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Any tips for a long road trip on a TBS?

4K views 33 replies 19 participants last post by  Flash451 
#1 ·
I am planning a long road trip on my 2000 Thunderbird Sport for this spring. I only have about 60miles in the seat so far, so I'm wondering if anyone has tips for a long distance trip (10+hrs)??

I plan on logging at least a few hundred miles on the bike before the trip, but that likely won't come for a few months. I'd love to get some input on things to consider for the trip.

The bike is pretty much stock. Stock seat. I do have a windshield that came with the bike, but I've never had one on a bike and I'd prefer not to use it.

Thanks!
 
#3 ·
The spares I carry on a long trip are:

Front brake & clutch lever (the originals after I fitted adjustable levers)
Couple of spare plug leads (the old ones I replaced with new)
Throttle cable
Ignition crank sensor (these last two will probably be needed in the long run)

I think a clutch switch would be well worth adding, tho' I have it wired differently on my bike to work with the programmable ignition, so it's not as critical as on the stock bike.
 
#5 ·
I've done 500+ mile days in around 11 or 12 hours several times. If the bike is running well and the tires and brakes are up to snuff, you should have no problems. The tips for spares are good. Remember in an emergency the rear passenger pegs can be moved forward to the rider position.

I usually carry a spare coil, and enough tools to change nearly anything that is easy to change.

And most important of all...... take the twisty roads and have fun!!!
 
#8 ·
Great tips guys! Some things I definitely had not thought of. Sounds like levers, tire tubes, duct tape, zip ties are a must.

I should have clarified: The destination is 10+hrs one way, but will be split into 2 days.

Any thoughts on the stock seat?? Am I bound for a sore back-side? I had a Corbin seat on my SV650, which was worlds better than the stock. Stock seat was unbearable for more than 1 hr.
 
#11 ·
All good advice. When I picked up my TBS in Tucson, I had packed a Gears Navigator tail. It held tools, clothes, everything I needed. Tent and sleeping bag lashed on top of that. If your bike is anything like mine, you shouldn't have a lick of trouble. Electrical tape saved my "go cruise" when I broke it trying to install it in the cold. That little gem is as handy to have as ever for long treks.
 
#15 ·
Things to carry

I've made several long trips on my TB and carry most of the items listed in other posts. But on my last long trip somewhere in TX on about a 2 mile section of road [in the dark] my gear shift lever vanished! The small pair of vice grips in my tool bag saved the day.
 
#17 ·
If you snap the clutch lever it is imposible to start it and then get it into gear. It is also impossible to bump start on your own.
Don't ask me how I know.:(

With an old T140 you can bump start it on your own and get it home without a clutch lever, but not on a modern Thunderbird.
 
#23 ·
Doing a long trip on a bike is absolutely the finest experience you can have, bar none. It is absolutely addictive, and you'll find that when you aren't on a trip, most of your thoughts will be planning another as soon as possible. It is the ultimate expression of independence, and you'll soon lose track of the number of guys that you pass on the street that have gazes of longing and envy on their faces as you pass by.
You are smart to ask for advice, but ultimately, what you take will depend very much on what kind of traveler you are. Some like motels and hot showers, and some like the more rustic approach. The credit card and cell phone only club is not bad, but I like to have more stuff with me, because riding solo on our bikes lets you be very self sufficient if you so choose.
In any case, you need to have the bike in great condition as an absolute, because getting there safely is the top priority of any trip plan. In this spirit, I always wear ATGATT, but that is a personal thing. Beyond that, there are lots of things you may find helpful. Here is a random list off the top of my head based upon my own needs, which may be very different than yours:
I couldn't bear the stock seat, but every butt is different. I would do a long day trip prior to your big trip just to be sure.
Extreme tape, also known as silicone tape, is sold under various names, and sticks to itself with no gummy adhesive in very high and low temperatures. Great for many emergencies.
Monkey butt powder is great for sore butts and in your socks in the morning. Merino wool are the only way to go for these.
Rain gear is a must, as it will inevitably rain sometime.
I like the waterproof stuff sacks that have the straps and air evacuation system to compact them up a bit. Rok straps to hold stuff on the bike, and one of those insulated backpacker cases for water bottles. I attach that on the top of my tailbag for my Gatorade bottles.
If you haven't procured a sleeping bag and pad yet, I highly recommend Wiggys bags, as they are the best at moving moisture that I have ever used, and I've tried them all. The Neoair Trekker pad is awesome under the bag, and has made sleeping on the ground bearable again.
I would check your brake pads and tires carefully, and if they are close to the end of their lifespan, replace them rather than trying to squeeze just a few more miles out of them.
Tire gauge, naturally, to be used every morning.
I carry a spray bottle of eyeglass cleaning solution for both my glasses and visor, with several microfiber cloths. Clarity defog solution for the inside of my visor, which gets put on every day.
I also carry a full tool roll, but only because I do all my own wrenching, and it doesn't take up much room.
The DeLorme Gazetteer state guides show all the roads, even the little dirt ones, and I consult these when building my routes to avoid as much traffic as possible. I carry all the maps I may need for a trip in a tankbag, and also stuff in several big ziploc bags. Eyedrops can be wonderful after having a helmet vent into your face all day, and I carry extra sets of earplugs in case I drop one or they get nasty.
Although I carry a cell phone and sometimes a handheld hiking GPS, I only use the GPS to tally miles each day, and not for actual navigation. The cell phone can do that, but I personally find all of the electronics to detract from the riding rather than enhance it, so I have it along for emergencies or to find a campground or place to eat, but otherwise leave it off.
Get off the bike every couple of hours, and take lots of photos. I always come home and regret not having taken more myself. Most of all, stop at every possible small mom and pop store that you see and make an effort to strike up a conversation with everyone you encounter. This is the best part of traveling, and what makes riding a bike on secondary roads so interesting. It seems like every elderly guy I have ever met once had a Bonnie, and they love to talk about it, and the longing to be back on it again is there in their eyes if you look carefully. Most of all, don't miss the joy in the journey because you are so focused on the destination. It is easy to get into the "just a few more miles" mentality, and not stop to smell the roses.
 
#27 ·
The TBS is actually quite comfortable for such a ride. Stock seat is fine, and the neutral riding position doesn't bother my old ailing back at all.

Someone mentioned earlier about spare tubes. This is the only drawback to long distance touring on these bikes. I had a flat on the rear of my TBS. When I removed the tube and put some air in it to find the puncture, I found it was torn open several places from the pinching effect of riding on it flat. Bottom line, without a spare tube you're probably not getting back on the road, even if you carried everything you'd need to remove a wheel and break down a tire on the side of the road. The spares do take up a lot of space, but then at least all you need is a competent road side service. Otherwise its a tow truck and finding the correct sized tubes isnt all that easy.
 
#28 ·
10+ hours is just a nice relaxing cruise around or a laid back weekend in the Catskills. You really shouldn't need anything mechanical. +1 on the spare tube, though. I always bring one on long trips.

One thing I always carry is a first aid kit spiked with some heavy duty painkiller. It's proven itself quite useful a couple of times.
 
#31 ·
The factory king/queen isn't bad if you are okay with the styling. I spent bigger bucks on a custom Bill Mayer which went back once for more adjustments. Better than stock or K/Q, but my butt still gets sore at times. I think there is a wide variety of tolerance when it comes to sitting on a bike, and some folks are fine with a 2 x 6" for a seat (that's how the stock felt to me), while others need something different. Try the stock first; you may be an ironbutt, like Big Al.
 
#32 ·
I have found that when I am in better physical condition, working out regularly (or more often semi-regularly), I am able to rider longer without discomfort/soreness.

It seems like that would be common sense, but I think even moderate strengthening of the "lower extremities" makes a difference. For me anyways...
 
#33 ·
I ride from Germany to England each year, and I only have 2 problems -

1) Neck pain and cramps
2) Not enough fuel

I solved the neck pain by fitting high, wide handlebars and a big windshield. It takes a lot of pressure off my upper body and the bars mean that my head is not always bent backwards. The shield is easily removed at destination so I don't look like a dork :rolleyes:.

The fuel problem was solved by fitting quick-removable (aluminium re-inforced) saddlebags that each carry 10 litres of fuel. No more fuel worries, and far less stress! Also easily removed at destination.

Just be careful re-filling as it's very easy to drip fuel onto a hot exhaust/engine. Although I believe petrol does not ignite purely from high temperature, it needs a naked flame/spark.

My next addition will be a higher seat to alleviate hip cramp, although it didn't bother me last time.

And of course as many tools and emergency spares as possible, although (touch wood) I've never had a problem yet :D.
 
#34 ·
The fuel problem was solved by fitting quick-removable (aluminium re-inforced) saddlebags that each carry 10 litres of fuel. No more fuel worries, and far less stress! Also easily removed at destination.
Arfer
Did you custom make the aluminum reinforced saddle bags? Do you have a picture of them?

Just wondering if they are more custom Arfer fabrications? :)
 
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