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Cataract2
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 02:43 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Ok, mid Aug. I have a planned vacation trip that will be on the bike only. No trailer, no truck, nothing.

I am planning on going with my parents (HD riders) and possibly brother (I've tried to talk him into a Buell. Believe me. He plans on getting a VROD. Says he's done with sport bikes.) on a trip that will take us from Florida up to Wisconsin to visit family. Then we're going to ride down to NC for about 4 days of Deal's Gap and surround roads. I'm curious if anyone has rode their Buell on such a long trip or longer? Any suggestions on what to bring maintenance wise? I'm thinking of getting that tool kit Buell offers for a just in case deal. I've got Road Side assistance from BRAG also. I'll be bringing my GPS along and plan to mark all HD/Buell dealers along the route. I trust my bike but like to plan for the worst.}
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Bomber
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 09:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Cruz Tools kit has most of what you'll need to tighten stuff -- I'd also strongly recommend a tire plug kit w/either CO2 carts or a some way to fill the tire after ya plug the little dear(cheap insurance) -- cell phone, natch, though I was pleasantly surprised to find how much of the good rinding terrirtory has no coverage (I LOVE being unplugged!) -- fuses, light bulbs (prmarily headlam and tail lamp, you can signal turns with yer mitt)

if you're feeling a little paranoid (which doesn't mean they're NOT out to get you) I'd bring a pair of spark plugs --

lastly, it sounds like you may be needing an oil change during the trip ... if that's the case, bring an oil filter with ya -- you can score oil almost anywhere, and a friendly oil change chain store will likely let you get her done at their joint

roadside assistance is a good tool -- the response time can vary wildly depending on your location and the attitude of the local service provider -- I've seen trucks show up in 30 minutes, while the other end of my experience is infinite (bud called, 9 hours later, we scored another rescue vehical)

have a great time -- let us know when you'll be in WI,many of us can give you some great road suggestions (also ways to avoid the City of Big Shoulders, which, during Road Construction Season, is no bargain fer scooter pilots!)
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Chainsaw
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 09:18 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I would suggest bringing electrical tape ; )
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Budo
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 09:51 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I would recommend three things, raingear, raingear and raingear. The only thing worse than getting soaked to the bone is being soaked to the bone and cold. So, prepare for extremes of weather, cold and wet. Good luck and have a safe trip.
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Road_thing
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 09:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Chainsaw, I just went back and re-read your epic tale, it's just as good on the second reading as it was on the first!

Interesting thing about your electrical problem, I have just recently spent an hour in a downtown Houston parking garage fixing what sounds like the exact same problem on a friend's 883C.

Do you remember which side of your bike the broken wire was on?

rt
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Newfie_buell
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 12:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

When I went to the 20th from Newfoundland to East Troy I took absolutely nothing for emergency breakdowns.

Did I breakdown - Hell YEAH, what did I do, got a fellow Badwebber to help replace a set of Isolators in his backyard garage. Looking back I should have checked the isolators before I left.

THANKS to OZZ666 for all the help again.
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Cataract2
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 12:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thanks guys. Anyone else have anything?

I do plan on doing an oil change just before I leave. So I don't think I'll need to worry about that.
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Whodom
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 01:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The Iron Butt "archive of wisdom" is pretty good reading for anyone planning a long distance motorcycle trip. Hopefully you won't pushing quite as hard as these guys, but there is still a lot of good info here:

http://www.ironbutt.com/tech/aow.cfm
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Cataract2
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 01:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Heck, I suggested to my parents that we should sign up for it and get our 1000 miles Iron Butt plate.
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Chainsaw
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 02:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Road_thing:
Air cleaner side went first.

Ditto on the Iron Butt recommendation. Loads of good info.

One other thing: A Camel Back has made a HUGE contribution to my overall comfort on long distance trips. Being able to drink with a helmet on while on the move is great. Now I'm not trying to suck down a quart of Gatorade at every fuel stop.
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Sleez
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 02:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

i second the camel back suggestion, i did 2,280 miles in one weekend, indy to l.a., it helped the most!
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Cataract2
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 02:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Brother bought me one of those Camel Backs. Plan on using that sucker. We will be stopping every 100 miles or so for gas and stretch time. My parents went to Deal's Gap last year and even with their bigger tanks they had to stop. Seems to be a running theme for the vast majority of people on bikes. Also, the small gas tank of my bike forces this to happen.
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Wyckedflesh
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 04:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Pack brand new underwear, a three pack, at each change simply throw them away. Walmarts are plentiful and you can purchase a new three pack on the road. Do the same with Socks. Dirty laundry takes up more space then clean when packed. Carry canister of your favorite water repellent, scotchgaurd or nikwax spary are my suggestions. If you get rained on, you can repray your boots, and gloves. The small canisters work well. Now one thing I have been looking at, is just in front of the passenger peg brackets could be an excellent place to put a tool roll, for a trip like your talking, having the tool roll accessable is alot better then having to dig it out of a saddle bag. Also with it strapped crosswise under there, its weight won't affect the balance of the bike. Most tool rolls are heavy enough to withstand the rock tossing of the rear tire. After having looked at XB9rSki's tires, I would recommend putting the Dunlop 220's on front and rear. I think it would be a good choice for that kind of mileage.
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Cataract2
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 04:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'm planning on sticking with the Pirelli Scorps. that my XB9SX came with. Wearing so far has been excellent.
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Road_thing
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 05:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Hmm, the one I fixed was on the left, but it sounds like the same deal: original wire broke, fixed at independent shop with quality fittings, then they broke. I think the wire was too short or routed wrong from the factory, and engine vibes stressed it till it broke. Obviously, it gets shorter every time you fix it!

rt
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Josh_
Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 05:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

When I toured on my S3 I always took spare fuses/relays, a spark plug, 1 spare bulb of each type, the Buell/Cruz toolkit, extra safety wire, flashlight, first-aid kit, siphon and battery jump kits, pocket multimeter, and the ratchet extensions to tighten/replace the muffler.... and mechanics gloves.

The only thing I used more than once were the mechanic's gloves and the Buell/Cruz toolkit.

Incidentally, I carried the Buell/Cruz tools enough the bag/carrier is shot. Anyone know where I can get a replacement?

Other things to pack: spare baggies/freezer bags, spare earplugs, kickstand plate, camera (xtra film, battery, memory card), lens cleaner/glass repair kit, glove liners, electric vest, spare gloves, bungie straps/net,
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