Opinions needed... Time to upgrade??

I retired at the end of Dec. Looking to do some cross country touring. I'm in Jacksonville Fl. and my son lives in Co. I want to ride to his house and use it for my base to tour the west coast. My '97 has 60K on the clocks and is in excellent condition and has never let me down. Opinions on if this is a good idea or should I upgrade to a new ride? If opinion is to upgrade what would you suggest? I'm 5'6" and weigh 150# maybe something lighter.

 

Upgrade the charging system (if it hasn't been done) and tour the shit out of that thing. If the charging system is good, you won't hardly find another more reliable bike.

Mileage is just broken in.

On the road if you need tires, you can put a 160/60-17 on that size rim and they are available everywhere and relatively cheap.

But I am biased.

 

What the Captain said....... upgrade and ride it.

Or to quote a friend of mine..... Carpe the f*ck out of that Diem!

 

With Cap .... +1

 

I like these answers! Charging system as been done. My friends say I am crazy touring on a 30 year old bike alone cross country. I didn't even give it a second thought until they started in on me. Only thing I need to do is get my Corbin seat recovered and new foam. Any tips for long distance riding?

 

So what do they ride (and tour on) and what were their suggestions? Doesn't sound like they ride VFRs.

And what system on the 30 year old bike is going to cause stress? The only thing that is substantially different is carbs vs FI, and that is one of the fucking sweetest running carb bikes ever made. The only caveat would be to make sure the float bowl orings have been replaced at some point in its life. They are old and have been thru some heat cycles and fuel exposure in the center of a warm V4 for 30+ years now. Same with the fuel tube orings.

 

I would not hesitate to take my 84 vf1000f cross country today! 64,000 miles and runs great!


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FUCK
That is a good looking bike.

 

8 posts and we are officially off track!!

Hah!!

 

As usual … you know what , just make sure all is good and go!


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The RC36-II has smaller carbs than the previous gen and has a .5 gallon larger tank. I would never tour on my 92, it is the thirstiest bike I have ever owned.

Be honest about your endurance and stop accordingly before getting fatigued. Every hour or so with just quick road side stop and stretch does wonders. Plan your route with gas stops in mind. Pack smartly.

I haven't done any cross country stuff, but some 3 - 7 day three state tours and the concept is the same.

Plan for weather and have appropriate apparel. Pack chain lube, tire repair kit, spray/cleaner polish for the face shield.

Not sure what your luggage situation is. I have loved the Tour Master stuff when I did 7 days touring Eastern British Columbia on my 1986 VFR, which was 30 years old when I did that. Not one mechanical issue, but yes the bike was sorted.

There's so many things, but a positive attitude and the idea that it is going to be fun as fuck is the most important thing.