Hello All,

I am planning my first long trip on my 2004, GS500F.  I am taking a four day trip, 1300mi round trip with local riding once I am at my destination.

My bike is in pretty good condition, I have ridden it about 700 mi since I got it, performed chain cleaning, oil change, repaired tripodometer screw and performed fenderectomy. I have some new side fairings coming to repair a crack in one.

Even though it is in pretty good mechanical condition, what should I do/check prior to leaving on my trip to have the best possible chances of no mechanical problems?  While it runs fine I dont think the POs did much maintenance.

I have a Haynes manual and am willing to give anything a shot assuming I have the right tools/parts.

My Ideas:
1. New Battery (no probs with current one, just thinking out loud)
2. Clean Chain prior to leaving, clean chain at 600mi.

Check your oil level for sure. 
If there are over 5-10k miles on the bike, then a valve check would be good. 
Check your exhaust header bolts for tightness.
Clean a lube chain and check the tension.

Get ready to treat your ass for and back for soreness.

Quote from: stokes776 on July 27, 2012, 10:33:44 AM
1. New Battery (no probs with current one, just thinking out loud)
2. Clean Chain prior to leaving, clean chain at 600mi.

Why replace a battery you don't have trouble with? Long trips are not where they have issues, generally, anyway. Going 2 miles stopping, sitting the cold winter, being neglected for weeks - that's when batteries die... Just check the water (electrolyte, if you must be picky) level in it.

Chain - Cleaned, lube and adjust - as bombsquad 83 said.

Make sure your toolkit is secure and adequate (ziplock freezer bag can help with secure.) Add a few spare light bulbs and a spare master link if you use master-link chain. Make sure that your spare fuse is present and good.

Have and carry a spare key someplace you won't lose it. Don't have one? Get one made and check that it works in all three locks.

Valve clearance is a good idea.

Might as well spot-check the float height (not the hard way - just 6 inches of 1/8" clear fuel line, the drain screws, and 20 seconds or less per side to see if the level is right about the float-bowl gasket line, +/- 1mm when level on the centerstand.)

I like to drain the crud from the float bowls every chain lube (600-ish miles) anyway. Keeps it from building up to the point that it's a problem.

For terrible options, I like having a towing plan that covers bikes in hand.

Stop regularly to get off and de-kink.

Is rain a possibility? How is your rain gear? Got a thumb shield wiper?

Thanks for the advice guys! This is all great stuff.

If the bike is running well do not bother with the valves. Last thing you want is to start learning days before your trip.

Take a tire puncture repair kit. Take zipties. Water in case you are on the side of the road - you need to stay hydrated. Cell phone, check in each stop.

Understand it is Not a race. If you have not ridden manny long trips (300 mike days) you'll ned to stop every hour to tretch and stuff. In this case take some paracetamol to help with muscle relaxing.

More later...

Spare main fuse is also good a good, cheap, small way to prevent unecessary stress. I think the bike actually has a spot for a spare fuse, make sure that you have one in there.

Rather than replacing the battery, make sure you know how to bump start the bike on a hill or by pushing it. Like DoD#i said, there is no reason to replace a perfectly good battery. But, you want to know how to get it going if the battery does fail you for some reason (accidentaly leaving the parking lights on).

Be prepared to stop. Seriously. Know when your butt / back hurt, and actually bother to stop and stretch out. I'm terrible at this, and once you get sore it just gets worse. If you can, get a gel or sheepskin seat, ride with it for a weeks or so before just to make sure it  will help. IMO the stock seat is just terrible for touring. The more comfortable you are, the more you can focus on riding.

Just be a little more thorough than usual with the TCLOCKS list.

Did the iron butt on the GS500 last October. 1000 miles in 18 hours. What I learned:

When you start to drift or notice many miles pass without recollection, STOP.

You bucket will get numb. No 2 ways around it. Try changing seating positions including putting your feet on passenger foot pegs or frame sliders.

Wear earplugs or you won't hear anything but phones ringing for 4 days

Hydrate frequently. Take breaks often.

Sing songs to yourself to fight boredom. My favorite is " oh Christmas tree "

Tire pressure should be set correctly.

Bring a cell phone and have a basic towing plan.

Most of all, know your limits and have fun.

As has been stated.... ear plugs. Also a clip lock baggie to put your phone in to protect it from moisture.

I also suggest you read this entire thread http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=467557 of a guy who rode non-stop for 24 hours.

Ideally you should build up your riding stamina. Do 30 minute trips, then 45 minute stints, then 60 minute stints up to 90 minutes in the saddle in one go.

Wear flannelette type boxer shorts or padded bike pants to better seating comfort.

Feel free to alter seat position - forward, back, one side or the other, two/arch/heel on pegs, raised leg / lower leg, one handed riding, etc., if you start feeling constricted and achey.

Michael

Yep, breaks are key. Nothing like a good stretch and cold/hot drink after a few miles.

Ear plugs are awesome.

Comfy underpants are underrated.

Watch yer oil level, especially if doing a lot high speed cruising - maybe pack a spare quart oil.

like stated above...

padded bike shorts help out for long distance.

spare key located somewhere on your bike hidden for emergencies.

if concerned about hydration, there are camelback backpacks that you can use to hydrate once you are comfortable taking one hand off to bring tube to your mouth. or just keep mouthpiece in while you ride and bite down when needed.

if you have saddlebags, rear bags, or tank bags ( i have all 3 and will post pic later today if wanted ), make sure you have essentials like rain jacket, quart of oil, chain lube, small tool bag, energy bar in case, reflective vest for night or if you need to stop on the side of the road.

maybe purchase a 12 volt adapter for cell phone charging in route. there are a few on the market now. they come with a inline fuse to make sure they dont short out your electronic systems. most connect directly to the battery, though. so when you cut your bike off make sure to unplug the adapter or you may drain your battery while bike is off.  or just wire it to a positive lead that is only active when the ignition is connected ( i.e. a headlight or taillight lead. make sure to check wiring diagrams)

and as above stated when comfortable with doing so,stand up and stretch out your legs and pull your arms back every 10 or so miles when safe and relax your body. fatigue creeps up on you when traveling long distances. you will start to feel your grip tighten and stiffen. your back will arch and start to strain. you will start to feel exhausted, so relax. give yourself a reminder here or there.

and enjoy the ride. thats my 2 cents

Sean