PREPARING FOR MY SOLO TREK FROM THE WEST TO THE EAST COAST

[Paxton]

Hi Folks;

Just this week the likelihood of this trek becoming reality went from 50/50 to 60/40 in favor of err...
tripping  out SOLO. 90% of my riding will be on the slab.

This would be my third time since 2007 taking this trip by motorcycle...  8K miles in 6 weeks...
Firs time I rode my naked 1977 GL1000 GOLD WING.
The second time I rode my 1975 GL1000. It was like riding a "Baby-Valk."

This time it would be the "new to me" I/S...

CHRONOLOGICAL PREPARATION STEPS:

A. Remove Saddlebags and leave them in my garage.
B. Transport both Dragons to my professional motorcycle technician.
C. Technician swaps rear wheel and CT off the Standard to the I/S.

While the wheel is off...

D. Check and service the rear end; replace the three O-Rings;
E. Do the nut-cage-mod;
F. Install carriage bolts from the inside out;
G. Do the wiring for the hitch / trailer connector.

After the wheel is on with the bags still off

H. Do a thorough cleaning and install the hitch.
I. Back at home reinstall the Saddlebags.
K. Buy  a new windshield and install it.
L. Swap floor boards, pegs, kick shifter, etc... from the standard to the I/S.
M. Find OEM location of the Owner's manual and retrieve it to learn functions and operation of the switches on the handle bars...and
how do I get the rear speakers to work(?)

Am I forgetting something? Is the chronology ass backwards?
Your comments and guidance is appreciated.

[Oss]

you wont hear the rear speakers at speed

maybe replace the front speakers with better ones or get speakers for your full face or modular helmet
I wore earplugs and used the helmet J&Mspeakers most of the time that
I was listening to tunes and.or the cb

dont forget the 4 bolts tighten last when reassemble rear end but I am sure you knew that already

I would put ride-on in the tires unless you use dynabeads but thats just me, also metal valve stems instead of the oem crap

what will the route be?

rear speaker is same top right button toggle to adjust bass/ treble  choices run 1-6
front rear balance is the 3rd tap on the button  use volume switch to change setting

[Red Diamond]

Most everyone has a choice for the weak link on the Valkyrie, mine is the alternator, carry a spare if you have one. Sounds like you have the service issues taken care of, the alternator is the only item left that will leave in the dark, a far ways from home. The petcock is another, check the diaphrams and the tank screen, cheap fix with cover set. Ride Safely and hydrate often, take plenty of pictures and post if you can, enjoy the journey, no matter how many times you have done it before.

[donaldcc]

 hey Paxton that sure sounds like fun.  what is anticipated route and when are you planning on leaving?  hopefully when it it starting to cool off.  and what are your plans for accomodations, reservations ahead or play it by ear?  i am envious.  you will have a lot of opportunity for getting off slab i am sure. 

[Paxton]

Folks;
I'd like to take off on 1 September but it might be as late as 10 September. The chosen route is subject to weather patterns and forecasts.
I'll first ride to Vegas followed by the wifey. We'll spend two days at our preferred Spa,Resort, Hotel and Casino..

From there on we part ways for about six weeks.

I plan to go to Tampa, Orlando and Melbourne... to visit with friends and family for 'bout 4 days.

I also plan to visit New Haven, Conn. I'd stay in New Haven for several days... riding back and forth to / from Schenectady, NY and / or
New York City including Long Island. 

From there depending on how I feel, I might go to Boston or Niagara Falls for a few days ... .

As to the route, weather forecasts would dictate. I might "reverse destinations..." like riding to New York, tour the north east
and some of New England first. Then, travel south to Florida and do the drill.

Going or coming Home New Orleans and Huston might be in route.  Another option is riiding through Nashville and Memphis. 
There I want to hang out at a local Rhythm and Blues joint.

I might stop in Jackson, Miss... it depends on the level of danger Vs. protections I might face
due to the Obama bumper stickers
pasted all over the Valk; along with my Obama Leather jacket!

"when you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there."

[BradValk48237]

Pax,

Try the fader on the radio controls for the rears. See if they are even on. I replaced my speakers with the Polks and I can hear them fine at speed, well up to 80 ish.

Brad

[Bonzo]

Paxton, if your itinerary includes NY, let us know! My ride is gone but we all could still meet and show some Hudson Valley hospitality!

[Flat6Valk]

Drive to where I am (at the time) and I will get that Obama disease out of your system!  LOL  Good luck with your trip.  Join AAA if you havent and AMA.  Both cheap enough to insure help when you may need it.

[tank_post142]

are there speakers installed? it was an option not standard issue.

[Jabba]

Pax... while you have the rear end apart... look at the driveshaft and pinion cup.  make sure it's clean, and reassemble with a little antisieze.  Maybe double check the U-Joint while you're in there too.

Jabba

[Hef]

Six week trip and the third one in 5 years?? I have to ask, Are you married? Also, this sounds like quite a feat which I might enjoy doing once, but three times? Ignore me, I'm jealous  Hope you have a great time. Ride safe. Hef

[winghot]

If you can work north alabama in your trip there is a place on cullman al that will feed you.downtowngrillandwings.com  if you ride up on a valkyrie  from out of state..

[Paxton]

UPDATE:

Oops...the new I/S windshield is falling off the preparation's list. Why..? ???  Because...

A. Need New Battery: For the past two days the battery looses its charge overnight[/u]. 
When I push start her, the battery recharges and she takes me around without problems.
I am thinking of "borrowing" the battery off my Standard.


B. "Discomfort Avoidance:" I just purchased a beautiful set of Corbin seats from a fellow member.
This, "to avoid discomfort during the trek." Yeah, yeah...that's my story and I am sticking to it!  

... Hardly a priority, but I could not stop myself!

As for El CHEAPO accommodations... Every other day, Sleep-Bag at Rest Stops and Sponge Bath at McDonald's.
Every other day, eat, shower and sleep 12 hours at a CHEAP Motel or local YMCA.   It worked the last time.  
Kind of like scenes from "The Motorcycle Diaries."

You might find it weird, but I love riding certain portions the Interstate Highways in the middle of the night. 


While in the East Coast, I will attempt to "crash" at some unsuspecting family member's pads...
I expect that while there, I will be fed and that unlike the last times, they'd welcome me with open arms! 

"I'm out of my mind but I'll be right back!"

[BF]

"As to the route, weather forecasts would dictate. I might "reverse destinations..." like riding to New York, tour the north east
and some of New England first. Then, travel south to Florida and do the drill."


If you're not leaving until the middle of September, I'd give some serious thought to doing exactly that.  Hit the northeast first before it turns too cool and then head down here.  By then, the weather won't really be that much cooler (for our standards..but it will be some), but historically, it should be alittle dryer (as in RH%). 

And if you time it right, you can hit the fall Thunder Beach at Panama City Beach.