Am I forgetting anything??

[Dangerous Dave]

Getting ready to load up the wife and the luggage and hit the road pretty soon, so doing pre-trip maintenance now. Just want to see if the seasoned veterans have anything I've forgotten.

Changed engine oil (Rotella T synth and a fresh drain plug gasket), final drive oil (Mobil 1 synth gear oil aaaaaaand a fresh drain plug gasket), I just changed coolant about a month ago during valve clearance check so it's new and level is correct, new sparkling plugs at the same time, Diablo Stradas (E spec rear) are fairly new...pressures set at 36 F & 42 R, removed driveshaft and flex coupling and lubed splines on both sides with Honda Moly paste grease, brake pads are good, brake and clutch fluids are good (changed last year with Synpower synth), TBS done about 8k miles ago. I think she's ready to rock and roll. '04 non-ABS with 24k miles on the bike currently.

Have I forgotten anything important??

[Flame retardant suit on] :evilgrin:

Tanks,

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Getting ready to load up the wife and the luggage and hit the road pretty soon, so doing pre-trip maintenance now. Just want to see if the seasoned veterans have anything I've forgotten.
Changed engine oil (Rotella T synth and a fresh drain plug gasket), final drive oil (Mobil 1 synth gear oil aaaaaaand a fresh drain plug gasket), I just changed coolant about a month ago during valve clearance check so it's new and level is correct, new sparkling plugs at the same time, Diablo Stradas (E spec rear) are fairly new...pressures set at 36 F & 42 R, removed driveshaft and flex coupling and lubed splines on both sides with Honda Moly paste grease, brake pads are good, brake and clutch fluids are good (changed last year with Synpower synth), TBS done about 8k miles ago. I think she's ready to rock and roll. '04 non-ABS with 24k miles on the bike currently.

Have I forgotten anything important??

[Flame retardant suit on] :evilgrin:

Tanks,

I think you neeed a more recent TBS.

you didn't mention snack foods or hydration systems.

 

[Ari Rankum]

Have I forgotten anything important??

Electrical tape! Never take an LD ride without it.

 

[Dangerous Dave]

Have I forgotten anything important??

Electrical tape! Never take an LD ride without it.

Got it in two flavors...electrical and duct. Epoxy too. And a very well equipped toolkit under the seat. It's already gonna tip the scales at half a ton loaded...what's a couple extra sockets and wrenches??

 

[Dangerous Dave]

I think you neeed a more recent TBS.

Not sure I'll have time before leaving, but might try to squeeze one in.

you didn't mention snack foods or hydration systems.

Beef Jerky and Camelback. Don't leave home without 'em!

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I think you neeed a more recent TBS.

Not sure I'll have time before leaving, but might try to squeeze one in.

Not a must, but I know I always notice a slight improvement from a TBS even when things are just slightly off after 4k miles.

Beef jerky and camel back is in my kit too...along with tigers milk bars. The Peanut butter ones are just good.

 

[ELP_JC]

More than the TBS, I'd do a clutch and brake bleed if it's been more than a year. At least do the clutch, since Yamaha slaves are not the best, so clean fluid is a must to extend their life. It literally takes 5 minutes to do on the FJR. I do my bikes (clutch/brakes) once a year, and cars every 2 years max. It's a piece of cake on the FJR; I just did my '07 (411 miles) and clutch fluid was pretty dark already. Brakes didn't look too fresh either (rear was better). Took me 1/2 hour and $4.

Finally, I'd replace both light bulbs (H4, I think) and brake/tail lights if you haven't done so already. I did it as a precaution every 12K miles on my BMW (every 2 years) and plan to do it at the same intervals on the FJR; cheap insurance IMO. I'm going to take off to northern NM and southern CO next week; crossing my fingers the stupid altitude surge doesn't ruin my trip. Good luck with yours.

JC

 

[dcarver]

Dang it all...just ride.. you will be fine!

 

[bikerskier]

Dang... I was just going to fill up my fuel tank and wipe off the windshield for my upcoming trip thru BC in a week.

 

[C&C]

I think I would up the front tire pressure to 40 psi (at least). A lot of guys are running 42/42, even if riding one up.

 

[weekend rider]

This is a must, extra keys, spare fuses flash light, and most of all tha FJR DIRECTORY, Medical identicafication, proof of insurance lots of money and a credit card with nothing on it.

have a good trip and return safely...and always keep a between you and your wife....

 

[Dangerous Dave]

While I appreciate all the suggestions on what to pack, I was really looking for suggestions on any maintenance type items I might be forgetting about for the bike. Anybody got anything else??

 

[weekend rider]

D D : you have done what is needed. Your bike is ready to go I would not worry to much. Stuff happens on the road and

that is where the things that mentioned are a must. You can not predict a flat tire, lost key , a break down and need a

tow.hole on your radiator or run over an alligator on the road. The things that the members mentioned are from "EXPERIENCE". So at least take a second look and see if you have some of the stuff mentioned.

And have one beautiful safe trip weekend rider

 

[FuzzyRider]

Have you changed the air filter recently?

 

[Geezer]

Dang it all...just ride.. you will be fine!

+1 These bikes are very reliable.

 

[rayban]

I don't know if you're been into the rear suspension at all or not, but some have reported some pretty noticeable mystery buildup on the main bolt that holds the rear shock in place. I doubt it would be a trip-impacting issue, but if you have time and inclination to tear into the rear suspension in the near future, I'd do so. I'm holding off a bit more as I'm ordering a Penske shock and will address it then.

 

[vectervp1]

Put some miles on the bike between doing all this work and hitting the road. You don't want to find out you didn't tighten up something when your a few hundred miles from home. Taking a shake down ride is now something I try and do after having a little caliper bolt mishap on my way to the inaugural SPANK rally a few years ago.

 

[racer157]

With 24k on the bike I would lube the suspension and change front fork oil if it hasen't been done in the last 5000 miles. The steering head bearings should be checked and if they haven't been changed yet I would. How old is the battery? If it is over 3 years old I would load test it at least. Have you had the brakes serviced? Take a picture of the bike with the license plate visable and write the frame number on the back and keep it in your wallet. Have a great trip !

 

[RonBB]

I think I would up the front tire pressure to 40 psi (at least).

Put some miles on the bike between doing all this work and hitting the road. You don't want to find out you didn't tighten up something when your a few hundred miles from home.

Both are good ideas. Ride safe & have fun. Ron