From S.F. to Kansas and back on 77 kz 1000

Hello all, I am riding from S.F. to independence and back Kansas for Memorial day weekend ( 8days) I have a 78 Kz100 and would love some advice for preparation. The bike runs strong at 13,000 miles , no leaks( except that one drip on the underside at the end of each day) I have done some long trips before but they were on new bikes. I love my KZ and really want this trip to work. Any advice would be appreciated. I have a rack for the back and plan on getting a universal givi screen. Thanks in advance

Possible a set of properly gapped one range colder B9ES sparkplugs for the highway(and a set of the B8ES for around town driving) Clean air filter,lubed and adjusted chain, tires inflated to the max pressure to reduce the rolling resistance. Fresh oil and filter for the engine and check the tightness of the drain bolt(safety wire it if possible).

Go through the bike with wrenches and check for loose/missing fasteners,and check the battery water during the trip as the fluid may be consumed during a long drive.

Take some basic tools along in case something vibrates loose like the battery terminal bolts,starter solenoid connections, or the tach cable and the speedometer cable.

Snug up the exhaust header clamps as they can get loose and leak and the other exhaust system bolts.

The clutch will probably need adjustment during the trip so bring tools for that too.

A can of fix-it flat,a cell phone for emergencies, a strong lock to secure your bike at night(ask if you can park the bike inside on a ground floor room if possible).

Have some rain gear along as the weather in the midwest can change from day to day. A weather radio will be helpful in figuring out if you should be traveling or take a day off due to severe storms predicted in the area(Tornado's).

All I can think of at the moment..............

extra thottle and clutch cables,how much tread on your tires?I've been 200 miles from home with cords showing,full sevice,oil,filters,brakes,spare parts are not in your local auto parts store

a chase truck and a credit card and you should be fine

i have been on many long road trips with mine and it is not a stocker for sure and i have had basicly no problems if the tires aren't new get some new ones at least the rear one and put your other one to the side for when you get back because the new tire will be toast. and takean extra clutch cable and throttle cable as well it will be easier to get now then on the road also lube your chain at least every other fill-up it will last longer that way also how old is your chain and what type is it ialways throw a new o-ring chain on before i take a long trip as well.other then that enjoy the trip.

p.s nice bike....really nice...i had that same year and it was goofy fast for a stock bike...never had one problem with it and i beat it bad.......wish i still had it...one of the stronger kz 's i've had

Thank you

Wire, flashlight, duct tape, extra phone battery, tool kit, vice grips, pocket knife, second pair of sunglasses,foam ear plugs, vitamins, someone willing to answer the phone if you need something, window wipes, aluminum foil, and a gps unit...Russ

Tire pressure gauge.

Are you going alone or with someone?

JB quick and regular cold weld. Never know when you'll need to patch a hole in your case/cover on the fly.

dustinoffutt wrote:

Hello all, I am riding from S.F. to independence and back Kansas for Memorial day weekend ( 8days) I have a 78 Kz100 and would love some advice for preparation. The bike runs strong at 13,000 miles , no leaks( except that one drip on the underside at the end of each day) I have done some long trips before but they were on new bikes. I love my KZ and really want this trip to work. Any advice would be appreciated. I have a rack for the back and plan on getting a universal givi screen. Thanks in advance

id suggest stopping in louisville nebraska where ill trade you a really clean 99 sv650 suzuki for the trip back!:laugh: damn thats a nice bike youve got there!

plummen how many damn bikes do you have and the next thing is how much difference are you willing to give. i've become dustin's agent in this venture so don't be cheap i need my cut to.

a little of this and a whole lot of that!:laugh: