Long distance trip - bike preparation

[Dave8338]

Went to the dealer today and found out (from a book he pulled out) that none of the 550's have 630 chains (I believed that it only showed the 750's having them). The books showed that the 550's have 530 chains.

530 x 110

Front 15

Rear 50

Should I change the gear ratio for a long distance trip?

It all depends on where your tack is sitting at your desired crusing speed. If you're turning 7,000RPM at 65 and you plan on cruising at 75-80mph, you may want to step it up a bit. Keep in mind that any change in ratio will directly effect your entire RPM range and gear selection. My 650 turns too fast in my opinion (plenty of power in all ranges) but as a shafty, is much more difficult to recalibrate. :?

 

[bexabarr]

You`ve probably thought of this, but I`ll drop my two pennies worth in as well. As well as the spare cables, a spare clutch and brake lever are worth having, just in case. Spare light bulbs too, and a tubeless tyre repair kit can be well worth the little space they take up. I`d also take a couple of spare spark plugs too. Other things I`ve learnt to pack (through bitter experience) are cable ties, fuses, a couple of lengths of electrical wire and some electricians tape. Have a good trip !.

Excellent point... I have thought of some of these already. Are the brake/clutch levers prone to braking. I guess if you drop the bike, that makes sense.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve View Post
Don't make ANY major changes the night before you leave. Try to get them all done about a week before, so you can test the results.
I think this is the most important. Possibly even more important than making a lot of repairs. Having a proven ride with no bugs will give you piece of mind, and fewer hangups.

I agree 100%. That's why I'm trying to figure all this stuff out now, rather than the week before (I'm notoriously known to be one of those last minute people- but not this time )

It all depends on where your tack is sitting at your desired crusing speed. If you're turning 7,000RPM at 65 and you plan on cruising at 75-80mph, you may want to step it up a bit. Keep in mind that any change in ratio will directly effect your entire RPM range and gear selection. My 650 turns too fast in my opinion (plenty of power in all ranges) but as a shafty, is much more difficult to recalibrate.

At 75-80 mph my bike revs pretty high if I remember correctly (been awhile and I'm getting anxious). I think that I'm going to have to change the ratio a bit... I'm going to miss the initial acceleration though Any suggestions on what ratio I should use?

 

[Sandy]

Lots of good points to consider are listed and I can't add much accept to have a good look at the inside of your gas tank for rust. A lot of the older Suzukis were prone to the tank rusting through and leaking. This would not be easily fixed at the road side and could leave you stranded. If there's a lot of rust you should consider have the tank coated with POR-15. It doesn't cost much and you can do it yourself. It would be good insurance like most of the other items you've mentioned. Also if your bike has the VM style carbs with the push/pull throttle both cables should be the same and if you break the pull cable you can use the push cable in its place. I'll stress what was mentioned earlier and that is no major repairs shortly before the trip. Do the work and put some miles on the bike to make sure everything is alright and nothing got overlooked or wasn't adjusted or tightened properly. My rule is that if I'm doing repairs other than oil changes and tire pressures the week before a trip then I'm not ready. If this is the first time I've done a trip with this configuration, load the bike up with most of the stuff you want to take and do a good long day ride or overnight ride to make sure it's going to work. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to deal with a poorly secured load on your first day out when all you want do is make some distance.

 

[rphillips]

Forgive me, but looks like this is getting plumb silly. If I were planning to wreck the bike & break the clutch & brake levers, or if I thought the tank was going to rust out, I wouldn't go. So don't be worrying about such odd little things. Anything could happen, but don't be worrying. If the clutch lever or cable was to break, carefully start the bike in 1st gear, you can shift both up & down without the clutch, just be sure you find neutral before needing to stop, if unlikely emergency, the brakes will still stop you. If the brake lever breaks, use the rear brake. Just till you find a place to get repairs. Odds are none of these things are going to happen. If you are determined to worry about this little stuff, Find a mechanic that can teach you how to hotwire your bike, so if by chance the ignition switch quits making the proper connections, you can still get your bike started, & finish your ride. Don't sweat it, go & have a wonderful ride.

 

[bexabarr]

Sandy... I'm actually treating my tank as we speak lol

rphillips... you may be right about this getting silly, there are somethings on the list I prob won't get around to, but it's good info IMHO. However, this is my first trip of this magnitude and I don't think you can blame me for planning ahead. I have so much time ahead of me, that getting the bike to be in top shape gives me something to do, rather than just leaving the bike in the garage and waiting for summer to come. Maybe the bike will make it fine as is, but there is no fun in that. It's all about the build up. AND I'm learning things along the way. It's an all in one thread...

Like I said earlier, I'm the type of guy that just does things. As a consequence something usually goes wrong (you can check last years post I made about the time I got stuck in Baltimore http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=94318) I don't want to be 1000 miles away and worrying every mile about something breaking down. If I have time to check it and change it... why shouldn't I?

 

[Poot]

Hi there,

Ive done a few long trips on my 850, and will try mention things not said:

first off, how long is your trip going to be?


Tires: I would recommend the Metzeller Marathon tires. they are great in weather, and in milage.

Parts for oilchange: Buy the oil+filter when you stop in a city, as you wont have to carry them around.

Headlight; to put in a silverstar, you will need to rig up a fuse system, since the stock system is too weak. If you dont change it, there wont be much difference.

I got a pre-made setup from www.easterbeaver.com for my headlight AND horns (would recommend this too, but more for everyday).


Tips: Keep the extra baggage like Toiletries and clothes down to a minimum. Make sure you keep your things waterproofed! Also, Bungee cords, rope, tape, wire ties and vice grips can help you out in almost any situation.

gotta run.

POOT

 

[Dave8338]

You'll have to do the math. Figure out about how many RPMs you want to drop, ie. 500. Divide your rear sprocket tooth count by your front sprocket tooth count to get your current ratio. example 42 (r) 14 (f) would give you a 3.0:1 ratio.

If you are running 7000 RPMs at 65 and want to turn 6500 RPMs (.08% drop) you would multiply your rear tooth count by .92 42x.92 = 41.4.
You would be looking for a 41 tooth rear sprocket or a 15 tooth front sprocket (14x1.08 = 15.12). Your new ratio would now be 2.8 or 2.9 respectively.

 

[tomo]

Rphillips might think packing spare levers is getting silly, I don`t !. Sure, you can get away without the clutch ok if you are on an open road, not much fun if you are in traffic or a built up area, believe me I`ve done it. Ok if you have time or can get it into neutral, but if you need to stop quickly, well, nuff said !. Thats why I carry a spare under the seat all the time. I might add to the silliness by suggesting you also pack a couple of those emergency cable repair nipples.

 

[Sandy]

Forgive me, but looks like this is getting plumb silly. If I were planning to wreck the bike & break the clutch & brake levers, or if I thought the tank was going to rust out, I wouldn't go. So don't be worrying about such odd little things. Anything could happen, but don't be worrying. If the clutch lever or cable was to break, carefully start the bike in 1st gear, you can shift both up & down without the clutch, just be sure you find neutral before needing to stop, if unlikely emergency, the brakes will still stop you. If the brake lever breaks, use the rear brake. Just till you find a place to get repairs. Odds are none of these things are going to happen. If you are determined to worry about this little stuff, Find a mechanic that can teach you how to hotwire your bike, so if by chance the ignition switch quits making the proper connections, you can still get your bike started, & finish your ride. Don't sweat it, go & have a wonderful ride.

If most of this stuff is done on an on going basis most of the time you just need to jump on the bike and go. If it hasn't been done then do it. I've ridden far too many times with people that had the "if it ain't broke why fix it attitude" and spent far too many blown days or hours repairing other peoples neglected motorcycles when I should have been enjoying my precious few holidays on the road. Preparation is what keeps me from worrying about it on a trip. Try finding a 28 year old brake lever because some bozo knocked your m/c over in a parking lot. And yes you'll think I'm totally paranoid because I keep a box of spare used but good parts (stator, R/R, my old points plate, clutch parts, some gaskets, etc) in a box ready for postage or to be put on the bus in case problems arise during a trip. All I have to do is phone the wife and she can send them to me. Use what you need and send the box back. Beats trying to source this stuff when you're far from home in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Dave8338]

If most of this stuff is done on an on going basis most of the time you just need to jump on the bike and go. If it hasn't been done then do it. I've ridden far too many times with people that had the "if it ain't broke why fix it attitude" and spent far too many blown days or hours repairing other peoples neglected motorcycles when I should have been enjoying my precious few holidays on the road. Preparation is what keeps me from worrying about it on a trip. Try finding a 28 year old brake lever because some bozo knocked your m/c over in a parking lot. And yes you'll think I'm totally paranoid because I keep a box of spare used but good parts (stator, R/R, my old points plate, clutch parts, some gaskets, etc) in a box ready for postage or to be put on the bus in case problems arise during a trip. All I have to do is phone the wife and she can send them to me. Use what you need and send the box back. Beats trying to source this stuff when you're far from home in the middle of nowhere.

Now that's a good idea...my problem would be in trying to explain to the wife, where it was that the box was placed, who was the bufu that knocked over the bike, and how did he/she plan on paying for the shipping. :-D

 

[rphillips]

I guess everyones ideas come from what they've experienced themselves. I'm no different. I don't remember anyone that I've regularly ridden with, not to have kept their bikes road ready. Also I only remember one of our regular riders, who took spare parts. This guy rode a "78" kaw. KZ1000 chain drive. His bike had smooth bore carbs, aftermarket cams, Kerker 4 into 1, lowered geared rear sprocket, luggage rack with travel trunk on it, & a windjammer fairing w/casset stereo. In his trunk, this guy had a small tool box with a much larger assortment of tools than the bikes tool kit, a spare chain & sprockets, 2 tire irons, qt. of oil, chain lube, a short piece of chain w/lock, an inner tube, & probably something else I've forgoten. All of us used his chain lube, cause we knew he had it, and one sunday afternoon, appx. 200 mi. from home, I cut the sidewall on a tire. We got his 18" spare tube in my 17" cut tire, & eased on back home. really glad he had the tube that day. Of all the miles I've ridden, except for that tire, Me nor nobody with me had a breakdown, (other than wrecks) that required trailering a bike home. I can see why others, who haven't been so lucky, seeing things different than me, & I will respect your views. Sorry about the "SILLY" comment. Back to my buddy with the spare stuff, we had to good laugh at him the day he rode into the local shop, with his travel trunk all flopped over sideways. The weight he was hauling all that time, had finally broke one side of his luggage rack. We also laughed at him regularly for his music selection, the only tape he ever listened to was Author Feedler & the Boston Pops. I now see everyone should do whatever makes them feel comfortable for their ride, no matter what me nor anyone else think. The main thing is ENJOY THE RIDE

 

[bexabarr]

Thanks guys for all the responses... they were all extremely useful! I hope all the important things have been said (I think so). There is prob no way I'll get around to all of these, but I will get to all the important ones. Nevertheless keep adding stuff if you guys feel there is something else. Take care... I'll inform you guys more about the trip as time nears. If I actually get around to doing it because I just got an offer from a friend of the family to backpack in Peru with him for a couple of months. Anyways, thanks again!

 

[rphillips]

Here we go again. Everyone needs to do what suits them, not me or others. IMHO, A bike ride across the country, or toating a bunch of stuff across Peru, on their back.... Is that even a decision??? Just kiddin, Do what you want to do.

 

[max]

Here's one I picked up by the by, speaking of extra cables of course. Instead of coiling your cables up and having them take up valuable storage space, thread them down along the cables that are installed now on the bike. Then use snap ties or velcro tape to connect them to the ones in use. That way if a cable fails, you have a spare all ready to go. Five minutes and you're back in the saddle.

Definately carry a plug kit with the little canister of compressed air. NOT a substitute for Fix-a-flat, a horrible idea on motorcycles. Now, I know that this was mainly a thread for how to maintain your bike on the road, but I think that consideration is also due for how to maintain yourself on the road. Be sure to carry plenty of fluids for you and your bike, and drink some every time you gas up. Also powerbars are a great source of energy and are a quick, light meal. On my day long rides I usually pop a few ibuprofen to keep from cramping up. I have a small flashlight that doesn't take batteries, you wind it up and it lights for like 30 minutes. Also has a radio in it and isn't any larger than a normal flashlight, has totally saved my butt a few times.

Last thing, check out the Iron Butt Association's website. There's a lot of great information and learned expereinces from guys who make long rides thier serious passion, it would absolutely benefit you to hear some stories from guys who have actually done this before.

Good luck, and have fun

 

[bwringer]

If most of this stuff is done on an on going basis most of the time you just need to jump on the bike and go.

Bingo. Keep ahead of the maintenance and you can confidently hop on and ride wherever and whenever you want.