Triumphrat

offroad55 · 05-01-2005

I have waited 25 years to do a long distance ride on a motorcycle. I specifically bought the Tiger for my trip this June 11th. I will be traveling approx 4500 miles in 16 days leaving Seattle and heading to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. From there we will head up to the Dakotas and then back home.

Is there anything I need to know about the Tiger on a long trip of this nature. I have already replaced the fuel fittings, sensor under the tank, crash bars and a variety of other mods which I've come to hear about on this forum. How about oiling the chain, how often? Tire pressure? Should I be checking the clamps or any bolts during my trip? Any tips on what to bring...besides lots of money.

Thanks for any help as the longest trip I've done is the past was 450 miles. This is mostly cause by work constraints.

Norm

vonbonds · 05-01-2005

I did 2500 miles on my Thunderbird in a week and a bit last year. If you have done your due diligence on maintenance which is looks like you have you shouldn't have any major issues (crossing fingers). Check your tire pressure every other day or so and oil the chain each night at the hotel once you arrive there. I also brought along some Honda spray wax to give her a bit of a clean every so often (if you keep it relatively clean you might be able to detect problems a bit quicker as you will have a very hands on feel for the bike as you are traveling).

Just make sure you are comfortable on the bike. As long as you feel comfortable you will feel fresh and less likely to make mistakes.

Good luck and take many pictures!

Tom

Diego · 05-01-2005

Norm, I'm not sure why you would replace the fuel fittings on an '05 right off. Why was that? Also, what sensor are you referring to?

The one mod you didn't mention is gel seats. They can make a very big difference in long-distance comfort!

I agree with Tom's advice regarding chain, tires, etc. I'm not familiar with Honda wax, but I do carry a can of Pro Honda spray cleaner with me. It's good for tidying up all surfaces on the bike. Since you have the tubeless tires, a puncture plugging kit and can of air can make the prospect of a flat less troublesome; getting to the next dealer under my own power with a temporary repair would be a lot nicer than having to be hauled there.

One other bit of advice I would add is to make the Tiger your main ride between now and your departure. Its handling characteristics are different from your other bikes, and you'll want to be able to deal instinctively --and correctly-- with any situations which might arise.

Have a great trip! Who knows, we might cross paths somewhere in Wyoming or the Dakotas late in June.

pigpen955 · 05-01-2005

Norm-

The longest I have done is about 1,500 miles in one go on my Tiger. Purred the whole time. I would not be much worried. My bike does use about a quart of oil every 3,000 miles ('01 with 25,000 miles on it) or so and I like to keep it topped up so I carry a quart of oil and a funnel. I guess I could start a post about other people's oil consumption but I don't think it is a big deal.

I also carry about 16oz. of pre-mixed coolant (50% coolant, 50% distilled water) in an old spring water bottle, the bikes have a tendency to burp some coolant out of the overflow when sitting in traffic on a hot day (which you are likely to encounter on your trek). This is not consistent but I like to be able to see the coolant in the overflow tank. This has been well covered in other forums and I am sure here as well.

I absolutely agree about the gel seat. I wouldn't even ride to the grocery store on the stock seat.

Combining the two threads we have been sharing. Let me know how your LED replacement works. I am getting ready for a four hour ride through the twisties (hopefully won't hit any flooded sections) and the sun is coming out so I should be able to test the effectiveness. I will post the results on the other thread.

Fred

P.S. I am jealous that you have the time and the ride sounds great.

vonbonds · 05-01-2005

Quote:

On 2005-05-01 12:06, Diego wrote:
I'm not familiar with Honda wax, but I do carry a can of Pro Honda spray cleaner with me.

That is what I meant

.

sycamoredave · 05-01-2005

I did about 2000 miles on my Tiger in a bit less than a week. The gel seat or a similar pad would seem to be a very good suggestion, as well as a tire fix kit. I also agree with a chain lube each day. If you are using Mobile 1 or other more rare oil, you may want to take some with you. I would suggest putting some in a small container, rather than the whole quart (the same with your coolant).

Honestly, my biggest mistake was taking too much. Pack as lightly as you can stand, and be prepared to buy a few things as you go. Have multiple layers and rain gear on board. Most of all, take a camera, lots of maps, and have a great time!

Ride safe ...

Dave

offroad55 · 05-01-2005

Tom,
Great points on the tire pressure and oiling the chain. I will take many pics too.

Diego,
The 05 has the plastic fittings and they do not have a recall on them as of yet. I did not want to take any chances being out on the road, so I replaced them now. The sensor I replaced is the oxygen sensor that comes off the pipe, I have heard about some surging at around 2000-2500 RPM. The sensor bypass has eliminated this and she runs much smoother. I will bring tire repair kit as well. Oh I do have the gel seat.

Fred,
Great points on the oil and coolant, I will bring extra.

Dave,
I can pack light but only if I keep the wife away, she thinks I need to bring the house along.

Thanks all for the advice. I'm excited and a bit nervous too as I have not been away from home this long or this far on a bike or anything for that matter.

Norm

doitright · 05-01-2005

Quote:

Thanks all for the advice. I'm excited and a bit nervous too as I have not been away from home this long or this far on a bike or anything for that matter.

Norm

why not bring mom along to hold your hand??!! :razz:

As long as you don't end up in Las Vegas or Reno you should be OK on your Tiger.

Poor guy he went to Las Vegas on a 10 000$ bike and left town in a 100 000$ bus.

After reading about Carlsbad Caverns I know I missed something. In 1984-85 I had two good trips in Western US. Now I have to go back again to look at some caves and I hope I can some day.

Good luck on your trip and post up some pictures later on.

offroad55 · 05-01-2005

Anders,

Don't think ma would hold up that long on my bike, especially being with the ya who's I'm going on the trip with.

I'll post many pics.

Norm

Foxee · 05-01-2005

Scottoiler, and then you shouldn't have to touch the chain for that length of trip.

About the only other thing I go for on any longish trip is a one litre bottle of oil, for topping up. Never had any problems with the stock seat on my Tiger, even over 600 mile plus days.