Long distance trip - bike preparation

[rphillips]

I guess everyones ideas come from what they've experienced themselves. I'm no different. I don't remember anyone that I've regularly ridden with, not to have kept their bikes road ready. Also I only remember one of our regular riders, who took spare parts. This guy rode a "78" kaw. KZ1000 chain drive. His bike had smooth bore carbs, aftermarket cams, Kerker 4 into 1, lowered geared rear sprocket, luggage rack with travel trunk on it, & a windjammer fairing w/casset stereo. In his trunk, this guy had a small tool box with a much larger assortment of tools than the bikes tool kit, a spare chain & sprockets, 2 tire irons, qt. of oil, chain lube, a short piece of chain w/lock, an inner tube, & probably something else I've forgoten. All of us used his chain lube, cause we knew he had it, and one sunday afternoon, appx. 200 mi. from home, I cut the sidewall on a tire. We got his 18" spare tube in my 17" cut tire, & eased on back home. really glad he had the tube that day. Of all the miles I've ridden, except for that tire, Me nor nobody with me had a breakdown, (other than wrecks) that required trailering a bike home. I can see why others, who haven't been so lucky, seeing things different than me, & I will respect your views. Sorry about the "SILLY" comment. Back to my buddy with the spare stuff, we had to good laugh at him the day he rode into the local shop, with his travel trunk all flopped over sideways. The weight he was hauling all that time, had finally broke one side of his luggage rack. We also laughed at him regularly for his music selection, the only tape he ever listened to was Author Feedler & the Boston Pops. I now see everyone should do whatever makes them feel comfortable for their ride, no matter what me nor anyone else think. The main thing is ENJOY THE RIDE

[bexabarr]

Thanks guys for all the responses... they were all extremely useful! I hope all the important things have been said (I think so). There is prob no way I'll get around to all of these, but I will get to all the important ones. Nevertheless keep adding stuff if you guys feel there is something else. Take care... I'll inform you guys more about the trip as time nears. If I actually get around to doing it because I just got an offer from a friend of the family to backpack in Peru with him for a couple of months. Anyways, thanks again!

[rphillips]

Here we go again. Everyone needs to do what suits them, not me or others. IMHO, A bike ride across the country, or toating a bunch of stuff across Peru, on their back.... Is that even a decision??? Just kiddin, Do what you want to do.

[max]

Here's one I picked up by the by, speaking of extra cables of course. Instead of coiling your cables up and having them take up valuable storage space, thread them down along the cables that are installed now on the bike. Then use snap ties or velcro tape to connect them to the ones in use. That way if a cable fails, you have a spare all ready to go. Five minutes and you're back in the saddle.

Definately carry a plug kit with the little canister of compressed air. NOT a substitute for Fix-a-flat, a horrible idea on motorcycles. Now, I know that this was mainly a thread for how to maintain your bike on the road, but I think that consideration is also due for how to maintain yourself on the road. Be sure to carry plenty of fluids for you and your bike, and drink some every time you gas up. Also powerbars are a great source of energy and are a quick, light meal. On my day long rides I usually pop a few ibuprofen to keep from cramping up. I have a small flashlight that doesn't take batteries, you wind it up and it lights for like 30 minutes. Also has a radio in it and isn't any larger than a normal flashlight, has totally saved my butt a few times.

Last thing, check out the Iron Butt Association's website. There's a lot of great information and learned expereinces from guys who make long rides thier serious passion, it would absolutely benefit you to hear some stories from guys who have actually done this before.

Good luck, and have fun

[bwringer]

If most of this stuff is done on an on going basis most of the time you just need to jump on the bike and go.

Bingo. Keep ahead of the maintenance and you can confidently hop on and ride wherever and whenever you want.