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MOTORCYCLE advice & tips
| Message Board > General Chitchat > MOTORCYCLE advice & tips |
| Matteus User Info... | So I am thinking about going across Canada this summer to while at the same time seeing a friends wedding. The catch is that I have never owned a motorcycle AND I will be going a long distance with a partner. I've had several cars and done a fair amount of work on my own , so I'm not a complete mechanical moron. I guess I'm asking: 1. what I should look for in a motorcycle for a long distance 2. What are problem spots on a motorcycle 3. Do you know any one who does good work on 'em? Thanks, Matteus - Sun, 29 Apr 2007 6:44pm | ||
| Laprider User Info... | Probably not a great idea...if you are new to riding m/bikes and planning for this summer. Your gonna head east and be in some pretty nasty riding right away. ie the mountains. Just my two bits. Two people on a bike accross Canada would have to be at the least a 900 cc or more, thats a lot of bike for a beginner.! A cross canada solo trip is cool, two on a bike is rough. - Sun, 29 Apr 2007 6:59pm | ||
| Matteus User Info... | 900 eh? I thought 600 would get by. You're right about the mountains tho. I will be driving every day for a couple months before doing it, so I'd like to think that will put me a little ahead. - Sun, 29 Apr 2007 7:31pm | ||
| The Associate User Info... |  A 600 would be fine. My first bike was a 450 honda and I would still consider riding a bike like that anywhere. People today are spoiled. Just make sure you're not in a rush - you may have to take dozens of but breaks. The best bikes for long distance have the footpegs generally below the front of the seat - as apposed to out front(hard on your back)or too far back(hard on your wrists). Have fun. A. - Sun, 29 Apr 2007 9:41pm | ||
| Matteus User Info... | sweet. any word on things I should watch for on a bike? problems? thanks - Sun, 29 Apr 2007 11:20pm | ||
| trevor corey User Info... | My advice is don't keep all your money and id/credit cards in the same place, ie wallet. Other than that you should be maybe be asking these questions at a motorcycle shop. Have a great time. - Mon, 30 Apr 2007 2:34am | ||
| jackass User Info... | I definitely think a 600cc bike is too small for 2 people with gear going across Canada. Even for 1 person it's a bit borderline. It also depends on the kind of bike you're going to have. A sport bike riding position will not be comfortable for 8 hours a day of riding. You'll lose all feeling in your hands and lower arms. A cruiser style bike will definitely be too small at 600ccs. Also, if you're a new rider, doing the doubling thing is a bit dicey. You really need some time on a bike first. Make sure you've got a good chain and lube it all the time, especially if you ride in the rain for any amount of time. Good tires. No-brainer. Good brakes. Again, no-brainer. Bring an extra clutch cable. They're cheap and easy to replace, with practically no tools, but you're fucked if it breaks and you don't have one. Good riding gear is a must. Especially a good helmet; you're going to be wearing it for hours and hours at a go. Whatever bike you decide on, I'd strongly recommend it's not older than 10 years. You don't need a questionable bike riding through the middle of Saskatchewan. I don't recommend it. You should ride for more than a few months before you give it a go. Also, take a riding course. It'll almost definitely save your life. - Mon, 30 Apr 2007 9:18am | ||
| Aidan Logins User Info... | My pop crossed canada on a 650cc Triumph way back in the day. It was fine with no passenger. But it broke down twice, and them's reliable bikes. Knowing mechanics is one thing- but if you've never worked with bikes then there's a donkload of important things you don't know. If you're bringing a riding buddy, make sure he/she knows how to fix motorcycles. Or is rich enough to buy a new one half way. Either way. And for two ppl on one bike for that long distance I'd go at LEAST 900. probably more like 1100, depending on what sort of bike you're getting. - Mon, 30 Apr 2007 2:43pm | ||
| Aidan Logins User Info... | "The best bikes for long distance have the footpegs generally below the front of the seat - as apposed to out front(hard on your back)or too far back(hard on your wrists)." Don't listen to that. It really depends on the bike. On my Yamaha midmount controls were nice and comfortable, as were they on the new Harley Dyna. But with a passenger, midmount controls might suck (depending what kind of seat is on the bike). On the Dyna the passenger would slide forward when stopping into the rider. This is fine with forward controls. But shitty with midmount controls. Also, I find forward controls more comfortable and less taxing on the body if you've got low handlebars.... lots of factors to factor into the big factor. - Mon, 30 Apr 2007 2:47pm | ||
| Matteus User Info... | can someone answer this for me then, cause I am really confused now... Why is it that I was able to go on a honda dream (125cc) for thousands of kilometers in Cambodia WITH a passenger but I can't do it with a 600cc? In straight numbers, it isnt making sense... here are a couple as examples: http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/3025608&category=motorcycles-under-1000cc http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/2767620&category=motorcycles-under-1000cc http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/2653392&category=motorcycles-under-1000cc thanks! matteus - Mon, 30 Apr 2007 8:59pm | ||
| Laprider User Info... | Road systems. Crossing Canada for a lot of the Journey you are stuck on the #1. Take yourself, a passenger and the absolute bare minimum of luggage.You need acceleration speed on the hiway, hence the big CC's required. yes I'm sure you could cross Canada on a 250, but would you enjoy the trip. Biked I would recommend that are pretty reasonable and reliable. An old Yamaha XS special, cheap and great bikes. Yep they're the dyke bike, but a virago is a good cruiser for cheap Pretty much any in line 4 design is bulletproof, but nothing beats a big V twin. Do it on a hardtail jockey shift, now thats a diary I'd read! - Mon, 30 Apr 2007 9:47pm | ||
| Matteus User Info... | Yeah, 250 would be pretty lame. I have hitch hiked, bused, flown, and driven (x2) across canada and know the terrain fairly well. BC is the toughest by far, but the rest of the #1 is pretty easy. I was already thinking pretty light, like three changes of clothes for me and the girl (120lbs). Shouldn't be going too far off the #1 much other than in PEI, NS & NB. As far as a diary goes, I will be photographing and filming the whole thing for shits and giggles. SO with advice so far: 1. I am STILL doing the trip 2. I am looking at 500cc or more 3. I am packing light 4. I am looking to spend 2000 for the bike, two helmets, buffer for repairs and some cash for a MOD to have a luggage rack on the back Laprider, thanks for the advice, anymore is great. Are you talking about something like this btw? http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/2877156&category=motorcycles http://www.usedvictoria.com/classified-ad/2767620&category=motorcycles-under-1000cc Cheers, Matteus - Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:42pm Edited: Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:54pm | ||
| bbjones User Info... | I have a 1984 Virago 750cc with a back rest that I was about to clean up and sell. Strong motor, new CDI box (about the only thing that ever breaks on em). It does need fork seals and may need some other minor work/adjustments if you're going to jump on a cross country trip. Anyways, was going to put it up for sale shortly for $1500 firm. Let me know if you're interested. It comes with crappy saddle bags (homeade black leather, old and worn), or you can pay extra for really nice harley style boxed leather ones. Google around for pics. Mine is pretty much all stock, black with chrome fenders/spoked wheels. - Tue, 1 May 2007 6:56am Edited: Tue, 1 May 2007 7:04am | ||
| jackass User Info... |  I really, really, really don't think it's a good idea to ride across Canada on a $2000 bike. My reason: for $2000 you'll be getting an older bike that needs some work. Trust me, I had one for 3 years (1982 Suzuki GS650E) and had to put time and money into it. Fork seals, or new chain, or new rotors or new brakes, or rusty gas tank, or clutch needs work, or alternator/magneto hasn't been changed ever, or rear struts or swing arm bushings, or front wheel bearings or steering bearings, or leaky valve cover gaskets, or needs a valve adjustment...the list goes on and on. When you stop for a pee break in the middle of buttfuck nowhere and the bike doesn't start when you get back on, you'll be wishing you spent more on it. But, that's just me. - Tue, 1 May 2007 9:46am Edited: Tue, 1 May 2007 9:48am | ||
| evilkleg User Info... | Get a bike with a windshield and/or fairing. I've been riding for years and just recently got a cruiser with no windshield and it takes WAY more out of you physically. Lots of wind hitting your chest! If you are going to be doing 400k days, it's something to consider. Remember, motorcycling is much more physical than driving a car. You are in the elements! I agree with the bigger bike thing. Anything under 750cc across Canada will be pushing your luck. Carrying a passenger will make your bike slower and you definately want the passing power of a larger bike. There are tons of bikes for sale on Usedvic and Craigslist but most people are asking way too much for them. After ten years a bike is generally only worth the amount of cc's. ie: 450cc-$450. The guy selling the bike will tell you different. If you are only planning to spend 2k, just make sure the bike is mechanically sound before you go. Make sure you get a qualified mechanic to check it out before you buy and make sure you tell him your plans. One 2k bike will be fine to bomb around Vic on but will be horrible for riding across the country. Do as much passenger riding (and regular riding) as possible beforehand. A passenger changes things about the way a bike responds and handles. The center of gravity is different, everything is heavier, etc. Take the Vancouver Island Saftey Council course. It is expensive, but it will save your life. Remember, it's not you or your bike that you have to worry about, but everybody else on the road. - Wed, 2 May 2007 12:58pm | ||
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