1996 D3 GPZ500S riding to Italy 2 up...fairytale or failure?

[duncanpage]

My dad has told me just because you take a bike on a journey doesn't mean the thing will suddenly break down...but I'm a worried it might! So, anyone who's taken a similar bike on a long journey please let me know what things went wrong on your bike.
I'm hoping to ride to the north of Italy with my wife.

I've fitted Renntec engine bars in case I drop the bike & a sports rack to strap a roll bag to (hoping to get the Oxford Paddock Sack) and will buy some soft panniers. My tank bag will carry the essentials. I'd like your opinion on an idea of mine to use a slim steel cable used to secure pc's (such as in libraries, schools, internet cafe's, etc) to secure the roll bag & panniers to the bike so we don't have to remove them when in a service station/cafe. I was going to fit metal eyelets (think that's what they're called) so the steel cable will be able to thread through the bags & be locked to the bike. I was hoping a set of 3 small identical padlocks using the same key to lock each pannier & roll bag will prevent opportunists from trying to open them.

I'll be modifying the seat to include extra padding & a non-slip cover as my wife keeps sliding into me when I brake (fortunately she's very slim!)

As mentioned in my other post I've got new sprockets & x-ring chain going on & a scotoiler to keep the chain lubed during the tour. I've got a new timing chain & will be adjusting the valves soon. I will be taking out international breakdown recovery but i'd rather not have to use it!

So what can I do to prepare the bike for a long journey & what should I take with me to ensure nothing goes wrong on the way (or at least I'll be able to fix it)?
I'll be staying with friends in Italy so I can do a service there, but anything other than oil will have to be taken with me.

[Nb]

You sound like you already have it all covered Perhaps get a top box rather than soft luggage? If not then ive heard of this bag that has a steel mesh round it that it reasonably secure, trying to find the name for you.
Are you taking a tyre inflator? I bought a slime one and it fits under my seat, either get a patch kit or a can of slime tyre sealant and your sorted for punctures.
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Cbr1100xx blackbird gone, mk4 golf gt tdi chav now
Colin1 wrote 'Im grateful for what i can get, which isnt all that much.'
Columbus travel insurance are crap!! Do not use!

[hmmmnz]

take a spare set of plugs, some tyre goop, just incase you get stuck somewhere, a small socket set, vice grips, pliers, a universal cable (in case throttle or clutch cable breaks)
a spare split link for your chain (first place a chain will break)
a small fuel bottle ( https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Aluminium-Water-Fuel-Bottle-Brand-New-Mint-Bargain_W0QQitemZ320117613385QQihZ011QQcategoryZ97045QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
you never know when that extra half liter of fuel could come in handy.
other than those things i think your reasonably prepared.
have fun
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the humans are dead
I kick arse for the lord
Wiring Diagrams BIDNIP it bitches

[stinkwheel]

Yeah, you would be best taking something to repair any broken cables. Hein gericke do a cable repair kit in a little tin. Spare clutch and brake lever? I can recommend those tyre plug kits where you push a bung through the hole from the outside.

Enough tools to at a minimum remove either wheel and adjust the chain, don't forget the big huge allen key for removing the front.

Packet of cable ties and gaffa tape for anything you've missed.

Make sure there's enought tread on the tyres to get there and back.

Nath off this forum did a European tour (like ALL of Europe) on a 30 year old CB550 so the GPZ should manage it fine.
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“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.

[Pete.]

No reason why your bike won't make a run to Italy and back several times if you want it to. Just take the most common tools you'd expect to use and the items suggested above like tyre plugs etc and the CO2 canisters for inflating a flattened tyre. Also I would suggest:

Add allen-keys to your tool kit. Halford do a handy bicycle-set that I carried for a few years and used many times.

Take spare fuses.

Fit a new battery, especially if you're doing any mountain-routes, since it can be extremely cold at altitude and this can kill-off a tire battery.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[EuropeanNC30R...]

Mike took a GPZ on a lap of Spain last summer fairly successfully, it had a few problems but nothing that couldn't be fixed.

(bit of a long arse post https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=95546)