Taking my EVO on the road
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
My 92 FLSTC has 50,000 miles and I hope to put a lot of miles on it. I am trying to take very good care of it. But I am paying for some neglect by prior owner.
I also wonder if the Florida heat and humidity create any deterioration issues not experienced in other parts of the country.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 300
From: New Mexico-No, you don't need a passport.
I have a 95 flht with 80,000 miles on it.
I would jump on it and take a long trip without any hesitation.
I do carry a good set of tools, a credit card and cell phone.
I live in the high desert so I get some pretty warm days also.
I would jump on it and take a long trip without any hesitation.
I do carry a good set of tools, a credit card and cell phone.
I live in the high desert so I get some pretty warm days also.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,861
Likes: 17,917
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
Cruz Tools makes a tidy little tool kit that will fit in a teardrop toolbox.
It is also good to carry a siphon hose in case you run out of gas and need to transfer fuel from a car or truck to your bike. Some stretches of highway have gas stations far away from each other. I have ran out of gas and had to walk more times than I can count.
It is also good to carry a siphon hose in case you run out of gas and need to transfer fuel from a car or truck to your bike. Some stretches of highway have gas stations far away from each other. I have ran out of gas and had to walk more times than I can count.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
The only trouble I have had with my bike has been electrical. I think the 25 year old wires are failing. I have replace two of the wires connecting the ignition switch.
I have considered replacing the entire wiring system but have been advised that that is a very tedious task and probably unnecessary. But I wonder if there is an intermediary step I could take. Replace the wires most at risk for failure that would leave me stranded or that are must subject to deterioration.
I have considered replacing the entire wiring system but have been advised that that is a very tedious task and probably unnecessary. But I wonder if there is an intermediary step I could take. Replace the wires most at risk for failure that would leave me stranded or that are must subject to deterioration.
Wiring is a biotch. Some people have an affinity for it. I can do it, but it'll take me a long time to get it the way I want it.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 349
Likes: 59
From: Bedford, Nova Scotia
I mostly ride around town, but I would like to take a longer ride. I am considering a ride to visit my son at school. About 600 miles each way. I have a 1992 Softail Heritage with 50K miles. I have owned it for a year and had a lot of work done to it professionally. I think it is in good shape.
However, I am concerned about taking it on a long trip with my limited wrenching skills. I am curious about what are the few things I should learn to do on the side of the road and the tools and supplies I should have with me to be prepared to make such repairs.
I guess the biggest risk would be a flat tire. I have spoke wheels and tubed tires so fixing that by the side of the road is not possible.
I suppose I could replace the wheels and tires to convert to tubeless so I could fix a flat with a plug. Probably will not do that anytime soon.
What else is it reasonable for me to be prepared for? Or do I just hope nothing bad happens and accept getting hauled to a dealer if it does?
However, I am concerned about taking it on a long trip with my limited wrenching skills. I am curious about what are the few things I should learn to do on the side of the road and the tools and supplies I should have with me to be prepared to make such repairs.
I guess the biggest risk would be a flat tire. I have spoke wheels and tubed tires so fixing that by the side of the road is not possible.
I suppose I could replace the wheels and tires to convert to tubeless so I could fix a flat with a plug. Probably will not do that anytime soon.
What else is it reasonable for me to be prepared for? Or do I just hope nothing bad happens and accept getting hauled to a dealer if it does?
I took my 97 FLSTS cross continent twice without worries. Never"died" on me and I could make it to a shop if anything seened not quite right ( one starter drive and rear exhaust gasket. My primary worry was running out of gas ... some distances on back roads out west can put you on reserve. If you are really worried get AAA and keep your cell phone charged. Have a great ride!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 317
From: CA
Ding ding ding!
First thing I thought of - AAA. The main tool you need. After that - gravy.
When you have a choice to make in life - always take the option that makes a better story.
I get intimidated by longer rides. I compartmentalize it a bit by breaking it up into smaller rides in my mind. You're really only taking three 200 mile rides each way.
First thing I thought of - AAA. The main tool you need. After that - gravy.
When you have a choice to make in life - always take the option that makes a better story.
I get intimidated by longer rides. I compartmentalize it a bit by breaking it up into smaller rides in my mind. You're really only taking three 200 mile rides each way.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 195
Likes: 75
From: North Fl.
When headed more than 100 miles from home, I make room for my shop manual in the saddlebags. Sounds crazy but this way I know I will be able to make a better decision on whether to try and fix on the roadside or take to a shop. I find that in my 60's I don't have the same F-it attitude I had in my 20's and 30's.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
Likes: 83
From: Canton, Michigan
Yep. I've still got an attitude, just a different attitude...
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
I have only owned the bike a year. It has been messed with by a number of knuckleheads in the past. I want to get it right.
I have a mechanic I like. He has done a good job with a lot of things. But the problem with mechanics is that they cannot take the time to really do things right and make a living. They have to do things good enough and fast.
I do not have good wrenching skills, but I do have the shop manual, parts catalog and owner's manual. I feel like if I take my time, I can do things better than a professional. It might take me 10 hours to do what they can do in two hours, but I can take the time to do it right.
Yes, this is my understanding. My mechanic is discouraging me from a wiring overhaul. But I have had two wires go bad, the neutral light does not work (bulb is good) and blinkers work intermittently. I feel like there are some underlying issues that are making all these things happen and until I address the underlying issue(s) I will continue to have electrical problems.
My first thought was to replace the entire electrical system. My mechanic does not like that idea. I am thinking may just take the dashboard completely apart. Clean it really well, replace those wires and check to make sure all grounds are solid.
Comments, suggestions....