Long trip...

[johndr83]

On July 21st I'm going to take a ride home down to Los Angeles on leave. I'm up here in Tacoma, WA and its going to be the longest ride that I have taken so far. Its going to be me and my buddy riding down there. We are most likely going to take two days to make it all the way down. I plan on taking a backpack and a tankbag. I just got a few questions about long trips.

- Anything that I should do to my bike other than the normal checks and maintenance before I leave?
- What kinds of things would you recommend that I bring with me for the ride?
- Is there anything I can do to stay comfortable on a long ass ride like this?
- I have never riden in cali, and up here in Washington it doesnt get as hot as it does down there, so how bad is it riding in a leather jacket in near or in 100 degree weather?
- Lane splitting... any tips for a guy who has never had experience doing it?
- Any other tips that might be helpful?

Thanks

[Psycluded]

I'd change the oil, regardless of when it was last changed. Nice new synthetic if your bike is used to it. Also look at the color of your coolant, it might need changing. Check the wear on your tires and make sure you're comfortable putting that many miles on them all at once. If not, I'd invest in some tires for the trip.

Vary your engine speeds on the way, keep things fresh and different, so you don't go into "cruise" mode and space out. The moment you space out and start daydreaming on the interstate is the moment some jackass in an SUV will cut you off and you won't be able to react as well. Also vary your back position. Right sitting up for a while, then tuck in and ride under the windscreen. My group likes to tuck in and torque it anytime we pass a big truck. It keeps things interesting, and it makes sense, too (less wind resistance to the massive windshear from one of those things).

If you have the cash for one, grab a CamelBak and fill it with water. Stick the tube into the helmet and STAY HYDRATED.

Stop for 10 minutes every hour. Ride 50, stop 10, ride 50, stop 10. Pace yourself well, and you shouldn't have a problem.

[Witold]

The one thing I would bring is a tire patch hit and one of tiny $15 compressors from Home Depot.

[johndr83]

Originally Posted by Psycluded

I'd change the oil, regardless of when it was last changed. Nice new synthetic if your bike is used to it. Also look at the color of your coolant, it might need changing. Check the wear on your tires and make sure you're comfortable putting that many miles on them all at once. If not, I'd invest in some tires for the trip.

Vary your engine speeds on the way, keep things fresh and different, so you don't go into "cruise" mode and space out. The moment you space out and start daydreaming on the interstate is the moment some jackass in an SUV will cut you off and you won't be able to react as well. Also vary your back position. Right sitting up for a while, then tuck in and ride under the windscreen. My group likes to tuck in and torque it anytime we pass a big truck. It keeps things interesting, and it makes sense, too (less wind resistance to the massive windshear from one of those things).

If you have the cash for one, grab a CamelBak and fill it with water. Stick the tube into the helmet and STAY HYDRATED.

Stop for 10 minutes every hour. Ride 50, stop 10, ride 50, stop 10. Pace yourself well, and you shouldn't have a problem.

Yea, my bike has got about 7200mi on it, so this weekend i plan on changing my spark plugs, oil, clean and lube a bunch of stuff, and buying a set of pilot powers for it.
For the coolant, how do you tell if it needs changing?

The one thing I would bring is a tire patch hit and one of tiny $15 compressors from Home Depot.

Where would I plug this compressor into?
Also, anyone use the throttle rocker(I think thats what its called)? Its supposed to hold throttle open without making your hand tired.

[slickwillie]

I did a 6 hour ride last month, from detroit to belleville canada. If I could do it over again, I would have brought one of those backpack you can put water in. I only stoppped when I needed gas and would grab a bottle of water then. That pouch would have helped out. As far as keep your behind comfortable, move around on the bike. Change your positions. Hope you have a good time.

[r6dink]

what you can do to make the ride more comfy...
corbin.
pro-grip gel grips.

stuff you might want to bring that you might not think of
tire patch kit
zip ties
duct tape
power bars
camel back
long sleeve shirt or hoody in case it gets cold for some odd reason at night
rain suit
small spray can of honda polish to clean your visor from time to time
an "emergency" can of redbull

[FrkyMnky1487]

Susprised i havent seen it yet, but chain wax...

+ everything else said...

[johndr83]

Susprised i havent seen it yet, but chain wax...

yea, i plan on taking a small bottle of lube for my chain.

And for you people from cali, what kind of advise do you have about lane splitting? Never ridden my bike in cali, so any input would be helpful.

thanks.

[aRoK]

hope you have fun getting to cali . it nice and hot here 100 f ok about lane spilting. do it all you want, a couple tips look about 4 cars ahead , try to stay at a safe pace, you could only do it if there is two or more lanes , on the highways watch out for open space between car to car cuz cages well cut in, best time to do it is when cages at a stand still that way cant cut you off, watch out for people that tries to squeeze you in between cars. some times i bring up the r's just for people to know that im coming. one more thing dont forget the tools and camel back it well help. have fun and a safe trip

[BKVR6]

Watch out for Police south of Portland to the Cali border. I would get a cargo net for the back of the bike rather than having the backpack on you. the weight on the bike will be more comfortable than on your bike. Have fun!