I have gotten the urge this summer to ride my 1982 GS850L to my High School class reunion in Arkansas. This will be about 750-800 mile round trip, with all of it on two lane roads, including AR23 from Eureka Springs to Ozark, AR. The bike is in excellent shape, and has only 18,000 miles on it. I am planning on rebuilding the brake calipers and put new brake pads on it this winter, and put a new front tire on it. I was wondering if you folks would have other suggestions on what to check out on it, and what would be some items to take with me like tools, parts, etc.
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Make sure the basic maintenance is took care of and then do a search on long trips as many different threads exist about this questionCowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace
1981 GS550T - My First
1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike
Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride" -
Tires, chain and general maintenance
I've racked up 2200 miles on a rally, so don't let 800 miles deter you
Some members have done that in a day1978 GS 1000 (since new)
1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
1978 GS 1000 (parts)
1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
2007 DRz 400S
1999 ATK 490ES
1994 DR 350SESComment
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When I travel I have a set of throw over saddle bags. In one I carry a cooler with water/refreshments. I like to throw a couple of beers in the bottom for just in case. The other side I have a tool kit, quart of oil, bottle of spray wax and towels. Behind me, on the seat I strap down my suitcase. Four hundred miles is very doable but still a long day. I'd leave early, get most of the trip behind you by noon, stop for lunch then you'll have a easy afternoon ride in.My Motorcycles:
22 Kawasaki Z900 RS (Candy Tone Blue)
22 BMW K1600GT (Probably been to a town near you)
82 1100e Drag Bike (needs race engine)
81 1100e Street Bike (with race engine)
79 1000e (all original)
82 850g (all original)
80 KZ 650F (needs restored)Comment
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800 mile round trip? I thought you were talking about a long trip.
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.Comment
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Richard
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GS1150 EF bought Jun 2015
GS1150 ES bought Mar 2014: ES Makeover Thread AND blog: Go to the Blog
GS1100 G (2) bought Aug 2013: Road Runner Project Thread AND blog: Go to the Blog
GS1100 G (1) Dad bought new 1985 (in rebuild) see: Dad's GS1100 G Rebuild AND blog: Go to the Blog
Previously owned: Suzuki GS750 EF (Canada), Suzuki GS750 (UK)(Avatar circa 1977), Yamaha XT500, Suzuki T500, Honda XL125, Garelli 50
Join the United Kingdom (UK) Suzuki GS Facebook Group hereComment
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An auto club card and a tail bag filled with ice and beer for while you're waiting for them........Comment
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Last edited by storm 64; 01-16-2016, 07:08 PM.My Motorcycles:
22 Kawasaki Z900 RS (Candy Tone Blue)
22 BMW K1600GT (Probably been to a town near you)
82 1100e Drag Bike (needs race engine)
81 1100e Street Bike (with race engine)
79 1000e (all original)
82 850g (all original)
80 KZ 650F (needs restored)Comment
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If the tires, brakes, charging system and clutch cable are all good, just bring a good cell phone, a credit card and rain gear. If you're as comfortable with overkill as I am, you can buy a membership to a road service; I opted for Good Sam -- which I just noticed is having a sale on their Auto + Motorcycle plans. Other than that, just have fun.and God said, "Let there be air compressors!"
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2009 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom, 2004 HondaPotamus sigpic Git'cha O-ring Kits Here!Comment
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As many others have said as long as you're caught up on the basic maintenance you'll be fine. Last summer I took my 850 from Ohio to Oshkosh Wi, via the upper peninsula in Michigan. It was somewhere around 1500 miles, great trip. Have fun on yours.Comment
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One thing I always pack and it's small { assuming you have tubeless tires } is a flat repair kit.........
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800 miles? Bring enough money to refill the gas tank a couple times. Some people ride 800 miles to go to work.Comment
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