Alpine Road Trip

[spoonman]

Hello!
I've owned my 2001 FZS 600 for 5 years, I bought it with 20k miles and I've put a further 8k on it with annual servicing. I've had no problems with the bike. (I go fairly easy on her)

I am planning a trip to the Alps in June, which will involve a long motorway ride from Cherbourg to Northern French Alps and back and 7 days of Alpine Pass riding! All with full pannier set.

Should I be concerned about breakdowns/problems given the age / mileage of my bike?

Any precautions I should take when getting it serviced before I go? (eg clutch?)

Any input would be much apprechiated. Thanks.

[Fazerider]

Valve clearances should be checked around that mileage. Other than that, fresh oil and a filter is all the engine will need. The clutch should be fine.
28,000 is nothing to the engine... it should last 4 times that mileage with regular servicing.
I'd lubricate the suspension linkages, swingarm and steering head bearings, change the oil in the forks and service the brakes if these items haven't been done recently. I had an OEM front disc warp at about that mileage, not something you'd want to happen during a descent of an Alp!

[red98]

i think the carrying of a breath test kit will soon include bikes,might be worth checking out before you go

[spoonman]

Cheers fazerider, very helpful. Exactly the advice I was looking for.