Riding my SECA 750 cross country.

Alright then. This is it, 2 weeks and I'm doing it.

Starting in Pittsburgh PA, and riding to college in California on the 82 XJ750 SECA I found on Craigs List for 800 bucks. I've told a few people about this plan. I've had some people tell me I'm nuts, and other people are totally supportive (guess who has motorcycles and who doesn't). It's too late to try and talk me out of it, I could have booked a flight a month ago (before I bought my bike) but not I am dead-set on this plan.


So far I have had the bike about a month now. I have had my Class M license for about a year, but my experience before owning my SECA is pretty minimal. MSP class, a few rentals in Europe, and I've screwed around on some friends bikes.

So far I've put about 800 miles on my bike, running errands, commuting to work, and I also made it a point to visit friends who live out of town to get practice on the highway. I plan to try and do at least one all-day trip before I leave for the big one.

Despite my lack of experience I feel pretty confident. I've done several 1,000+ mile trips by car. I am also an expert cyclist and I've done plenty bicycle trips/races that had me in the saddle up to 100 miles in a single day. At least on the SECA I don't have to pedal

The bike ain't the greatest. It was in pretty rough shape when I picked 'er up, but I've done a little work on it. New oil, plugs, gear oil for the drive shaft, checked camshaft/valve clearance, and ran 2 bottles of Sea-Foam through it. I'll get new tires this week. It runs better, but still idles kind of rough. At this point I'd say I'm about 75% sure it won't blow up half-way there

As far as gear is concerned, I don't really have any motorcycle specific stuff, but I do have plenty of sturdy wind-proof/waterproof outerwear I use for skiing, hiking, rock climbing trips, etc. I'm expecting the weather to be pretty mild this time of year anyway.

I haven't put much planing to my route so far. All I did was put Pittsburgh to San Fransisco in Google Maps and click "avoid highways."


I've been on all kinds of adventures, but this is kind of a new thing for me. Before you say it, you're right, I have no idea what I'm getting into, but that's half the fun. That said, I'm sure there are plenty of people here who have done similar things, and a few words of wisdom never hurt. If anybody has any advice for me, please share.


Also, here are a few questions I have off the top of my head:

- If I push myself, would it be realistic to allow 1 week for the trip?

- If I get really worn out, I have no problem spending a night or two in a hotel, but I am on a budget so I want to camp as much as possible. Any suggestions on how to find places to camp?

- Is AAA a good idea, do they even cover motorcycles? Any alternatives I should look into?

- I'm still a little concerned about the bike. If it can handle hours spinning around the city in stop&go traffic, should I be able to expect it to handle hours at highway speeds?

I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions in the next couple weeks, but if there is anything I haven't asked, feel free to chime in.

Your own stories and experiences will also be greatly appreciated!

 

best advice i got before going on my first long trip was that towards then end of the day when you're tired and want to "get there" - keep the speed down. it's pretty tempting to wide open throttle when you're beat up from the road and that can lead to bad things happening.

i'd also recommend reading Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough. You'll being riding in lots of different terrein and conditions and he covers the subject pretty well.

you're welcome to camp at my place (but the U.P. is pretty far out of your way)

take pictures.

meet people.

good luck.

 

I'll second the Proficient Motorcycling recommendation. The tips and tricks I learned in that book have gotten me through a number of sticky situations.

 

there is no substitute for a motorcycle jacket

if your going to do it in a weak you need some interstates

no! not the same at all

 

Id pack a spare throttle and clutch cable, just in case. Two things that if they break out in the middle of nowhere can be a major setback if you dont have them, but just a delay if you do.

Oh...and make sure you have an inline fuel filter on.

 

sounds awesome. u got me wishing to do the same right now and i'm guessing we're about the same age if you mention college. i've done two cross country trips, in a car though so it wouldn't be the same but the land is beautiful out west!! btw, there is free admission to all national parks if you really want to camp. buddy and I camped in 15 national parks out there and would suggest for you to do something similar

something for me to even think about cause i get tired after a two hour ride back and forth to school.

Be safe, Wildwanderer, is all I got to say and take your time enjoying the ride. you only live once after all right?

 

Very important, bring a cell phone. Don't leave home without it.

 

Think about oil weight, long periods of running, high internal temps!!! Spare parts are a must!!!!
Have a blast and be safe!!!

 

Make sure you drink plenty of water. It is really easy to get dehydrated on a bike and not even know it. It could be hot too. I'm not sure of your route but it has hit 90 here in Kansas several times already and we might be pushing 100 next week.

I second the comment on the motorcycle jacket. Pants as well. Jeans will get torn to shreds if you get knocked off your bike going 60 or 70. If you go with a waterproof jacket an pants you won't even have to stop to put rain gear on. It may seem like you have sturdy gear now but none of the activities you mentioned come close to sliding on asphalt for several yards. I have spent more on gear than I have on my motorcycle including purchasing the bike it it was worth every penny.

 

Which college are you going to out here? I can offer you a place to stay if you need to stay a night at the end of your trip. Im in Ventura, so if youre going to UCSB, ive got you set.. If its in San Diego, ive got friends down there that might be able to help out

 

Are you going to UCSF? I wonder because home for me is about half an hour from the city, I am going to school in Colorado right now though.

advice:
There is no substitute for a motorcycle jacket.
I would through everything, its good that you have checked your valve clearances, that would have been my first piece of advice. I would bring spare cables too, they are something that do break and are HARD to find replacements for.

Take it easy on the motorcycle, resting every hour or so is a pretty good idea.

Good Luck,
-Ryan

 

Good luck, The most I drove my 750 was from Maine to PA (750 miles one way) straight through. That was when I was 19 29 years ago. I know one thing I would not leave home again without was a set of highway bars. They are great for moving the legs around and stretching out. Get a pair of frog togg rain suit, light wait and breath, plus they fold up real small. Tools, (Vise grips, adjustable pliers and a screw driver.) Coule extra spark plugs.I wouldnt avoid highways. You can get on some stretches in the mid west where there is nothing. the bike can handle highway speeds for a long time. If I was you I would figure 500-600 miles a day. Dont over do it. Last year before other things came up I had a plan to drive from Dayton Ohio to the Golden Gate Bridge round trip 6 days on my Yamnaha VSAR 1100. Passed on the thought. But I am driving to Rapid City to Sturgis this summer, 18 hours in a car. Will plan on 21 hours on the bike only because of many gas stops. Again have a safe trip dont over do it...

 

Good to hear that there is another adventurous/crazy person on here! I am planning my ride from Ohio to California this August and am taking my XJ 700 the whole way.

I would second resting every hour. Not so much for the bike's sake, but to allow yourself time to stretch, refuel (both the bike and your body), and to be able to take in the surroundings.

My plan is to camp the whole way out, and while I second the national park route, this may also prove helpful to you: http://www.freecampgrounds.com/ . Also, check out advrider.com if you haven't already. Lots of great tips and advice on long distance rides.

If you need tools/place to stay near cleveland, ohio you are welcome to my place. I'll shoot you a pm as I'm interested in your route and what you plan to see.

 

Leather jacket, rainsuit, tools, cables (both), gloves. If you can find one, I recommend getting a windscreen of some sort installed. June bugs at 60 mph will bruise the hell out of you. You'll hit them in the midwest. No doubts.

Also, if you hit Lincoln, NE on the route and it is time for a rest, (308) 539-7335. don't hesitate to call. always a spare bed in the basement and it's yours if you want/need.

Best of luck. See ya on the road, my friend!!

 

Some great advice out here, mine would be get some real riding gear, leather jacket with lots of vents, wear boots and gloves and if your not going to get leather pants then at least get some reenforced riding pants with some internal crash pads, they wont hold up as good or long as leather but they will offer more protection than levi jeans. ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time) for me! I've been lucky but I have had a lot of friends over the years who went down hard and fast and you can tell who wasn't wearing their gear when we start hanging out with the wives and kids at the lakes in the summer. road rash hurts like hell and the scars tend to be big. that said, I hope you have a great trip and keep the rubber side down.

 

You are looking at a geat time.

If there is one piece of gear you absolutely can't get by without it would be a Camelback or similar hydration pack. This is an absoulute MUST. You will get thirsty I can guarantee it and if you become dehydrated you will cease to make wise decisions. I try to limit single stretches to 2 hours when at all possible although with the hydration pack I can usually go 3 to 3 1/2 hours at a stretch. I cheat though. My K1200 LT Beemer has a 6.5 gal gas tank and I get 45 to 47 mpg so it has VERY long legs.

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE TO STOP TO URINATE EVERY TWO HOURS YOU ARE NOT GETTING ENOUGH TO DRINK!!! ( Sorry for yelling but this is very important!)

BTW, there are discount companies that make decent riding gear for very reasonable prices. Two that come to mind are Jafrum.com and Leatherup.com. I prefer cordura nylon to leather and this gear can be had for very reasonable prices and shipping is very quick.

You must wear a jacket when you ride. It sounds contradictory but if you do not wear a ventilated jacket you will lose moisture faster than you can replace it. A ventilated jacket is surprisingly cool to wear and will prevent perspiration from evaporating which leads to, you already know, dehydration. Google "warm weather motorcycle riding" and you will find a plethora of good articles on warm weather riding. Many articles authored by persons who ride in the desert southwest.

Have a great time and be safe!

Loren

 

I'm planning a similar trip this fall (Missouri to Chicago, to Florida, then Texas, then back to Missouri, somewhere on the lines of 3600 miles). In the past when I've done longer trips I can't stress enough stopping for 5 to 10 minutes every time you do stop. Stretch some, get something to eat, rejuve a little. You'd be amazed how tired an empty stomach and dehydration will make you.

Always carry cash for a hotel. With a bike, you can't sleep in the back seat.

 

I know a 750 SECA will do well for a road trip, and your bicycle gear will be a big help, but you need a motorcycle jacket and pants, for your back and azz.
www.jackets4bikes.com

 

I'll echo the riding gear advice, get the good gear and protect yourself.
I'd have no trouble riding my 82 750 Seca anywhere, just stop every hour as mentioned. Stretch and take in the view. Good idea for circulation.
That and a cruise control, they are a God-send and are very inexpensive.

 

No word from WildWanderer since the OP. He should be in Cali soon, if he followed through on his plans to leave in two weeks and take a week to get there. Anyone heard from him?