What Preparation Is Needed for a 4,500 Mile Trip

Old Man Rock wrote:

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

I thought "New tubeless tires" meant his tires were "Solid State" or better yet digital!

Old Man Rock wrote:

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

missed that part! :laugh:

"H" that is the preperation you will need. actually i carry an extra clutch and throttle cable other than that make sure you have a good set of tires and decent chain and sprocket check your oil every second fill up you will appreciate the extra stretching and go have fun your tires will most likely get completely worn out so keep an eye on the rear at least also don't over load your self with clothes and that stuff that is why walmart and target where invented just for road trips i don't carry much anymore just buy it as i need it or turn it inside out.leaves you more room for t-shirts and stuff when your on your way back

As others have said, you pretty much have it covered!

All you really need is AAA and a credit card.

If your moteling you really don't need much clothing, you just do you laundry every few days. No biggy.

The worst thing you can do is over load yourself with everything you think you "may" need and then not use it!

The handling on the bike will thank you if you pack light.

Thoughts, Do your' maint. in advance and put some miles on bike before departure to make sure things are sorted... Pack light & dress smart. Someone in group should pack an Oklahoma credit card (siphon hose) sun block.a deck of cards.ear plugs. make plans in advance for re-assembing group if you should become scattered.make a conscious effort to keep hydrated.watch yourself & partners for fatigue. 500 miles a day can be tough for an extended period, Keep an open mind on schedual...Have fun. Luck g

You seem to be pretty well prepared. the only other things I would do i'd replace the brake fluid and the wheel bearings. Fairly cheap and can save alot of hassles. Clutch cables are a must but instead of keeping it in the tail you could zip tie it in position right next to the one that is in use. It makes it pretty easy to change then it snaps that way. Other then that, inspect the bike every day before you ride and check your drive chain tension.

How are you planning to secure the bikes at night? A plastic covered cable run through the frames about belt height and secured to a good padlock should make it very difficult to cut with bolt cutters.

Do any of the bikes have motion or vibration sensors?It will be another way to persuade thieves to move on if the alarm sounds.

And never..never ever go more than halfway as far as you can go or you'll never get back.....:huh:


Me.... 4500mi = Planes, trains or eeck.. busses. But the best would be....

Gane suggested earplugs. That's no joke; they will reduce your fatigue 50%. Try them. Ed

spare key (zip-tied to the frame out of sight).

If you are traveling in a group, get together for a planning night. Decide on group gear (tools, stove & fuel, cook wear etc if you are camping) and share the load. I do that when I go on back country ski trips. It's fun going over maps and routes, and planning with your friends. 500 miles a day is a lot. You'll see a lot of country, but most of it will be a blur if you don't make lots of photo and rest breaks. I did a 2000 mile solo trip on my 900 last summer. Took a liter of oil and some wrenches. Only used the oil. Have fun.

I keep each bike's road kit in a tupperware container, maby 7x12x2in deep. Just small enough to fit into the bottom of my tankbag. Your list sounds compleat, the only thing I'd add is a pair of levers. I hate broken clutch or brake levers, and some of these old bikes use levers that dealers no longer carry in stock.