Hi Craig, I keep my excel updated also with place from-to, kilometers, cost of hotel and additional comments like the booking number and the day I can cancel without cancellation fees. I bring a paper copy with me just in case. One of the beauties of these is that you also have a log of where you've stayed and how much the trip did cost. In late trips I tried to plan a little less so it will give more freedom each day to ride from A to B without the obligation to get to B because I reserved the hotel. I also keep a daily log book where I write where we've been, eat and highlights of the day.
Thanks! Sounds like we use similar methods. When I finally get to the place where I am not limited on time, I will probably do less pre-booking etc, but until then I will be a planner. It is just in my nature...LOL.
I see all kinds of tips for mc trips on UA-cam, but I can say this is some of the best, solid advice to budget for a trip that I’ve seen. I especially like the advice about taking a trip without using borrowed money!
On tolls. Certainly a New Englander who lives in the part of the country doesn't need to read this, but I highly recommend every motorcyclist who might have occasion to spend some miles on a toll road or toll bridge, sign up in advance to get an I-pass. Mount it where it is lying flat (I keep mine in a clear plastic "dry Seal" bag that always holds my rain gear, on top of the bike), get in the non-stop I-pass lane and never worry about digging through pockets with motorcycle gloves for the billfold, worry about cars backing up behind you and all those other hassles. As a budget plan item though, it usually costs 20-30 bucks in pre-paid tolls to set up your account before the billing starts. A "short dollar" figure in the total trip but well worth the money. "Don't leave home without it" should be the catchphrase of the I-Pass people, especially for motorcyclists. Great to hear Cathie is in for the trip and that Peter may join you as well.
Here in Mass, we have the EzPass and they are notorious for not being read on motorcycles. On the Tenere, I have it in a mounted behind the windscreen and it works almost all of the time, but on my Vision the only place I can get it to be read is if I throw in behind the screen (flat part facing up). With the EzPass, you hook your credit card to the transponder it and if there is no money in your account they just bill the card. However, when traveling state to state, they will not bill your card, so you need to have a pre-paid amount in your account to draw from. If you don't, then you might get additional fees attached, so your suggestion of having a few dollars in there is a good one for anyone that does not normally use transponders. Many states are now taking tolls by snapping pictures of your tag and then mailing you the fee. Texas is doing this on a few roads for example and they have now taken down the booths here on the Mass Pike as well. I think you have a certain amount of time to mail the toll back in before more fees get tacked on and eventually you will not be able to renew your license if the toll is not paid. So if you are going to be gone any length of time, then getting a transponder is definitely a good idea that can save some headache later on. Of course the other option is to stay off of toll roads if possible...But sometimes that is easier said than done. Thanks!
Initially I couldn't get mine to read either. That's when I discovered lying it flat, in a plastic dry seal bag and I have it on the very top of my topcase. Since putting it there, it has always worked. @@LivingOffTheSlab
Taking the Vision ! Suddenly your trip has become even more interesting since your Vision is half brother to my Roadmaster and I don't really care much for Adventure bikes....looking forward to your trip.
Thanks. If I was riding alone I would still take the Tenere. Smaller, lighter and go more places and carry more gear. But since my wife is going to join me, the Vision is going to get some more love. I am looking forward to it.
Glad to see you stretch the legs of the Vision! For filters you can just stop at Napa and pick one up. I think you did this in Alaska but just use an aluminum tray from the grocery store to drain it into then pour it back into the jug of new oil. Some Walmarts have an Oil Changer place, buy the pan from the store, buy the oil from there and ask if you can drop the old oil off. They usually charge $5. Or order it from Amazon and have it delivered to the hotel. Or stop by AMSoil on the way home ;)
Thanks! I figure that I can either borrow it from a dealer or as you suggest, get a turkey pan from Walmart. The dealers will usually let you drop the oil back off for disposal...at least around here.
When my wife and I rode around the perimeter of the US in 2017, I hit the 6,000 mile mark in Gallup, NM. We rode past an O’Reilly auto parts store on the way to the hotel. I dropped my wife at the hotel, unloaded the bike and headed back to O’Reillys. I explained to them that I would like to change my oil and they said they could loan me a drain pan, but they had no funnel. So, I bought the oil from them, a cheap funnel and and a roll of shop towels and changed the oil in the parking lot beside their store. They took the old oil back for free. I didn’t bother to change the filter as that is a pain on the LT, but it isn’t a big deal to skip a filter change occasionally and many new cars even recommend that. The only nuisance I had was the native American beggars who kept stopping by to offer to help me. Unfortunately, New Mexico has a lot of such folks almost everywhere. Every time we stopped for gas or even at some stoplights, native Americans would approach you asking for money.
Never much fun to figure out that realistic budget. And while I certainly agree that it's better to save for a trip in advance, I must admit that I have secured a loan in the past to make a trip/ride at a certain time and with special people when I wasn't financially prepared. However, I've secured that loan in advance and at a low interest rate and never relied on the credit card for the loan. It was worth it to me just to be able to make that possibly one chance ride. No regrets!
I appreciate your situation and it sounds like you handled it well and paid off the loan. While it worked for you, I still cannot suggest going into debt to take a trip is a good idea. Just my opinion. Thanks!
If I traveled like you, I would have to take out a 2nd mortgage. Even if my wife goes . My west trip last year was 4,500 miles , 9 days and I spent $650 . Had the time of my life and I do it every year. We eat at landmark mom and pop diners , visited National parks, but we also camp cook breakfast and supper generally. My tent is an instant tent, poles are built in . Even in the dark , it goes up in less than 60 seconds. .
Everyone has there preferred ways to travel. You are still spending about $72 dollars per day. Expand that to 60 days and you would be at $4320. There are folks out there who would think that is extravagant. As long as you are enjoying yourself that is what matters.
If you're younger than OLD, and you going to be going into multiple National Parks (like 3+) then go on to the NP website (or buy it at the first park) and get a NP pass at $80 and they last for a full year. I did last year and I visited like 4 parks, so it paid for itself. I'm going to do the same thing this year as I'll be visiting 4+ parks on my 2 week Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota trip in July. (Most parks are $25.00 for bikes)
Thanks, I did forget to mention NP fees. In the past I have not visited more than three parks on any single trip, so purchasing a yearly pass did not make sense. But, this year I will be getting a pass.
Yes, great idea. My wife and I did this in 2017 and not only did we save money, but it makes for a faster entrance at the gate. Well worth the $80 to see the natural wonders in our western states.
Great vid Craig as alway very informative 👍🏻 keep it coming 😁 we are also having winter here in sweden but looking at your vids and picking up my new bike in a couple of weeks makes the winter bearable 😁❄️❄️🤙🏻
Entrance fees to attractions...National parks, State parks, Historic sites , road side attractions etc. they can add up fast...If you are over 62 you can get a Golden years pass for all national parks and monuments. Love your videos. Looking forward to following your trip.
Take a quick look at your paper work. Make sure things like drivers lic and registrations are not gonna expire half way through the trip, I know it can be done on the phone now but who needs the hassle on the road.
Thanks for the video and your Channel, Craig. Good information and good planning...I think a lot like you...details are important...and planning is important...the emergency fund is important....what if a family emergency, Lord forbid, comes up and you suddenly need to fly home...planning is essential, and you do it very well. Can't wait for your next video, and especially, "the trip"...All the best!
Great video. Due to the change of bikes to the vision, will you have to alter your route at all ( dirt roads on the Yamaha vs the Victory)? Glad to see your wife joining you for part of the trip. It sounds like a fabulous trip.
What I didn't hear in the budget were entrance fees (admits) to sights you are planning on visiting or will you subtract those from the meal plan : > ) Seriously - I'm really enjoying the planning bits - wish I were coming along!!!.
Yes, I forgot park fees. I will be getting a NP pass, there will be a couple museum fees as well. I will add those in or take them from fuel, but never from the food/beer budget...😉
Living Off The Slab Sorry, just messing with you. 😏 Be sure to throw a few dollars in the pot to drink some nice Napa & Sonoma County wines! In fact, if you swing by my area I may open up my wine cabinet & share a little with you guys! 👍🏼
Excellent tips all! I'll probably be going a little more towards the cheaper end of the spectrum (or at least I hope so!) on my trip but everything still applies. Although it's great that your wife is coming along, and the vision's a great bike, I would have liked to see you take the Tenere... but that's just me. :) One question, how did the choice of bike affect the route you decided on? What with the more off-road worthiness of the Tenere would you have been going more off the beaten path vs going more on dedicated "good" roads? Just wondering... thanks for the video and being a younger guy myself I'm looking forward to the next one.
If it was just me, I would take the Tenere, however, it will just not work two up, at least for us. I will have to change a couple of roads I wanted to do, like the White Rim through Canyonlands, but I am thinking about possibly renting one. We will see, as that will of course raise the budget. Thanks.
I am planning for my first longer MC trip this summer and had a couple questions. You talked about changing oil in the Walmart parking lot. How do you responsibly dispose of the old oil in those circumstances? If I heard you correctly, you mentioned that if you were injured in another country you would need to be repatriated. Could you explain that? Thanks.
For disposing of oil, just put it back in the original bottles and take it to a motorcycle shop or auto shop where they do oil changes. They generally take the oil and dispose of it for you. There may be a charge in some situations, but most will just take it. That is why I try to buy my oil from a dealer and do the change in their parking lot. They will almost always lend me tools and dispose of the oil when I an finished. As far as the traveler's insurance goes, repatriation is just return to your home country. If for example I was injured while in Canada, I would have to pay for the cost of returning me home if I was badly injured and could not fly or drive. Traveler's insurance covers the cost that would not normally be covered by your health insurance, which may or may not be anything depending on how and where you were injured. Thanks!
Thanks for another great video! I have 2 questions about doing your own oil changes on the road: Mainly, what do you drain the oil into, and where do you then dispose of the oil (+ filter & container)? I usually do my own oil changes, but my Triumph Trophy has 10,000 mile intervals between changes, although I usually do it every 5,000, and the longest trip for me so far has been about 4,000 miles, so I haven't ever had to spend a dime on maintenance on a trip. I'm guessing that oil changes on your Victory are way overpriced as they are on most bikes - as I'm in the auto parts business, I've never understood why an oil change on a car is so much cheaper (even with synthetic) than almost any motorcycle. I'm thinking maybe call ahead to see if you can find some reasonably priced oil changes on the way, rather than taking up valuable space on your bike with filters... Regardless, sounds like a great trip!
@@human1513 I actually watched that section twice - he didn't answer either. Maybe the dealer will let you use an oil drain pan, maybe not, but I'm pretty sure they're not going to have one at a motel. And then to dispose of the oil from the motel... I'm sure the dealer would let you take the used oil there, but you still have to get it there. Just curious what he has done in the past or might do in the future!
Good questions. Yes, motorcycle oil is generally overpriced compared to autos. The volume of oil sold to autos is much greater and the formulation on motorcycle oil is designed for the specific stressed placed on a small high-compression engine. Of course, there is also a monetary component. As I mentioned, I have tried other oils like mobile 1 or amsoil, and while they improve shifting, I also get clutch slip at higher revs. I have found sticking to the recommended oil give me the best performance. I am sure others will disagree and this thread will get very pretensions as any time oil is mentioned...LOL. As far as disposing of the used oil, you can take it to any auto or motorcycle shop and they will dispose of it for you. There may be a charge in some states, but around here they are required my law to take the oil. I keep my used oil in five gallon drums and when it gets full, I just take it to the dealer. If I can, I will just pick up the filters from the dealer, but if I have to take a couple with me, they really do not take up too much room. We will see as I get further into planning. Thanks again for the questions!
Try an auto parts store. Many will loan you a drain pan and take the used oil. I carry my own tools, but some places will even loan you tools. I have not done this personally yet, but other riders have mentioned that some “quick lube” places will loan you pans and such if you buy their oil, but not all of them carry motorcycle specific oil.
Ha...no actually not. I started this video a couple of weeks ago and after spending the entire weekend at a motorcycle show, I came home and finally finished it up. Wish, I actually got paid to do this...Hey have you bought a t-shirt? LOL...just kidding.
About oil, did you use Mobile 1 "motorcycle oil?" Never use car oil or clutches will slip... You would have to be quite numb to not figure this out. 🙄 Do people really need to watch a vid like this to learn this? If so other parts of their financial life must be out of order. Not being sarcastic.
Yes, I have tried Mobile 1 motorcycle oil as well as Amsoil v-twin oil that is supposed to formulated for the Victory. They both greatly improve the shifting quality of the bike (usually it is a bit stiff), however when I get on the throttle and the revs get over 4K or so, I get clutch slippage. For this reason, I have just stuck with the recommended oil.
As far as do people need to watch this...everyone can answer that for themselves. Older guys with some experience probably do not, but on the other hand I have many friends who have never done anything like this before and would have no idea where to start. Most riders do not ever attempt long trips. Those of us who do are in the very small minority. I am sure that if you think back to your first long trip, you made many mistakes, I know I did. In fact, as a younger man I made many financial mistakes as well and it took me some time before I figured it out. These video are just a way to start conversations and get people to realize that they can do it too. Thanks!
@@LivingOffTheSlab Cool, thanx for the info.. I have had great success using BelRay mineral & semi-synthetic for decades in four cylinder sport bikes & now in a Suzuki M90 cruiser twin. Dealer suggested to do the 1st 2 oil/filter changes via mineral then can use Semi-synthetic.
@@LivingOffTheSlab As I think about the trip & financial planning I now realize you are doimg a favour to people new to travelling & in particular for younger people. We all need tp start some where and learn & your helping guiding hand is of value to many young people. I seemed to naturally think of the things you mention when I was younger. The world is lucky we are all different. Have a fun day.
Never heard of Mobile 1, but I have heard of Mobile, AL and Mobil 1 oil. 🙂 I am glad my BMW specifies 6,000 oil changes. I only have to change oil on really long trips. I don’t use Mobil 1 in my BMW as I really have no need for it as I don’t ride in really cold or really hot weather generally so the Castrol 4T works fine. I have a dry clutch so using Mobil 1 isn’t an issue and many LT owners do use it. The bigger issue is ensuring you have enough ZDDP in the oil to keep the cam and lifters happy.
Hi Craig, I keep my excel updated also with place from-to, kilometers, cost of hotel and additional comments like the booking number and the day I can cancel without cancellation fees. I bring a paper copy with me just in case. One of the beauties of these is that you also have a log of where you've stayed and how much the trip did cost. In late trips I tried to plan a little less so it will give more freedom each day to ride from A to B without the obligation to get to B because I reserved the hotel. I also keep a daily log book where I write where we've been, eat and highlights of the day.
Thanks! Sounds like we use similar methods. When I finally get to the place where I am not limited on time, I will probably do less pre-booking etc, but until then I will be a planner. It is just in my nature...LOL.
I see all kinds of tips for mc trips on UA-cam, but I can say this is some of the best, solid advice to budget for a trip that I’ve seen. I especially like the advice about taking a trip without using borrowed money!
Thank you!
Being a CPA, this video is close to my heart. Good stuff, Craig.
Thanks!
On tolls. Certainly a New Englander who lives in the part of the country doesn't need to read this, but I highly recommend every motorcyclist who might have occasion to spend some miles on a toll road or toll bridge, sign up in advance to get an I-pass. Mount it where it is lying flat (I keep mine in a clear plastic "dry Seal" bag that always holds my rain gear, on top of the bike), get in the non-stop I-pass lane and never worry about digging through pockets with motorcycle gloves for the billfold, worry about cars backing up behind you and all those other hassles. As a budget plan item though, it usually costs 20-30 bucks in pre-paid tolls to set up your account before the billing starts. A "short dollar" figure in the total trip but well worth the money. "Don't leave home without it" should be the catchphrase of the I-Pass people, especially for motorcyclists. Great to hear Cathie is in for the trip and that Peter may join you as well.
Here in Mass, we have the EzPass and they are notorious for not being read on motorcycles. On the Tenere, I have it in a mounted behind the windscreen and it works almost all of the time, but on my Vision the only place I can get it to be read is if I throw in behind the screen (flat part facing up). With the EzPass, you hook your credit card to the transponder it and if there is no money in your account they just bill the card. However, when traveling state to state, they will not bill your card, so you need to have a pre-paid amount in your account to draw from. If you don't, then you might get additional fees attached, so your suggestion of having a few dollars in there is a good one for anyone that does not normally use transponders. Many states are now taking tolls by snapping pictures of your tag and then mailing you the fee. Texas is doing this on a few roads for example and they have now taken down the booths here on the Mass Pike as well. I think you have a certain amount of time to mail the toll back in before more fees get tacked on and eventually you will not be able to renew your license if the toll is not paid. So if you are going to be gone any length of time, then getting a transponder is definitely a good idea that can save some headache later on. Of course the other option is to stay off of toll roads if possible...But sometimes that is easier said than done. Thanks!
Initially I couldn't get mine to read either. That's when I discovered lying it flat, in a plastic dry seal bag and I have it on the very top of my topcase. Since putting it there, it has always worked. @@LivingOffTheSlab
Taking the Vision ! Suddenly your trip has become even more interesting since your Vision is half brother to my Roadmaster and I don't really care much for Adventure bikes....looking forward to your trip.
Thanks. If I was riding alone I would still take the Tenere. Smaller, lighter and go more places and carry more gear. But since my wife is going to join me, the Vision is going to get some more love. I am looking forward to it.
Glad to see you stretch the legs of the Vision! For filters you can just stop at Napa and pick one up. I think you did this in Alaska but just use an aluminum tray from the grocery store to drain it into then pour it back into the jug of new oil. Some Walmarts have an Oil Changer place, buy the pan from the store, buy the oil from there and ask if you can drop the old oil off. They usually charge $5. Or order it from Amazon and have it delivered to the hotel. Or stop by AMSoil on the way home ;)
Thanks! I figure that I can either borrow it from a dealer or as you suggest, get a turkey pan from Walmart. The dealers will usually let you drop the oil back off for disposal...at least around here.
When my wife and I rode around the perimeter of the US in 2017, I hit the 6,000 mile mark in Gallup, NM. We rode past an O’Reilly auto parts store on the way to the hotel. I dropped my wife at the hotel, unloaded the bike and headed back to O’Reillys. I explained to them that I would like to change my oil and they said they could loan me a drain pan, but they had no funnel. So, I bought the oil from them, a cheap funnel and and a roll of shop towels and changed the oil in the parking lot beside their store. They took the old oil back for free. I didn’t bother to change the filter as that is a pain on the LT, but it isn’t a big deal to skip a filter change occasionally and many new cars even recommend that.
The only nuisance I had was the native American beggars who kept stopping by to offer to help me. Unfortunately, New Mexico has a lot of such folks almost everywhere. Every time we stopped for gas or even at some stoplights, native Americans would approach you asking for money.
Thanks for the suggestion. I will keep that in mind if there are no dealers in the area.
Never much fun to figure out that realistic budget. And while I certainly agree that it's better to save for a trip in advance, I must admit that I have secured a loan in the past to make a trip/ride at a certain time and with special people when I wasn't financially prepared. However, I've secured that loan in advance and at a low interest rate and never relied on the credit card for the loan. It was worth it to me just to be able to make that possibly one chance ride. No regrets!
I appreciate your situation and it sounds like you handled it well and paid off the loan. While it worked for you, I still cannot suggest going into debt to take a trip is a good idea. Just my opinion. Thanks!
If I traveled like you, I would have to take out a 2nd mortgage. Even if my wife goes . My west trip last year was 4,500 miles , 9 days and I spent $650 . Had the time of my life and I do it every year. We eat at landmark mom and pop diners , visited National parks, but we also camp cook breakfast and supper generally. My tent is an instant tent, poles are built in . Even in the dark , it goes up in less than 60 seconds. .
Everyone has there preferred ways to travel. You are still spending about $72 dollars per day. Expand that to 60 days and you would be at $4320. There are folks out there who would think that is extravagant. As long as you are enjoying yourself that is what matters.
Amen! I love the challenge of shoestring travel.
If you're younger than OLD, and you going to be going into multiple National Parks (like 3+) then go on to the NP website (or buy it at the first park) and get a NP pass at $80 and they last for a full year. I did last year and I visited like 4 parks, so it paid for itself. I'm going to do the same thing this year as I'll be visiting 4+ parks on my 2 week Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota trip in July. (Most parks are $25.00 for bikes)
Thanks, I did forget to mention NP fees. In the past I have not visited more than three parks on any single trip, so purchasing a yearly pass did not make sense. But, this year I will be getting a pass.
Yes, great idea. My wife and I did this in 2017 and not only did we save money, but it makes for a faster entrance at the gate. Well worth the $80 to see the natural wonders in our western states.
Great vid Craig as alway very informative 👍🏻 keep it coming 😁 we are also having winter here in sweden but looking at your vids and picking up my new bike in a couple of weeks makes the winter bearable 😁❄️❄️🤙🏻
A new bike will always make you feel better!
Living Off The Slab so true 😅
Entrance fees to attractions...National parks, State parks, Historic sites , road side attractions etc. they can add up fast...If you are over 62 you can get a Golden years pass for all national parks and monuments. Love your videos. Looking forward to following your trip.
Yes, I forgot to mention park fees. I will be purchasing a NP pass for this trip. Thanks!
Take a quick look at your paper work. Make sure things like drivers lic and registrations are not gonna expire half way through the trip, I know it can be done on the phone now but who needs the hassle on the road.
Good advice!
Good information! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks!
Great Budget!
Thanks!
Michelin commander II tires will last 25,000 miles. I’ve always had good luck with these.
Thanks for the suggestion. I just put on a pair of Metzler ME888. We will see how they do.
Already got the snow, rain and the freeze you can have it!
We had a little warm up today., but more is coming...I love winter.
Thanks for the video and your Channel, Craig. Good information and good planning...I think a lot like you...details are important...and planning is important...the emergency fund is important....what if a family emergency, Lord forbid, comes up and you suddenly need to fly home...planning is essential, and you do it very well. Can't wait for your next video, and especially, "the trip"...All the best!
Thank you sir!
Great video. Due to the change of bikes to the vision, will you have to alter your route at all ( dirt roads on the Yamaha vs the Victory)? Glad to see your wife joining you for part of the trip. It sounds like a fabulous trip.
Unfortunately, there are a couple of roads i might not get to do. But, I am thinking about renting a dual sport in Moab. We will see. Thanks.
What I didn't hear in the budget were entrance fees (admits) to sights you are planning on visiting or will you subtract those from the meal plan : > ) Seriously - I'm really enjoying the planning bits - wish I were coming along!!!.
Yes, I forgot park fees. I will be getting a NP pass, there will be a couple museum fees as well. I will add those in or take them from fuel, but never from the food/beer budget...😉
So you are taking the Vision ? Nice !!!!
Yep, thanks!
Nice weather, Craig. I had to suffer with a 70 degree day today so took the GSA on a nice ride. 😄
That hurts...
Living Off The Slab Sorry, just messing with you. 😏 Be sure to throw a few dollars in the pot to drink some nice Napa & Sonoma County wines! In fact, if you swing by my area I may open up my wine cabinet & share a little with you guys! 👍🏼
That sounds good!
Good video thanks for sharing
Thank you!
I actually got in a 150 miles today! Hope your trip is awesome! I am actually heading up your way for my big trip this year. Ride Safe!
That sounds nice. Thanks!
Excellent tips all! I'll probably be going a little more towards the cheaper end of the spectrum (or at least I hope so!) on my trip but everything still applies. Although it's great that your wife is coming along, and the vision's a great bike, I would have liked to see you take the Tenere... but that's just me. :) One question, how did the choice of bike affect the route you decided on? What with the more off-road worthiness of the Tenere would you have been going more off the beaten path vs going more on dedicated "good" roads? Just wondering... thanks for the video and being a younger guy myself I'm looking forward to the next one.
If it was just me, I would take the Tenere, however, it will just not work two up, at least for us. I will have to change a couple of roads I wanted to do, like the White Rim through Canyonlands, but I am thinking about possibly renting one. We will see, as that will of course raise the budget. Thanks.
Thanks for the reply. Hope whatever you do decide on works well for you.
I am planning for my first longer MC trip this summer and had a couple questions. You talked about changing oil in the Walmart parking lot. How do you responsibly dispose of the old oil in those circumstances? If I heard you correctly, you mentioned that if you were injured in another country you would need to be repatriated. Could you explain that? Thanks.
For disposing of oil, just put it back in the original bottles and take it to a motorcycle shop or auto shop where they do oil changes. They generally take the oil and dispose of it for you. There may be a charge in some situations, but most will just take it. That is why I try to buy my oil from a dealer and do the change in their parking lot. They will almost always lend me tools and dispose of the oil when I an finished. As far as the traveler's insurance goes, repatriation is just return to your home country. If for example I was injured while in Canada, I would have to pay for the cost of returning me home if I was badly injured and could not fly or drive. Traveler's insurance covers the cost that would not normally be covered by your health insurance, which may or may not be anything depending on how and where you were injured. Thanks!
I appreciate the numbers and process, that's what you get from a CPA!
Thank you!
your riding to ca
Yep, and then back home. Thanks!
60 days = $12,000
We will see, probably around 10K after Cathy decided to join for longer.
Thanks for another great video! I have 2 questions about doing your own oil changes on the road: Mainly, what do you drain the oil into, and where do you then dispose of the oil (+ filter & container)? I usually do my own oil changes, but my Triumph Trophy has 10,000 mile intervals between changes, although I usually do it every 5,000, and the longest trip for me so far has been about 4,000 miles, so I haven't ever had to spend a dime on maintenance on a trip.
I'm guessing that oil changes on your Victory are way overpriced as they are on most bikes - as I'm in the auto parts business, I've never understood why an oil change on a car is so much cheaper (even with synthetic) than almost any motorcycle. I'm thinking maybe call ahead to see if you can find some reasonably priced oil changes on the way, rather than taking up valuable space on your bike with filters... Regardless, sounds like a great trip!
He answers that in the vid. Did you watch it?
@@human1513 I actually watched that section twice - he didn't answer either. Maybe the dealer will let you use an oil drain pan, maybe not, but I'm pretty sure they're not going to have one at a motel. And then to dispose of the oil from the motel... I'm sure the dealer would let you take the used oil there, but you still have to get it there. Just curious what he has done in the past or might do in the future!
Good questions. Yes, motorcycle oil is generally overpriced compared to autos. The volume of oil sold to autos is much greater and the formulation on motorcycle oil is designed for the specific stressed placed on a small high-compression engine. Of course, there is also a monetary component. As I mentioned, I have tried other oils like mobile 1 or amsoil, and while they improve shifting, I also get clutch slip at higher revs. I have found sticking to the recommended oil give me the best performance. I am sure others will disagree and this thread will get very pretensions as any time oil is mentioned...LOL. As far as disposing of the used oil, you can take it to any auto or motorcycle shop and they will dispose of it for you. There may be a charge in some states, but around here they are required my law to take the oil. I keep my used oil in five gallon drums and when it gets full, I just take it to the dealer. If I can, I will just pick up the filters from the dealer, but if I have to take a couple with me, they really do not take up too much room. We will see as I get further into planning. Thanks again for the questions!
Try an auto parts store. Many will loan you a drain pan and take the used oil. I carry my own tools, but some places will even loan you tools. I have not done this personally yet, but other riders have mentioned that some “quick lube” places will loan you pans and such if you buy their oil, but not all of them carry motorcycle specific oil.
Good info but I must say you have a lot of time on your hands 😆
Ha...no actually not. I started this video a couple of weeks ago and after spending the entire weekend at a motorcycle show, I came home and finally finished it up. Wish, I actually got paid to do this...Hey have you bought a t-shirt? LOL...just kidding.
About oil, did you use Mobile 1 "motorcycle oil?" Never use car oil or clutches will slip... You would have to be quite numb to not figure this out. 🙄 Do people really need to watch a vid like this to learn this? If so other parts of their financial life must be out of order. Not being sarcastic.
Yes, I have tried Mobile 1 motorcycle oil as well as Amsoil v-twin oil that is supposed to formulated for the Victory. They both greatly improve the shifting quality of the bike (usually it is a bit stiff), however when I get on the throttle and the revs get over 4K or so, I get clutch slippage. For this reason, I have just stuck with the recommended oil.
As far as do people need to watch this...everyone can answer that for themselves. Older guys with some experience probably do not, but on the other hand I have many friends who have never done anything like this before and would have no idea where to start. Most riders do not ever attempt long trips. Those of us who do are in the very small minority. I am sure that if you think back to your first long trip, you made many mistakes, I know I did. In fact, as a younger man I made many financial mistakes as well and it took me some time before I figured it out. These video are just a way to start conversations and get people to realize that they can do it too. Thanks!
@@LivingOffTheSlab Cool, thanx for the info.. I have had great success using BelRay mineral & semi-synthetic for decades in four cylinder sport bikes & now in a Suzuki M90 cruiser twin. Dealer suggested to do the 1st 2 oil/filter changes via mineral then can use Semi-synthetic.
@@LivingOffTheSlab As I think about the trip & financial planning I now realize you are doimg a favour to people new to travelling & in particular for younger people. We all need tp start some where and learn & your helping guiding hand is of value to many young people. I seemed to naturally think of the things you mention when I was younger. The world is lucky we are all different. Have a fun day.
Never heard of Mobile 1, but I have heard of Mobile, AL and Mobil 1 oil. 🙂
I am glad my BMW specifies 6,000 oil changes. I only have to change oil on really long trips. I don’t use Mobil 1 in my BMW as I really have no need for it as I don’t ride in really cold or really hot weather generally so the Castrol 4T works fine. I have a dry clutch so using Mobil 1 isn’t an issue and many LT owners do use it. The bigger issue is ensuring you have enough ZDDP in the oil to keep the cam and lifters happy.