Breaking down
Banned
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Breaking down
ORIGINAL: turczytj
Sorry if it is "silly". I thought this is where inexperienced riders could go to get advice from more experienced riders.
Why insult me? You couldn't just ignore the post?
Sorry if it is "silly". I thought this is where inexperienced riders could go to get advice from more experienced riders.
Why insult me? You couldn't just ignore the post?
My advice, from one that travels all the time, 157,000 miles in 9 years, relax, you said you do your maintenance, your tires are good, and you don't abuse your bike, you sound like me, so when ever I'm ready, so is the bike..one must remember that ANYTHING Mechanical can/will break down sometime..as others have said take the stuff that can be of the most help in a problem, just don't go to places where there a is no cell service
I was there for a whole day on gravel roads out in Montana last year, made me a little nervous..you didn't say if you was going with a friend?? if so talk it over with him, if your going solo then make sure you have everything you need, as most have said, credit cards, cell phone, maps, as for a tool kit? I carry one, but not sure why, never had to use it, oh yea, I did have to replace a fuse, but it blew again so I went to the nearest Harley shop and they fixed it..No my friend you asked a good question, welcome to the world of traveling motorcyclist.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA
RE: Breaking down
If it helps, back in the 'ol days there was always a "trouble truck" that followed the pack in case of a breakdown. Usually someone's 'ol lady drove the truck with another for company.Therule of thumb was to pile tools, parts, beerand other necessities in the back of the truck if needed later....I don't see that anymore because most bikes can get from point A to B without a major breakdown..
Doubt you need to worry.....those times along with the bikes have changed!
Doubt you need to worry.....those times along with the bikes have changed!
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 338
From: Upstate, SC
RE: Breaking down
It hasn't been riden hard?? If it's only been on short trips to the local bike night I would be a little apprehensive too. I beat mine every chance I get. It still starts and runs fine. Everything breaks down sooner or later. If or when it does it will be part of the adventure with new stories and experiences.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,908
Likes: 2
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: Breaking down
I just go. I have this weird feeling anytime I add tools to a car or anything that because I added them I will need them just because of that.
Like in my car I always wanna check the pressure in my spare but feel weery because I get afraid of a blowout. I'm not superstisious or anything just always get that gut feeling.
I wouldn't be worried. If it runs fine a trip shouldn't be no problem.
Like in my car I always wanna check the pressure in my spare but feel weery because I get afraid of a blowout. I'm not superstisious or anything just always get that gut feeling.
I wouldn't be worried. If it runs fine a trip shouldn't be no problem.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 0
From: Tri-Cities, Washington
RE: Breaking down
What are the chances of a break-down? Easy answer, 50/50 odds. Either it breaks or doesn't. You'll never be able to account for the unexpected, so just start in good shape and have a contingency for roadside assistance - i.e AAA, Road America, and a cell phone.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Bothell, WA
RE: Breaking down
In the last few years I've put several 3000+ mile trips on my '86 FLH. A couple year old bike is nothing.
MarkR
MarkR
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
RE: Breaking down
I'm approaching 72,000 miles and have never had a breakdown... Each machine is an individual so you can never say for certain, but it's highly unlikely if you have maintained your bike and check it all out before you leave.
Have a fun trip!
Have a fun trip!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
RE: Breaking down
One chance in ten thousand, approximately, that you'll have a problem. But there is that one chance. I went on several road trips with my 99 Heritage putting on about 45,000 miles in six years or so. Never had a problem on the road except for having too much fun and not wanting to go back home. My only real problems with the bike was a couple of flats, but they both happened close to home. I carry a can of fix-a-flat to get me to a tire shop if need be. Get on the bike and ride a couple hundred miles in a loop near home. That will answer your question. I've had to do far more repairs on my cars than I ever had to do on my bikes.