What Preparation Is Needed for a 4,500 Mile Trip

I am planning on a long trip this Spring with a small group of riders. We will average 500 miles a day for about 9 or 10 days. I want to do all possible preventive maintenance before the ride in order to avoid any mechanical or other problems.

I have owned my 1982 KZ650 CSR for almost 3 years. It had 8,000 miles when I got the bike. Now has 21,000 miles. The motorcycle has been extremely reliable after carb cleaning, brake system flushing and bleeding; electrical connection cleaning, gear ratio change; sportbike handle bars; windshield; etc.

Before the ride I either have done, or will do the following: New tubeless tires - balanced; new chain and sprockets; valve adjustment; ignition timing adjustment (electronic ignition); advancer maintenance; new spark plugs; new petcock diaphragm kit; cleaned all electrical connections; buy and carry a spare clutch cable; clutch adjustment; new oil and filter; cam chain tensioner inspection and cleaning; tach and odometer cable replacement and lubrication; spare bulbs; tool kit; new battery; new steering bearings; break pad and shoe replacement; etc.

I have never been inside the engine other than for valve adjustment but wonder about things like the camshaft drive chain; chain rub pads; drive chain from the crankshaft to the transmission; crankshaft bearings; and other unknowns. The bike runs great; the engine has no noises and I have no reason to believe that I might have any trouble. Just want to tap into the knowledge and experience of other KZRs in order to see if I have overlooked something. Thank you so much.

You will have one soar ass and burning shoulders. I did San Diago to Eugene Oregon to Chicago in 4 days and it was murder. at the time I was only 22 back than and it was fun but very hard.

Why take a clutch cable, if it worries you just fit the new one.
I don't mean to sound at all negative, but you have said the bike has performed flawlessly for 13,000 miles.. is there any reason to believe it wont for another 4,500??

Tires are a great Idea, as is check Brakes, bearings etc. Change oil n filter, new air filter then go and ENJOY your trip.

Quit worrying so much or it will niggle at the back of your mind and ruin your trip. Now go n have fun!

Oh and take some Aleve and Advil with ya... for the sore ass n shoulders!:blink:

The question is:
What Preparation Is Needed for a 4,500 Mile Trip?
The answer is:
H......

Iron Butt things are great and all and I really have respect for those riders. I just hope fatigue does no0t make a rider dangerous to himself or others. Another thing is I hate missing things getting from here to there. That said GLuck and I hope you miss nothing but bad luck.

hahahaahahaa


x2

it would suck in a car..it would suck ten times worse on a bike......i love bikes....cars do have their strong points though.....


Locozuna wrote:

The question is:
What Preparation Is Needed for a 4,500 Mile Trip?
The answer is:
H......

Iron Butt things are great and all and I really have respect for those riders. I just hope fatigue does no0t make a rider dangerous to himself or others. Another thing is I hate missing things getting from here to there. That said GLuck and I hope you miss nothing but bad luck.

If you haven't done so you should change the fork oil; I have used BelRay 15w Fork Oil on my KZ650C1 with great success since the bike was new. You also might want to replace the shocks if yours are original. You may be surprised at the difference new shocks make. I have been using Hagons for the past 4 years and I love them. They have stainless shock bodies and shroud. See #4 CLASSIC I - CHROME WIDELINE SPRING STAINLESS TOP SHROUD in second photo of shocks labeled CUSTOM TYPE P SHOCKS at link:

Hagon

If you decide to buy the Hagons Dave Quinn will include setting them up to suit your specific weight, driving habits, etc. He did a geat job on mine. Ed

I remember in that book "zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance" or whatever,... that guy carried a small repair shop with him (extra chain, master links, tubes, tools...). It seemed a little much to me.

I would carry a cell phone, fully charged and do what you have already done.

Maybe stop at a Schucks and switch out the plugs halfway through the trip? With so many people, I imagine that someone's bike is going to have problems. You might want to schedule pit stops for maintenance along the route.

I agree with the board, I think you will be fine.

Seems you have it pretty well covered... I totally agree with clutch cable, carry a new one tucked in the rear tail always, only takes once and your puckied without it...

Aspirin, deep heat rub for sure cause you're going to be one sore ass puppy and that's only after the first day...

One can of tire fix (flat sealer & inflate in a can).
One can of Monkey Butt (butt rash).
2 sets of plugs (8 total).
If running OEM ignition then points and condenser.
Quart of oil or more pending how much your old girl uses.
Tools for sure.
Small can of Chain lube.
small roll of # 14 AWG wire.
Fuses...
Rain Gear...

Even on our local 200-300 mile trips, my buds joke on all the crap I take but as mentioned, only once and I'm covered which has happened, only on their bikes!

OMR, can I borrow your tools... :S Of course I make them squirm a little before giving them up.... :laugh:

One more thing, digital camera & ride safe & enjoy the trip.... Share the images!

post cards for those of us that got 3" of snow last night! :laugh: im thinking his tires have tubes,so fix a flat wont help him much.

Sounds like you have it covered pretty good. Like OMR said camera for road pics. I have a tool bag that straps to the forks and keep my tools in it, so far I have used them to fix a belt guard for a Harley. :laugh: :laugh:

Plum... "New tubeless tires"... I guess big words like that confuse ya huh? :laugh:

As much as I have always liked KZ650s they are not a great motorcycle for long distance tours, but the guys have covered it pretty good. My butt has never been a problem on motorcycle trips, it's my neck that gets stiff. I must be the only one.