Modern Vespa

I know I ride a Honda now but it really thinks it is a Vespa...
1981 Honda CM400T.
I need to do a Washington DC to Charlotte NC ride next week and a little nervous.
I keep thinking I am overlooking something.
I have a full rain kit, small collection of tools, snacks, will have water, 1 qt bottle of gas,1 qt oil, first aid kit, cell phone, AMA membership with roadside, GPS.
Why do I think I am missing something?
The reason for the ride is screwing up my thinking cycle and hard to focus on prep.
Space available...
2 ammo cans as side cases, 1 side gas and oil, other side first aid, tools and such.
A pretty good size roll bag, large enough for 1 1/2 full size helmets.
I am going to have a med/large backback strapped to the rear of the bench seat and using as a backrest.
Thanks....

Don't forget a credit card.

Other than that your list looks good to me.

Hopefully the reason for your ride can be pushed aside while you are riding so you can concentrate on the ride and not be distracted by what's happening at your destination.

Ride safely.

Probably worth (depending when it was last done) changing the oils etc before hand as it helps with keeping the engine temp at a optimum level.

older oil doesn't do as good a job.

How about a quick puncture repair kit, same to waste an adventure over something so simple.

Oil change is in the works now.
Brake job and carbs rebuilt + new front tire.
Will see if I can find inexpensive repair kit.
( money is a slight issue with this trip )

Focusing on road and not on the issue on the other end is going to be the hardest part.
Long stretch of road, will be very difficult. I am acually looking forwar to fuel stops every hour to help me refocus.

Thanks for advise

I used to do rides 2 times this distance without even thinking about it as a youth on my Honda CB750. Preparation was pack a duffle bag with clothes, throw it on the back seat and go. I might have checked the oil, and that was about it. That Honda NEVER let me down, no matter what abuse I threw at it!

I would say that what you have done is fine. Don't sweat it, and enjoy the ride!

Reading between the lines, it looks like there might be some other issues at the other end. I sincerely hope that everything is OK in that regard.

Cheers,

Chris

Just nervous,
Promised my mother a ride and I have to get down before it is too late.

Good luck with your trip, sending some good mojo your way so that you make it with no worries.

You can get a tire plug kit for a couple of dollars at any auto parts shop.

Sorry for the reason behind the trip but here is what I take: cellphone, credit card, AAA RV membership covers towing, tire kit -plug & reinflate, eating rear, clothes, camera, anything else I may need/want at destination so usually that us computer or tablet. Gas depends where I'm going and likely availability, eastern US I rarely bother but consider it essential in many western states.

Before leaving any maintenance needed or will be needed before leaving, make sure you check tires, include a pressure gauge in your tire kit and use it especially if you will be traveling fast for long stretches. Finally take breaks and pay attention on what us around you.

Unless you are taking some really rural routes I think you would be safe leaving the gas can home. Especially if it is your plan to stop every hour. Have a fun trip. Bike road trips are the best.

Do you have any tow insurance. Good to have for the trip and in general. Just have fun. Sounds like fun. BTW i still am trying to forgive you for not having your LX Pics please.

airhawk is important

That or this or both. I think Raputtak uses an airhawk under it. Just make sure it has stopped breathing first.

This is disturbing on several levels.

"Don't Panic, Go Organic"

Gypsy Boots

P.S. As far as that fur business goes: If you tried that where I life, some anti-fur person would, at the very least. call you out and very possibly scratch your eyes out (while others held you down). Leather is still acceptable usually.

I second, or third, the airhawk. Maybe two pair of gloves. A warm pair for DC in the AM and a lighter pair to put on as you head south.
Have a great ride.

I should have included more than one pair of gloves in my list but then I keep at least 2 pair of gloves in under the seat at all times.

I have an extra pair of gloves you can borrow if you need them. Triumph. Leather. Large.

Make sure your license, registration and insurance are current in case you get stopped. Out of state plates are like magnets.

Are you taking the Parkway? If so, check for closures. It could affect your gas situation.

I just got a pdf of my new insurance card.
I am keeping copies of both on the bike and on my phone.

Gloves, 2 pair. 1 mesh and 1 good to about 40 degs.
( I am also carrying latex gloves in case of severe rain, keep hands at least dry)

Will be interstate all the way but still afaid of running out of gas.
I would love to take back roads but I lost a paddle and I can hear Banjos.

I love the sheepskin... I wonder if the Wife would let me borrow one of the kitties?
Until then I think it will be a beaded seat cover-( modified) and 'Monkey Butt Powder'

Tire patch kit. Great idea, I got to find out if these tires are tubed. I never looked.
D'oh.


Thanks again.
All I can do know is trust the PTW Gods and just do it. I sunk a lot of money trying to keep that thing alive, I really did.
I am sorry...

My experience:

You probably won't need the extra gas.
Stop every 60/80 miles and top off whether you need it or not...You won't worry about running out of gas and the short time off the saddle will refresh you for the next 60/80 miles. If you're going to carry spare gas, a small fuel bottle will do. You're probably better off with a small container of motor oil. My ET4 would burn oil up at a quicker rate at extended highway speeds.

Otherwise, if your scooter is in good shape, you should be fine. It's meant to be ridden.

Since you're riding the interstates, any help is just a phone call away.

I don't carry tools for work I can't or won't do on the do on the roadside. Not much point. Besides the basics, I usually carry...
A spare spark plug (never needed it).
A spare headlight bulb. I never needed it either, but should the headlight fail completely after dark, you're pretty much screwed. Anyway, both items take up very little room.

As you say you're going to give your mother a ride...do you have a spare helmet (and gear) for her or can you borrow one when you get there?

MINE i know. I had to tease you. You can still be an honorary member of the LX club. Have a safe trip my friend.

Tony, as hard as it may be to do so, try to keep yourself in the moment and your mind on the ride. My Deborah had an "off" last year because she was thinking about what she needed to do when she got to her destination instead of focusing on the ride.

Sounds like you are prepared. Have a safe trip.

This.

Also, inspect your tires when you stop for gas. If I had looked closely at mine I might have avoided the blowout that resulted in a broken collarbone.

Don't forget cash and your cell phone charger. You can always camp out near a power outlet if your phone battery gets unexpectedly low.

FWIW.. I like to chew gum on longer rides.

I didn't read everyones posts but Fuses!

There is no stretch of the Interstate between Washington DC and Charlotte, NC where the gap between two gas stations exceeds the range of a Honda CM400T (or even comes close).

How far is this ride?

+1 If you don't have a windscreen stopping often will relieve strain. I suggest taking some chemical hand warmers because even warm gloves may leave you with cold hands towards the end of a one hour ride when the temps are in the fifties. Keeping your core warm is also key so make sure you've got a wind blocking layer and heat retaining layers.

All the best to you and your Mom, sending good karma.

Yep, the Airhawk is oh so comfy!

I did Hertford NC to Ashville, NC, a couple of years ago. Same distance, no real prep. or special tools. Scooter ran fine. 15 mph Headwind dropped gas mileage to 50 mpg. Interstates all the way at 70 -ish mph.

Do not worry so much. You and the bike will be fine.

My reason for going just broke her hip.
Now am taking the freakin Yaris.
Thanks for all advice.

Will keep this on hand for when I attempt this in future.

Sorry, no pics of trip.

So sorry to read this. Hope she heals well.

^^ 'wise words.

Sorry to hear that your trip has changed..... sounded like you were really looking forward to it.

One small word of advice..... my Dad had a CM400T, it was a fun bike, but I'm not sure I would take it on the highway for more than a short distance. It's just me, but this bike is a lot more fun between 40 and 55 mph, and finding backroads is part of the charm of being on the road.

Back in my motorcycle days I had a couple of Shadows. The old Shadow 500 (1986?) was a nice fast bike, but not much fun on the highway. My 750 ACE Shadow was more suited to highway travel.

When I HAVE to go somewhere, and I have to do it on the highway, I'm inclined to do it in a car. But backroads???? find me on 2 wheels all the time.

Last year we drove from Savannah GA to Columbia SC (vacation) and since we had done the other direction on the highway, we decided to take backroads. It was fun, scenic, and always something new to see.

You'll get to do it. I'm betting she'll heal fast and be up and about in no time. Thinking of you my friend.

So sorry to hear this. Healing mojo sent to your mom for a quick recovery.

Next time she will be able to get that ride and this gives you a little more time to get a tire patch kit.

Heh... obviously you don't know gotmine. He was the fearless terror of the freeways on his old LX150! US Rt. 50 (6+ lanes around here) and the Washington Beltway is his everyday commute.

Your Mom will be thrilled to see you. Tell her you were going to ride but opted for the Yaris to get there sooner. That'll cheer her up even more.

Plus your flowers will fare better in the Yaris.