Have I forgot anything?

Ok, just 9 more days until the trip to Tennessee to run the Dragon Tail and visit friends. Heres what I've done to get Franky ready for it. New front break pads, replaced front brake rotor, new clutch friction plates, clutch was slipping some, new clutch cable, new tires, oil change, drive gear lubricant change, valve check, carbs synced and cleaned. new rear break shoes, even though the ones on were only three seasons old. new wheel bearings all around, triple tree bearings tightened. If I've forgotten something please let me know. Can't wait for the trip, will be writting a journel to post afterwards and photos. lots of photos. I hope, bought a new digital camera not quit sure how to use it yet, lol.

 

Sounds like you are ready! Can't think of much else....how old's your battery? Spark plugs? Do you have a killboy sticker? (Make the highlights page!!)

 

Oh, I bet you already have this covered, but if you still have an original fuse box, replace it. Going on a long trip without updated fuses would be askin for trouble!

 

Pbjman, replaced the fuse box a few seasons back, have spare fuses stored under the seat, also battery is new this season and so are the plug wires.

 

If you can manage it, get in a "shakedown run" of at least one tankful of gas, 150 miles maybe. Usually that will be enough for small things to surface that you hadn't anticipated and give you the opportunity to deal with them in more convenient circumstances.

 

Yeah, you def want to get out and lay down some miles. you didn't mention anything about fuel filters on your carbs or a tire plug kit w/compressor in your travel tools? Also, I don't leave home without "my little friend"(radar detector) and since I do a lot of nighttime traveling, I'd very highly recommend aux running lights (30W halogens-they throw good light without sucking up all your overhead) and point the right side light a little toward the right so it illuminates the shoulders for critter detection BEFORE you become intimately acquainted.

Sounds like a great summer/fall trip....might need some warmies at night....but have fun & stay safe so you can come back and tell us about your trip.

jeff

 

A fully charged cell phone , just in case. Find someone to make the ride with you. It will be more fun with company.
I'll be there at the end of the month with both my XS and XJ, I'm also looking forward to it. I have a room at the Iron Horse lodge for the weekend.

 

Tire condition would be another thing to consider

 

Tire PRESSURE was the first thing that came to my head.

 

Just cleaned the carbs and adjusted floats and bench synced. one of the float pins wasn't attatched so I'm sure that caused some of my issues. Bikes is running like its brand new, lots of power, able to kick down to pass again can't believe the difference.

 

I put a power plug on the bike a few seasons back so I can charge my phone as I ride. I'm heading down with my best friend

 

Brand new Perelli tires yesterday

 

You guys rock, I thank you for all your advice, keep it coming, I'll feel better knowing that I've checked and double checked everything. Oh, one other thing, I checked the rear break shoes while I had the rear tire off, they look great.

 

Set you rear brake switch to have the brake-light come on before the shoes make contact with the drum.

That way, ... you can warn tailgaters to give you some room.

 

Great idea, thanks I'll do that tomorrow.

 

Take a spare Key! You never know! I secure one under an accessable bolt/screw for long trips.

Enjoy the ride. Take plenty of pics. Don't let the tail seduce you to much!

Ghost

 

I was under the assumption that you should set it up like that anyways.

 

Additional Halogen Lamps might overload the Electrical System.

Refer to the Technical Section of the Workshop Manual for Limitations.