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jl551c

jl551c

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 2, 2009
Messages
750
Location
Nipomo, Ca and Lake Luzerne, NY
T-2 Weeks and counting.
May 16th I'll start riding my 06 Uly from Arroyo Grande, Ca to Lake Luzerne, NY. I'm taking an indirect route which should total around 3800 miles. I'm taking as few major highways as possible, all secondary roads whenever I can. I've never been on such a long trip before on my motorcycle, but what the hell, I'm not getting any younger and now's the time to get it done.
I've done quite a bit of prep for the past couple months. New tires, wheel bearings, Belt, brake pads, battery, oil changes, throttle lock, comfort kit, Madstad windshield, Sena comm system, bags, tent, etc. Been working out too. I'm planning on doing 300-350 miles a day, maybe one or two over 400, with one day with no travel over 2 weeks.
I'll keep a daily Buelling post going along the way. Wish me luck and any helpful advice is appreciated.
 
Take a spare belt along. Just in case.
Tire repair kit. Just in case.
Make your own tool kit. Because the factory one sucks!

Good luck man!
 
Chicknstripn said:
Take a spare belt along. Just in case.
Tire repair kit. Just in case.
Make your own tool kit. Because the factory one sucks!

Good luck man![/QUOTE

I've got the belt and tire kit covered. I'll have to give some serious thought on the tool kit as to what tools to bring. The other day one of my pannier rack bolts came loose. I wouldn't have know if it wasn't making a weird chirping noise at idle. Of course the tool kit didn't have that size wrench. Luckily the leather shop in Morro Bay lent me one and I tightened it up.
Click to expand...
 
Pack some bog roll, toilet paper, bathroom tissue whatever you want to call it, thats my number 1 tip! :up: also fuses, bulbs and a solder less cable repair kit! :eagerness:
 
i sense just a bit of trepidation in your post and can relate to that but you'll be fine. 300 plus back-road miles a day on an XB is quite reasonable and very enjoyable. reference the suggested tool-kit keep in mind that it is highly unlikely you can or want to pack the required large heavy-duty tools required to do roadside wheel/tire replacement. a few ways around that is a cell-phone and some sort of available "road-side assistance program" of which many are available to cyclists on the cheap....and/or a simple cheap can of fix-a-flat WITH the dedicated flex nozzle to fill cycle tires. it does consume a bit of room but priceless if needed. regarding a compact home-made tool kit try the following:
1-tiny flashlight of your choosing
2- roll of electrical tape......small section of pencil barrel with long strip of duct tape wrapped around it.
3-multiple correct amp blade fuses....1 spare for each of your 3 relays(the 3 in your factory fuse box)
4-slowly do an orbit around your XB and look at all the fasteners and hardware you have either tightened, adjusted, or replaced. odd things such as the factory 9/16th hex nuts holding on stock signals, etc. and the torx. with those items in mind only pack what fits them and what will drive the bit/tool that fits them. other than that a few basic common cycle type tools and you're ready to go. every other fastener on an XB is so common that anyone you might need along the way in the event of an emergency should be easily obtainable.. LASTLY.......see your inbox. i sent you love-note with my email and home phone #. IF you run into some insurmountable problem...need a part over-nited...or advice on something over the phone contact me. enjoy your trip.
 
Last edited:
I'll be watching this thread with a jealous heart. Good for you! This will be a great adventure! The bike is covered just fine, these things are tanks, and you won't be far from help with a cell phone even in Nebraska or Texas.

You have plenty of time with that mileage/day and it's a comfortable timeline, so let the day take you wherever it wants to. Stop every hour and get off the bike for a few minutes and stretch, even if you don't want to. A couple things happen that way. One, you'll feel much better, and sleep much better at the end of the day. And two, you'll probably be in a small town, and that means talk to people. They'll know the cool sights to see and the cool roads to take. You'll get some attention on that weird looking thing, so take advantage and say "Hi" to the person looking at it. That there is the key to an amazing trip.

Say "yes". You will undoubtedly come upon an opportunity to see, go, meet, explore, whatever... Say "Yes". It's why you're there. You are never coming back. You'll miss out on something amazing if you just get back on the road.

There is a free app "Sams club" that lists every campground in the USA, with ratings, amenities, and cost. There is a free "Go Ranger!" app that lists every state park the same way. Both are priceless and easy to use, just pull over 50 miles before you are stopping for the day and check out whats around you.

I found that the State Parks are way, way, better (and cheaper) than the campgrounds, some have laundry facilities.
All the campgrounds and even the State parks get a bit sketchy when you get near a big city. Try to plan your stops way away from big cities, and you can miss out on the joy of a homeless guy pissing on your tent.

If I think of more, I'll post up.
 
lunaticfringe said:
i sense just a bit of trepidation in your post and can relate to that but you'll be fine. 300 plus back-road miles a day on an XB is quite reasonable and very enjoyable. reference the suggested tool-kit keep in mind that it is highly unlikely you can or want to pack the required large heavy-duty tools required to do roadside wheel/tire replacement. a few ways around that is a cell-phone and some sort of available "road-side assistance program" of which many are available to cyclists on the cheap....and/or a simple cheap can of fix-a-flat WITH the dedicated flex nozzle to fill cycle tires. it does consume a bit of room but priceless if needed. regarding a compact home-made tool kit try the following:
1-tiny flashlight of your choosing
2- roll of electrical tape......small section of pencil barrel with long strip of duct tape wrapped around it.
3-multiple correct amp blade fuses....1 spare for each of your 3 relays(the 3 in your factory fuse box)
4-slowly do an orbit around your XB and look at all the fasteners and hardware you have either tightened, adjusted, or replaced. odd things such as the factory 9/16th hex nuts holding on stock signals, etc. and the torx. with those items in mind only pack what fits them and what will drive the bit/tool that fits them. other than that a few basic common cycle type tools and you're ready to go. every other fastener on an XB is so common that anyone you might need along the way in the event of an emergency should be easily obtainable.. LASTLY.......see your inbox. i sent you love-note with my email and home phone #. IF you run into some insurmountable problem...need a part over-nited...or advice on something over the phone contact me. enjoy your trip.
Click to expand...

I think my only trepidations are the western states. Other than that slight twinge I anticipate a feeling of freedom and independence. Long haul in Nevada on 6 with no gas stations, (166 miles), but I'm taking a gallon of gas with me so I should be alright. Northern Colorado has some passes 8-10,000 ft which could mean cold weather and all that comes with that. I do have some good warm gear and rain gear. I have a Mobile Warming vest to help keep me warm as well, those vests are fantastic. I've got 1-4 covered in your post. Thanks for the input. I will check the bolts over one more time. I'm still looking for the relays too. My local HD dealer didn't have any, I'm fat with fuses though. I'll grab some duct tape, didn't think of that. Cell phone is a must, any bind I can't get out of is a phone call away. I'll check your Note Lunatic. Thanks again. Also, those brake pads you sold me worked out great too.
 
Couple more apps....

Look up Guy Fierie (sp?) diners, drive-ins, and dives for good food on the road, because a destination with good food is my favorite destination...

If you are planning a night in a city the "Urban Daddy" app has very cool eateries and dive bars listed.

I started my trip in way too much of a hurry, and too much of a plan. By the end I was looking to waste time and didn't look at a map for days. Instead of trying to remember routs, just go generally East-ish for a few days without a map. Fun!
 
Cooter said:
I'll be watching this thread with a jealous heart. Good for you! This will be a great adventure! The bike is covered just fine, these things are tanks, and you won't be far from help with a cell phone even in Nebraska or Texas.

You have plenty of time with that mileage/day and it's a comfortable timeline, so let the day take you wherever it wants to. Stop every hour and get off the bike for a few minutes and stretch, even if you don't want to. A couple things happen that way. One, you'll feel much better, and sleep much better at the end of the day. And two, you'll probably be in a small town, and that means talk to people. They'll know the cool sights to see and the cool roads to take. You'll get some attention on that weird looking thing, so take advantage and say "Hi" to the person looking at it. That there is the key to an amazing trip.

Say "yes". You will undoubtedly come upon an opportunity to see, go, meet, explore, whatever... Say "Yes". It's why you're there. You are never coming back. You'll miss out on something amazing if you just get back on the road.

There is a free app "Sams club" that lists every campground in the USA, with ratings, amenities, and cost. There is a free "Go Ranger!" app that lists every state park the same way. Both are priceless and easy to use, just pull over 50 miles before you are stopping for the day and check out whats around you.

I found that the State Parks are way, way, better (and cheaper) than the campgrounds, some have laundry facilities.
All the campgrounds and even the State parks get a bit sketchy when you get near a big city. Try to plan your stops way away from big cities, and you can miss out on the joy of a homeless guy pissing on your tent.

If I think of more, I'll post up.
Click to expand...

I'll check out those apps, thanks! I do have an app called Camp Finder, but the ones you mentioned might be better. My trip is pretty much away from any large cities. I even altered my route to go from UP in Michigan thru Ontario and into northern NY at Ogdensberg just to avoid Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, etc. My wife and I both chuckled at the tent joke. BTW Cooter, that Glenn Heggstad book you recommended was great. I've started reading his 2nd book and it's equally as good.
 
Cooter said:
Couple more apps....

Look up Guy Fierie (sp?) diners, drive-ins, and dives for good food on the road, because a destination with good food is my favorite destination...

If you are planning a night in a city the "Urban Daddy" app has very cool eateries and dive bars listed.

I started my trip in way too much of a hurry, and too much of a plan. By the end I was looking to waste time and didn't look at a map for days. Instead of trying to remember routs, just go generally East-ish for a few days without a map. Fun!
Click to expand...

Guy Fierie, funny, people tell me I look like him. I cook too! I think I'm in for some "small town America" chow. The remoteness of my route will make this an interesting culinary adventure. I'll check out those apps, thanks.
 
my pleasure and glad the brake parts worked out well for you. remove your seat...your fuse box lid....and in your fuse box you'll find an assortment of different colored automotive type blade fuses. take some spares. they are like 10 cents each. you will also see 3 square shaped black colored little boxes. those are your relays. all the same. remove one...take to any auto parts store....they match up with common ford and chrysler a/c unit relays. about $5 each. i would take 2 as spares.
 
lunaticfringe said:
my pleasure and glad the brake parts worked out well for you. remove your seat...your fuse box lid....and in your fuse box you'll find an assortment of different colored automotive type blade fuses. take some spares. they are like 10 cents each. you will also see 3 square shaped black colored little boxes. those are your relays. all the same. remove one...take to any auto parts store....they match up with common ford and chrysler a/c unit relays. about $5 each. i would take 2 as spares.
Click to expand...

The new brakes made one hell of a difference. Even the rear brake is semi-useful now. OK, O'Reilly's auto store here I come. I do have the fuses. Just need the Relays. Thanks!
 
That sounds like a great trip, your going to have a lot of fun. I put Ride-On tire treatment in the tires of my triumph tiger, WOW ! What a difference it made, I took the wheel balance weights off both rims, installed the Ride-On treatment and noticed an immediate difference just riding down my block slowly. I've had the treatment in my tires now for about a month, no more wheel wobble at 90+ mph anymore and it feels so much smoother, not to mention the anti flat benefits of the product. I'll be ordering Ride-On for the tires on my new to me 2008 Uly ASAP !

Safe trip.
 
njloco said:
That sounds like a great trip, your going to have a lot of fun. I put Ride-On tire treatment in the tires of my triumph tiger, WOW ! What a difference it made, I took the wheel balance weights off both rims, installed the Ride-On treatment and noticed an immediate difference just riding down my block slowly. I've had the treatment in my tires now for about a month, no more wheel wobble at 90+ mph anymore and it feels so much smoother, not to mention the anti flat benefits of the product. I'll be ordering Ride-On for the tires on my new to me 2008 Uly ASAP !

Safe trip.
Click to expand...

Hmmm.... I'll check it out.
 
I did come across a couple of good ideas for cross country travel.
1) weather channel app. Not sure why I didn't think about it sooner. (Can't watch weather channel in a tent).
2) extension cord with multiple outlets. Ill be traveling with a Sena headset, Mobile Warming vest, iphone, droid tablet and a small Mac computer. All need charging overnight. If camping in a campground i can run the extension cord into my tent.
 

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