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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: Twism86 on July 28, 2010, 05:55:44 AM

Title: Trip Preparation
Post by: Twism86 on July 28, 2010, 05:55:44 AM
Hey,

This weekend im going up to Burlington, VT (from Albany, NY). Its not a long trip, maybe ~3hrs, but its the longest ride ill be going on since getting my bike a month ago. What should be done and what should i check before the ride? My chain tension was adjusted, oil changed and new brakes pads put all 100 miles ago. I just want to give the bike a good once over before i go. Not much in the way of getting your bike fixed between here and there....... Thanks!

Tom
Title: Re: Trip Preparation
Post by: Syzygy on July 28, 2010, 07:09:44 AM
Tires
Controls
Lights
Oil and other fluids
Chassis
Sidestand

will do the trick!

Title: Re: Trip Preparation
Post by: jdbutler13 on July 28, 2010, 07:32:30 PM
The first long trip is always fun; enjoy and just one thing to add if you're a new biker bring some chain wax or at least some lubrication for the chain.
Safe riding.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation
Post by: Paulcet on July 28, 2010, 07:48:08 PM
3hrs?  I'd lube the chain before leaving, then leave it at home. Unless it is going to rain heavily.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation
Post by: Deros514 on July 28, 2010, 07:48:55 PM
Have you given some thought to a simple first aid kit? It's one of those things you'll probably never use but wouldn't want to be without if you do happen to need it...especially on a long trip.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation
Post by: Homer on July 28, 2010, 11:06:01 PM
.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation
Post by: A Non eMouse on July 29, 2010, 03:18:03 AM
Throw a few zip-ties in your tool kit, they're always handy.  If your side-stand spring breaks, you'll be ecstatic to have them.
Title: Re: Trip Preparation
Post by: Twism86 on July 29, 2010, 07:15:08 AM
Thanks. I cleaned and lubed the chain yesterday (not going to ride until the trip). I have to loosen it a bit at its on the tight side. Tires are full of air, 35/38 psi respectively. I made sure most bolts were nice and tight. All lights and controls work. Im going to clean it up today, so its nice and clean for all the bugs  :laugh:.  Ill pick up the items mentioned and blow out my air filter also.

Tom
Title: Re: Trip Preparation
Post by: Worm on July 29, 2010, 10:07:21 AM
Quote from: Syzygy on July 28, 2010, 07:09:44 AM
Tires
Controls
Lights
Oil and other fluids
Chassis
Sidestand

will do the trick!



Syzygy,

You must have taken the same safety course I did. T-CLOCS pretty much sums up everything that you should check before every ride according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.