Preparing for first 2000 mi trip on F6B

[Heathen]

Hey F6B people,

I purchased a new-to-me 2015 F6B dlx a couple of months ago.

I've had it on several 500-600 miles round trips. But now I'm getting ready to ride it to FL 1013 miles and then back 1 week later.

I'm trying to get as many of my T's crossed and i's dotted as possible.

The bike has around 45K miles on it now.

I've given it an oil change since I don't know when it was last serviced. I'm going to change the air filter this weekend (not looking forward to that!)

I think I'll just try to inspect the brake pads and check the coolant level. Kind of debating on coolant flush since I don't know if it's ever been done.

I got the Ultimate saddle (midrider seat) last week and put that on so that my butt can handle the trip.

I acquired a bike cover so that if I end up parked at a seedy motel a night or two I can cover the bike which I like to pretend makes it less steal-able. (plus it hides the aftermarket navigation that I installed on the bars)

I have a tire repair kit with a couple of co2 cartridges in case of a tire puncture.

The bike didn't have a tool kit with it when I bought it, so I have a little kit I made with some basic tools.

I wanted to get a GIVI top box attached to my luggage rack, one with extra brake lights built in for visibility and storage, but my budget is pretty tight, so it doesn't look like that's going to happen. I'll just strap my luggage down with bungee cords and that's be fine.

I upgraded the low beams to LED's but don't have the money for the high beams, and not really excited about how hard it is to get to them, I guess I'd have the opportunity when changing the air filter since everything would be removed at that point.. hm.. maybe.. It's about $118 for the pathfinder led headlight replacement kit. Unless someone knows a cheaper way to upgrade my high beams to LEDs.

My tires are looking pretty good, still has tread anyway.

I've got to take enough work clothes for a week long conference, but the hotel has laundry service, so I might use that to half my load of clothes!!

I think I have my audio/entertainment figured out. I'll plug my neckband bluetooth into my ears, under my helmet. This will block wind/road noise, while leaving my music & navigation perfectly clear. I've got speakers in my helmet, but hard to hear the music over 70 mph. Six2go got my audio working the F6B so now I have working speakers on the bike. I've got a bluetooth transmitter that takes input from my navigation screen and channels it into the aux input, so I can have my navigation & music on speaker, in my helmet, or in my neckband earbuds! I'll probably switch that all around during the trip just to keep things from being too monotonous.

Does anyone have any suggestions of things I should look at or whatever before heading out?

[SpencerPJ]

Given you don’t know the history, I’d do a brake and clutch fluid flush. It easy. I have a little scope, run it up left snorkel you can see air filter, but changing is not hard, just time consuming. I’m guessing Daytona bike week, enjoy.

[DaWadd]

I would change the coolant too since you have no idea on it's history. Brake and clutch fluid also as Spencer said.

[taxfree4]

Do the rear dif fluid also, take the top fill plug out first THEN the bottom drain plug

[Heathen]

Rear dif fluid, coolant, and brake fluid, ok will do. Thx for the tips.
Changed the air filter today. Thought of a new patch. Who cares about iron butt, i want a patch that looks like a k&n ha-1801 and says F6B on it! I feel like I'm halfway to being honda certified after that sucky job! Lost 1 plastic pushpin thing, and lost 1 screw to the glove box. Not bad for my first attempt!20250208_164810.jpg

Cheers!

[SpencerPJ]

Looks great, was previous filter dirty?

[Heathen]

Looks great, was previous filter dirty?

Sadly, I did all that work mostly for nothing. The filter was barely dirty at all. Haha. The coolant was blue and clear, the brake fluid was still pretty clear. It seems like someone was taking good care of this bike! I'm still glad to be able to document exactly when it was last changed going forward.

Haven't gotten to the rear diff yet .

[SpencerPJ]

But you feel better now going on a longer ride. Rear differential is easiest of everything you did. Enjoy your trip, be safe.

[FarsideF6B]

Sadly, I did all that work mostly for nothing. The filter was barely dirty at all. Haha. The coolant was blue and clear, the brake fluid was still pretty clear. It seems like someone was taking good care of this bike! I'm still glad to be able to document exactly when it was last changed going forward.

Haven't gotten to the rear diff yet .

to the group and way to get'er done just the same. I agree with SpencerPJ. Start off your new ride knowing that she is fresh to go. You'll ride right past my exit off of I-10 just east of Pensacola. I'm going to be off the end of February starting the 21st so if you want another rider I'm going east to Tallahassee around that time. Might be possible we could meet up if you're by this way then. Nice roads around Tallahassee too if you want to visit that area. Let me know if you want to discuss. Have a great trip!

[jm21ddd15]

Guess you are going to work. Otherwise, a very important thing about long rides is NOT TO OVERPACK! Especially cloths. Mny riders feel they need so many cloths Not. Most motels have laundry facilities. Rain gear, yes. No more than 2 sets of clothes, is plenty for most. Allways traveling, nobody sees you more than once. Who cares if you have the same clothes on.