Contemplating LD ride on my small bore 2-stroke...: Sprockets forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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April 7, 2011 12:27 p.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

So, I am going to Barber Motorsports Park this weekend. I kinda want to take my MB5 just for the adventure of it, but want to discuss the pros and cons first.

Okay, the trip is from Marietta, GA to B-ham, AL. The bike in question is my 1981 Honda MB5 2 stroke 50cc Scooter-Cycle.

I would be leaving quite early in the morning (maybe 4 or 5 AM) and aiming for a 4 hour ride. The farthest I have ever ridden it in one day was a 85 mile round trip. Barber is 156 miles one way!

I would be packing a single change of clothes and a tent, travelling lightly.

The bike has not let me down over about 2000 miles since last October when I bought it. The worst it has done was a break in the chain, which has since been replaced by a new RK chain. I also had a clutch cable fray out, which has been replaced by an OE cable from the UK. I would probably swap a larger front sprocket on to the front before leaving for a slightly higher top speed.

It has a new plug, and I would be pre measuring some Motul oil to bring with me for gas station fill ups.

So, what's the downside, and what do I bring with me?
April 7, 2011 12:38 p.m. 44Dwarf Dork

Are you sure the jetting is dead on? Long distance at high speeds tend to burn piston tops if jetting not 100%

I've replaced piston in the side of the hi-way 3 or 4 times....Still can't belive in 1989 the shop at the bottom of the exit ramp had a set for a 1970 R5.

44
April 7, 2011 12:41 p.m. N Sperlo Reader

Just have a friend on call with a truck and don't worry about the rest. I've done my truck duties before. Come to find out it was a friggen blown fuse.
April 7, 2011 12:46 p.m. BAMF Reader

Do it!!!!!

I've done a ride from Kansas City to St. Louis (and back a few days later) on a 150cc scooter. I've also done a ride from KC to Tulsa (and back) also on a 150.

On any old 2 stroke bike, I'd bring along a couple extra plugs, even if I knew the bike to be a solid performer. With what you say regarding the clutch cable, I'd bring one of those too. If you can effectively pack an extra tire to take with you (and tube if your bike uses them), it's something I highly advise. Even if tire changing is not a roadside job on an MB5 like on an old Vespa, it's better to have the tire for someone to swap for you at a service station than to be completely SOL in the middle of nowhere.

Also, be ready to find an alternate route quickly. No matter how well you plan to stay off the highway, inevitably, your planned route will get compromised by construction, an accident, lack of pavement or something else.

Sounds like a fun trip.
April 7, 2011 1:11 p.m. N Sperlo Reader

Lack of pavement sounds fun.... Buuuuut not on a bike..... But really, be safe and have fun. Good luck.
April 7, 2011 1:15 p.m. BoxheadTim SuperDork

Take roads suitable to the bike, a plug or two and a basic tool kit. Then just go.
April 7, 2011 1:49 p.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

44Dwarf wrote:

Are you sure the jetting is dead on? Long distance at high speeds tend to burn piston tops if jetting not 100%

I've replaced piston in the side of the hi-way 3 or 4 times....Still can't belive in 1989 the shop at the bottom of the exit ramp had a set for a 1970 R5.

44

I guess I'm not sure. I am pretty ignorant on bike carbs, I've been riding it for 6 months as is and just changing plugs for changes in temp. How would I know? I run it to pretty high RPMs every day without fail. Thus far, it has been a Honda.
April 7, 2011 2:44 p.m. Otto Maddox HalfDork

In reply to Maroon92:

You can't take a load of books home on it. That is a downside.
April 7, 2011 3:01 p.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

Nah, I got a rack on it. It'll work...unless its over 100 pounds of books, then I might not be able to hit 40 MPH...
April 7, 2011 3:12 p.m. minimac SuperDork

It should be fun! My first bike, many moons ago, was a year old1965 Yamaha 80. I'd ride from 6am to 9pm (only had a jr. license) almost daily. I put 5k on it in 3 weeks and had a ball doing it. No guts-no glory!
April 7, 2011 7:42 p.m. 44Dwarf Dork

Yes DO IT just take plugs with you. after a 20+ miles at high speed cut the ign and slam the gas closed then stop pull the plug read the plug color.

http://justkdx.dirtrider.net/printcarbtuning.html

and other will give you a better how to. Google is your freind as pictures can tell more then words on plug reading
April 7, 2011 8:55 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

Go for it.
April 8, 2011 8:26 a.m. Otto Maddox HalfDork

Did you see that motorcycle parking is $25? That kind of sucks but if you drive you car, you have to park many miles away and take a shuttle.
April 8, 2011 8:42 a.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

I have free parking.
April 8, 2011 8:48 a.m. Otto Maddox HalfDork

In reply to Maroon92:

What about camping - $75?

And what is this free parking and why aren't you sharing it with your friend Otto?
April 8, 2011 9:15 a.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

Camping is 75 bucks? What The Booger?

I have free weekend passes and free parking in the "media" parking lot. I will technically be working all weekend.
April 8, 2011 9:37 a.m. Xceler8x SuperDork

44Dwarf wrote: 1970 R5.

My first bike! Except mine was a '72.
April 9, 2011 9:22 a.m. mpolans New Reader

I'd take tools, spare plugs, and a piston, but really, I think even that's being paranoid for 150 miles.
April 9, 2011 1:51 p.m. Maroon92 SuperDork

Well, I decided to pass and took the car. Mainly because I didn't get the new parts I ordered. (New reeds, new different sized sprockets, and a new pipe.) Probably this summer I am going to put a new 70cc kit on it. By October, I should be doing plenty of LD rides. I may even take it to Savannah in August.

Also, I ride this thing to work every day, and I really don't want to blow it up!