CB500 for touring?

crazymotorbik... · Nearly there... Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Karma :

Hey,

I've recently become single again and as such feel like a free man once again. So i've decided i want to do a tour of france.

At the moment i have a CB500. Its comfy and fast enough and does alot of miles to the gallon. Its 1997 model in excellent condition, regular services and runs like a dream.

My only worry is will the bike make it round france and back home?

PS. If any one is intrested in coming with me let me know! I dont mind going alone but could be more fun with some other ppl Surprised

Cheers,
Shaun.

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

No reason why it shouldn't. One of the more reliable bikes out there. Just make sure your tyres, pads and chain will last the distance, maybe worth bunging some fresh oil in it for peace of mind before you leave.

Nath off this forum did all of europe on a 1970's CB550.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

id suggest getting a mini fairing, and european breakdown cover

i think even if you had problems, french places would be able to fix your bike

a guy with a faulty immobiliser had his blackbird disabled in spain which couldnt be fixed out there, but i guess you will be fine if you dont have an immobiliser
____________________
colin1 is officially faster than god

tatters · Exxon Valdez Joined: 05 Jan 2004 Karma :

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Oh yeah. Take some way of repairing a puncture (Hein Gericke sell stab-through bung kits which I can personally vouch for). Take enough tools to at a minimum be able to remove both wheels and adjust your chain.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

TheDonUK · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Feb 2006 Karma :

I dont see why a CB500 wouldent make it round france and back, solid bikes, and it sounds like you have a nice example.

When i had my GS500, (putting it nicely) not the most reliable bike in the 500 class, i did 2200+ miles up and around the highlands of scotland and back down south, a few hiccups along the way but the bike kept running and got me home, and it was a proper shed.

As stinkwheel says take the tools you need to adjust your chain (if needs be stop a kind looking person and show them how to lift the back wheel up by balancing the bike with the front wheel/sidestand) or do CB500's have a ever so usefull centrestand?. Also if yours CB is anything like my GS was, you will want to take some oil with you (Rock Oil FTW), as most petrol stations dont seem to do 10w40, either than or its fully synthetic when you have been using fully natural...

On a recent tour of France and Spain on my Bandit foolishly i set off with a shagged front tyre, and even with my non existant french somewhere around Nimes/Montpellier i got fitted a new BT021 for 130 euros... No problems, even if your french is non-existant, a sheepish smile and alot of pointing will get most things across "Nouvelle Pneumatique si vou plais".

If in doubt ring your insurers and ask if they can supply European breakdown cover, mine did a years cover for 50 quid, much better than the 100 plus i was quoted direct from the RAC/AA.

Go for it, also if your tyres are coming to the end of their life and you will be replacing them before this trip, if you arent already try some Bridgestone BT-45's.. Thumbs Up

Best tyres for the 500 class IMO

Just get out there and do it, oh and if you see any yellow Bis signs that generally means the scenic route, well worth a detour... Goodluck

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

crazymotorbik... · Nearly there... Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Karma :

Hey,

Thanks for all the replies Thumbs Up

Theyre very encouraging. I must say the CB500 is the most solid and reliable bike i've ridden.
This Christamas im gonna treat myself to a load of camping stuff and some soft luggage.

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

My mum's been touring on a GS500 once or twice, as well as my KLR650 - shouldn't be a problem on a CB.

crazymotorbik... · Nearly there... Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Karma :

crazymotorbik... · Nearly there... Joined: 05 Mar 2006 Karma :

Hey,

I got some time off work for my France trip.

16 June to the 29th June. Two weeks seems plenty enough for me!

Again, if anyone wants to come with me let me know! I know its a long way in the future just yet but would be great to hear from you.

Shaun.