4000 mile trip.... leaving soon

[camiroj]

Hey guys,

I am doing a 4000 mile trip starting next Thursday. I recently changed the oil, plugs, plug wires, wires, front and rear brake, front and rear bearings, and the exhausts actuator.

Looking for tips on:

1.What spare parts to take.

2. any idea for bags..... dont know if any of you have done something home made. I have a duffel bag with a piece of wood at the bottom that i was thinking about bunging to the back seat some how. Also my neighbors have some standard harley bags they said i could use (for soft tail or sportster), any one use something like this or do the hit the wheel?

3. any one that do long trip.... how many miles did you get out of a full tank (mostly highway)

5. Any other tips or warnings.

Thanks for the help.

 

[iman501]

Id have a spare belt on hand for sure if your traveling long distances

a tire plug kit as well.

 

[Alien]

Tire plug kit/pump is a must. Check your idler pulley bearings. Earplugs if you're doing interstate. I cary a pistol when I travel. That or pepper spray or other defensive object. A lone motorcyclist w out of state plates could be a tempting target for a couple thugs. Stash some emergency cash somewhere safe. Bring a spare key, fuses. I also carry an MSR fuel bottle with gasoline just in case. Your Buell toolkit & a leatherman. Oh, and condoms if you're single because Buells drop panties!!! Lol. Have a safe trip.

 

[rigger4343]

I have noticed that when my girlfriend rides on my Buell, her panties do seem to fall off a lot.

 

[stamen]

[up] lol ^^^

 

[djohnk]

I always take a couple extra front muffler clamps ... I have had them break on a trip, and those marine duty clamps aren't readily available on the road.

 

[raz65man]

Alien hit the nail on the head on the minimum basics.
1) Spare parts/tools-- Drive belt, tire plug/inflation tools, Buell tool kit & Leatherman (multi-tool) and a MSR gas bottle. I carry a lot more but I'm anal about having what I need.
2) Bags-- I'm assuming soft bags on a Firebolt, there are a ton of options out there but Cortech makes set that I really like. Most any soft luggage you choose is not going to be waterproof so you will need something to keep your gear dry. I use (dry bags)--used for hiking and kayaking, they come in a multitude of sizes and are relatively cheap. Ziploc bags work also. Check out my photos, I have a few pics of my setup.
3) Mileage depends on your right wrist strength. I have a Ss (4.4 gal tank) and if I can keep the revs below 3K I can squeak out 55-60 mpg. (160-180 miles when the light comes on)
<2.5K on one trip rewarded me with 63mpg
5) There was no 4-- Base layer clothing and hydration. IMO these are the most important because if you don't take care of your body it will be a miserable trip. I'll talk these separately.
Clothing-- Synthetic socks and underwear are a must. Cotton holds sweat/moisture against your skin and increases the odds of irritation. Some sort of compression shorts/shirt or Under Armor as a base layer will increase circulation and relieve fatigue.
Hydration-- Water, water, water-- your body and brain need water to function properly. Your reaction times can be cut in half when you are dehydrated. Stay away from caffeine and sugary drinks. Don't be afraid to stop often to hydrate and stretch.
Long winded I know but this is one area I have really done my research on. Feel free to PM or call me if you have any specific questions. Info is in my profile.
Raz

 

[iman501]

I have noticed that when my girlfriend rides on my Buell, her panties do seem to fall off a lot

So I started dating a new girl a few weeks ago, and I took her on her first ride the other day with the buell,.....needless to say she didn't love it,......

This may be a deal breaker.......

 

[gtp3800]

Im also going on a long trip like this soon, if your riding with friends or family, I suggest a ventura luggage rack, bluetooth helmet for music, phone calls, talking with your fellow riders. hydration pack, highrise bars, snake skin grips for the frame, it gets hot as hell a couple hundred miles in. double bubble windscreen, and a gopro so we can all see some good footage!!

any service advice before I go? did you take your bike to a shop? or were you able to do all that stuff at home?

 

[BuellyBagger]

Hey this is actually a pretty informative thread now im going to sound like a dumba$$, whats a MSR gas bottle?? oh and what do u guys suggest for emergency tire inflation, good ol' fix-a-flat?

 

[Alien]

An MSR bottle is used for small camp stoves but I use it to haul a little extra fuel.

I have a standard tire plug kit & a small 12v pump. Ut all fits under the seat along w a tire gauge & owners manual.

 

[raz65man]

This is what I carry.

Fuel bottle and CO2 cartridges
Be forewarned, I have heard the CO2 cartridges will damage the schrader valve in the valve stem, so I also carry a couple of spares and the tool to remove/install them.
Raz