First "long" ride.

[BuckyF]

I purchased an '07 in January with 10k miles and I have put 3500 miles on her just putting around s.Ga. A couple of friends and I are planning a trip from Georgia to Louisiana in a couple of weeks, and I know I need to take some necessities, like tire repair kit, etc., but without taking too many other items, would someone give me some pointers on other basic items I should take?

I just had all of the recalls or service bulletins taken care of which included a new engine control module. Sweet! I had new plugs installed and my throttle bodies sync'd at the same time and I plan on changing anti-freeze. Synthetic oil has only the 3500 miles on it. What about brake/clutch fluid? I have read several posts about changing it regularly. Suggestions?

Thanks in advance for comments. This forum was a real aid in my decision to buy an FJR. Did not want to have buyers remorse at 60......and don't!

 

[Bustanut joker]

Well Bucky as you've probably seen by now, some here a a little anal when it comes to maintenance.. Literally laying them on there sides or upside down to drain the last drops of fluids, Spazing out over anti freeze and oils :dribble:

Yeah being it's an 07 and you most likely don't have records of maintenance form the PO I would think it a good idea to flush the old stuff.

Stand back now as you are going to get fifty thousand responses as to what brand/type of spew you must use.. and why you must rid your bike of the old lines.

 

[bramfrank]

Lube the swingarm bearings, change the fork oil, flush the hydraulics and coolant. Time to grease the steering stem bearings and adjust that as well. It's time for all of that and more. And I don;t need to mention changing the crankcase and rear drive oil and the oil filter . . It's also time for new spark plugs.

Optional: Lube the throttle cables and do a TBS.

 

[UHOH]

in the same vein as above: wouldn't sweat the maintenance things in advance of the trip, save it for the winter.

Philosophy: don't start wrenching on a working bike just in advance of a long ride.

exceptions, imo, are the basic mileage oriented things, lubrication at whatever interval you're using, but mostly check the tire tread depth.

Lot of threads here on tire wear, but know new owners who were surprised at how fast the last bit of rear tread disappeared.

what to bring. Money - and between the three bikes: tire pressure gauge.

Sticky string plug kit and compressor are comforting, but that and all the what if stuff isn't necessary

in your case, 'cuz if you need it you have a spare bike or two to ride into town and buy it.

enjoy. take camera. post up ride report. freedom.

 

[Bounce]

Unless you plan on riding at higher elevations, simply make sure all your fluids (including brakes and clutch) are topped off. Otherwise wait until you get back and flush then all since it needs to be done every other year (hydraulic fluid attracts moisture which can hurt your brake/clutch parts).

 

[RED]

An 07 with 13k miles is practically a new machine. I would be more concerned with conditioning yourself before the trip than the bike. Visit the ironbutt website. There, you will find ALOT of great advice from veteran long distance riders on proper human conditioning for long distance jaunts.

Have a great trip!

 

[Geezer]

From Georgia to Louisiana? I thought we were talking about a long ride. (Just kidding)

Anyway, just change the oil if it's due and make sure your tires have enough rubber left on them. You won't have any trouble with the bike.

Add a tire repair kit to your tool kit, as you said, and take a roll of duct tape and an assortment of zip ties, just in case.

 

[Bigbeavk]

Since it's new to you check the suspension settings as well. There's a link listed below in my sig line for some good starting points.

Enjoy

 

[ctfjr]

From Georgia to Louisiana? I thought we were talking about a long ride. (Just kidding)

Sounds like a day trip

I wouldn't take a damn thing except your clothes, a credit card, camera and cell phone - you are not exactly going to Argentina

 

[BuckyF]

in the same vein as above: wouldn't sweat the maintenance things in advance of the trip, save it for the winter.

Philosophy: don't start wrenching on a working bike just in advance of a long ride.

exceptions, imo, are the basic mileage oriented things, lubrication at whatever interval you're using, but mostly check the tire tread depth.

Lot of threads here on tire wear, but know new owners who were surprised at how fast the last bit of rear tread disappeared.

what to bring. Money - and between the three bikes: tire pressure gauge.

Sticky string plug kit and compressor are comforting, but that and all the what if stuff isn't necessary

in your case, 'cuz if you need it you have a spare bike or two to ride into town and buy it.

enjoy. take camera. post up ride report. freedom.

Thanx for the reassuring thoughts on performing only basic fluid checks. I just had some recalls completed, plugs changed and throttle bodies sycn'd while the gas tank was off. I am putting risers on the handle bars and topping all fluids which should be fine for the next 1500 miles or so. I will probably change fork fluids, clutch/brake fluid and grease necessary bearings this winter, fall is my fav time to ride. Riding in the upper 90's is not my idea of a fun ride.

 

[Burnspot]

A decent kit for tire problems would include the small "Slime" pump (comes in a little case that fits in the tool tray under the seat perfectly), some sticky strings, pair of pliers, knife, and perhaps a tire plug kit (Stop n Go)...most of this you can find at your local Walmart and all of it can be stored under the seat. Just be sure to test out the pump and make sure you have a means to power it before taking off on a trip (I use a battery tender harness tied to the battery).

I also carry a small tool bag in the side bag. This tool collection includes the basics to remove the tupperware, zip ties of various sizes, fuses, bulbs, a towel, and electrical tape. Overkill perhaps, but I've used it all at one time or another while out on the road and it really doesn't take up much space.