Preparing for Long distance touring

[ambrose78]

A mate and I were discussing the possibility of doing some long trips on our bikes last night over a cold beer or two. Perhaps across the Nullarbor over to Perth and back. It won't be for at least a few months yet but it got me thinking about preparing the old girl for the trip and what spares to carry.  

Basically would love a trouble free trip. But being a believer of murphy's laws I also want to be reasonably well prepared to fix anything that may reasonably put a stop to the trip. It can be a bloody long walk to the nearest town with Buckleys chance of finding German spare parts.  Below are the things I could think of.

Bike Preparations
*replace all pesky old diodes (already done)
*convert bike to use standard relays (already done)
*rebuild carbs (to do)
*change fluids
*tune up.
*ensure coil is not the notorious crack-o-matic. replace if it is
*check Tyres and Brakes for suitability
*clean all electrical connections

Spares
*Hall effect sensor
*Spark Plugs
*Fuel filter
*Diodes
*Headlight globe

Tools
*Hammer
*12V Soldering iron, solder
*Spare electrical wire
*Multimeter
*Plug spanner
*Pliers
*multi grips
*Allen key set
*2 adjustable spanners
*screwdrivers
*Puncture repair kit.
*Pump

Essential kit
*Water
*Sunscreen
*Kangaroo repellant
*First aid kit
*Oil
*lead replacement additive
*20l jerry can for fuel

What would you carry?

Are there any specific part that would put a stop to trip that could reasonably be avoided by carrying a spare.

Cheers
PK

[nhmaf]

Hmm, I'm not sure what I'd need to have a hammer for..

I always carry at least 1 spare tube.  Too frequently I've discovered that I've left an old patch kit under the set too long and the glue is, no longer glue.  Sometimes it is just easier to deal with replacing a tube at night than trying to patch a leak, too.

I always carry a bit of duct tape or electrical tape, and usually a bit of spare fuel hose.  Some people go crazy with carrying spare alternator rotors, etc. but I don't think that is worth the weight 99% of the time.
I would consider bringing along a spare "bean can"/ignition trigger unit and ignition control unit (ICU), and either your soldering iron with spare diodes or just a spare diode board.   If you've got one of those SMALL(palm-sized) battery chargers/tenders it might be worth to tuck that along in case you need it.   Definitely make sure that you have high confidence in your battery before setting out, and be sure to pack some spare fuses !

[steve hawkins]

The R65 is essentially a reliable bike.  I would be sure that you have done as much preparation on your bike at the beginning of the season and then ride with minimum spares.

Keep an eye on how it is running and don't set out with any nagging doubts.  Then you can enjoy yourself without carrying 30lbs of spares.  All of which you will not need.

Spend the winter season (if you have one) preparing your bike for the coming season - don't just let it gather dust in the garage and expect it to be just fine when the sun comes out next.  If you at a mileage where a bit of preventative maintenance is in order then get it done and do not wait for the 'expected failure' especially if you bike has a lot of miles under its belt.

Don't set out on a bike with a questionable charging system, frayed cables, dodgy tyres and running rough.  You are asking for trouble.

Keep spares to a good tool kit, bulbs, fuses, wire, duct tape etc.  If you carry a spare tube, ensure you have the tools to change it and a pump to inflate it.  Use the underseat storage.  When it is full, your done.

Unless of course your trip is going to be longer that your service interval, both in mileage and time.  Overland trips of multiple weeks and multiple 1000s of miles are another kettle of fish entirely.

Be prepared for local conditions, I am in blighty and have never ridden in the Austalian Outback so what do I know about riding there?

Best thing of all - get to know your bike - ride it often, and let it speak to you.

At least then you will have room to bring us home some presents.

Cheers

[aussie]

 Use the underseat storage.  When it is full, your done.

Surely you jest Sir. That's why BMW invented the pannier isn't it?  

[aussie]

A mate and I were discussing the possibility of doing some long trips on our bikes last night over a cold beer or two. Perhaps across the Nullarbor over to Perth and back. It won't be for at least a few months yet but it got me thinking about preparing the old girl for the trip and what spares to carry.  

Basically would love a trouble free trip. But being a believer of murphy's laws I also want to be reasonably well prepared to fix anything that may reasonably put a stop to the trip. It can be a bloody long walk to the nearest town with Buckleys chance of finding German spare parts.  Below are the things I could think of.

Bike Preparations
*replace all pesky old diodes (already done)
*convert bike to use standard relays (already done)
*rebuild carbs (to do)
*change fluids
*tune up.
*ensure coil is not the notorious crack-o-matic. replace if it is
*check Tyres and Brakes for suitability
*clean all electrical connections

Spares
*Hall effect sensor
*Spark Plugs
*Fuel filter
*Diodes
*Headlight globe

Tools
*Hammer
*12V Soldering iron, solder
*Spare electrical wire
*Multimeter
*Plug spanner
*Pliers
*multi grips
*Allen key set
*2 adjustable spanners
*screwdrivers
*Puncture repair kit.
*Pump

Essential kit
*Water
*Sunscreen
*Kangaroo repellant
*First aid kit
*Oil
*lead replacement additive
*20l jerry can for fuel

What would you carry?

Are there any specific part that would put a stop to trip that could reasonably be avoided by carrying a spare.

Cheers
PK

I think after all that - it is more the case that you have the truck - will it carry the bike as well?

Seriously - if you go - just be careful of the road trains - speed limited at 100kms? I don't think so....

[Darwin_R65]

In 1996 I left Katherine on my Tenere and went down the centre and up the east coast to Cairns then across the Gulf highway avoiding bitumen where I could.

I had a swag on the back, with a mozzie dome wrapped inside it.
I had the basic motorbike toolkit and a Leatherman. On the front mudguard I bought a tyre repair kit and strapped it on. It held a spare tube, tyre irons, puncture repair, 3 CO2 canisters designed to screw onto your valve for instant inflation. A can of Zoosh (is that stuff still around?). And a 10 litre Jerry strapped on the back. Never needed it until one time about a kilometre out of Borroloola I ran the tank dry.

The only real problem I had was when a cow ran in front of me and I applied the front brakes a little too hard and went down. Broke the front mudguard, it was made of ABS plastic, so in Rockhampton I bought a soldering iron, 2 sticks of plastic welding rods, and a gas torch that took a cigarette lighter, and performed roadside plastic welding. I also bought a tank bag that had a clear map holder on it.

A fantastic trip around Eastern half of Australia. I haven't done the West yet on Bike, but you will enjoy it.

And yes give way to road trains.

to give you an idea of the size of road trains in the Australian outback take a look at these links.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6MuT9JtzPk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkh2AVh30e4&NR=1

p.s. don't expect full Nextg network coverage.

John

[Darwin_R65]

And WATER, carry water.

Don't go into the Australian outback without water.

I know you mentioned it earlier but it is very essential
I think I carried 3 litres with me.

John

[fastcataz]

I always carry a handful of zip ties...

[steve hawkins]

When I mentioned under seat storage, I meant just for tools and spares - Panniers are for your luggage.  

Water and fuel - apparently important in the desert.

I would also suggest that this type of trip would be far safer and more enjoyable for everyone if you went with a trusted mate.  Two people to share the experience, share the load, and the company is always appraciated.  And I do not mean a semi naked chick riding pillion.

But, hey, what do I know?

Just being sensible I guess.

[fastcataz]

What's wrong with semi-naked chicks?

[Ed Miller]

The road rash scars make me wince.

[steve hawkins]

Nothing wrong with a semi naked chick as long as she can cook, keep you warm, help out with the chores and not spend all day bleating in your ear.......Oooer!

[Bob_Roller]

I would have a look at the control cables, for condition, after 5 years of use, I clean and lube the cables on my bike,  after 25,000 miles of usage, I replace them regardless how they feel.

Check the security of all threaded fasteners that you can access on the bike.

Any point on the bike that may require lubrication, I would renew the lubricant.

Check the condition and security of the center-stand, and side stand fasteners, these are overlooked a lot, until a bolt falls out on the road !!

When you were replacing the charging system diodes, did you check the condition of the brushes on the alternator rotor ?

This may be getting a bit too much, but if the starter has never been looked at, I can guarantee, that it needs a good cleaning, and lubrication, as well as checking the brush lengths.

What is the age/condition of the battery?

[ambrose78]

Thanks for all the input.

What is the age/condition of the battery?

2 months old - first thing I replaced before learning about the dud gen bulb. That was the second thing I replaced after purchasing the bike.

This may be getting a bit too much, but if the starter has never been looked at, I can guarantee, that it needs a good cleaning, and lubrication, as well as checking the brush lengths.

Good point. I look into that soon.

Check the condition and security of the center-stand, and side stand fasteners,

Side stand? Mine only seems to have a centre stand.

I would also suggest that this type of trip would be far safer and more enjoyable for everyone if you went with a trusted mate.
 

absolutely

I always carry a handful of zip ties..

added to the list.

On the front mudguard I bought a tyre repair kit and strapped it on. It held a spare tube, tyre irons, puncture repair, 3 CO2 canisters designed to screw onto your valve for instant inflation.  

Thats a great idea for where to put the tyre kit. Saves having to unload the bike if it is a front tyre.

Spend the winter season (if you have one)  

I was kinda planning to cross the dessert in that season to avoid being boiled alive

And a 10 litre Jerry strapped on the back.

yeah 20l is probably overkill.

[Semper Gumby]

I did all the maintenance so that when on the road all I "had" to do was change the oil (and not the filter) at 4500 miles.

9000 mile service including spline lube/throwout bearing service.  I run an electronic Omega ignition on my 1980 so I didn't have to worry about points.  The tires were new and the wheel bearings were cleaned and greased with new dust seals.  If you haven't done it I would also pull apart the front calipers and clean the gunk out of the brakes.  Be a shame to drag a brake pad for a couple of thousand miles.

I carry a three gallon boat fuel tank which is plumbed into the fuel system.  When I go on reserve I reach down and turn on the Briggs and Stratton fuel valve and then reach back for the squeeze bulb.  The fuel then siphons into the main tank.  I run 2 Givi E41 panniers and an E52 top case for storage.  Usually I get about 43 mpg if I can keep the throttle below 60 mph.  If I push it up into the 70-75 mph range I get about 38-36 mpg.

The last big trip I did I put 7500 miles over three weeks in September of 2006 at altitudes from sea level up to 11,212 elevation.  I also have a Russel Daylong saddle to make a 1200 mile day a bit more comfortable.  

TTFN,