Less than a month to go - what do YOU still need to do

[DredheadV2.0]

Me - install new cam chain tensioner and pray, resynch carbs, recheck valves, install new front brakes, install rear shock, consider new chain, and install new tires.

And all this with approximately 1% free time.  Whee.

How about you?

[mist]

My bike is still in a storage facility from last year. Every year I need to replace the battery, sync the carburators, adjust the valves, figure out why my right turn signals don't work, change an intermittent spedo cable,  and change the oil. Will I get this all done by May 28th when I leave for my 1st Rally of the year??? Past years are not a good indicator, but on the other hand Suzuki builds bikes as tough as old boots. So, Air in tires, Gas in tank, and go!   Its worked out ok every other year.  

[DredheadV2.0]

My bike is still in a storage facility from last year. Every year I need to replace the battery, sync the carburators, adjust the valves, figure out why my right turn signals don't work, change an intermittent spedo cable,  and change the oil. Will I get this all done by May 28th when I leave for my 1st Rally of the year??? Past years are not a good indicator, but on the other hand Suzuki builds bikes as tough as old boots. So, Air in tires, Gas in tank, and go!   Its worked out ok every other year.  

Reminds me of my old GS850 - pulled it out of a snowbank (all the snow in the world had slid off the roof of our building, burying it) once the March thaw had melted it below the headlight.  I had it running a couple minutes later.

[sprocket]

install rear shock,
Just replacing the old one, or you been riding with out one altogether?

[DredheadV2.0]

install rear shock,
Just replacing the old one, or you been riding with out one altogether?

The former, although it often feels like the latter.

It's the Hayabusa Shock On Bandit Mod - hopefully it doesn't jack the rear end up TOO much

[Scratch33]

Do a carb synch & TPS adjustment; hook up the power for my XM; might decide just before bugout whether to put my new Avon Storm ST's on a bit early.  Also need to finish return leg route planning between Cape Girardeu & Grafton WV.  I Just today finished refoaming the Fizzy's stock seat, using Larry's mod.   Just rode a short distance so far but it's very comfy.

[SWriverstone]

Let's see...I've...
- added a comm system to my helmet
- added a throttle lock
- plastered some SOLAS reflective tape in a few key places (that stuff is BRIGHT!)
- fired up the camp stove to make sure it still works
- dug my hammock and other camping gear out of storage


Umm...still probably ought to try to blow out the air cleaner, give all the nuts 'n bolts the once-over, make sure everything is loc-tited & torqued...and I think that's it! (Anything else can wait 'til I'm back...)

Scott

[Playinthestreet]

Change the oil, new tires.

[garry]

Change oil
New tires
Install zumo power cable
Figure out how to use zumo
Come up with a final route and program it into zumo
Make hotel reservations along the way (got the National covered)
Figure out how to carry extra fuel (140 mile range isn't going to cut it)
Test fit Cortech soft luggage versus exhaust cans
Order National T-shirt
Register for National dinner
Buy small cans of chain lube and Plexus
Assemble spare parts, tools, etc

[Scratch33]

Figure out how to carry extra fuel (140 mile range isn't going to cut it)

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_square.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442593427&emssrcid=GoogleBase

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255630

[Bunbun]

Big maintenance on the blackbird (tomorrow and hope to have the shims if needed)
Get blackbird inspected. (tomorrow)
Wire in cop detector. (as soon as it arrives)
Find a stock shock for the bird and swap it out or find an inexpensive alternative. (not pressing)

big maintenance on the ducati (god knows how long it'll take -- never done it on this bike before)
get front tire mounted.

Bun

[sprocket]

Air Filter
Spark Plugs
I'm thinking hard about a good washing!
Remove that bird from the radiator grill! Thought I could cook him out, hes probably good and baked on by now. Lets see how do you spell "prokrastanation" ahhh I'll look it up later.

[mxvet57]

have allready done all the work on the bike i have to do. however i am leaving on the 21st for a 6 day trip around lakes Michigan and superior and up into Canada. then work for a week and a half then off to the national.

[blackbuell]

Blackbird is ready to go. If there is a threat of rain I will ride the bird.

However, I am working on getting the Buell ready, too. Just changed fluids and am removing the D & D in favor of the factory muffler; the D & D is too damn loud for a long ride. Also need to change brake pads. If it appears that the weather will be dry, I will probably ride the Buell.

Jon

[Corbeau]

Convince Helen (Ms. Corbeau) that we can shuffle money around to play with cashflow so I can go. Tough case to make, as I just bought five appliances for one of my income properties.  

[R Doug]

*  Change oil

*  Install new tires (going with Michelin Pilot Road 2 on rear and Pilot Power 2CT front)

*  Make sure I pack the following:  chain lube, tool kit, tire plug kit, air compressor, contact numbers, weather radio

*  Upload final route to Zumo

[twist]

Nothing.  Though I've considered installing a radar detector (once I cross the border out of VA of course).

[DredheadV2.0]

Nothing.  Though I've considered installing a radar detector (once I cross the border out of VA of course).

Wait, what?  Didja move back to the other coast again?

[twist]

Wait, what?  Didja move back to the other coast again?

Yep.

[FJR1300]

I still need to pack... my house!  It looks like I won't be at the party because we just accepted an offer for our house and made an offer on another property.

The good news, we're making a few bucks from the sale of our house.

The better news, we got a great deal on the house we are buying.

The best news, it's about 100' from our back door to this...









Plus... it's got four bedrooms, so there's always room for fellow STN'ers who are exploring Missouri or want to be within a few hours of Arkansas.

[DredheadV2.0]

Plus... it's got four bedrooms, so there's always room for fellow STN'ers who are exploring Missouri or want to be within a few hours of Arkansas.

Boo, but congrats!

I'm finding myself in a similar boat - we've just had an offer accepted on a 4-bedroom all-brick Chicago bungalow.  If the inspection goes well and our lawyer isn't a slug and financing comes through as expeditiously as hoped, then we'll be closing by the Friday before the meet.  But we're still planning on going, despite the fact we'll be spending that weekend tearing up carpet and shitty vinyl flooring instead of packing.

[Huron52]

Tires changed, oil and filter changed.... yup I'm good to go!

hmmmmm thinking now.... I might have to change the oil again before I go....We'll see  

Should brush up on a couple more route there ideas....right Mike

Hate to get those guys lost

[DredheadV2.0]

Hate to get those guys lost

Gotta keep with tradition...

[stromgal]

Put on new Anakees, otherwise Hi-Ho Silver is good to go. Leaving on saturday.... 'cause I'm riding to Utah first.

[Playinthestreet]

*  Change oil

*  Install new tires (going with Michelin Pilot Road 2 on rear and Pilot Power 2CT front)

*  Make sure I pack the following:  chain lube, tool kit, tire plug kit, air compressor, contact numbers, weather radio

*  Upload final route to Zumo

I've found it a little more "challenging" to pack the tire plug kit and forget the air compressor

[R Doug]

I've found it a little more "challenging" to pack the tire plug kit and forget the air compressor

   I've managed to forget it... once.  And that ONE time is when I needed it.  



UPDATE...

The bike is scheduled to be in the shop next Thursday for the new tires.  And, since they're only going to charge me $30 for the labor on an oil change... they can have it.  On the LC8 motor, that's a deal in my book!

Unfortunately, I now need to add the following to my list...

*  Heal right wrist up from a dog bite.  (so far, so good)

[JamminJere]

Geez Doug, what are ya feedin the pooch for?  I hope he looks worse than you do!

I'm doing my mend dance for ya... na na na na na na na na na na na

[R Doug]

Geez Doug, what are ya feedin the pooch for?  I hope he looks worse than you do!

I'm doing my mend dance for ya... na na na na na na na na na na na

I attempted to break up a fight between two fairly large breed bitches.  The German Shephard accidentally got my forarem once instead of the intended target's neck.  

Thanks for the mend dance.  In less than one week, I'm happy to see how well the wound is healing.  Though, there's no way I would be able to ride yet.  Braking isn't a problem, but twisting the throttle is.  

It'll heal up and I'll see all my STN buds in Eureka Springs!  

[JamminJere]

I know this sounds sick... but my "Indian" friend said If you're sure she wont bite you again.. Let HER lick it and it will heal even faster...

[Playinthestreet]

   I've managed to forget it... once.  And that ONE time is when I needed it.  

Me too, and now I have two.

[basco]

Me - install new cam chain tensioner and pray, resynch carbs, recheck valves, install new front brakes, install rear shock, consider new chain, and install new tires.

And all this with approximately 1% free time.  Whee.

How about you?

I probably have to do most things on your list but can really afford right now is tires and oil change. I know I the chain is getting close and maybe the clutch cable. I am long overdue on the valves.

[garry]

Only three days until departure and my TODO list is short: hook up video camera, finalize GPS routes, and pack. I finished up hotel reservations this morning. Bike maintenance is done (fresh tires and oil). Only have a couple small items to buy (sunscreen, video tapes, rechargable AA batteries).

I'm have that pre-trip mix of excitement and anxiety. This will be my longest trip to date on the bike at 9.5 days. Longest before that was 5 days. I hope my body/butt holds up for that many 350-400 mile days in a row as I'm still nursing banged up ribs/back from a skiing accident in March.

[R Doug]

I'm have that pre-trip mix of excitement and anxiety. This will be my longest trip to date on the bike at 9.5 days. Longest before that was 5 days. I hope my body/butt holds up for that many 350-400 mile days in a row as I'm still nursing banged up ribs/back from a skiing accident in March.

First off, I'm glad to hear someone else mention the mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety.  That's exactly how I feel.  I'm very excited that I'm going to be on the bike.  I'm very excited that I'll be riding and seeing places I've never been to before.  But, my longest trip to date was at least 1100 miles and 4 days shorter.

I too wonder how I may hold up to doing between 350 and 400 miles per day too.  But, I just keep thinking to myself... "What would Old Gregg do."    

[garry]

But, I just keep thinking to myself... "What would Old Gregg do."    

When it doubt, whip it out (the downstairs mix up). Then relax with a Baileys. Mmmmmmm.... Creamy.....

[basco]

Last Sat. I:
-Got new tires (went from Avon Storms to Metz Z-6)
-Found a place that mounted and balance for $20/tire.
-Adjusted clutch cable
-Fixed mirror (which nearly took most of Sat)
-Adjusted chain

I am good to go except packing.

[mxvet57]

new rier tire tomorrow. other than that it's ready to roll.

[DredheadV2.0]

I too fixed my mirror last week, although it took me a lot less time than Basco.  Three minutes with some JB Weld putty and I was good to go.

As time goes by, the JB Weld content of my bike is trending higher and higher.

Last things to do - find the cord for the RADAR detector, figure out why one headset's mic doesn't work, redo the Locktite on the Givi mounts, replace front brake pads, check chain tension, reassemble travel tool kit from items strewn about the garage floor, purchase tubless tire repair kit, try to find my iPod and the car charger for my cell phone...  

damn.  I should make a checklist.

[Mac]

I should hopefully have tires and oil changed this weekend. Other than that I'm ready. Well, I do have to help a buddy put his bike back together too.

[basco]

I too fixed my mirror last week, although it took me a lot less time than Basco.  Three minutes with some JB Weld putty and I was good to go.

Triumph gave me a new mirror since it was under warranty but I put it on. I had it for a few months and never bothered with it until now. But to get it on, I had to off the front fairing and put the jigsaw puzzle back together. Then it did not go back on right so I ended up driving a wedge between the gastank and the fairing and now it looks right.  

I forgot about the oil. I was going to do it last weekend but forgot to bring with me from MI my filter wrench.

[Scoop]

Well, the GPS is on, and the route is mapped.  The lights on the Givi are fixed.  Just have to help Basket wire up his GPS and power socket and go.  Oh yes, should pack some stuff, I guess.  

[basket]

I guess I have to get my bike to Scoops place.

Bill

[Mac]

I got my front tire changed, the back still has a good bit of tread left. Installed new brake pads front and rear. Oil change tomorrow or saturday and I should be done.

[Scoop]

OK, we wired up Basket's farklery, the GPS, Sirius radio and Cougar Detection and Aversion Device.  We are good to go.  Still have to pack something besides extra gloves!

[Mac]

 Still have to pack something besides extra gloves!

Extra glove liners?

[DredheadV2.0]

Did the brake pads last night, re-locktited the luggage racks tonight.  New headset for the shitty Chatterbox will be in tomorrow.  Found the radar cord.

Still can't find my car cell phone charger, but if we're using Kris's MP3 player I shouldn't need it.  Reassembled travel tool kit, purchased tire repair kit...  now just need to figure out what to pack.

Oh, and even though Paypal is screwing me a little on the dinner funds, we're going to put it on the credit card, get the points, and pay it off when Paypal releases the funds.  So, woot.

[miles]

OK.  Got the luggage on and fitted, the GPS mounted and wired.  Maybe tomorrow I'll change the rear tire, but more likely I won't.  So, the bike is as ready as it's going to get.

As for me, I'm still not sure what riding gear I'm going to opt for.  Tomorrow's the day to quit waffling and choose- so I'll do it then.
I've got to launder a few articles of clothing, pick up a small bottle of Dr Bronners, pack and get a good night's sleep, because

I leave for Arkansas first thing saturday morning!  wOOT!

[atypical1]

Throwing caution to the wind with that rear tire? Nice...I love an adventure. Luckily you are pretty easy on rear tires.

I gotta pack, print up some maps, do some laundry, buy some advil and gold bond powder, and try to get a good nights rest. Although it will be tough because I am beyond excited at this point!

james

[JamminJere]

.................... and try to get a good nights rest. Although it will be tough because I am beyond excited at this point!

james

I've slept better on Christmas Eve when I was six!...

I'm ready to rock!

Jerry

[garry]

I guess my trip has started. Rolled out of the driveway at 6am with a fully loaded bike. Just have to put in most of a day at work and then I get to continue my ride :-)  

25 miles down. 3000+ to go...

[JamminJere]

I'm hitting the road... heading to SWRiverstone's!!

WOOOOHOOOO

See you all Tuesday...God willing, and the Creek don't rise..

Jerry

[miles]

Throwing caution to the wind with that rear tire? Nice...I love an adventure. Luckily you are pretty easy on rear tires.

I'm known for that.  Well, the "caution into the wind" bit, not so much for the "easy on tires" part.

[Orson]

I changed a front tire on my last trip.

2 days later, I noticed cords showing on my rear tire and had to change another one  

[atypical1]

Finally packed and ready for a 5am departure!

james

[miles]

Finally packed and ready for a 5am departure!

james

Nothing to it but to do it.  Hitting the road at 5am sharp.


See you all in a few days!

[twist]

Luckily you are pretty easy on rear tires.