Pre-Trip Maintenance

Sp00ks

Sp00ks

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2A Bourbon Hound OG
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What do you all do Maintenance wise prior to a long trip? What am I forgetting?

10 year old bike w/15k miles.

I have:
Changed the oil
Flushed and changed the final drive (shaft drive)
Check back brakes, bled them just in case. The peddle seems to have stiffened up some but could be my imagination.
Will check front brakes this weekend.
Tires are good but will check pressure before we leave.
Topped off coolant


I do not have any history on the battery on this bike and I'm contemplating replacing it for peace of mind.
 
Red Marley said:
Do some shakedown miles before your trip, just to make sure it's all OK. Bad juju to work on the machine right before an important trip (in my experience).
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Absolutely. The bike will NOT sit for 3 weeks, believe me.
 
fieldgrade said:
Take a battery jumper, tire plug kit, couple of water bottles
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Check on all of the above. Plug kit with Co2 but better than nothing, I have a jumper that plugs into my charging port, (a little concerned about amperage) and we always have water with us.

Minimal tool set but about the only thing I can't do is remove an axle. (that I can think of)

I am open to suggestions on what to pack as well. This isn't our first trip but who knows what I'm not thinking about.
 
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I put the bike on the scissors jack so I can spin the wheels, and inspect the treads with a bright light for anything stuck in there that oughta not be, cracks in the tires, or anything else untowards.
 
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fieldgrade said:
I put the bike on the scissors jack so I can spin the wheels, and inspect the treads with a bright light for anything stuck in there that oughta not be, cracks in the tires, or anything else untowards.
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I found something by checking tire pressure on a practically brand new Road 6 ($300) I'll do your check the week before we depart. We will ride a couple times before we leave.
 
I just had the 10K mile service done on mine at the dealer, and they recommended flushing the brake system based on some little tools calculation of moisture in the brake fluid. It wasn’t cheap, and I can’t tell about the rear brake, but the front brake lever definitely had a better “feel” to it, if that makes sense.
 
SimpleMan said:
I just had the 10K mile service done on mine at the dealer, and they recommended flushing the brake system based on some little tools calculation of moisture in the brake fluid. It wasn’t cheap, and I can’t tell about the rear brake, but the front brake lever definitely had a better “feel” to it, if that makes sense.
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Brakes and clutch have been bled. I'll do it all again this fall/ winter, including the abs pump
 
Red Marley said:
Do some shakedown miles before your trip, just to make sure it's all OK. Bad juju to work on the machine right before an important trip (in my experience).
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This^. I would also do a few miles packed with what you are going to take on the trip. Gives you a chance to see if how you packed will work or if it needs to be changed up for balance.
 
Yep, with this new bike, better suspension, etc but if anything we are throwing more weight down low trying to keep the top box as free as possible.

Previous we had a 60l dry bag on the luggage rack. More weight up high and the FJR is top heavy enough.

I think the new setup will be much better.
 
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I would suggest if at all possible. At least make a short shakedown with the motorcycle loaded like it will be when you leave. Attaching anything extra? Riding 2 up?

It took me two turns and not leaving my neighborhood, to figure out my rigging on this travel pack wasn't adequate...
It ended up at 5 o'clock and my wife not happy...
 
Some of what I do before I ride short and longer trips:
Tire pressure
Make sure wheel weights are taped over good
Brake fluid is good
Brake bolts are snug (FJR only, all others are safety wired)
Do a check on bar end weights, make sure they are tight enough. Sometimes, if you tighten them too much, the throttle side gets sticky.
I've always used a little thread locker on it and snugged it to where it needs to be.
Radiator and reservoir levels
Check both tires all around for anything that doesn't belong on or in them, lol
And the number one thing I do before every ride, is check all lights work, indicators, and brake lights. Last year, when we were in the mountains on the ole FJR, I had a car damn near azz pack me. We got to a light and he rolled up beside me and said sorry, but my brake lights weren't working. Whu whu what!!!!!
Turns out, the back brake lever was sticking in the down position, so in actuality, the brake lights were stuck on, but it never "lit up" like it supposed to. I had to take my foot and pull up on the lever until I got back to where I was staying and lubed it up.

Things I take:
Plug kit and small air compressor
Water
Two tourniquets and a first aid kit
Extra bulbs for brake lights
Micro fiber cloths and small bottle of glass cleaner for windshield and helmet visors

Etc.
Make sure someone knows loosely of your route, and have an emergency contact that can be easily reached.
I have a contact card with names/numbers on it that stays with my card/money holder.
I also have a blood type key chain just in case, that stays on my key ring on the bike's keys.
 
Stick Man said:
I also have a blood type key chain just in case, that stays on my key ring on the bike's keys.
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I’m ashamed to say it, but I’ve never thought about the blood type on the key chain. That is a good idea. Got it in my wallet but who knows how long it would be before it was discovered. And even then most likely discover be LE long after it’s relevant for paramedics and ER doc
 
I'll print out our itinerary for for son.

We carry a small first aid kit with blood clot but I need a tourniquet.

I don't even know my blood type, I have asked my Dr, and I don't think she has done it...I do carry my wallet in my jacket pocket so it sure to remain on my body.

I have checked bar ends but good idea. Rear Brake caliper bolts were way to tight. I still need to check front brakes.

Good suggestions
 
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