Long Distance Rides - What to watch out for??

[92_vmax_Mastermatt]

Hey Guys! Planning a long distance trip on my 92 Max with roughly 35,000 miles. Bought it a few months back and have done some upgrades to it: New Shinko tires front/rear (no more wobble ), drag bar, bar end mirrors, aftermarket turn signals front and rear (no more lollipops) and brake pads and oil change...

Planning a road trip from Los Angeles area to Seattle area about a 3,000 mile round trip, and going to have a local mechanic check everything before I head out next week. Wanted to ask for any tips/suggestions on what to watch out for and if anyone else has done a long distance trip like this if so how was it..

Thanks!

 

[desert_max]

Coolant hoses come to mind. I thought I had my '86 pretty well sorted, but developed a pretty sizable leak on the hose that goes into the rear cylinder head. Dang thing only lasted 34 years... I ordered a complete replacement set of hoses.

A busted one could be a major inconvenience. You might get lucky enough to find something in an auto parts store, but they are formed with some fairly unique twists.

 

[Nubicon]

I'd take care of the oil pickup o-ring. Definitely make sure your ignition coils aren't showing any cracks in the plastic.

 

[92_vmax_Mastermatt]

@desert_max Thanks! Yeah I need to go through the hoses to see that any are not worn. Dont want to get stranded far from home..

@Nubicon What is the oil pickup o-ring - the o-ring where the nut is where oil drains from? and yeah i'll check the ignition coils too thanks!

 

[Bill Seward]

I did numerous long tours on my '85. We did a week long trip 2 up pulling a trailer back in '89. If I had to run my bike on a long trip I'd change all fluids and hit the road.

 

[92_vmax_Mastermatt]

@Bill Seward Nice, How many miles did your max have when you did the trip? I Guess my only concern is the fact I have 35xxx miles and even though it hasnt given not one single issue, ive only put about 3000 miles on it so far in the last 7 months since ive owned it..

 

[[email protected]]

If I was going for a 3,000 mile trek on my vmax, I'd change the oil and hit the road.
Not much to worry about pending the bike is properly maintained.

35,000 miles on the ODO wouldn't concern me at all pending the bike is taken care of.

 

[desert_max]

Frankly, if I was looking at a 3000 mile run on a 1st Gen Vmax, I'd be more worried about my back than the bike. The inability to squirm around much wears on me after a while.

I might be softening up a bit...

 

[02GF74]

Change fluids oil, brake, coolant, final drive; oil, fuel and air filter, replace plugs. Check brake pads, balance carbs.

Take spare bulbs, pads.

 

[92_vmax_Mastermatt]

Thanks guys! Yeah going to put fresh fluids and check all hoses etc this week

 

[El Canadiense]

I have been down as far as Guatemala from Canada and back in a few different ways and didn't have many problems. Had 3 of 4 diaphragms went at the same time. Caused a bunch of weird running issues (insert old school fix) and a fuel pump problem. Replaced by a Honda version for $30. Otherwise ran perfectly and was comfortable riding 2-up, loaded with 42 litre saddlebags and a 52 litre trunk from Hepco & Becker and a big tank bag. Never found the VMax uncomfortable at any time.

 

[C2protect]

@Bill Seward Nice, How many miles did your max have when you did the trip? I Guess my only concern is the fact I have 35xxx miles and even though it hasnt given not one single issue, ive only put about 3000 miles on it so far in the last 7 months since ive owned it..

My 85 had 165, 000 when I sold it. It took many rides to and from Sturgis, Daytona, CA, and so many states. I had all the problems everyone else had, a love hate kinda thing. But it was easy to diagnose. The biggest problem was the fuel pump that left me stranded, first and only time. It was a great bike Yamaha built. One do the first 1000./882.
Sinc the carbs, change the oil and hoses. You won't have problems.

 

[Bill Seward]

@Bill Seward Nice, How many miles did your max have when you did the trip? I Guess my only concern is the fact I have 35xxx miles and even though it hasnt given not one single issue, ive only put about 3000 miles on it so far in the last 7 months since ive owned it..

About 75,000.

 

[likembikem]

Watch out for places you can't find gas!

 

[RempageR1]

@Nubicon What is the oil pickup o-ring - the o-ring where the nut is where oil drains from? and yeah i'll check the ignition coils too thanks!

Search the forum, it`s a different O-ring he is referring to.

 

[92_vmax_Mastermatt]

Heres some pics of the badass trip on my Max. Had a coolant leak that I posted another thread "coolant leak" about, and happy everyone that helped respond on there as well. Overall the bike performed amazing!! Even on the twisties I felt myself being able to ride them so much better than before. I definitely want to do another trip like this again some of the best roads I was on there was no one else for miles and miles just open road and hills or mountains with turns uphill, downhill, and straight aways...

 

[desert_max]

Outstanding! Now that’s what I’m talking about! The Vmax in its native habitat. On the road!

Jealous. I am Looking forward to August. I’m making a run up to Glacier National Park. (Not on the Vmax.)

 

[Denci]

Did you have any issues with the wind during your trip? I live in Vegas and sometimes you can't even get out on the bike due to the wind here.

 

[likembikem]

Surprised the tool bag on the forks didn't cause heat problem. Looks like a good trip, and enough summer left to do another! We'd be fine with more pictures too.

 

[92_vmax_Mastermatt]

@Denci It defintely got super windy but where I live in SoCal gets super windy too so I guess i am pretty used to it.

@likembikem Yeah defintely!