Chicago to New Orleans

[alaskey2]

Hi everyone! I'm planning a trip from Chicago to New Orleans with SWMBO.

She wants to feel secure with the motorcycle so I've been given permission to upgrade / fix whatever I deem necessary.

So far I have dyna coils, new spark cables, new reg/rect, SS brake lines, cleaned all calipers and MCs, has blade fuses, and ACCT.

I have purchased tires but have not taken the wheels in for installation. When the rear wheel is off I'm going to grease the final drive splines. Ordered middle gear and final drive oil.

Thinking about getting the fork brace, new rear shocks, and at least changing the fork oil.

So my question, what am I forgetting?

[motoman]

......a full tank of fuel.

[tcoop]

Take her for some shorter rides so that she feels comfortable on the bike for an hour or so at a time.

[alaskey2]

Gas... I'm always forgetting that


The longest trip we had was 256 miles then we camped and came back the next day. She had a blast so I thought we'd step it up a notch and she gave a resounding YES.

She is also taking the motorcycle safety course, though it's mostly for my peace of mind. If I put my foot down funny and twist my ankle I don't want to teach her how to ride on the side of the road (we also got a towing package on insurance).

[ViperRon]

Copy and print out the electrical schematics of the basic systems, carry some wire for jumpers crimper and connectors along with fuses and spare headlamp bulb. Bring a cheap electrical tester or meter. Make sure to bring the wire tool to help change tire and either a can of sealant or mini air pump and tire plugs to get you to a repair place just in case the cell does not work. Check your clutch cable. Check fuel and vacuum lines for cracks and leaks. Chances are that when you have the basics covered most problems will not happen.

Make sure and drive it quite a bit after any work is done because symptoms usually occur when you work on things

[scoot]

What a great adventure! I suggest that you review your suspension, since you will have a good amount of sprung weight.
Road test the bike's steering/ handling with you two riders and full weight of baggage at all speeds. Move weight forward or lower to keep the steering where you want it.
Upgrade rear shocks if you are still running originals. I would scrape the back tire on the top bolt of the rear lamp assembly, which would run a deep score in the center of the tire, while riding two up, crossing gas station aprons. You hear it and feel it, and it ain't pretty. Changed to the Showa Honda Aero shocks, and eliminated that problem.
Ride safe.

scoot

[CaptonZap]

I have purchased tires but have not taken the wheels in for installation. When the rear wheel is off I'm going to grease the final drive splines. Ordered middle gear and final drive oil.


So my question, what am I forgetting?

To read this thread, and ignore the snark, but do take the advice.

http://http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42900&highlight=left+side+bearing

CZ

[alaskey2]

Awesome thread!! LOL

[Jerry]

I learned to upgrade all turn signal bulbs to the "heavy duty" type found in most auto parts stores and some of the big box stores. Vibration will kill these bulbs; I carry extra 1157 (dual filament) and 1156 (single filament) bulbs on any trip I take. In one saddlebag I carry a small plastic box, one of those with compartments, and put bulbs and fuses in it along with a few other miscellaneous items like a few packages of hand wipes. Organizing this stuff takes a lot of hassle out of finding bits when you need them.

I won't get into a "what you should take" thread - many past threads on this subject. Upgrade your bulbs, or make sure they are heavy duty, and carry a couple spares.

[alaskey2]

Thanks Jerry, that's just the sort of thing I wouldn't have thought of! This is my first multi-day trip so I'm expecting to have everything but what I need LOL

[MaximPhil]

Hi alaskey2,
I recommend you start out with a fresh oil change and keep an eye on the oil level. I use a mirror on a stick, so I do not have to put on centre stand, before roaring off down the interstate. A sustained high speed run will often consume more oil than the equivalent distance around town.
A spare quart of your favourite oil (we all have one), if you have room, saves hunting for what you want along the way.
Phil