Long distance trip - bike preparation

[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 !.

[spchips]

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.

[Dave8338]

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?

It all depends on where your tack is sitting at your desired crusing speed. If you're turning 7,000RPM at 65 and you plan on cruising at 75-80mph, you may want to step it up a bit. Keep in mind that any change in ratio will directly effect your entire RPM range and gear selection. My 650 turns too fast in my opinion (plenty of power in all ranges) but as a shafty, is much more difficult to recalibrate. :?

[bexabarr]

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 !.

Excellent point... I have thought of some of these already. Are the brake/clutch levers prone to braking. I guess if you drop the bike, that makes sense.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve View Post
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.

I agree 100%. That's why I'm trying to figure all this stuff out now, rather than the week before (I'm notoriously known to be one of those last minute people- but not this time )

It all depends on where your tack is sitting at your desired crusing speed. If you're turning 7,000RPM at 65 and you plan on cruising at 75-80mph, you may want to step it up a bit. Keep in mind that any change in ratio will directly effect your entire RPM range and gear selection. My 650 turns too fast in my opinion (plenty of power in all ranges) but as a shafty, is much more difficult to recalibrate.

At 75-80 mph my bike revs pretty high if I remember correctly (been awhile and I'm getting anxious). I think that I'm going to have to change the ratio a bit... I'm going to miss the initial acceleration though Any suggestions on what ratio I should use?

[Sandy]

Lots of good points to consider are listed and I can't add much accept to have a good look at the inside of your gas tank for rust. A lot of the older Suzukis were prone to the tank rusting through and leaking. This would not be easily fixed at the road side and could leave you stranded. If there's a lot of rust you should consider have the tank coated with POR-15. It doesn't cost much and you can do it yourself. It would be good insurance like most of the other items you've mentioned. Also if your bike has the VM style carbs with the push/pull throttle both cables should be the same and if you break the pull cable you can use the push cable in its place. I'll stress what was mentioned earlier and that is no major repairs shortly before the trip. Do the work and put some miles on the bike to make sure everything is alright and nothing got overlooked or wasn't adjusted or tightened properly. My rule is that if I'm doing repairs other than oil changes and tire pressures the week before a trip then I'm not ready. If this is the first time I've done a trip with this configuration, load the bike up with most of the stuff you want to take and do a good long day ride or overnight ride to make sure it's going to work. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to deal with a poorly secured load on your first day out when all you want do is make some distance.

[rphillips]

Forgive me, but looks like this is getting plumb silly. If I were planning to wreck the bike & break the clutch & brake levers, or if I thought the tank was going to rust out, I wouldn't go. So don't be worrying about such odd little things. Anything could happen, but don't be worrying. If the clutch lever or cable was to break, carefully start the bike in 1st gear, you can shift both up & down without the clutch, just be sure you find neutral before needing to stop, if unlikely emergency, the brakes will still stop you. If the brake lever breaks, use the rear brake. Just till you find a place to get repairs. Odds are none of these things are going to happen. If you are determined to worry about this little stuff, Find a mechanic that can teach you how to hotwire your bike, so if by chance the ignition switch quits making the proper connections, you can still get your bike started, & finish your ride. Don't sweat it, go & have a wonderful ride.

[bexabarr]

Sandy... I'm actually treating my tank as we speak lol

rphillips... you may be right about this getting silly, there are somethings on the list I prob won't get around to, but it's good info IMHO. However, this is my first trip of this magnitude and I don't think you can blame me for planning ahead. I have so much time ahead of me, that getting the bike to be in top shape gives me something to do, rather than just leaving the bike in the garage and waiting for summer to come. Maybe the bike will make it fine as is, but there is no fun in that. It's all about the build up. AND I'm learning things along the way. It's an all in one thread...

Like I said earlier, I'm the type of guy that just does things. As a consequence something usually goes wrong (you can check last years post I made about the time I got stuck in Baltimore http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...ad.php?t=94318) I don't want to be 1000 miles away and worrying every mile about something breaking down. If I have time to check it and change it... why shouldn't I?

[Poot]

Hi there,

Ive done a few long trips on my 850, and will try mention things not said:

first off, how long is your trip going to be?


Tires: I would recommend the Metzeller Marathon tires. they are great in weather, and in milage.

Parts for oilchange: Buy the oil+filter when you stop in a city, as you wont have to carry them around.

Headlight; to put in a silverstar, you will need to rig up a fuse system, since the stock system is too weak. If you dont change it, there wont be much difference.

I got a pre-made setup from www.easterbeaver.com for my headlight AND horns (would recommend this too, but more for everyday).


Tips: Keep the extra baggage like Toiletries and clothes down to a minimum. Make sure you keep your things waterproofed! Also, Bungee cords, rope, tape, wire ties and vice grips can help you out in almost any situation.

gotta run.

POOT

[Dave8338]

You'll have to do the math. Figure out about how many RPMs you want to drop, ie. 500. Divide your rear sprocket tooth count by your front sprocket tooth count to get your current ratio. example 42 (r) 14 (f) would give you a 3.0:1 ratio.

If you are running 7000 RPMs at 65 and want to turn 6500 RPMs (.08% drop) you would multiply your rear tooth count by .92 42x.92 = 41.4.
You would be looking for a 41 tooth rear sprocket or a 15 tooth front sprocket (14x1.08 = 15.12). Your new ratio would now be 2.8 or 2.9 respectively.

[tomo]

Rphillips might think packing spare levers is getting silly, I don`t !. Sure, you can get away without the clutch ok if you are on an open road, not much fun if you are in traffic or a built up area, believe me I`ve done it. Ok if you have time or can get it into neutral, but if you need to stop quickly, well, nuff said !. Thats why I carry a spare under the seat all the time. I might add to the silliness by suggesting you also pack a couple of those emergency cable repair nipples.

[Sandy]

Forgive me, but looks like this is getting plumb silly. If I were planning to wreck the bike & break the clutch & brake levers, or if I thought the tank was going to rust out, I wouldn't go. So don't be worrying about such odd little things. Anything could happen, but don't be worrying. If the clutch lever or cable was to break, carefully start the bike in 1st gear, you can shift both up & down without the clutch, just be sure you find neutral before needing to stop, if unlikely emergency, the brakes will still stop you. If the brake lever breaks, use the rear brake. Just till you find a place to get repairs. Odds are none of these things are going to happen. If you are determined to worry about this little stuff, Find a mechanic that can teach you how to hotwire your bike, so if by chance the ignition switch quits making the proper connections, you can still get your bike started, & finish your ride. Don't sweat it, go & have a wonderful ride.

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. If it hasn't been done then do it. I've ridden far too many times with people that had the "if it ain't broke why fix it attitude" and spent far too many blown days or hours repairing other peoples neglected motorcycles when I should have been enjoying my precious few holidays on the road. Preparation is what keeps me from worrying about it on a trip. Try finding a 28 year old brake lever because some bozo knocked your m/c over in a parking lot. And yes you'll think I'm totally paranoid because I keep a box of spare used but good parts (stator, R/R, my old points plate, clutch parts, some gaskets, etc) in a box ready for postage or to be put on the bus in case problems arise during a trip. All I have to do is phone the wife and she can send them to me. Use what you need and send the box back. Beats trying to source this stuff when you're far from home in the middle of nowhere.

[Dave8338]

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. If it hasn't been done then do it. I've ridden far too many times with people that had the "if it ain't broke why fix it attitude" and spent far too many blown days or hours repairing other peoples neglected motorcycles when I should have been enjoying my precious few holidays on the road. Preparation is what keeps me from worrying about it on a trip. Try finding a 28 year old brake lever because some bozo knocked your m/c over in a parking lot. And yes you'll think I'm totally paranoid because I keep a box of spare used but good parts (stator, R/R, my old points plate, clutch parts, some gaskets, etc) in a box ready for postage or to be put on the bus in case problems arise during a trip. All I have to do is phone the wife and she can send them to me. Use what you need and send the box back. Beats trying to source this stuff when you're far from home in the middle of nowhere.

Now that's a good idea...my problem would be in trying to explain to the wife, where it was that the box was placed, who was the bufu that knocked over the bike, and how did he/she plan on paying for the shipping. :-D