I'm heading back to Missouri on Sept. 1st from CA for a couple of weddings. I go back to MO every Christmas, but always fly back then. This time, I figured it's about as good a time of year as any to ride instead of fly, so that's what I'm planning on doing. Which brings me to my question of does anybody have any advice on things to definitely check on the bike before I leave, and and advice on things like an extra headlight bulb, fuzes, etc. that I should think about carrying with me? Between the traveling back and forth, and the traveling that I'm planning on doing while I'm there, I'm looking at about 4,500 miles in 3 weeks. All suggestions are appreciated. This will be my first time doing a ride even close to something this substantial.

Also, I'm going to do an oil change right before I leave. I should be ok to wait and do another right when I get back, right? Or should I think about doing one while I've got a garage at my parents' house while I'm in St. Louis?

Also, Any members here in St. Louis? I'll be spending about a week and half there and would be up for meeting up and buying the first beer!

Thanks gents!

If you run a good synthetic oil, there should be no need to do an "in trip" oil change.

Just give the bike a good once over. Tires, pressures, loose fasteners. Don't make any mods just before you go on a trip.

When I travel, I bring the stock tool kit, small adjustable wrench, 1/2 roll of electrical tape, 1/2 dozen big zip ties, small flashlight & a couple of kitchen trash bags (to dispose of the body .

I have roadside assistance on my insurance and always carry a cell phone.

Have a great trip!

Stop and rest a lot, stay hydrated....fatigue can kill ya fast as a bullit, have a good trip

If you're staying in hotels along the way I would bring some sort of locking device for the bike at night......perhaps one of those brake disc pad locks.

Don't forget your rain suit.

Don't forget a couple of changes of clothes and maybe some cold weather gear just in case.....if you know what the midwest is like when it comes to weather you'll know what I speak of - it WILL change with no notice whatsoever.

Tools like fireman says, plus if you have anything on your bike that isn't metric be sure to include those tools.

I agree with fireman about the oil change.....do it before you leave with a good synthetic and you won't have to worry about it till you get home.

Side note: I live about 3 hours north of St Louis and would love to meet you when you make the trip. I'll PM you with info.

John

When you park the bike, make sure it's straight in. And, lock the front end. Hard to push a bike in circles...

Travel insurance is probably a must. Cost a fortune to have a bike towed.

Enjoy the ride.


Rich

Cell phone & charger. Frequent rest breaks.

Two years back I took a ride down to see Mom in FL from NJ. The one thing that I overlooked was the sun!

MP-3 player and earbuds.

Long sleeved t-shirts for riding in the sun, they protect you from the sun better than any sun screen and help to keep you a little better hydrated. Wore them last year when we went to Sturgis and they made riding so much more comfortable.

Windshield cleaner for the Midwest bugs.............. Was said before stop frequently and drink/carry water at all times. The heat has been very high this year and lots of tornados, otherwise enjoy your trip.

Dave