Spare Parts For Long Trip

[X Ring]

Decided I'm going to take a long trip next summer when school is out.  Just starting the planning now.  Probably going to be 4-6 weeks out west taking my time and sightseeing.  Just wondering what spare parts I should take along just in case.  April of next year I'll put the I/S on the lift and go through it stem to stern.  TIA

Marty

[PhredValk]

This is mostly tools and supplies, but lots of good ideas and some parts in there too.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,1211.0.html

My toolkit; cell phone, credit card, AMA membership, GWRRA Gold Book.
Fred.

[tank_post142]

swap your valve stems for steel one now.

[X Ring]

swap your valve stems for steel one now.

Already have Patchboy's but thanks.

Marty

[fudgie]

As far a Valk parts I have bearings, head light, u joint, seals, and sometime a drive shaft. Lots of misc fuses and relays and small parts. Also I through in a extra mag of your choice in caliber.

[John Schmidt]

As far a Valk parts I have bearings, head light, u joint, seals, and sometime a drive shaft. Lots of misc fuses and relays and small parts.

I also carry a "plug and go" tire repair kit and a 12v compressor. Plus, I toss in some zip ties, a couple pieces of wire in case I need to make an elec. repair, along with some quick connectors. If I have any add-ons that use a special tool, I throw that in as well. So far, I've only used the tire repair once and glad I had it with me. There was nothing for miles, just me, the Meadow Larks, and a flat tire.

PS: If I'm traveling in an area where civilization is sparse, that means the restrooms are also. Guess what else I carry on those trips?!? 

[Bone]

Last couple years I have rode west no passenger or other bikes. I was very confident carrying phone numbers of family and a older Gold Bold. I was surprised finding out cell phones don't get signals in many areas. I was going to call once and no signal so I started checking every time I stopped. Nextel, Sprint advertise the power of their signals not the places they have no signals.
Also a small roll of TP in a baggie flattened is great peace of mind, haven't needed it but it's there.

I keep a small notepad and list all of the generic parts that will fit my Valk. Had a Goldwing that I had on the list a universal electric fuel pump. The tank was lower than the carbs. If I need something on the road there won't be a Honda shop open or it won't be in stock.

[fudgie]

Also a small roll of TP in a baggie flattened is great peace of mind, haven't needed it but it's there.

I have a tube and baggy full of tissues that expand when wet, to about the size of a paper towel. Had them in the bag for a few years. Kit had to pee once in the Black Hills so we pulled over and wetted one up. She came up the hill all smiles saying it worked well. 100 yds up we past some porta johns. 

[wd40]

RE Bone's comment on cell phone reception, I live in the boonies of Winnemucca NV.  Experience shows that Verizon is the way to go for travels through the west.
Also a tire plug tool can be a lifesaver.  If you don't have a small compressor, many plug kits have a fitting to use small CO2 cartridges to fill a tire.  The parts store should have them, they should have a guide for how many of what size will fill specific tire sizes.  Carry extras!!

[valkyriemc]

I like to carry a small/medium pair of dykes-wire cutting pliers. If you get a screwhead or nail ground flat you can push the pointed ends into the tire enough to get a hold of it and twist and pull it out. Works better than pliers for me.

[Red Diamond]

My suggestions or rather comments would be this,, if you are going to go over it stem to stern, then what's all the spare parts for? Do a good job on your stem to stern maintenance and possilbly carry a spare alternator. That is about the only other piece of rotating equipment on the Valk that will shut your trip down and cause you major problems. The rest of the bike is strong and reliable on a short 5-10k mile trip. Save room for other important things, like a cell phone, few wrenches, tire patches, etc, etc and clothing.

[Sodbuster]

If you're going to be riding out west my recommendation would be to carry a small plastic gas can/container. It's very easy to be 60-80 miles from the next town and just because there is a town on the map doesn't guarantee a gas station !!

Also, lesson learned from our trip last year is don't use plastic in a restaurant or motel if you can help it .... use it only for fuel.  We arrived home last year only to find both CC's were compromised. If you have to use it make sure the person taking it is in site at all times.

[Farther]

On my trip to South Dakota and back to the State of Jefferson (over 5k miles), I took the factory tool kit, Leatherman Wave, small flashlight (Surefire E2e), credit card, Triple A card, cell phone, about 1/2 doz. Handiwipes, plug kit with CO2 cylinders and 340Sc j-frame.  I run Ride-On tire sealant in the tires.  I did develop a 10 psi loss per 100 mile leak in the rear tire but I think it was the valve stem.  Since replaced with Billit Tire Valve  (http://www.motorcycleanchor.com/tire_valves/index.htm) when I changed the rear tire.

[X Ring]

Guess I should let everyone know I am planning on a 10-11K mile trip out west with a possible side trip up the Al Can Highway to Fairbanks then up to Dead Horse so I can wade in the Arctic.  I have the air pump covered.  New DarkSide with Ride On will be installed in the next month along with the Double Row Bearing Mod.  Front tire with Ride On will be installed before leaving.  I normally travel with all the combination wrenches, sockets with handles and allen wrenches plus allen bit sockets that I normally work on the Valk with.  Also, a screwdriver with 4 bits, spare fuses, spare headlight bulb and m/c jumper cables are in the tool kit.  Turn signal bulbs are leds so no worry there.  Thinking about getting some of that silicone tape to handle double duty for radiator/fuel hoses plus to use as electrical tape if needed.  

WD40, thanks for letting me know about the cell phone situation.  I use Verizon now, so that won't be changing.  Sodbuster, I was thinking about getting one of those plastic gas cans that fit in the back of the saddlebag.  I'm also considering stopping in at R&M for a belly tank.  Fudgie, I always carry 40 or 45 sized protection.    

As far as other spares, I was thinking of a spare front and a spare rear wheel bearing.  Also planning on getting a pocket size multimeter.  Watched Punisher pull one out of his kit to diagnose Strider's electrical problems at the Natchez Trace Ride last year.  Wouldn't think about taking one of my Flukes.  They're WAY too big.

Keep the advice coming guys.  It's giving me stuff to think about.    

Marty

[Sodbuster]

Hey X Ring -

Being from the south you might find this hard to fathom but if you're thinking Al-Can I would definitely invest in at least an electric vest or even an electric jacket liner.  You won't believe how much more you'll enjoy those low temp days or get caught in a cold rain !!!!

Sodbuster

[Jess from VA]

I think everyone should have an LED head band light in their toolkit.  Hands-free ability to work in the dark or low light is very helpful.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Alaskan-Guide-Series174-QUL-Headlamps/714625.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dled%2Bhead%2Blight%26x%3D15%26y%3D7%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts&Ntt=led+head+light&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

[gordonv]

My suggestion. Leave all your extras at home, just take as few things as you can get away with (tire seal and air compressor) and some tools. Do your maintenance your planing on doing.

Post your expected route, what kind of driving you like, ask for advise of side trips or a better route, and ask for contact information of fellow Valkyrie riders who might either like to ride with you for a portion of the day (showing off their local area), or people who might be able to give support if you have a break down.

To that end, if you're trying for the Al Can, then if you make it through the Vancouver area, I can be a contact, and could also direct you towards others, both in BC and in the 100 mile valley of the Fraser River mouth.

[X Ring]

Hey X Ring -

Being from the south you might find this hard to fathom but if you're thinking Al-Can I would definitely invest in at least an electric vest or even an electric jacket liner.  You won't believe how much more you'll enjoy those low temp days or get caught in a cold rain !!!!

Sodbuster

I'm a firm believer in Gerbings!!  Thanks.

Marty

[Mr. Nuts]

Lots of good ideas here. My suggestion is to photocopy your credit cards and ID (both sides) and make sure you have the numbers to call if you should lose your card or have troubles. Store the copies in a safe place somewhere other than where you keep your wallet. Make sure you have lots of room on your credit limits if you are using them for fuel as the merchants often place a hold on your card for up to $75 for each time you fill up. These holds can really add up fast when are only filling up with a few gallons each time. I also like to keep a spare key hidden somewhere when traveling.

I like a little med kit on board too with aleve, ibuprofen, and immodium or something for traveling blues. Extra glasses or contacts too if you wear them would be good. I might even take a copy of my latest optometrist prescription so I could buy something on the road if need be. Might also look at your insurance coverage and see if you can add anything cheaply that might help like towing. Have fun!

[Mr. Nuts]

One more thing. It's been a while since I've been up to Canada but last time I was there they didn't like guns. Had to leave my handgun with them at the border (and pick it up on the way back). They also didn't appreciate my alcohol, mace, hollow point bullets, cigarettes, or firewood. And no sense of humor about it either....might check all that before you go!

[Sodbuster]

Hey X Ring -

Being from the south you might find this hard to fathom but if you're thinking Al-Can I would definitely invest in at least an electric vest or even an electric jacket liner.  You won't believe how much more you'll enjoy those low temp days or get caught in a cold rain !!!!

Sodbuster

I'm a firm believer in Gerbings!!  Thanks.

Marty

They are the best .... excellent choice !! (especially the new micro wire)

sounds like an awesome trip .... ride safe

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Kickstand bolt and spring are nice to have if needed.  I carry some coat hanger wire and a few small bungee cords also to hold up kickstand until repairs can be made. Bearings,bulbs,fuses some cash money and cellphone.

[fudgie]

I got a cool battery operated soldering gun to for $10. Watching Lucky 13 work on GiGs starter switch made me get one.

[Jim Ross]

All the above are excellent thoughts.  I travel between Reno and Twin Falls a lot and like WD40 said, Verizon is the best cell phone out here, although AT+T will usually have a signal if you are near an InterState.
Because our Valks have been out of production for about 9 years now, I always carry a new U-joint, drive shaft, and a full set of wheel bearings....the nearest Honda dealer will not likely have the U-joint or drive shaft in stock if you happen to need them.  I also carry a list of generic parts numbers, like bulbs and such.  I am still (after 12 years!) running the oem valve stems, but that ain't smart on my part.  I also carry a tire plug kit and a 12 volt compressor.
Before you take off, check on-line for any road construction in the areas you intend to travel----one time I went up US 95 in Idaho and found a TERRIBLE road project and had to turn around and go about 30 miles back to find an alternate route-----no heads up, no nothing in the way of a warning until I got to the site...it sucked!
Have a great time and be safe.

[Walküre]

PS: If I'm traveling in an area where civilization is sparse, that means the restrooms are also. Guess what else I carry on those trips?!? 

? ? ?

[Walküre]

Another warning about CC's - years back, one of the gents on WOTI, planned out his whole vacation, got a credit card specifically for the trip, intending to pay it off when he got back. He was going to put everything on that one card. He knew exactly where he was going to stay on the trip, and made arrangements with the motels.

He left, got a tankful of gas away from home, stopped to get gas, and his card was refused!! Turned out that when he had "reserved" his rooms, they had put a hold on a certain amount of money, like 3 days stay, at EACH place, taking him to his limit, before he ever set foot out of the house!!

The consensus ended up that if you were going to do that, and had the "means" (credit-wise), get TWO cards, put everything on the one card, then when you get there, pay with the other card. The first will have no charges when you get home, and the 2nd will have all your expenses.

I wouldn't know how to use a CC on the road, been cash so long. They DO make excellent Bondo applicators, though...

(I lied, I do have one CC, used exclusively for PayPal)

R

[Bone]

For my own protection before I leave on a trip I stop at the Credit Union where my CC was issued. Told them my plans like stopping every 150 miles for gas. Going cross country with many CC buys I asked how far would I get before they would stop my card. They smiled and said your lucky you stopped by I wouldn't have went far. Gave them my planned departure date, my destination city and approximate return date. They ask me to stop in and let them know I returned a call wouldn't be accepted.
Security takes both parties working together.

[gordonv]

For my own protection before I leave on a trip I stop at the Credit Union where my CC was issued. Told them my plans like stopping every 150 miles for gas. Going cross country with many CC buys I asked how far would I get before they would stop my card. They smiled and said your lucky you stopped by I wouldn't have went far. Gave them my planned departure date, my destination city and approximate return date. They ask me to stop in and let them know I returned a call wouldn't be accepted.
Security takes both parties working together.

+1 I'll second this one also. When I drove down the coast over to Vegas and back north, I also told my CC holder about my trip, and that I was not going to double back on any day. They also had all my contact information (txt, email, cell and wife at home too), most motels had free internet, and hotels wanted $15 a day.

Thinking about that, I also brouhgt my laptop, to Skype home to my wife. Sat in a cafe for 2hr with a cup of coffee talking to my wife, while my brother was golfing in San Fran.

[Farther]

X Ring:  If you are going up I-5 near the CA/OR border (aka: State of Jefferson) and it's time to stop for a rest or the night, give me a call.  We have a small house but you will have unlimited kitchen and bathroom privileges.  My email is in my profile.

[X Ring]

I appreciate that Brother!  I'll shoot you an email closer to the time.  I'm taking a full load in school this summer knocking out all the non nursing courses I need for my Associates Degree in Nursing.  I start Nursing School in Fall so this trip will be Summer '12.

Marty

ETA:  One of my plans is to ride PCH from SoCal to Seattle