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Re: My first 630 mile trip. Your wisdom needed.

Posted by sgtslag on Feb 12, 2013; 12:51am
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/My-first-630-mile-trip-Your-wisdom-needed-tp4036478p4036490.html

Rain suits are a necessary evil.  If you have a waterproof jacket, then you can pass on the rain suit (JC Whitney has them for little money, two-piece sets for around $30-$40); rain suits can double as a vapor barrier in very cold temperatures (mid-50's and colder), which will help keep you warm (used to layer your clothing, worn beneath your jeans/chaps/whatever), but they will keep the sweat inside, eventually leading to cold, clamminess.  If you wear leather chaps, rub them with mink oil:  softens the leather; waterproof's the leather; conditions it really well; alleviates the need for rain suit pants.

A ballaclava is actually very helpful:  they keep sun and wind off of your neck.  They can also keep you from getting rain down your neck.  There are various types available, but the Zubwear is my personal favorite -- only suitable for warmer weather, but I never ride without it anymore.

I stated that SeaFoam will lower your gas mileage when you run it.  That has been my experience, but if it improved your mileage, great for you!  If you have mild plugging of the jets, it will improve response, and acceleration/performance, overall.  Try to run it once per month, to keep ahead of the varnish, as well as ridding the fuel tank of any water that separates out (SeaFoam absorbs water) -- it will do no harm, but it will do a lot of good.

I would recommend a tank bag, and water within it.  Riding causes dehydration, so having water to replenish your fluids, is vital.  Enjoy your ride!  Cheers!
1979 CB750K (sold, 2012, but not forgotten)
1983 Kawasaki 440 LTD Belt Drive (sold, 2011)
1993 Kawasaki Voyager XII