What to check before long trip

I am going from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles ina c ouple of weeks (approx 340 miles) And then about a week after, out to Abq, NM (aprox 800) What should I do to my bike/ test to make sure she will be reliable. She has never been that far before.

 

How well does it ride now?

Start with:
check the tires - wear and inflation!
check your brakes so that you have plenty of pad thickness for the ride
Check your plugs - make sure you're not running her lean at highway cruising speeds
make sure your battery holds a charge

I'm sure other people will add other things, but to me those are just the essentials.

 

I'm in northern AZ.
If your headed through I 40 pm me and I'll give you
my number. That way if you get into trouble on the road
you'll have someone close by to lend a hand.

You absolutly need:
Tools, make sure that encludes sockets/ratchet,wrenches,drivers
pliers/cutters,e-tape and zip ties at the leased. Small can of WD-40
1, Fix-a-flat, one for each bike/vehical going. or extra tube.
2, Light rain gear,it can rain any time without warning
3, Warm clothes-it can get damn cold at night in the high desert.
4, Water,water,water-as much as you can safely carry. there's
a lot of miles with no help between LA and NM.
5, Flashlight-new batts.
6, Map or list of alternate roads in case a road gets closed due
to accidents or construction.
7, we dont need helmets here so buy a doo rag and feel the wind!
Concider every thing that can go wrong and plan for it BUT......
Dont get carried away with packing stuff- keep it small, keep
it light and remember to plan for fuel stops.
good luck.

 

She rides good, although I don't know what it will be like when its a long ride. I rebuilt my carbs a couple months ago, so I'm ok on that.

Main problem for is the PO's treatment. So far so good with the engine, but I don't want to run into any problems out on the road.

 

Being a chain drive bike check the chain and sprockets for wear. Also carry all the tools you need to adjust the chain. Do a test run at home. Include spare cotter pins and chain lube.

 

Take the time to Inspect all the Bullet-ends of the Throttle and the Clutch Cable.
Having a cable break is no joy.

Adjust your Rear Brake Light to come-on when to Tap the Pedal but before you actually apply the Brakes.
Give Tail-gaters a signal to give you some room.

"Wrist-Rest"

http://www.crampbuster.com/

-or-

"Cruise Control"



http://www.casporttouring.com/store/mer ... code=16023

Goggles or Safety Glasses: (Low cost in case they're lost)
http://www.discountsafetygear.com/not16055.html

Cool Gloves
http://www.leatherglovesonline.com/pages2/md1a-d22s.htm

 

Just thought of something...
Spare sparks plug(s)
Stop at the auto parts and pick up a spare headlight bulb $10.00
and turn and stop light bulb.
It sounds like a lot to pack, but if you need them and dont have them
IT WILL VERY MUCH SUCK!!!!
long trips should be well supplied, due to murphy's law

 

Check all fluids, lube cables, change oil if it's getting close to time.

throw some zip ties in your tool bag. You never know when they'll save the day.

 

You guys all rock! definitely going through the checklist right now. I put up a very rough draft on google maps
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&ms ... e=UTF8&z=5

The trip to seattle is a dream, and it will depend on a whim/money and bike condition, but the other route is going to be a reality. An suggestions on places to stay/see, events, friendly Xjers? I am down to camp, definitely want to stay off of interstates. I also have about 5 weeks off to do this, so no hurry!

 

Glad to be of help.
One more thing to add: bring a digital camara with fresh batt and
card. Not for the view-for accidents. Your going far away out of
state right?.... Imagine dealing with an out of state court trying
to prove your case on your testimony alone!
If something bad happens and some idiot cager hits you, you can
snap a hugh crap load of evidents-damage done, the driver,
the license plate-all that good stuff. Then let the rat basterd try and
lie in court :twisted:
Keep a pen and paper handy for writing down the details.