossing the prairies.

Sounds like a great time have fun and take lot's of pics for the travel section.

[Syscrush]

I'm not experienced with them, but you win and lose with a fork-mounted windscreen.  Personally, I would prefer to not have a sail attached to my bike in such a way that it can provide steering input.

I've done plenty of 12-15 hour days on a naked bike in all weather, it's not bad.  Keeps you from speeding too much.

[Bankerdanny]

I haven't noticed that the fork mounted screen on my bike has any impact at all on stability, and I have ridden through some pretty strong winds.

Mark, ride it with the screen in original condition before you cut it down. I'm a tall guy and my screen only comes up to my chin,  so I get some buffeting around the head. I have read comments from others that you want the screen just below eye level so you are looking over, rather than through it. However, you may find that it works well for you looking through the screen.

If you decide to cut it, use a fine tooth blade on a jigsaw and wide masking tape with the cut line down the middle of the tape. That's how I trimmed the bottom of my screen to fit properly around my headlight shell. Cut in small amounts and then test ride. It's easy to cut off another 1/4 inch, but it's impossible to add it back once it's gone.

[andy750]

Good luck on your trip and your bike should be fine assuming its working well before you start. You cant predict everything that will go wrong and if it does its usually fixable along the route in my experience.

I have had many long  distance trips on my CB750 (never with a fairing) in all kinds of weather (from searing heat to driving wind/rain) and its always got me there. So gear up, take your tools and some basic spares and have a great time!

ride report afterwards!
good luck!
Andy

[wingman1946]

Something else to consider when trimming a shield is that in the case of rain, or especially fog, it is necessary to be able to sit up straight and see OVER the shield. Remember you won't have a wiper !!

[754]

I dont agree on the widscreen.. ride 500 or so miles and you will know, if you are a "behind the Screen guy", or an "in the Wind guy"
 When are you doing this.. I might be around .. Kelowna BC.. contact me if you are coming through this way..if you need to do some work on the bikes I can help.
 Flat repair, get a plan in place before you leave.
  Even for someone not having riden a lot in the last year (ie your butt is not broken in), I know for fact that a lot of folks can get on a 750 4 and easily clck off 500 mile day or two.... that is not saying everyone can. but I sure still can..
 You will have fun on it..

[scottly]

Mark, have you heard about the relay? Depending on your timing, perhaps you could ride along with other riders heading west.

[Prospect]

about 7 years ago I took a beat up cb550 from Toronto to the east coast and back without a single problem.  Although before I left  I did a number of small day trips to work out the problems.  I would suggest you go to Kenora or maybe even Dryden and back to see how you like it and how the bike performs.  I did have an ugly big windscreen on the bike which caused a lot of drag but did help a bit. I took a number of spare parts including condensers, spark plugs, caps, oil, points, tools, wire etc. I also had rain gear and camping equipment so the bike was a bit top heavy.  I had to cut the trip short because of a hurricane Juan heading towards the east coast.  I ended up riding a full day in heavy rain.  Lots of fun. 

[jneuf]

Another Winnipegger! Great news!

Good score on the bike too.

[markreimer]

Thanks guys, and 754 - if I come through that way I'll definitely drop by.

I took the bike out for a 50 mile highway ride yesterday, first time I've been able to really open it up and it ran great. Man this bike is fun.

I was planning on replacing the points system with an electronic ignition before leaving, and bring along spare spark plugs, fuses, an oil filter, I've got new carb boots that I'll throw on, spare bulbs, and some length of wire. Any other spare parts that you would recommend I bring along?

[754]

If I can and it does take up room, I try to pack spare tubes (and of course tire irons, patches & pump).
 I am mentioning this because as I found out in 09 its getting harder to get a good choice of 18 inch tires and sometimes tubes, and 19 inch are getting less common.
 You pack one tube, your buddy the other.

 Short length of gas line should one of you run out..nice to have.. great if you can pull one of your hoses off and have correct size to fit the barb.. might be worth thinking about.

 Not only for you but sometimes others on the roadside..

[MoMo]

I'd recommend leaving the points as that system can be roadside repaired, can't do that with electronic if it fails.  there are many threads on the pros and cons of points vs. electronic if you browse.  Have fun...Larry