will my old bike do 1200 miles in 4 days?

[slasher]

Hi folks

Just thought I'd share my thoughts on a forth coming trip with you. When I bought my 1990 600 NTV, the previous owner was ready to scrap it.

The bike looked like it had been dispatched to an inch of it's life and then stored in the North Sea. I then rode it accordingly, badly

I didn't care, would ride on high revs and would leave it in the back garden in the snow and sh..y weather. However, it would always start 1st go, get me where I wanted to, not break down, not use oil/water!!!

So, I hope I am making the right move by taking it through France, Germany and Belgium in 4 days. Talk about "tail end Charlie", the other guys are going to leave me for dead. But I am starting to bond with the old girl, even thought the clutch is on it's way out, gearbox seems knackered and the list goes on and on.

When we get their, it is going to be riden (I hope) around the Rhine Valley so it isn't going to have an easy time. I have sorted out my own maps and routes because I'm sure the guys, like I've done previously are going to "rag it" on the straight stuff.

Anyway, it would be great to say I made it and the bike did me proud. Well, you know what I mean. I kid you not, when I look at some of the photos you guys post with your bikes, mine would be the one tucked away in the dark corner.

Here's hoping

Slasher

[Jake]

Apr 8, 2011 16:34:57 GMT -5 slasher said:

Hi folks

Just thought I'd share my thoughts on a forth coming trip with you. When I bought my 1990 600 NTV, the previous owner was ready to scrap it....

Good luck with the trip, Slasher.....

Providing you’ve looked after the basics like engine oil,
and oil filter, radiator coolant, air filter and plugs, and
final drive oil (shaft) etc., I reckon it should be OK.
But we’re all rooting for you, so let us know how
you get on, and if you can, post some pictures....

[slasher]

Hi Jake

Many thanks for the words of encouragement. I have done the basics as you suggested, including the shaft oil. What, realistically do you think a tired Revere might be able to achieve as comfortable speed on an auto-route?

I am not expecting much, but there is a Harley going which last year (it's nearly new) vibrated itself to bits and used a whole side tank of oil, and I would so love to fly the flag for an old NTV. I will nurse it as best I can.

Anyway, thanks again

Slasher (knickname from cutting my wrist doing some wall tiling, ouch !!)

[Jake]

Apr 9, 2011 13:03:38 GMT -5 slasher said:

Hi Jake

What, realistically do you think a tired Revere might be able to achieve as comfortable speed on an auto-route?

Realistically, I'd guess 80-90 mph....

I've always looked after my bike as best as I can,
even to the extent of using fully synthetic
engine oil (Silkolene 5w40) because of the dodgy
NTV/Revere gearbox. I don't mind spending a bit
of money on the bike because I don't drive and don't
own a car. So whenever I can, I'll try and use 97
octane petrol for example (usually Total Excellium or
BP Ultimate) and I've even fitted a Broquet fuel
catalyst in the petrol tank. When they were available,
I also fitted Splitfire spark plugs because they a were a
lot better than the usual standard NGK's.

Whenever I go on the motorway the bike easily runs
at between 80 - 110 mph and that's with a fairly large
windshield fitted. I have no problem in caning it....


P.S. If you haven't done so already, I'd consider
changing the radiator coolant....particularly if the
bike is spending a lot of time on the auto-route.

[slasher]

Hi Jake

Many thanks for the usful tips. Sorry I didn't reply earlier, but I was away for work. The things about better plugs (I've got NGK fitted at moment), oil, which I have changed for a good quality 10/40 semi synthetic and coolant are very helpful.

I'm not off until next month, but the only saving grace is Sean (Harley rider) as he cannot do much more than 85/90mph anyway. Oh, I might go for better fuels as well.

Thanks

Slasher