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I’m planning a 2-week multi-state go where the wind blows kind of trip in May. I’ll be riding my new-to-me ‘96 Superglide.
I have a few hundred miles on her now and so far I think the comfort will be fine (she conveniently came with a batwing Memphis Shades fairing they helps a lot). She’s also running like a top. No issues I’ve identified. Maybe once every 2-3 rides rolling on the throttle it just coughs for a second but that’s the only odd thing I’ve noted. Otherwise we’ll kept and a solid 9/10 condition for the age.
Obviously I’ll be running good tires, brakes and a fresh 3-hole oil change. What other things should I be checking?
so far I’m thinking:
-full check of charging system
-considering starter additional relay I’ve read about
-maybe confirm if cam bearings have been changed (would need to research that more)
How many miles on the bike ? Before I go on a long haul I check the obvious items - other than what you listed - axle nut torque, belt\chain adjustment. floorboard\footpeg nuts and bolts, backrest, all the lights, fairing mounts. I'd consider adding a rack behind the backrest to keep anything off your fender. Bring some basic, simple tools, air pressure gauge, etc.
The starter relay is small but you can jump the terminal on your starter with a piece of insulated solid copper wire, I have to do it often with mine. When they service your bike, check your brake fluid and pads, clutch adjustment and primary chain adjustment
Load your bike with all the gear you plan to take and make sure the strap on soft bags, etc will work by taking it for a solid 100 mile ride. You'll find what wants to move around, how to strap items to your bike that won't cause damage to the finish over long distances.
Very nice looking bike but without knowing the total miles on the bike, it's hard to add much. How old is the battery..?? How OLD are the tries..? That's a separate question from how much tread is on them. Examine them for cracking and splits that can appear in the rubber due to age, not treadwear.
FWIW: I don't leave home without a portable "jump starter" of some sort in my saddlebags.
ENJOY the ride...!!
I took my fxr on a 6k mile trip last summer. The one change I made before I left that really helped was to put a pushbutton on the starter.
Not to hijack the thread but been meaning to say congrats on your CC ride and wanted to ask - before your ride I mentioned that most, if not all the ankle biter issues or concerns that often creep into mind would disappear after a few days on the road. Was I right or wrong?
Thanks for all the replies - some good things to add to the list. The bike has 36k miles. Tires are nearly new - date codes in 2020 and were put on a few months ago per prior owner. Battery I couldn’t tell, but strong so far. I may throw a new one in for insurance. I’m waiting to get a jack for wheel bearings etc. my prior bike had a center stand so I never really needed one before.
Carry some common tools, tire plug kit and a small 12 volt inflator.
A small multimeter is very useful too.
Amazing how sometimes a situation becomes simpler if you have some tools.
Review all lights.. check brake light with foot and handlebar lever.
Rain gear is good for rain and also as a wind breaker if cold.
A cheap motorcycle cover for overnights helps keep people from sitting on bike when parked overnight.
The battery can be load tested at an auto part or batteries plus bulbs place.
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Pre-trip prep advice
