Pre-trip checklist

Discussion in '1st & 2nd Generation 1983-1989' started by zPix87, May 24, 2009.

  1. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    I'm gearing up for my first big trip on the Viffer, about 400 miles round trip. The bike was fully serviced about 500 miles ago, but is there anything I should check before hitting the road? I already plan to clean/lube the chain and check tire pressure.
     
  2. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    double check all your lights:
    low beam and high beam
    brakes front and rear switches
    turn signals...
     
  3. leftcoast

    leftcoast New Member

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    May want to stash a 1/2 pint of Jack Daniels under the seat.
    You know.......just in case.
     
  4. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    ^^ good idea... a couple of weeks ago my headlight (low and high) went out for no apparent reason, but before I could see what was wrong, it came right back on. No problems since. Any ideas what the problem could've been and what I can do if it happens again?
     
  5. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    ...too bad i'm not 21 :wink:
     
  6. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    bad switches. happened on my nighthawk last year. it was a 93... 6 years newer than yours, so it sounds like its about time. i just replaced the left and right hand controls, with new oem from bikebandit. your probably going to want to replace the wheel bearings front and rear too, if they havent been replaced yet.... preventative maintenance...
     
  7. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    Is there a sign that the wheel bearings are going out?
     
  8. v4hor

    v4hor New Member

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    Could be a sticky starter switch. The starter switch kills the lights while starting the bike. Mine was sticking just enough that it wouldn't come out enough to let the lights turn back on. A little lube in the switch and I was good to go. Hope it's that easy for you. Enjoy the ride
     
  9. i_needit

    i_needit New Member

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    Go around one time with a wrench, allen wrench and some sockets and make sure everthing tight.
     
  10. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    make sure you have a basic toolkit, some fuses, and a length of insulated wire, and duct tape !

    Check that your cooling fan kicks in as it should by 2/3 temp scale....if not rig up a manual switch.

    If you need any advice while you're travelling, post up on this site.
    Good Luck.
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2009
  11. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    wheel bearings

    there are a lot of signs:
    headshake at certain speeds
    abnormal noises
    excessive play in the wheels...
     
  12. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    I haven't noticed any of those so I should be good to go! (at least for now)
     
  13. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    is that a 400 mile trip you are going on or 4,000 mile trip?
     
  14. zPix87

    zPix87 New Member

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    200 out, 200 back.
     
  15. FJ12rydertoo

    FJ12rydertoo Member

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    Now days I just make sure I have a cell phone. When I rode Triumphs I carried a few tools, but not many. Now I don't carry any, maybe when I put in my new fuse box I can free up a little room and start carrying the tool kit again. JMO.
     
  16. CandyRedRC46

    CandyRedRC46 Member

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    completely forgot about that one... very important. you dont want to be stuck in the middle of the 18 mile stretch, getting eatin alive by mosquitoes hoping someone will pull over....
     
  17. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    DON'T leave home without duct tape!
     
  18. matt1986vf500f

    matt1986vf500f New Member

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    bring some fix-a-flat or one of those thing you stick in the tire........not a patch...shit i cant remeber...be safe out there
     
  19. NorcalBoy

    NorcalBoy Member

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    it's a 400 mile ride,you guys are all acting like it's dakar for christ sakes. it's a day trip. he'll be fine, just check the tires, oil level, fill it with gas and ride.
     
  20. jay956

    jay956 New Member

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    i always have basic tools, various types of tape, zip ties, tire plug kit, pump for filling the tire, tire gauge, bungee net, disc lock, cable lock, kickstand plate, flashlight, and a AAA card.
     
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