1st Big Trip

[visionofthewest]

Hi -
I'm new here, so forgive me if I'm not exactly in the right place. I bought my '82 Vision new in '84. Just passed 18k. After all these years, I'm looking to take my 1st big ride (Salt Lake City to Vancouver) this June. Any comments re: the best prep for such an undertaking? I'll look around the site for more info - sorry if I've not seen something obvious.

Thanks!
Dave

[Rick G]

Welcome aboard!  There are lots of things to check. The condition of the two white plastic plugs on the regulator/rectifier should be inspected, better yet cut them out and solder the wires together. Use shrink tubing to insulate  them. The plugs  have a tenancy to over heat and fail.
The stators sometimes fail at 15 to 20 thousand miles. Is your original? A good battery helps.
have a look around and ask questions!

[visionofthewest]

Thank You for the reply Rick G! I will take your advice. I had the stator replaced at about 12k, but that was many years ago. I've also heard of the regulator/rectifier issue, so I'll make sure it's checked.

Looking forward to it!
Thanks Again-
Dave

[Kenny]

 Welcome to the site Dave.Lots of fun & support here. Are you going to Vancouver B.C. or Vancouver near Portland?
    Have you done routine maintenance to your bike over the years ie swing arm lub/ steering stem bearings/ fork oil / lubed the cables?Lots to consider when your heading out for a long ride.Do you have a voltmeter so you can keep an eye on the charging system ?
   A couple of years back on a trip from Trenton Ontario to Vancouver B.C. my throttle cable broke near the carb end( was up in the mountains near Jasper Alta.,I had some .040 SS lockwire but couldn't make it work so I used my leatherman on the carb throttle (very awkward) and managed to drive 100+miles to Revelstoke where a fellow manufactured a new inner cable. Last year on my trip out west the bike died in the middle of nowhere (pissing rain down) I managed to push it back to a rest area and found a blown ignition fuse. I was thinking it was the TCI but lucked out.
   I'm mentioning these items as they were for the most part preventable had I done a bit more maintenance.
     On the other hand I lost the Alternator on my new BMW a few years back as well as a ABS failure. All in all I have more faith in thse Vision than anything else as it has always got me home!
     I'll be heading out west again this fall on the Vision, I find it comfy on the long hauls!
                                          Cheers Ken S. ;)   

[Tiger]

 :) I suppose the obvious springs to mind...(including the other suggestions) ;)

* Engine oil/oil filter change...

* Rear drive oil change...

* Coolant drain and refill...

* New air filter...

* Brake fluid change out & check brake pad's/shoe's for thickness...

* Replace spark plugs/wires/caps...

* Tire wear/pressure's...

* check ALL bulbs...lights/signals, etc

* Carry spare 1156/1157/194 bulbs and spare 10 & 30 amp fuses.

                         8).......TIGER....... 8)

[don_vanecek]

Hey welcome!  I also purchased mine Vision new in 1984. I have taken several significant trips in the last three years, actually my Vision has had more highway time on it in its "second life" then it did the first ten years I owned it. If you research "going riding" I have posted both stories and pictures of several of these trips.

A few thoughts, look at some maps and think of where you will get gas. I suggest you plan out gas stops at no more then 100 miles apart-you can run bone dry at 121 miles (as I did once, eh Kenny). 

I suggest to you to take a nice all day ride at highway speeds perhaps a few weeks before your major trip, say at least three, four hours of continuous riding. A good test of the bike and a good test of your own body how well you can handle freeway speeds, num-butt, see if you get neck pains.

Vision's love it out on the highway. My last major highway trip was down to Kansas city last September. I surprised myself as I have previously shy-ed away from long interstate drives but the old Vision went 70-75 all the way until I ran into rain with about 20 miles to go, my motor was really in a sweet spot at those speeds. However at 65 plus or minus you don't have to concentrate on your riding so much.

Good luck, always amazes me when we get a new post such as yours from an original owner!     

[Coil Coyle]

Hi -
I'm new here, so forgive me if I'm not exactly in the right place. I bought my '82 Vision new in '84. Just passed 18k. After all these years, I'm looking to take my 1st big ride (Salt Lake City to Vancouver) this June. Any comments re: the best prep for such an undertaking? I'll look around the site for more info - sorry if I've not seen something obvious.

Thanks!
Dave

Post your trip in Going Riding. I'll try to hook up early and escort you a little ways North. I've been wanting to rid the roads around Salt Lake since the Colorado guys did a 25 year anniversary ride.

See Ya,
;)
Coil

[pullshocks]

What route are you taking through Washington?  Maybe some of the WARoV contingent could meet up with you.

[Rick G]

VOTW , for your second Big trip , how about heading south west to Kingman  for the 23/24 of May .  We will show you some really great scenery!!  As well as great fellowship.! :) :)