First real LD trip

[sethhope]

Hey guys, so I've been planning a trip!
I'm going to pack some camping supplies and trek my way from the Philly area to Key West to visit some family down there. I will be taking Roxy the whole way down.
I haven't really had her out for longer trips than XSNE, so I'm not sure what I should be worried about or what I should look for or change before my trip. Those of you who long distance on XS11s, what do you do to prepare your bike for a trip? What do you take in your tool kits?
I don't have any aftermarket cooling options. Should I be worried about my bike overheating on the road?

Not really a specific question here, just what should I do to prepare for an LD adventure on my xs11?

[MaximPhil]

Hi Seth,
Cooling of engine is not an issue if you are moving, it's the long traffic hold ups that can be a problem. I suggest spare throttle and clutch cables. the tools you usually use for routine maintenance. i always carry spare oil and brake fluid.set of spark plugs.
Prep should include checking for loose connections etc. change the fluids especially the brake fluid as fresh will give much better performance.
check pads have enough left. I would put a new tire on the rear as pounding down the interstate in the heat is tough on the rear tire with the heat and extra load. check pressures often and monitor tire wear.
Secure your load, i mean really attach it to the bike if not using saddle bags/trunks.
Plan your route and try not to push on late in the day as you will be tired.
Pace your self...it's your ride to enjoy.
Paper maps available at 1st rest stop of each state you enter on the Interstates. In case the GPS quits...mine just did. makes planning easier too.
The Blue Ridge park way has camping options
Take lots of pictures.
Phil
All who wander are not lost.

[skids]

Basic tool kit with two types srew drivers middle and final drive oil within marks, dip stick and allen wrenches. Spray bottle and rag for bugs. a length of spare fuel line. When getting gas, don't stop where the tanker is dropping fuel (sediment!). Cell phone and external battery for emergency calls. Rain coat.

[JeffH]

+1 on above.

However it depends on your risk tolerance. I've ridden LD on my 11 with no tools at all. Not one. But I know my bike pretty well. Even rode Phil's bike Addie from Atlanta to Canada with no tools.

That said, know your oil consumption. Keep it topped up. Heat is irrelevant if bike in good working running order and oil is full. Maybe pack a HF multi-meter. A 14mm to get seat off. I try and know where the XSives are along my route in case I have a real issue that I want to try and repair. Or at least get some help. And of course help here on .com

Hope you have the time to back roads it down. Remember the heat and opressive humidity down here will rip you up. Maybe hit the road at daybreak to get some miles before it gets hot. Have a ride plan that considers that. Make sure battery & ground cables are secure. Figure out your MPG so you know what MPG to expect at different speeds. 40psi in the tires. Have fun. LD riding on the 11 is a whole bunch of fun.

And the all important:. Post a Ride report. Post some pics.

Jeff

[DiverRay]

+1 on the above.
My big thing before I did about 7K miles:
1. New tires, but run them for a week before the trip.
2. Fresh oil/filter in everything. Engine, middle and final drives.
3. New spark plugs.
4. Fairly fresh valve check, within the last 4K miles.
5. Lube cables, clutch, brake, and speedo cable.
6. Pack gear and lash with the small motorcycle cargo bungie and regular cords.
7. Plan on the first two days to be short, just a few hundred miles as you get into the ride.
8. HAVE FUN!!!

[BA80]

All good advise here tools, extra cables, ect., ect. I have saddle bags and a trunk. The trunk is for my clothes, saddle bags are for tools, extra parts, and air pump, (a tire plug kit is good to carry), and I have a gallon can of gas in there too. Ran into a strong headwind once coming back home from Wichita, Ks. and ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere. That's not gonna happen again.

[skids]

Consider a ziplock bag for your cell phone.

[DeanR]

ROK Straps to tie everything down. You'll be glad you got em.

Everything said above, especially that 14 mm socket for the seat.

[Jerry]

Several past threads on what to take on a long trip. Some people carry more stuff than others.

After quite a few long distance rides I found these things most useful:
Turn signal light bulbs. Wised up and bought the "rough service" or "Heavy Duty" versions instead of the standard automotive type.
Plastic cleaner for windshield and face shield along with wipes for same.
Tire pressure gauge.
Quart of 10w-40 motor oil.
USB charger (My Vetter fairing has a lighter plug which works nicely for a 12v to USB charger)
Spare set of keys.
Registration and insurance paperwork.
Spare shield for helmet.
Light riding gloves.
Sun screen.
Very basic tool kit with some friction tape, wire splices, a few feet of extra 8 - 10 gauge wire, wire stripper included.
Spare fuses of every rating used on the bike.
8mm wrench to fit brake caliper bleeders.
SeaFoam gas additive which I use at most fill-ups, about 2 oz per 5 gallons of gas.
Mesh net for holding things on the bike.
Ratchet-type straps (2) for tying larger items, like a sleeping bag, to the bike.

I used to take more stuff such as tire plugs and a CO2 inflator, never used them in 20 years of riding so I dropped them from the kit.

More and more I look at comfort items rather than mechanical / repair items as the XJ had proved to be very reliable on the road. Replace the turn bulbs with heavy-duty ones, top off the oil, keep tire pressures up, do all the routine maintenance before you leave and you should have a problem-free trip.

I've had a couple issues. Once I went down and broke the clutch lever and did not have a spare. Made getting home interesting. I bought a pair, one as a replacement, one as a spare, and have never used the spare. Now also carry a spare brake lever, but again, have never had to use it. These spares give me some peace of mind but I would not consider them necessities.

[sethhope]

Thanks for all the great tips guys! Definitely need to get a set of spare cables. And im set to do a full service 3 days before i leave. Got me a cargo net and my camping kit packed. Hopefully ill be in for a problem free journey!

[MaximPhil]

Thanks for all the great tips guys! Definitely need to get a set of spare cables. And im set to do a full service 3 days before i leave. Got me a cargo net and my camping kit packed. Hopefully ill be in for a problem free journey!

Hi Sethhope,
McDonalds had $1 drinks last summer hopefully again this year. nice pit stop to have a cold drink in A/C Bathroom and free wifi to post your progress
Now get back on the road as you have miles to go and places to see

Still time to research your route for things that interest you along the way.
I suggest going down the west /gulf coast of FL and returning up the Atlantic coast. The best riding is off the interstate

Phil