Re: Trip Planning

Posted by sgtslag on Nov 04, 2012; 5:48am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Trip-Planning-tp4031593p4031650.html

Be sure to switch to a full synthetic oil.  A full synthetic will be much thinner, at cold temperatures, allowing the engine to turn over easier, reducing engine wear tremendously.  I run Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40.  I run it in all of my engines, and my air compressor.  In tropical Minnesota, my car sits outside all day long; after 5 PM, it turns over like it is 80 F, in July!  It is inexpensive, at ~$21/gallon, at Wal-Mart.  It is rated for M/C use by JASO, also SM, for cars.  Many folks use it in their bikes, no issues.

With regards to the 12 Volt Power Outlet, pick one up at Wal-Mart, automotive accessories section, for less than $10.  Mount it where you can find space.  Wire it directly to the battery terminals, with an inline fuse, around 5 Amps, using 14 GA stranded wire.  It should be connected through a relay, connected to a running light circuit, to switch it off, when the bike is off.  The relay can be purchased where car horns are sold, at any auto parts store.  Let me know if you need assistance in how to wire things up, or, better yet, ask someone local, who can assist you with it.

If you plan on using heated gear, you will need to install a sub-fuse block, available at any auto parts store.  These should be wired the same way, with a relay switching it off when the bike is off.  This will allow you to add several additional circuits, each with a separate fuse.  Be sure to keep track of your total amperage through it, to be sure you don't draw more amps than your alternator can supply, in which case you will drain your battery, and be stranded in the middle of nowhere, with a completely dead battery.  Cheers!