Topic: The SOHC 750 for long touring??? Share road trip experiences.

[ElCheapo]

Has anyone here clicked off serious touring miles on their SOHC? I was thinking of a tough ride out to the four corners area (New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arizona). Now this is the best part of 1500 miles round trip for me plus touring miles. So does anyone have advise based on long hauls with their SOHC. My motor has about 10,000 on it and is running strong. The bike is mechanically sound with the exception of a few spokes I need to replace in the rear.

I have never done runs longer than 4 maybe 6 hours and those where on much newer bikes. Like brand freaking new. I did do San Diego to Las Vegas in 3hr 45mins  . But I have no intention of running this rate on this tour.

I was considering doing the camping thing and make an adventure of it. Make use of truck stop showers which are pretty nice.

[andy750]

El Cheapo,

Go to Hondarestoration.com and click on Stories....this details my 2001 road trip from Boston - San Franciscio to Mexico (around the whole country) and back to Boston....16,000 miles in 2 months, averaging 350 miles/day (sometimes more, sometimes less)...the bike was a 1974 CB750 that had 28,000 miles on it -stock, no fairing. No problems apart from punctures. The bike survived to be shipped to England where it was then driven around Europe (Holland, Germany, Swiss-Italian-Austrian Alps - some of the best roads in the world and then over to Prague, Czech Republic before bring driven back to England...this was 2003 and 6000miles, 3 weeks....the bike then foud its way back to Boston, USA where a year later it was shipped via Fwd Air to Los Angeles.....and so began the SOHC Easy Rider Trip (see www.easyridertrip.de)...LA-Grand Canyon, Monument Valley-Texas, Oklahoma -New Orleans -Boston -5500 miles in 16 days.....

In all these trips there were never any mechanical problems only punctures. Basically these bikes can surviive any kind of road trip...and Ive driven in some really beat up roads (esp in the highlands of Mexico where for 200 miles I vibrated my way along what looked like a dried up riverbed! but was in fact a very very bad road).....

Whatever you decide to do you can do it on a CB750 (or any Honda for that matter IMHO).....good luck!
Andy in Boston

[Bob Wessner]

Hardly in the same category as Andy's ventures, but years ago I took my K0 750 from Michigan to the far eastern tip of Long Island, N.Y. and back plus some roaming miles, I would say close to 2,000 round-trip. The following year round trip from Michigan to the Smokey Mt's and back. No problems other than some torrential rain in the Smokey's on a couple of days.

[ElCheapo]

You guys are restoring my faith in my bike. I guess I figured I better have the goods to do a valave adjust on the road and all that. Punctures - I did not even think of that. Maybe I should get more savvy at tire removal in bad situations.

[Bob Wessner]

Take along some better tools, including impact driver, than are in the tool bag if you have the space. As for the tires, being able to change a tube on the road is a good idea (include tire irons in the kit), chain lube of course, some work gloves and a clean rag or two, and a small flashlight. On second thought re: the tire change, I'd consider a tow to a shop if you could, changing tires at home in your garage kind of, well sucks.  Can't imagine the job in the middle of the night in the middle of nowhere.

And don't forget sun screen and some artificial tear drops. You would be surprised how the little drafts behind a windshield or face shield can dry your eyes after a few hours of riding.

[andy750]

On the two occasions I drove through Mississipi on I-59 I got a rear tire puncture only miles apart (but 3 years in time!)....on the first occasion it was a front tire puncture at night and I had to thumb down a pickup truck and ask him to call the police for me (I had no cell phone in 2001 coming back from Mexico).....busy interstate traffic and 10pm at night and me at the side of the road with thumb out!!!!.....police came, called the tow guy who it turned out was a Harley rider...offered me a place to stay, and had his son give me a ride to the Harley shop (in the backwoods) in the morning (after having taking me out for beers the night before), paid for the new innertube AND gave me a shop t-shirt (that I still have today)......second time (and only a few miles from the first time, but 3 years later coming back from the Easy Rider trip it was daytime and riding with 4 other SOHC riders....our fellow SOHC buddy came from New Orleans in his truck with a new tube (we had the tools) and we changed the tire by the side of the highway....was ok and got me back to Boston but i wouldnt recommend it.....if you can get some help from a local shop - theres always a shop somewhere...even when I was in Wyoming at Devls tower and I woke up after camping to discover a flat front tire and had to use a bicycle pump I borrowed from a passing cyclist to get me the 20 miles back to Sundance (only it got me 10miles and then I had to thumb for an air pump for the rest of the way) and the local Harley guy there (very old guy who said nothing but was very helpful)......

Punctures are simply the beginning of adventures......but  would follow Bobs advice and pack the tools he mentioned...come in very handy during such adventures.

Cheers
Andy in Boston

[HondaMan]

Has anyone here clicked off serious touring miles on their SOHC? I was thinking of a tough ride out to the four corners area (New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Arizona). Now this is the best part of 1500 miles round trip for me plus touring miles. So does anyone have advise based on long hauls with their SOHC. My motor has about 10,000 on it and is running strong. The bike is mechanically sound with the exception of a few spokes I need to replace in the rear.

I have never done runs longer than 4 maybe 6 hours and those where on much newer bikes. Like brand freaking new. I did do San Diego to Las Vegas in 3hr 45mins  . But I have no intention of running this rate on this tour.

I was considering doing the camping thing and make an adventure of it. Make use of truck stop showers which are pretty nice.

Fix the spokes, put in some 20w50 oil and points and hit the road. Bring some extra sparkplugs and chain oil with you.
I have ridden my CB750K2 1197 miles in a single day out here at 80+ MPH all day long. Many more days at 900+ miles with and without friends. Longest 2-up ride with 580-lb payload was 987 miles. The CB750 can take it without breaking a sweat. Remember 2 things, though: 1.) 20w50 oil is a must on long hiway rides (change that filter before you leave home, too), change it at 1000-1200 mile intervals. 2.) Don't place a load in front of the engine, like a sleeping bag on the front forks (popular in the 1960s and 1970s because of the movie Easy Rider). This WILL overheat the center 2 cylinders. At least, it will burn out the plugs, at worst, the exhaust valves. I've seen it and done it, both.

This is the bike that made all that possible, and the bike is unchanged since those days - except it got smoother after the K1 models. I've camped it, motelled it and "stayed with friends" it, and camping is the best way to go. For a day you won't forget seeing the morning, stay at the KOA camp in Buena Vista, Colorado, on your way to the 4 corners via hiway 285. It's the ride of a lifetime, every mile.

[ofreen]

I've been on many, many long trips on my 750.  It rolled over 101,000 miles the other day, and I'd still take it anywhere and not worry about it.

[mrbreeze]

You know..I love my 750 to death but just can't see taking it on a real long putt.It gets pretty uncompfortable after 100 miles and I just don't see how you could change tires on the side of the road without doing some kind of Mcgiver #$%*.Maybe I'm getting old and don't have the old sense of adventure like I used to but I think I would be better off with a full bore road bike for the long haul and keep my 750 closer to home.(Yeah...you youngsters start piping in with all your stuff!!)

[wheelie]

I'm leaving for a two (or three?) nighter this friday. Figure I'lll take a ferry over to Bainbridge Island from Seattle and hop onto 101 and take it around the peninsula down to Long Beach, WA or maybe all the way to Canon Beach. OR. Can't wait.
I'm not timid at all about the road-worthiness of my 78K.

A good friend knows when you believe and will always bring you home.

[toycollector10]

That's a great story andy750...I live 'down under'  but I have never met a citizen of the USA that I didn't immediatly take a shine to. I find Americans to be very generous and considerate people...

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Some other things:
Tires good shape, proper pressure AND BALANCED
Fork oil proper level and Good shocks make a great difference on a long haul
Check your brakes !!
Other than that don't worry about the bike - PLAN YOUR TRIP AND GO !!!
Small Cooler & 12 pack - my formula for hydration was 1 beer at each gas stop and all leftovers at the end of the day.
I-70 only when necessary and not past Denver !! Colorado back roads are fantastic !!!
Stop in Colorado Springs for food, rest, beer, and a visit before hitting the mountains.
Jerry
Colorado Springs
ps when are you going? I might be able to cruise with you to 4 Corners - tour guide

[Bob Wessner]

On the two occasions I drove through Mississipi on I-59 I got a rear tire puncture

This reminded me, on the long ones I packed a spare inner tube (never had to use it, thankfully), but it was always the rear tube I took. It seems I read once many years ago, you get most punctures in the rear because the front tire just kicks up whatever in time for the rear wheel/tire to roll over it and take the hit. 

[andy750]

"I have ridden my CB750K2 1197 miles in a single day out here at 80+ MPH all day long. Many more days at 900+ miles with and without friends"

Wow Hondaman I have to say Im very impressed! Ive never come close to riding that kind of mileage in a single day. Most Ive done is about 650 miles and that was a loooong day, and I dont go slow either.
Cheers
Andy in Boston

[Vatch]

I'm taking my 650 for an 850 mile run this summer.  Rode 275 miles on Sunday.  Body was a little stiff the next day, but not that bad. 

[GroovieGhoulie]

Took the 400 on a 400-mile trip a few months ago.  Did it in about 9 hours, but that includes a 2-hour stop to visit friends, and a few stops for fuel and food.

Bike did it no problem, but now the camchain is noisy as hell. 

[bwaller]

I rode most of the way across Canada (Montreal -Vancouver) in 1975 on my K3 in four days at 85 miles per & flat bars. One day just slightly more than 1000 miles, oh to be 20 again! By the way my girlfriend had moved there a month before, and I was umm anxious to see her!

Before we moved back east two years later the two of us rode the same bike down the west coast to LA, into Arizona and meandered our way back north to Vancouver, 4500 miles total. Best trip ever. Some great $7 a night flea bag motels. I always looked for a place with a wide door and pulled the bike right inside!

I'm gonna do that ride again someday... on the same K3 too by the way.

[Ceej]

this is a great topic, Im hoping to do some touring/camping trips this summer as well.

How do you guys pack?  Saddlebags, tailbags, tankbags? All of the above? How about tents and a sleeping bag, any recomendations on what to get and how to pack it?  Bag suggestions would also be aprecaited

[techy5025]

May I recommend this site for answers to "long distance" riding
questions....gear, etc.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/index.php

Lots of trip pics....these guys are serious.    Check out the
"Striking Viking" who is just back from a TWO year around the
world...and more...trip.

Jim

[Lumbee]

...heres how I pack...my old sporty saddle bags thrown over the seat, then the overnight bag on top.  I have to say the wind beat me up pretty bad on this trip.  Only about 900 miles over a 3 day weekend.  450 on Friday, and 450 on Sunday.  Kept it at a steady 68mph.  Had a knot between my shoulder blades for a month afterwards.  I now have a 77F with a windjammer farring.  Havn't toured on it yet, but look forward to seeing how much difference it makes.  I've considered one of the universal clip on windsheilds for the 78 pictured here...

If you notice I have hiway bars/pegs, which make a world of differnce to me.  I'm figity, so I like being able to change foot postions.

Basically one side of my saddle bags was all tools, socket/ratchet set, mini fashlight, multimeter, screwdrivers, extra chain, allen set, duct tape, channel locks & regular pliers, couple zips ties...ect...

...if you can't remember the last time you changed your throttle/clutch cable bring an extra one...

oh, and cell phone and credit card...

[Vatch]

Basically one side of my saddle bags was all tools, socket/ratchet set, mini fashlight, multimeter, screwdrivers, extra chain, allen set, duct tape, channel locks & regular pliers, couple zips ties...ect...

Are you suggesting the Honda tool kit is not adequate in some way? 


If you can roll something up tight, like a sleeping bag, it can be fitted under the headlight (or on top for that matter) provided you leave enough clearence so your fender doesn't hit it.  The finish doesn't like that. 

[Lumbee]

Are you suggesting the Honda tool kit is not adequate in some way?

...absolutley not...Uncle Honda gave us everything we need in the stock tool kit...


...to change the spark plugs, and remove the points cover...

[dusterdude]

mark,which bike you takin to the beach

[Lumbee]

...as if you have to ask (again!)...the chopper of course.  A buddy at work is gonna let me borrow a 12ft trailer, so I'm thinking of taking the 78F also.  I've got an old rear tire that the rubber is starting to crack on.  Always wanted to see how long I could do a burn out before the tire blows???   

[dusterdude]

damn,i know i never see your replies.cool deal.

[Stevearino]

Ever been to the Four Corners?  I would worry less about the bike than the bod.  Gets pretty hot and dry this time of year.  Make sure that you have a gallon of water with you at all times.  If you do have trouble and you dont get help pronto, you will be asphault jerky in no time.

[Bob Wessner]

asphault jerky

 

[Uncle Ernie]

Soon after I moved to SF- lo these many years ago- I met some guys who rode out there on their new Hondas. One was a 750 and the other was a 500. Looked about the same to me- what did I know. No qualms about the bike.
Add Alaska Leather sheepskin. Smartwool or Bridgedale socks.  Stay in a freakin motel- hauling all that gear around is a PITA.  Stop every 100 miles for water.  Sun block.  KNOW how to take your tires off, but don't worry about changing the tubes. Someone will come along and give you a lift to somewhere that will fix it.  If you are in the contiguous USA, it will happen. Rain gear including Totes and big rubber gloves. Put baby powder in the rubber boots or keeep plastic garbage bags to put over your boots first. Without one of those options, you will go crazy and kill yourself.  Think of your family first. Take secondary roads. Platinum card.  Keep a journal.

[huntman58]

Wow glad I have read this post. I have always wanted to ride to the mid west from Calif. ( been a dream from my teens) now when i can get the cash together i hope to do this . May be two up now . longest i have ridden at a shot none stop has been about 200 miles from Fresno to the SF area. had no problems at all both bike and self so now ya all got me really wanting to do this soon before both health and age fully take over me .

[Glenn Stauffer]

Bruce Giller and I went from PA/DC down to Ashville, NC for an SOHC/4 gathering at the Honda Hoot some years back.  It was a trip of about 580 one-way miles from my house with a stop in DC (at Bruces's place) and Blacksburg VA (at Hoyt's place).  Mostly summer highway miles which made for a hot, tiring ride.  Bruce rode a 1976 750F and I was on my 1975 750K. 

It was a good trip except when I got run off onto to the inner shoulder of a highway at about 65mph by a truck pulling a trailer and, having survived that, almost dumped my bike in the stones of Hoyt's driveway when I got stuck in deep, newly laid driveway stone going uphill.  Fatigue had a lot to do with both incidents.  I had a big old windjammer fairing on my 750 that has since been removed.  Fairings are nice for such a long ride, but get one that is ventilated well or you'll roast.  Other than a couple of road incidents and the heat, the bikes ran like a charm.

The 4 corners is my favorite part of the world.  LONG miles between places down there along lonely stretches of roads.  Some fantastic roads up through the mountains and the most fantastic scenery almost everywhere.  Don't go in the middle of summer.  There will be too many tourists and, though this is high desert, it does get HOT.  The most important emergency item you can carry is water - lots of it.  Get a camel back for when you ride and carry a couple of gallons on every leg of the trip.  While most of the roads I've driven out there were fairly frequently traveled even in the off-season (last there in November 2005), a breakdown on a back road in the desert wouldn't be fun if you didn't have water and had to hike out.  Some of my favorite spots from two trips there - Bryce, Zion, Valley of the Gods, Island in the Sky, Arches, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde.  Pack Abbey's book, Desert Solitaire to read on the way.

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I like Glenn's list of stops. Being in Colorado I'm in relatively close proximity to all those places. I will attest to the magnificence of each place !! Truely amazing and awe inspiring. I didn't ride them on my 750F (rode my Fat Boy) but my buddy from Denver (VTX1800) and I took in all those mentioned places plus/minus a few more starting in Colorado Springs year before last. Traveled to Telluride as first stop and Vegas as last stop before heading home. FANTASTIC TRIP. 3000 miles +. We do a trip every year in August. Last Aug we made our first stop in Steamboat Springs via Rocky Mountain National Park, to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with a 1 day rain/drinking delay, to Sun Valley, Idaho, to Hells Canyon, OR, through E Orgeon and E WA, to Glacier Park, to Yellowstone Park & Grand Tetons, back home through Wind River. 3300 + miles. This year our first stop is in Sturgis for the rally, to Regina, Saskatchewan to check out my new soft tail 250/300 rear tire 750/900 Honda SOHC chop frame at Cycle One Manufacturing, into the Canadian Rockies and back home via unknown route at this time.
 I have done 1 long ride on my mostly trusty 750 years ago back in 1979. Immediately after the first year of pharmacy school ate my lunch and jello'd my brain plus a divorce I packed my bags and headed out. Had to get away!!!! Left Lexington, KY and headed west. Left at 10pm. Couldn't take it any longer!! First stop Paducah, KY (ran out of gas at 2AM, left bike for phone - no cells in those days - got back, gassed up, fired up and immediately felt warm oil running down my jacket. Some #$%*s on Kaw 900 stole my friggin oil pressure gauge and it was shooting oil all over me. Had to pull it in by holding an open window on a VW Bug 5 miles and it started raining. My left arm stretched 3".), partied for the weekend and when everyone went back to work I headed out to St Louis, rained on and off all day, found a motel, did 800 miles into Denver next day. Kansas is BORING!!! Rode to Rocky Mountain Park. Stayed about 3 weeks and headed back. 2000 + miles.
Anyway, someone asked.................................................
Jerry     

[Lumbee]

Some #$%*s on Kaw 900 stole my friggin oil pressure gauge

...how did u know it was some guys on a Kaw 900???

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

Saw them as I was attached to the VW. 2AM, 2 other bikes on a lonely desolate rural stretch of I-24 headed from the opposite direction toward me which just happened to be 900 Kaws, they weren't Hondas!, and we are talking Paducah, KY here!!   Ever spent any time in Paducah (grew up there) ?? Have you ever heard how Paducahans say "excuse me" if they like you? Get the F@#k out of my way. If they don't like you - Get the F#$k out of my way mother f%^ker. Not picking on anyone here. Those are the things that happened in Paducah back in the day. We're just an onery bunch of sonna#$%*es. And still to the day.   

[the_genrl]

speaking of trips, anyone heading up to laconia?  i know, its all gay now and everything but i like the trip and setting off fireworks so i go.  leaving from nj.

[andy750]

Yes Ill be going to Laconia (and Im NOT gay!) and riding up from Boston on 10th or 11th June for a day trip - weather permitting. Look out for a stock sunrise orange CB750K4.

Cheers
Andy

[dusterdude]

what the hell does goin to laconia have to do with being gay?