Long distance trip - bike preparation

[bexabarr]

Hi all again...

This might be better off in another part of the forum, but I figured that since it involved technical stuff, it would be ok to put it here.

I'm planing some sort of long distance trip this summer, I think it will be a long one...

Bike is a small, 1979 gs550l with around 11,000 miles on it. I know that it is not an ideal bike for this sort of thing. But I'm 5'8" and 155 lbs and fits me fine.

It already has some minor modifications (i.e. seat and handlebars). Bike seems to shift well and have good compression.

I figured that all your suggestions could not only benefit me but also others planning a long distance trip with a 27 year old bike, since all the info will be under one thread.

Here is how I'm preparing for the trip, each month I buy a couple of things.

-Carbs rebuilt (recently done)

-New, but used airbox from ebay, with good rubbers

-recently installed Honda R/R

-New Dyna S points conversion

-Dyna coils from ebay (haven't tested these out yet, and I'm crossing my fingers.

-New tires (will buy, any recommendations?)

-New chain/sprocket - 530 oring conversion (will buy, is the conversion worth it? my rear sprocket looks fine but my front is a bit worn)

-Planning to buy a Sylvania Silverstar bulb to replace my hella h4 bulb (should I expect to see a difference?)

-Bearing replacements... wheels, swing arm? , steering (the bike does not woble and is very steady, however I figured that I should replace these anyhow for such a trip)

-Oil change/brake liquid/forks (I have no idea how to change the fork oil... will need some help eventually on this)

-New brake pads

-Valve clearance (recently done, but will likely check again. Again compression is fine so prob won't deal with this)

-New battery

-Planning to buy an electronic battery voltage regulator to check charging system.

-Tank needs a mayor paint job... it looks like a rat... but I may leave it like that for sometime.

-Need a fairing-

-some sort of luggage rack, might weld something together.

(I think I'm being paranoid)

My preparation:

Work out
Gel pack... ibuprofen
New jacket w/ proper protection
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance lol

I'll take all the tools that I need, cell phone, camping gear, rain gear, toilet paper ect what ever fits on the bike (even it it means I can only take two pairs of underwear lol). I know, I know... pack lite.

Now, I will also try to bite the urge of going 80 mph all day, and instead take the back roads at around 60 mph. I know my gs550 could go all day at 80mph, but I think that it might be pushing the bikes limit a bit.

I was hopping this thread, even if in the end I don't make it out... could become a frame of reference to those who want to do a similar thing.

Thanks!

 

[Billyboy]

I've got nothing to add, but I'm interested in the replies....

 

[bwringer]

Jim Corcoran (jimcor) is the man you need to talk to. He's pushing 100K miles with his 550L.

Your list looks like a good one. I would definitely update the fork springs and oil if this hasn't been done yet, and I would strongly consider a set of Progressive (or better) shocks.

You might also replace the petcock if that hasn't been done in the last 15-20 years.

On the carbs, just replace the bowl gaskets, o-rings, and fuel lines -- don't waste your money on the inferior parts in the rebuild kits. You're always better off cleaning the original jets and whatnot than replacing them with poorly manufactured junk.

I would also add replace the carburetor intake boots and o-rings if this hasn't already been done sometime in the last 10-20 years.

 

[bexabarr]

yup, new orings in place from Robert Barr... thanks for the advice. I have to get around to my front forks, I know... I'll get to them before I leave. Thanks for the advice.

 

[jbs80106]

cellphone recharger

cellphone recharger

just a thought, might want to get one of those quick discharge cellphone chargers or extra battery. My phone sucks juice quickly if I go into 'roaming' mode while its in my jacket pocket....Oh, and maybe check out the map to get contact info for anyone on this site you'll be passing close to just in case you need a hand.....

 

[crag antler]

The 530 conversion should be worth it for you.
For at least the weight diff.
The rule of thumb is if you change any sprocket and chain, change both sprockets and chain.
Money wise.:-D

 

[Steve]

Don't make ANY major changes the night before you leave. Try to get them all done about a week before, so you can test the results.

Windshield? National Cycle PlexiFairing2 or 3 has good coverage without being obnoxiously large. The 3 has a bit more leg protection than the 2, but is otherwise the same.

You say you recently installed a Honda R/R, but then you add you are looking at "an electronic battery voltage regulator to check charging system". Do you mean you are wanting to add a voltmeter? If so, take a look at the 5-function model offered by Big Bike Parts.
http://bigbikeparts.com/product_details.asp?siteID=&ItemID=1199
It is NOT waterproof, but I have sprayed a couple of coats of clear polyurethane over mine to seal the edges of the display and made it much more weather-resistant. Besides the voltmeter, you get a clock and a thermometer. Very handy.

Headlight. You already have a Hella bulb. It is not bad. You are considering a Silverstar. I have heard a lot of good about them, but I have heard a lot more good if you get the Osram Silverstar, not the Sylvania Silverstar. The Osram is sold in Europe and can be bought on eBay. The Sylvania version has a bit of a blue tint to make it "whiter", but all it does is block some of the light, actually making it harder to see some of what is out there at night. The few extra dollars spent in shipping an Osram bulb (or two) would be worth it, in my opinion. (Hey, you asked for it.)

By the way...what do you consider "a long trip"? Just curious.


.

 

[GregM.]

Good for you... sounds like a cool adventure in the making. I certainly DO NOT have a lot of experience with this. But I'll but in .02 anyway.

I agree on the suggestion for the National Cycle Pexistar 2 or 3 fairing/windscreen unit. I have the "2" on my 850 and like it... and I think it would really make sense on an 550. Pros: It keeps the wind off your upper torso, head, arms and hands. It's lightweight and completely see-through... and very adjustable. I'm sure an old Windjammer would protect you a lot more, but it's a lot heavier and more cumbersome... which would certainly affect a 550. Plus, at your size, you would be protected even that much more than me.

Do lots of shopping around for a tank bag with a big, clear map window. I bought a Teknic Freeway style. Not very expensive, expandable, fits good on my 850... and a big window.

Have fun :-D

 

[twr1776]

If you haven't yet I would also suggest to change your throttle and clutch cables and wrap up the old cables if in decent shape and take them along as an emergency set. I also am a big fan of the National Cycle fairings. You will be able to sit at highway speeds instead of hanging on. They also come in handy if you get caught in the rain and have to keep going to block some of the 60 mph rain bullets. If you have the time you could also clean all of your electrical contacts and look over the wiring while you are in there to make sure it is also ready. Enjoy

 

[bexabarr]

http://bigbikeparts.com/product_details.asp?siteID=&ItemID=1199

That's exactly what I was looking at, saw it on another thread. I replaced the R/R- but I want to make sure all is functioning correctly.

By the way...what do you consider "a long trip"? Just curious.

I'm just riding until I get the urge of turning around and coming back. I'm hoping for at least a 15 day trip. Stopping by to see a few friends along the way.

By the way, all bets are welcome lol on how far the bike or I will make it.


By the way all advice has been awesome, please keep it coming. Thanks again!

 

[rphillips]

What condition is the bike in now. When I delivered a truck from TN. to CA., & rode my bike back. I packed my duffel bag, changed the oil, cause it would have been past due before I got back, checked air in tires, oiled chain, & loaded it in the truck. Already had plexifairing. If you already need all those other things, certainly fix them first. Don't leave with questionable chain & sprockets, nor with anything questionable. But don't go buying & replacing stuff just because you are going on a long trip.

 

[bexabarr]

In my opinion the bike is good condition. I think that most of these things that I'm planning to change are precautionary, I figured that it was due time to change these things anyway- and if I were in the middle of nowhere what cost me now $300 may cost me latter $500 or more. I plan to take this trip in early July so I'll wear the old chain and tires down before I change them out.

By the way, how often should the bearings be changed? The bike rides smoothly, no wobble whatsoever.

Thanks again.

 

[bexabarr]

by the way, good idea about the extra clutch and throttle cables.

 

[rphillips]

Don't take away from your trip, by worrying about what may happen, it probably won't. 15 days @ 500 pr day = 7500mi. In your past 7500 mi, what has broke & left you stranded on side of rd. ? It would have about the same if you had been on a 15 day 7500 mi. trip. I wore out a chain & sprocket in 1 day. I rode 858 mi. that day, Norene TN. to Tologa OK. Oiled chain before leaving, & never thought of it again, till I heard it grinding. Never oiled a bike chain more than once pr day, but had never rode that far in a day. Long days will need chain oil more than once pr day. I think all "L" models have cast wheels, so you shouldn't have tubes in tires, if you do, get them out, & pack a small plug kit, be sure your fuse box cover has the spare fuses in it. All the same stuff you should already have for normal riding.

 

[bexabarr]

I think that your right. I prob shouldn't worry so much. But it's my first trip of this sort, and it will likely be solo. I might just change the tires and chain (have to be changed anyways). Other than that, I'll get a windshield.... change the fluids... and make up a couple of new prayers.

 

[bwringer]

By the way, how often should the bearings be changed? The bike rides smoothly, no wobble whatsoever.

I usually change wheel bearings every second or third tire change. This is way overkill, but wheel bearings are cheap (less than $25 delivered from All Balls for all four), the wheels are already off for the tire change, and I like not having to think about things.
http://www.allballsracing.com

I tend to approach motorcycle maintenance much like aircraft maintenance -- failure in flight is potentially deadly and is simply not an option.

 

[bexabarr]

I usually change wheel bearings every second or third tire change. This is way overkill, but wheel bearings are cheap (less than $25 delivered from All Balls for all four), the wheels are already off for the tire change, and I like not having to think about things.
http://www.allballsracing.com

I tend to approach motorcycle maintenance much like aircraft maintenance -- failure in flight is potentially deadly and is simply not an option.

Good point. Bookmarked. Thanks!

 

[bexabarr]

Went to the dealer today and found out (from a book he pulled out) that none of the 550's have 630 chains (I believed that it only showed the 750's having them). The books showed that the 550's have 530 chains.

530 x 110

Front 15

Rear 50

Should I change the gear ratio for a long distance trip?

 

[tomo]

You`ve probably thought of this, but I`ll drop my two pennies worth in as well. As well as the spare cables, a spare clutch and brake lever are worth having, just in case. Spare light bulbs too, and a tubeless tyre repair kit can be well worth the little space they take up. I`d also take a couple of spare spark plugs too. Other things I`ve learnt to pack (through bitter experience) are cable ties, fuses, a couple of lengths of electrical wire and some electricians tape. Have a good trip !.

 

[Guest]

Don't make ANY major changes the night before you leave. Try to get them all done about a week before, so you can test the results.

I think this is the most important. Possibly even more important than making a lot of repairs. Having a proven ride with no bugs will give you piece of mind, and fewer hangups.