TimXX

I had Pilot Roads last for 17,000km rear and the front came off with about 2-3,000 km left. I then got Pirelli Stradas [front one was free- so price was right] and have about 10,000 km on them so far. Both sets of tires corner well enough for me, but I was in the slow group at Red Bluff.

I have over 35,000km on my original chain [what is it?] and it still is good. It took a few adjustments when new but I just did a 5,000 km trip, including the TBME run, and needed NO adjustments on the whole trip. I adjusted the chain just before the trip- mostly to align the back wheel. I use MAxim clear spray on lube and only clean the chain and sprockets in December when I put the XX to bed for the winter. When this chain goes, I would like to get the same kind- very little hassle and great durability.

I tour solo or with my wife and have found that the GIVI Wingrack setup works well. I transfered the wingrack from my FJ1100 after using it for 10 years. I only had to buy the adapters for the XX. On long trips I use my old E45s- these are huge and bulbous. When I get to a place I am staying at for a while [or while at home in the city], I use one of the bags as a top box. These bags hold 2 helmets plus a jacket. These bags are completely water proof, even in downpours [i live in Vancouver and this does happen]. So- Givis are ugly [mostly because the XX body work forces the bags to stick out further than they might] but very practical.

Thank you all- I will change them before the trip. :icon_clap:

I currently have a set of Pilot Roads on my bike. The fronts have gone 10,700km and have 3.5mm left on the center tread The rears have gone 15,500 km and have a tiny bit less than 3mm left on center. I always ride with 42 psi in both tires. Anyway- I am going on a 6-7,000 km trip in June [TBME + visits to friends in Calif]. How long do you think these tires will last? What is the minimum tread depth one should ride at. Also- what happens with the grip of tires as they wear- lots of heat cycling, but more rubber on the road. Is the wear even over distance or does the tread wear out faster when deepest and less when near the end? My current thinking is to put on the set of Diablo Stradas I bought [front was $25- almost free] and not worry. Any thoughts? TimXX

I just measured My Hyperpro rear shock with remote adjustable preload and comp. damping. It looks like 330mm, about 15mm longer than my stock one. This seems a bit strange since it only was 12mm higher than stock at the rear axle when the bike was on the center stand. It was had to get a tape measure in there but I doublt that I am more than a few mm out. Measured it again and got 325mm eye-eye. I think this is more accurate than my previous measurement. This is only 10mm longer than stock. The remote preload is important to me since I have to change sag quickly when my wife and all our gear go for rides. After we retrun, it is back to me riding solo for many short trips. 4 half turns on the preload wheel sorts out the different weight preloads.

When I put on the Hyperpro it was 12mm taller at the back axle. I am not sure how much taller a 6mm shim would make your bike at the back axle. I could measure the eye to eye length of the Hyperpro if you really need this info- give me a day or 2.

I have had similar problems with the stock shock- especially since I ride with a passenger 1/2 the time. I got the Hyperpro with remote preload adjustment and compression damping. This makes it quick and easy to readjust the rear suspension depending on use. Check Hyperpro's WEB site for current prices. They also installed a spring based on the weight variation I ride with: 200-450lbs.

I now use my stock screen with a newly acquired Laminar Lip. So far it has less buffeting at about 100-130 kph. I haven't tried it at higher speeds yet or with a passenger. TimXX

When I bought my first bike in 1960 [a Honda 90], I always carried a plastic hose for siphoning gas. But then, I was a poor student and couldn't afford the 25 cents a gallon that gas cost. Gas just hit $1.05.9 per liter in Vancouver. Maybe I should go back to doing this again- unless stealing gas is now considered grand theft Re: the kitchen sink- I do carry a bicycle water bottle with me. I also have 2 45 liter GIVI bags and a Skookum tank bag. On long trips I ride with these plus a tent and a sleeping bag in a waterproof kayak bag. AND- it all fits on a XX. Who needs a Gold Wing or Civic? TimXX

At the risk of being accused of not having a sense of humor [is this topic serious? :icon_duh: ] I will add my list of things to travel with. 1. A small can of chain lube [with tube duct taped onto can]- on long trips the chain needs to be lubed periodically. 2. A can of Honda polish-gets bugs and crap off bike with very little effort. 3. small rag for 2. 4. small tool kit with 2 wrenches for adjusting chain; a bicycle foldable collection of allen [alan?] wrenches and screwdriver; small socket wrench with 6, 8, 10,12,14,15,17mm sockets; small vice grip; tire repair kit with pressureized gas [to refill tire, eh?]; defogger and cleaner for helmet viser; a load of ear plugs; some plastic tie downs [what are these called?]; 5. rain gear. 6. I am sure I carry evan more stuff- just forget what. What did I miss? TimXX

I have had the Hyperpro front spring and fork oil on for about 2.5 years and the rear spring on for a year before I got the rear shock with remote preload and compression damping. The handling in front is perfect. The rear spring was better than stock and is great when riding solo. However, I often switch from solo to double with full bags, and I needed an easy and quick way to change preload. With the Hyperpro remote, my problem is solved. The only problem I sometimes have is that the damping is too stiff when riding solo on bumpy roads, even when adjusted full soft.

I currently have a rear Pilot Road with maybe 1,000 km left on it and a front with about 3,000km left. Anyone who has used Stradas- how are they compared to Roads? Also- any ideas re: how mixing the 2 tires would work? Or should I just dump the front when I change the rears? Please respond quickly while there are still free fronts left. Thanks TimXX

Eh Byrdman, Your setup looks good. How does it sound? Also- how does it feel with the exhaust coming out under your foot? What does a passenger feel? AND- does someone make a slip on that fits there? Thanks for any info.

I had my valves checked at 28,000 km and they were well within spec. This is an expensive service in Vancouver [$340CAD incl tax]. Is there any sound or feel that indicates when they are too tight [i am assuming they get tighter as the shims wear]? I just hate to pay that much when I oculd go 100,000 km without adjustments needed. On the other hand, having a piston hit a valve doesn't thrill me either. Any suggestions?