Honda CB1300 suitable for the alps??

[rob_cb1300]

Hi folks
New to the forum. Going on first real touring holiday to France and the alps in early July. Desperately trying to ensure that all is in order re. bike etc.
I will be fitting a new set of tyres to the CB but not sure if the chain should be changed 12K on the clock but no obvious wear on the sprockets and plenty of ajustment left on the chain. I assume it will be about a 3K round trip... Would you change the chain just in case or is 15k ok for an original cb1300 chain?

Ive heard all about the twisties... will the big CB be a handfull?? She's got bags of torque so little gear changing needed...what about break pads?

Any golden rules ...do's or dont's

Cheers

Rookie tourer
Rob

[Torque]

Hi Rob, welcome here.

I wouldn't do anything on the bike, exept the tires. If your bike is in good condition, it should have no problem with a one week trip in the Alps.
The brakes might have a bit more to do, but stil, this shouldn't be a problem.

A CB should be a good bike in the Alps, loads of torque, and a fairly upright position.

Don't worry, just have fun and enjoy, it's not the end of the world

Grtz, Philip!

[dogman]

I've got a BMW K12GT, a very heavy bike and, whilst not ideal for the twisties, it's not bad, so I'm sure your CBR will be fine. As Torque says new tyres and a service will be a good idea.

As for tips; don't carry too much luggage. There's a temptation to carry everything then get home to find stuff you didn't use. Take essentials.

Don't over-estimate how many miles you can do. If it's raining and your are on tight alpine roads 200 miles is alot for a day.

Don't under-estimate how many miles you can do. If you're using motorways to get somewhere, 600 miles is do-able easy.

Don't rely on sat-nav, always have maps in case of malfunction.

There must be loads of other stuff which more experienced people will come up with, but it's time to feed the baby.

[Karza]

Hi Rob and welcome to forum. CB is a good choice for Alpine tour, very good allrounder. A bit heavy but you can live with it in Alps, no worries.

Did already noticed our Alpineroads.com-meeting 2009 in Italian Dolomites early July?

From Wednesday to Saturday, 8th-11th of July, we will meet in Hotel Olympia and have rides around there together. Dinners, etc, fun! It will be now our 3rd meet. You are welcome to join us there!

More about the meet in the "EVENTS"..

[iomrob]

hi rob, the bike will be no problem , i use a 2007 FJR, load with camping gear, {thats a tent , not dodgy clothes } 2 up.
the only thing i would say is, if your well loaded, on tight hairpins, slow down {well duh } but take it round with hardly any lean on the bike turn the bars and use the clutch more. its quite easy when you get the hang of it. its better that than the bike on its side in the road. unladen, it will not be a problem.

[tim]

camping gear, {thats a tent , not dodgy clothes

I used to see loads of Blackbirds, going like hot snot on some very twisty sstuff. Should be no problem. The hardest bit is walking-speed hairpins going uphill.
Yes, don't take too much stuff. max 3 or 4 shirts/skids and you can wear a clean one in the evening and then on the bike the next day. wash it in the shower.... so you'll only need about 3 t-shirts and maybe 1 nicer shirt one for a night out. 1 pair trousers, and some all-round shoes for the evening.

Brake-pads .... I would buy a set and bung 'em in your bags just in case. No need to spoil your hols with worrying if they'll make it. Tools to replace the pads, andjust the chain and maybe a special tool to remove a wheel if your bike needs one.

A length of strong wire, say around 4-5 feet. Roll it up and stuff it under the seat, and a small roll of gaffer/duct tape, just in case of a spill or a luggage clip breaks. It should be long enough theat when cut in 2 it will let you jump-start from another bike. It I also find a beer/coke tin squashed flat fits in the luggage well and can be dead useful for parking on soft ground.

Spare battery for your alarm remote-control, with you all times you're riding.

[BourneToRide]

As above, plus change your brake fluid if over 3 years old, you don't want brake fade on the Stelvio.
Also lube all suspension joints, gear/brake lever pivots.
Everything will be hotter and more critical than it has been before.
A full can of chain lube and tools to tension it