Coast to coast trip prep?
08-13-2011, 10:40 AM
#1
Light Cycle Expert
Back Marker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 194
Coast to coast trip prep?
I am going to be taking a trip from Florida to California in a few weeks. What kind of prep work should I do before I leave? Just about three weeks ago I changed out all fluids(brake, oil, clutch, radiator). My SH has 7K on it.
Thanks in advance,
Tommy
Thanks in advance,
Tommy
08-13-2011, 11:48 AM
#3
Light Cycle Expert
Back Marker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 194
Thanks for reminding me about that. I've actually been meaning to check that as I'm still running the stock R/R. That will go on the top of my checklist. I'd hate to get stranded in the middle of the U.S. At idle it is 14.5V. Revved up to 3K RPM it drops to 14.2V. That should be within normal operating specs for the time being. Also one of the members mentioned that the grounding route that comes stock isn't optimal. They said that doing a direct ground would be a better solution. I have my R/R with both the stock ground and a direct ground to the battery.
Last edited by tomzxt; 08-13-2011 at 12:01 PM.
08-13-2011, 12:42 PM
#5
Senior Member
SuperSport
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Central Fl.
Posts: 530
Goldwingers travel with a spare alternator in the saddle bags. A spare R/R takes no space.
When I did it (in the heat of summer also) I carried a water jug that I dumped on my shirt while rolling. Instant A/C!
When I did it (in the heat of summer also) I carried a water jug that I dumped on my shirt while rolling. Instant A/C!
08-13-2011, 01:22 PM
#6
Administrator
World Champion
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Fulton, MO
Posts: 105,287
An aftermarket seat is a must for that many miles in a stint. A new rear tire, preferably of the sport-touring variety would help with mileage, though you'll still probably end up with a rather large flat spot. Don't forget to change the oil when you get back. Give her a good waxing before you go too. It makes the bugs infinitely easier to get off.
08-13-2011, 01:39 PM
#7
Light Cycle Expert
Back Marker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 194
I have one spare stock R/R that I picked up for $10 that I could bring. I just want to make sure that it works first.
Water is a must for any trip. I'm taking my camel back. That thing is a life saver. I also have one of those small fuel canisters that holds about half a gallon since our tanks are so small.
I have a Sargent seat in the mail. I'll need to break it in before I go. I'm currently running Michelin Pilot Road 3s which I am happy with. I do mostly straight lines and have yet to see any real wear in the center. 5K miles and still running like they were new. I'm going to get a new set before I leave just to be on the safe side.
Don't know what part of California I'm really going to yet. The trip is me going from Tampa, Florida to Iuka, Mississippi to Kenner, Louisiana to El Paso, Texas to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to Las Vegas, Nevada to somewhere on the coast of California just to say I went coast to coast. The fastest way to the beach looks like 15 to L.A. area. The trip is mostly to see my Grandparents and cousin on the west coast while saying hi to some friends along the way.
Again thanks for your tips so far.
Water is a must for any trip. I'm taking my camel back. That thing is a life saver. I also have one of those small fuel canisters that holds about half a gallon since our tanks are so small.
I have a Sargent seat in the mail. I'll need to break it in before I go. I'm currently running Michelin Pilot Road 3s which I am happy with. I do mostly straight lines and have yet to see any real wear in the center. 5K miles and still running like they were new. I'm going to get a new set before I leave just to be on the safe side.
Don't know what part of California I'm really going to yet. The trip is me going from Tampa, Florida to Iuka, Mississippi to Kenner, Louisiana to El Paso, Texas to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to Las Vegas, Nevada to somewhere on the coast of California just to say I went coast to coast. The fastest way to the beach looks like 15 to L.A. area. The trip is mostly to see my Grandparents and cousin on the west coast while saying hi to some friends along the way.
Again thanks for your tips so far.
Last edited by tomzxt; 08-13-2011 at 01:41 PM.
08-14-2011, 01:35 AM
#10
Light Cycle Expert
Back Marker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 194
+1 I'll have to get a pair of those. Any extra padding helps.
2 piece AGV Sport rain suit is already packed as well as my camera and cell phone. I need the cell phone to be on Facebook 24/7. I addicted to that site lol. My tool kit is the stock kit with a lot of add ons. I have a patch kit in there with some CO2 cartridges. A friend of mine told me that secret a few years back. Smaller, lighter, and faster than a pump.
2 piece AGV Sport rain suit is already packed as well as my camera and cell phone. I need the cell phone to be on Facebook 24/7. I addicted to that site lol. My tool kit is the stock kit with a lot of add ons. I have a patch kit in there with some CO2 cartridges. A friend of mine told me that secret a few years back. Smaller, lighter, and faster than a pump.
Last edited by tomzxt; 08-14-2011 at 01:37 AM.
Just a thought. 
08-14-2011, 04:46 PM
#14
Senior Member
Back Marker
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 127
Relieve the friction of monkey butt and painful butt rash, when you ride, sweat and sit. Anti Monkey Butt PowderMaybe some of this.This along with cycling shorts works wonders for me.A can of chain lube and zip lock bags for the stuff that you want to keep absolutely dry.Ear plugs to save your hearing and eye drops to moisturized your eyes.Keep in touch on the board.If you need help,there may be someone close by on the forum to lend assistance.Take lots of Pics to remember your trip.If you don't have it,put a towing ryder on you insurance policy.
08-15-2011, 04:49 AM
#15
Member
Squid
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Washington, IA
Posts: 31
Maybe I CAN contribute to this forum! LDComfort shorts beat bicycle shorts hands(pants?) down. I wear them under the 'Stich with a T shirt, and just dump a bottles worth of water every fuel up(in the heat). Vents open half way=cheap a/c and protection! LDComfort - Getting to the Bottom of Rider Comfort - Motorcycle Underwear
Also recommend you keep 2 small water bottles and some jerky/nuts in your tank bag, just in case. VFR-type bars for comfort, and Elkskin Roper gloves from Aerostich. Aerostich Elkskin Roper Gloves :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear
Don't wear Gore-Tex lined boots, your feet will burn up. Have a great trip!
Also recommend you keep 2 small water bottles and some jerky/nuts in your tank bag, just in case. VFR-type bars for comfort, and Elkskin Roper gloves from Aerostich. Aerostich Elkskin Roper Gloves :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear
Don't wear Gore-Tex lined boots, your feet will burn up. Have a great trip!
08-15-2011, 06:14 AM
#17
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii USA
Posts: 427
A Sena SMH-10 Bluetooth transceiver paired with the MP3 player in your smartphone and a GPS device (or phone app) may be good road companions. Might as well rig up a couple of cig lighter adapters to charge up the hardware too.
Do an internet search of good diners along your route.
Do an internet search of good diners along your route.
08-15-2011, 04:26 PM
#19
Light Cycle Expert
Back Marker
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 194
I'm going to have to check into that Monkey Butt stuff and the Roper Gloves. I like that the gloves have a built in squeegee. I have one that just clips on to your finger like a toy ring.
I'll probably put a few IBProfins in there just in case. Luckily I never get headaches, just on the rare occasion.
I have one 12V power point already installed in the tail with a switch. That will power my cell phone that has my GPS on it. I'm using my Chatterbox with it. Have you tried both the Sena and Chatterbox? If you have which did you like better?
The extra R/R is on the checklist. I tried it out yesterday and it worked. So in the bag it goes. I think I signed up for TSB once to view a link from here. Just never go on it. Saige mentioned you a few times. I am signed up to watch your blogs on youtube and occasionally pop in to your site.
These are really great tips. Thanks guys and keep them coming. If you have any suggestions on gel grips I could use a set of those. With a heater is preferred.
I'll probably put a few IBProfins in there just in case. Luckily I never get headaches, just on the rare occasion.
I have one 12V power point already installed in the tail with a switch. That will power my cell phone that has my GPS on it. I'm using my Chatterbox with it. Have you tried both the Sena and Chatterbox? If you have which did you like better?
The extra R/R is on the checklist. I tried it out yesterday and it worked. So in the bag it goes. I think I signed up for TSB once to view a link from here. Just never go on it. Saige mentioned you a few times. I am signed up to watch your blogs on youtube and occasionally pop in to your site.
These are really great tips. Thanks guys and keep them coming. If you have any suggestions on gel grips I could use a set of those. With a heater is preferred.
08-15-2011, 05:00 PM
#20
Member
Squid
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: El Segundo, CA
Posts: 69
Both clear and tinted visors for your helmet. Air pressure gauge. Check/grease wheel bearings. Lube chain. Spare masterlink for chain (clip type). A roll of duct tape and some safety wire or zipties.
Everyone else has pretty much covered it. Have a great time! You'll enjoy it, take lots of pictures and tell us how it's going along the way!
Everyone else has pretty much covered it. Have a great time! You'll enjoy it, take lots of pictures and tell us how it's going along the way!
08-15-2011, 06:20 PM
#21
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii USA
Posts: 427
tomzxt, I have not tried the Chatterbox communicator. I do have the Sena (newest version with the mini USB connector), and I am very happy with it. It prioritizes its functions in a very logical manner (mobil phone calls have priority over MP3 player, etc.), the noise cancelling is very good, and the volume can be adjusted to adequate levels even when you're wearing foam ear plugs.
08-15-2011, 06:48 PM
#22
Senior Member
MotoGP
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: NYC
Posts: 5,033
You want a BIG tank bag filled with jeans & stuff to lean forward on, if you dont have a vista cruise you'll need it to relax your hand. Carry a small spay bottle and microfiber in a ziplock to clean the visor. RainX the visor. Tire plugs. Good luggage or a givi setup. What are you running for luggage?
08-15-2011, 07:43 PM
#24
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Belgium, WI
Posts: 1,611
Well, here is my list of things that I do:
mesh shorts
textile riding pants (I run solid not mesh)
This combo allows for gliding. I do not wear underwear unless it is a mesh/poly.
Tint and clear visors, heavily waxed (same as rainex) AND sunglasses, I double on the tint when headed west
Full jacket, no mesh- the importance of body strain cannot be undervalued.
Ear plugs-a must, and they make the speakers EASIER to hear.
Camelback in the tankbag, heavily insulated with clothes to lean on. Start with a lot of ice and top off with fresh water/gatorade as your days go on
Cruise control, is a must
Seat- I am preferential to the stock seat (had a corbin briefly, did not like). I have done 2700 miles in 5 days and not suffered
Lube for chain, lube everyday (i was doing 600-900 miles/day)
Wax your headlight generously, bug removal easier
As for fuel stops... They need to be as short as possible. All stops do. What will occur if you dont is sweat, and sweat will kill your ride. You have to keep moving. I was doing 7 minutes a stop for fuel (from 80mph back to 80mph) on my 900mile day, and it was awesome. Two stops for food and gas that took 15minutes.
Good luck, and dont waste too much time sending updates, just tell us when its done.
mesh shorts
textile riding pants (I run solid not mesh)
This combo allows for gliding. I do not wear underwear unless it is a mesh/poly.
Tint and clear visors, heavily waxed (same as rainex) AND sunglasses, I double on the tint when headed west
Full jacket, no mesh- the importance of body strain cannot be undervalued.
Ear plugs-a must, and they make the speakers EASIER to hear.
Camelback in the tankbag, heavily insulated with clothes to lean on. Start with a lot of ice and top off with fresh water/gatorade as your days go on
Cruise control, is a must
Seat- I am preferential to the stock seat (had a corbin briefly, did not like). I have done 2700 miles in 5 days and not suffered
Lube for chain, lube everyday (i was doing 600-900 miles/day)
Wax your headlight generously, bug removal easier
As for fuel stops... They need to be as short as possible. All stops do. What will occur if you dont is sweat, and sweat will kill your ride. You have to keep moving. I was doing 7 minutes a stop for fuel (from 80mph back to 80mph) on my 900mile day, and it was awesome. Two stops for food and gas that took 15minutes.
Good luck, and dont waste too much time sending updates, just tell us when its done.
08-15-2011, 07:46 PM
#25
Senior Member
SuperBike
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Belgium, WI
Posts: 1,611
And, this will seem weird, but this is the best underwear that I have had for situations that require breathing/anti sweat. Sorry if this seems weird:
Jockey go mesh boxer brief - 2 pack 8416 at Jockey.com Men's GO Stretch
Jockey go mesh boxer brief - 2 pack 8416 at Jockey.com Men's GO Stretch
08-16-2011, 08:37 AM
#27
Senior Member
Superstock
Superstock
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 293
All good ideas. I will be doing my annual trip into Oregon and Norcal in a few weeks on the Hawk and this gets my juices flowing.
A few thoughts...
Take a 600-800mg dose of Ibuprofen each morning BEFORE you ride. The idea is to prophylactically dose yourself to prevent inflammation, and therefore pain associated with the riding position. You'll be far less sore than if you are waiting to take it UNTIL you hurt.
As far as grips, heated are fine but they waste and therefore consume a lot of power heating the bars, and therefore the forklegs etc, instead of putting that heat into your hand. Heated gloves are far more efficient, and paired with a good heated vest or jacket liner, can take a lot of the sting out of high elevation and night riding when the temps dip. It's tempting to thing that you'll be too hot the entire way, but I always plan for being too cold, knowing that I can turn the jacket and gloves off or shed layers. Good gear of great quality and pretty reasonable price can be had at Gerbing.com, though there are others as well.
Have fun, enjoy the ride!
-R
A few thoughts...
Take a 600-800mg dose of Ibuprofen each morning BEFORE you ride. The idea is to prophylactically dose yourself to prevent inflammation, and therefore pain associated with the riding position. You'll be far less sore than if you are waiting to take it UNTIL you hurt.
As far as grips, heated are fine but they waste and therefore consume a lot of power heating the bars, and therefore the forklegs etc, instead of putting that heat into your hand. Heated gloves are far more efficient, and paired with a good heated vest or jacket liner, can take a lot of the sting out of high elevation and night riding when the temps dip. It's tempting to thing that you'll be too hot the entire way, but I always plan for being too cold, knowing that I can turn the jacket and gloves off or shed layers. Good gear of great quality and pretty reasonable price can be had at Gerbing.com, though there are others as well.
Have fun, enjoy the ride!
-R
08-16-2011, 09:23 AM
#29
Senior Member
Superstock
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 320
Definitely a tank bag to lean on. I could almost fall asleep leaning on mine it's so comfortable. And it gets you out of the wind and takes the pressure off your wrists.
I also used an airhawk seat cushion. They work great with a stock seat.
I like to bring a small thing of WD40. And my bike will burn a little oil, so don't forget to check the level every once in a while. I had to put car oil in it at a gas station once during a long trip.
Bring a little windex for the visor and front of the bike (bugs).
Make sure you have extra fuses, including the main fuse.
If you have an extra R/R, bring it.
I also used an airhawk seat cushion. They work great with a stock seat.
I like to bring a small thing of WD40. And my bike will burn a little oil, so don't forget to check the level every once in a while. I had to put car oil in it at a gas station once during a long trip.
Bring a little windex for the visor and front of the bike (bugs).
Make sure you have extra fuses, including the main fuse.
If you have an extra R/R, bring it.
08-16-2011, 05:06 PM
#30
SportTouring
Superstock
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 274
Ride Safe. Just about everything covered by previous posting members. Bike,
electronics, fluids etc. Just thought I might suggest bringing along some maps
highlighted with proposed routes with a good compass. Never know what might
happen. GPS/Phone/ anything power oriented has to have power to work. A
small good flashlight/matches along with a map and compass may be a thought.
Be Prepared, just hope "Murphy" doesn't visit you as much as he does me.
Ride Well, Have Fun and keep in touch with the Forum.
electronics, fluids etc. Just thought I might suggest bringing along some maps
highlighted with proposed routes with a good compass. Never know what might
happen. GPS/Phone/ anything power oriented has to have power to work. A
small good flashlight/matches along with a map and compass may be a thought.
Be Prepared, just hope "Murphy" doesn't visit you as much as he does me.
Ride Well, Have Fun and keep in touch with the Forum.
