What to check before a long ride

I got my 650 Maxum road ready. New front and rear brakes, new oil and filter, carbs cleaned and rejetted, fuse block upgrade, and everything light wise is good.

I have taken it on 4 or 5 short rides with the longest about 7or 8 miles.

Bike is running good and everything feels and sounds good.

Any other things I should check over before I go on a longer ride? Don't want to get stranded.

Thanks in advance.

 

Tank of gas and a good friend on a second bike. I assume the tires are good and properly inflated.

 

Tires are new. Right now I'm a one man wolf pack. Buddy doesn't have his bike ready yet.

 

Carry a plug kit and air pump (that way you'll never need it).

Define a long ride. Are you talking a few hours or a few days?

 

Be the bunny!

Electrical check (headlight, taillight, turn signals).

Helmet.
Appropriate foot wear and clothing (this means gloves also). Dress for the slide not the ride.

 

Credit card balance and cell phone charge

 

Everything is good that way. It's a new bike to me and didn't know if there was anything the veteran xj riders do before rides.

I guess you can only check over everything so many times before you have to just do it.

 

Tools take any tools you might need. I always carry tools, 10mm 12mm 14mm plug socket and Philips head regular and larger. A flashlight so you can fix it in the dark.

 

I always carry tools- the common combo wrench sizes mentioned above (8-10-12-14-17) along with needle nose and slip joint pliers, phillips and flat screwdrivers, a basic set of metric allen keys, a good serrated lock blade knife, zip ties and electrical tape. If there's space, a smaller pair of vise grips can be handy as well. Oh and spare fuses!

 

And have a look at hot spots here and see if there are any of us that may be on your route just in case you need a hand.

 

I just went a 400+ mile ride .... what are you worried about? My bike is done right , I do not concern myself worrying about breaking down . This could happen to a brand new bike as well as a 30 plus old bike. I've owned Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Buell had various hickups , nothing that left me stranded . I guess if I worried that much I'd never ride further than it would take to push it home. Point is take a few tools that were recommended to you, check oil level, tire pressure.... Listen to Stumflifter Full face helmet , good quality gloves, recommend jacket ( keeps you from getting sunburnt arms) , boots are optional . Enjoy the ride, if your apprehensive
ride 15 to 20 miles see how it goes if ok RIDE like the wind .

 

I agree.

Do you know anyone with the facility to pick you up (namely a trailer at the ready) if indeed you end up stuck? I always have this though in the back of my head.

Of course where I live, there are really no remote places to travel that might be miles away from "civilization" unless I leave the island.

My neighbor has one of those Load-All motorcycle ramp systems installed in the back of his F150. I have him on speed dial of course... heh... Though my XJ has not let me down yet.

 

I didn't think about a small tool kit. Where do you keep your tools?

 

I have a truck and trailer. The hard part is getting the old lady to come pick me up.

Bike seems. Like you said do some 20 Mile rides and go from there.

 

On my Seca 750 there is a cubby hole under the grab handle ( tail light fairing) but I have my Buell soft saddle bags ( sold bike years ago ,but kept bags used on my CB750 and Virago 750 fit perfect) These are great for a jacket, water bottle or tools.

 

I did not see electrical connectors cleaned, and secured in your list.
Nothing worse that trying to chase down electrical gremlins at night on the side of the road.

~Ghost

 

I keep them in a small pouch under my seat. It jusssst barely fits.

 

I have the factory toolkit in it's proper place, and a few other tools in a tube (tape, zip-tys, screwdriver, and the aforementioned tire plug kit and pump), and a liter of gas in another (look in my gallery for pics).
The one thing that I add for a multi-day trip is a spare TCI, since that's the only thing that can't reasonably be fixed on the road (barring a major engine failure).
I carry a first aid kit, water, an energy bar, an emergency blanket/shelter, and sunscreen (Scouting never gts out of your blood).
In case of an accident or breakdown that requires recovery I have towing on my insurance. It's not reasonable to rely on a friend or family to come get me when I'm three states away.

 

I checked the electrical connections, not all but most.

I have a small ammo can I can bolt on somewhere. Back when I was younger I had a dirtbike that had a tool box. It was about the size of a pop bottle. That would look nice. The trick is finding it.

This weekend I'll swing past and get some cheap tools to carry.