Preparing DOHC CB750 for lengthy travel

[Piute]

   Have you thought of a set-up like this



     Now some parts from guys here N some from 79 Wing,So has/had to modify,
    Personaly don't use but will mod. the tour-pak(trunk)one daY.
    There's a sissy bar that can slide forward that supports the driver also.

[Thorby]

If I was doing this, I would make sure to carry:
-fix-a-flat (it already saved me once, just add it to the tire and add air at nearest gas station).
-Spare fuses: When the main fuse blows, it completely kills your bike in the creepiest way.
-Spare clutch cable: cost me only $2 dollars, spares you the trouble and danger of limping with a snapped clutch cable.

This may be random advice, but I recently saw a video of how a rider got nearly wiped off the road by a driver who switched lanes without seeing the motorcycle.  I think this mistake on the cager's behalf is very common and will still apply to interstate riding, remember to either pass quickly or stay out of the way!

[cdaiscool]

Hello people! Sorry I've been away for so long; been working on a few different projects. Even now, I'm working on one that I HAVE to have done by 1:30, and deliver by 2 pm. Damn deadlines...

However, went to my dad's yesterday (3 hour ride away). While there, we:

-adjusted all cables. Tried lubing the clutch cable, but it didn't want to go down at all. Used the baggy method, unsure what went wrong. However, adjusting it made it a little better (but not as good as it could be). May just replace it before I go, we'll see. Throttle was sticking @ full throttle, now it snaps properly back. Choke works quite well as well.
-installed 12-volt keyed power, as well as heater grips. WOW what a different they make! I took a few pictures, will post a how-to later. Your mileage may vary, however.
-Cleaned the in-tank screen filter and petcock itself. I haven't tested if the reserve works now, but suspect it does.
-Replaced in-line filter. Only 2500 or so miles, and the previous filter was getting dirty.
-Got brakes, turn signals, and horn working. Turned out, it was a blown fuse after all. I could have SWORN I checked that a couple months ago, but apparently I didn't. Either way, I've got 'em working now.
-Tightened chain, lubed it.
-Replaced coils. Starts easier now, runs much better.
-Removed left-side turn signal. Right-side busted off back in June. So now its not too crazy.
-"Installed" (read: threw on top of seat and then bungee-corded down the back) a natural sheepskin cover. Was so dang warm...

I -think- that's it. Either way, we did a LOT of work. Got there around 10, we had omelettes (love my dad's omelettes!), took some pics of them on the bike, then we started tearing into the bike. After multiple part runs, we finally resolved everything, and for a maiden voyage returned a set of parts we accidentally left in my step-mom's car and she took off to go shopping. We finished JUST before 9 pm. I left his house around 11 pm (we got pizza and I help fix a few computer issues) and then got home around 3. Stopped in Lansing for gas and to hang out for a few, then rode an hour, froze bad, and stopped for hot chocolate. Left, and fog rolled in HARD. At times, I could only see 2 construction cones in front of me. People would pass me and immediately disappear. It was scary, but being so close I couldn't convince myself to just stop and get a hotel. Made it home and crashed in bed, versus on the road somewhere.

Yesterday was a long day.

[Piute]

    Sounds like your Dad is great motavation (why waist a trip)
   Think that late night / morn trip was good for ya Get you ready for yo trip ,Going to happen every-day,I try not to ride to late into night (set up camp or close to motel)enjoy the town /Get Good Rest tunes help.
     I have some lights to give ya,You wont all the light you can get/put out(that fog how close would ya say they have to get to see " A TAIL LIGHT " next time while in parking lot or some were's safe walk back and see HOW CLOSE ,then think foggy windshield, on the cell (distractions)
   So I can digg out something what ya need

[cdaiscool]

Yes, I agree in that it was a very good trip. Thankfully, the only places I was getting passed was empty 2-lane freeway. Otherwise I was ready to pull off and let whoever was behind me (on the backroad to my place) just pass. I never came across anyone on my route home aside from the 5 that were already in the fast lane.

My dad is excellent motivation. I can't do electrical, but I can plan it and run wires well. So we worked on that together; I snipped wires where needed, and he made 'em work with solder.

As for the lights, I'm hesitant because the charging system is already weak. The heaters run @ 3.2 watts when on high, and the bike had a hard time idling with 'em on high. Adding more lights would be akin to running that as well, and may very well mess up the idling of the bike. I'm already scared to try running a cell charger while the bike idles (on start-up or something similar).

Plus, I'm not sure how I'd mount 'em. I am considering getting a much brighter tail light, though, with integrated turn signals. LED tail lights are tremendously bright, and would work just fine.

[cdaiscool]

Btw, what do you need to get ready for the trip? Anything I can help with on my end over here?

[Piute]

    Getting the bull run around about my insurance and a judge,They owe me and I'm still paying to keep my license,Ready to blow this state,HELL I may just leave now (yeh if I could).

[cdaiscool]

Let it sit another month, then just leave. The state is closed anyways for most of our trip. As long as it's not court-ordered that you stay in the state, then let's meet in Indianapolis and we'll camp the entire 10 days.

[Piute]

      I can leave just not on my bike
   Have family in ten A see,that i havn't seen in 30yr's,Kids have kids now ,
                   Think I'll stay close to home this time out.

[cdaiscool]

No shame in that man! Okay, then I'll see you around possibly.

Good luck getting your ducks in a row with regards to the bike.

[cdaiscool]

Figured I'd give you guys an update. I went to get some new contacts and the eye doc wanted to check some stuff. 1 hour there, and I took the entire day off from work. I love my job.  I do have 106 hours of sick days to use by May 14, after all. Now its more like 98...

So, I got the saddle bag mounting kit which Sarge recommended. Got 'em mounted, and they ALMOST space the sissy bar I got from Half-calf (sans M&M's however) enough to fit with no issue. I am going to heat 'em up and bend 'em (the legs of the sissy bar) into place. They are around an inch off. I'll get pics of everything once finished.

Chain is loose, after this I'm going to go and re-tighten it up. Again. It seems to get dangerous amounts of slack after only a few hundred miles. Is this normal? I'm talking 2" or so of slack. Possibly more. I put it on the center stand and tighten to around 1.25" of slack or so.

The front shocks don't have any air in them, I've found. I am going to air them up to 12 psi roughly (handlebar sticker calls for 10-16)  and see if it leaks out. I hope not. Also going to check the tires and air 'em up to capacity as well.

I've also reattached the rack that came with the bike. Combined, I've got some carrying capacity now.

Now to find a local tank and sissy bar bag. I'm having no luck.

If I don't find something soon, I'll have to possibly buy new instead.

[Thorby]

Replace that chain with a good quality one.  If it snaps it can, in order of severity:

-leave you stranded in the middle of the road
-wreck your transmission case/actual transmission/drive gear
-cause you to have an accident if it locks up your drive wheel

Also, I am planning a tour as well of South to southeast US and New York for around Spring.  It'll be my first such long tour, so I will prepare the best possible and learn as much possible from you as well. :)

[cdaiscool]

This chain is not even a year old, probably 3k miles on it. If this chain is good, then I don't want to replace it. If it's not good, then I will I guess.

[cdaiscool]

Well, just waiting to go to the store (damn rush hour traffic) to get some WD-40 (my kerosene's in storage, don't tell 'em) and then going to clean the chain, run it in 1st while on the center stand for 10, 15 minutes then put the chain lube on it. Then put the chain cover back on it and call it a job well done.

Tomorrow, I'll probably put the actual saddle bags on. Still gotta find a way to patch that hole, otherwise I'll just put stuff in covers in that pocket. We'll see.

I'll get pictures tomorrow. The pictures I took came out really grainy, due to the wonderful amounts of light we have right now.

[shinyribs]

Craig , I just got rid of a chain like that myself. It would loosen just as much and as fast as you described. There was nothing wrong with the chain,it was just undersized for the bike. I think it was rated around 5-6000 psi tensile strength. I put a 9800 lb-er on it and havent touched it in over 2000 miles. It maybe be something to look into really. By the time you adjust it several more times it will have stretched to the point where it no longer fits the sprockets correctly. Pin center-pin center. It'll either eat your sprockets or the sprockets will over power the chain and snap it. Those are the only two options once it gets to that point.


You should hang around more:   http://honda-cb750-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-often-do-you-adjust-your-chain-td4026233.html#a4026921


p.s.: I'll try and remember to post up a pic og those two chains.the difference in the size of the side plates was impressive. Once I saw that it was clear why my little chain was stretching so fast.

[sgtslag]

The amount of stretch you described, is not normal.  I would second the recommendation to replace the chain, as stretching that much, that quickly, is not normal  Don't skimp on the chain.  Get an O-ring 630/530 of reputable quality.  Cheers!

[Piute]

                MY new 630 chain was on just a bit tight (lil but noticeable play/movement)did streach a                   A Little just enough to just right(500miles),gave 1 flat(less the 1/4 turn)
                      I count the flats on bolt to keep equal )after installing new retainer


  I've Got a great bagg your welcome to " USE " till you find what ya need

       This is folded in half Depth 73/4"x12"highx14"wide works like a reg saddle bagg(1side)
            (person said was a Honda bagg he didn't know what he had )

        SEe the handle(slips over B-bar,then velcro straps tighter too
  It is 17" tall when fully opened depth & with same(hold 1 bigg sleeping bag ,
but must put plastic bag over top cause can't use velcro & buckle's fully open at top
          I put a 2person down bag in and put on my ball hitch
                 
                       OR like here you could lean on it(if layed down)

[cdaiscool]

Much appreciated! But I am not a fan of borrowing stuff like that, even more so when you're several states over. Much rather just have my own or, if borrowing, borrow from someone local.



Had an idiot moment tonight. Took off to Harbor Freight, and forgot to take the tools off the tailgate.  Now my torque wrench is gone, among other tools. Arghh. Going to re-drive my route on the way to the bar tonight to see if I can find it, my tool bag, or random tools. Also going to ride it slowly tomorrow to see if I can find anything smaller.

Pisses me off.

In other news, I'm going to order a new chain this weekend. Probably going to talk to my local shop tomorrow and see if they can get me a decent one for a good price, otherwise I'll just have to order one from online. Replaced the sprockets when I put the chain on, so after only 3k miles I doubt my sprockets are bad. I'll get pics tomorrow of 'em though and you guys can tell me if I'm going nuts or if they truly are good.

I just hope I don't lose the tools to do that job, too. Either way, need to buy a new torque wrench if I can't find mine tonight...






Dammit.

[cdaiscool]

shinyribs wrote

You should hang around more:   http://honda-cb750-s.456789.n3.nabble.com/How-often-do-you-adjust-your-chain-td4026233.html#a4026921


p.s.: I'll try and remember to post up a pic og those two chains.the difference in the size of the side plates was impressive. Once I saw that it was clear why my little chain was stretching so fast.

Hey, I've been trying! Life's just been a bit... hectic. Got thrown into day tickets a bit early, plus planning, plus social events, plus hacker events, plus family events... I'm unsure how I make things work NOW.

[Thorby]

Cdais,

This happens to me too much as well :( I normally hang my backpack from the back rest so it rests on the back grill.  One time I was carrying my laptop in my backpack, and well... I laid it on the back grill without passing the straps through the back rest so it was just laying there waiting to fall as I rode off into traffic.  Thank God, the backpack was still on the grill a couple blocks later when I realized what I did.  It is a brand new middle-end laptop!

Then a couple days ago I once again did this mistake, this time my backpack only had my jacket's inner lining, gloves, and my clear face shield.  Not worth a whole lot to someone selling it but worth plenty to me in terms of how useful these things are.  This time I was clueless until a couple blocks later a driver caught up to me and told me what I did.  Crap!  Also this time, this happened at a much busier avenue and the nearest U-turn was about 1/2 a mile away.  I couldn't find the backpack, nor anybody holding it (lots of pedestrians) and I figured somebody just picked it up and rode off on a bus.  Finally somebody from across the street shouted if I had dropped my backpack.  The nice man told me a security guard from a warehouse on the block picked it up and was holding it.  I was that close to losing my stuff!

We need to get into the habit of never laying anything at all on the bike without strapping it tight.