I have a 2007 FLHX with 110,000 kms (70,000 miles) on the clock and I am planning a 6 week tour solo from Ottawa Ontario to Vancouver BC through Canada and a return through the USA. My bike has never had an issue, I have done all maintenance from fluid changes to brake pads to wheel removals to plugs to you name it. The bike is basic stock with a few extras for comfort and style.
I was considering a new bike for the ride but a friend suggested that since I know and trust this bike so much I should just prep it well and ride.
Any thoughts from anyone on the prep? Of course new fluids and tires and a stem to stern inspection will be a must but any insights or recommendations would be appreciated.
I am retired and am working on the bucket list!

 

It sounds like you have it covered.

The only suggestion I have is putting it on a jack and spinning the back wheel slowly while you inspect every inch of your drive belt. I have founds rocks lodged in mine.

 

I'd trust a bike I've put many miles on and know to a new unknown bike. Either way, anything can pop up. Worst come worst you can buy a new one on the road if it's something that can be fixed with a day or two lay over. Put new rubber on if needed and an oil change and hit the road. It is part of the adventure.

 

If you have recently done everything recommended for a 10,000 mile servicing, your bike should be ready to go. I have a 92 fxr with 123,000 miles on it that I've had since it was new. Until I recently bought a new 2014 FLD, the fxr was my one and only bike. In recent years (since retiring), I have taken several multi thousand mile rides on it each summer. I've just had a major servicing on it and if I had to so a cross country ride on it tomorrow, I would do it with confidence.

I hope you enjoy the ride and please let me know if you have any question about roads in California to ride.

 

Clutch cable ok? Oiled?

 

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and encouragement. I will post the trip at the end of my ride this summer. Right now I can't see over the snow banks!

 

one of my riding bud has 2001 Ultra Classic they have 158000 miles still going strong. This year they are planing trip from New Jersey to Ca on that bike. Good luck with your trip, I hope spring comes sooner then later. It is snowing like there is not tomorrow right now.

 

Just hit 800 miles on my '13 street bob... Looking forward to the day when I can say I hit 120,000 and she's still running strong. Have a great trip!

 

If you haven't replaced any wheel bearings yet I would suggest you do that when you put on the new rubber. Small price for peace of mind

 

If you haven't replaced them yet I would definitely have your Cam chain tensioners checked. My 2006 softail has 100K kms, 60k miles I'll be getting mine done prior to leaving coincidentally on the same ride to the west coast this summer. Probably in early to mid July this year so if that's around the time you're going and you're interested in riding with someone at least to Calgary let me know.
BTW: I'm solo and mostly camp.