Tightening things up before a long ride and after

Closed Thread Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 27, 2010 | 01:52 PM

Rick Lees

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 503

Likes: 1

From: Missouri

Tightening things up before a long ride and after

Just turned a 1000 miles on my SG. Getting ready to do a ride to minnesota from st louis mo. What are the things I should check so things aren't falling off at 80mph???????. I would hope my 1000 mile service would include this procedure but the way some of you guys talk I shouldn't bank on it...... : )

Aug 27, 2010 | 02:12 PM

piasspj

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 9,206

Likes: 372

From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74

Everything.
If I was to pick just one piece it would be the heel shifter. First (and only) part to fall of my UC.
Also make sure the bags are secure.

Aug 27, 2010 | 02:26 PM

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,106

Likes: 51,387

From: Niles Canyon Ca.

Rule of thumb on pre road trip bike check , if it moves , pivots or sticks out check it . Any kind of cover or chrome add on check it , these are most common shake off items . I just do a walk around and kinda bump things with the knuckles you'll know if it's loose by the sound . Always check both axles and clamps on the front end . Common sense stuff if you really look at your bike . Have a good trip .

Ps : do this again before your return trip home , good habits like this and stuff won't be falling off your bike most guys lose things because they treat a bike like the family car get on and go don't look at anything .

Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Aug 27, 2010 at 02:30 PM.

Aug 27, 2010 | 02:48 PM

Geoff

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 10,946

Likes: 817

From: Nevada

I always give my bike a good looking over when I wash it. I raise it on a jack, which makes the task easier. Check the fasteners for bag mounts, pegs, mirrors, exhaust clamps, heat shields, and any accessories you might have added.

Last edited by Geoff; Aug 27, 2010 at 02:51 PM.

Aug 27, 2010 | 05:38 PM

shopewell

Road Master

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,180

Likes: 3

From: utah

+1 on a good once-over including tire pressure and oil. I wouldn't count on the 1000 mile service. Just after my 5000 mile a ways back I got on one morning. When I put a little pressure on my handlebars they doubled over on me. One of the neck bolts loosened up. Since then I always give her a good once over every couple weeks.