Venox for a long road trip

[foxy]

Hello. I am a relatively new member of this forum. i live in central Ct. While the roads here are wonderful for motorcycling I plan to take a trip south on my 2009 Venox. Bike has under 1,000 miles and has been serviced.

My question is whether the Venox is reliable for a trip of 1,000 miles without a major breakdown. If a mechanical breakdown should occur  on the road where would you choose to have it repaired? It seems that very few places have parts or mechanics that have ever worked on this bike.  I suppose a Kymco Scooter dealer would be a good choice but I don't know how well dispersed they are. Any ideas would be welcomed.

[Hairy Bob]

G'day Foxy, Hairy Bob here.
My personal opinion is an unreserved YES ol mate. You go for it. Just be realistic ... she's a 250, not a 750 !! Don't flog the crap out of her and I reckon you'll be right. I usually cruize along at about 90 - 100kph (about 50 - 60mph) when I go on good run, and the little pony feels quite happy to do that all day. If it feels like she's working too hard, back off a bit. If you've had your bike for a while you'll know if your being too hard on her or not, so just treat her nice and you shouldn't have any problems.
Make sure you beef your tool kit up so you can undo or tighten any size hexbolt, nuts and screws etc that's on the bike ... you'll be amazed what you can fit in that tool box under your side plate if you pack it right. I managed to fit all spanners (including one adjustable spanner to cater for the wheel nuts) , hexkeys , a pair of longnose and flat nose pliers. I even managed to fit a bunch of zip ties and roll of electical tape and a couple of pieces of clean rag in there would you believe. My little pony spat a chain slider the other week. So if I'de have been too far from home, I could have tentioned the chain up so I didn't chew the sprockets out and or stuff the chain. Not that your going too need all those tools though, that's just incase you have to stop and give some one on a Harley a hand   .
So just check everything thoroughly beforehand, take it easy, and I reckon you'll have a bloody hoot !
Keep us tuned on your little adventure Foxy.
Ride safe.
Regards, Hairy Bob.   

[foxy]

Hairy Bob:
I am encouraged by your faith in this pony!. You certainly know what tools to bring on a long trip and now...so do I thanks. Only problem is that while I have been riding for years the deepest I've ever been on the mechanics of any bike is changing the oil!

I have downloaded the l entire manual and so I have some help from that, but where do you go when you breakdown in the middle of the Blue Ridge Highway and need a professional, lets say. It seems like I need a list of east coast dealers before I leave .  Thanks for your thorough check list and advice to a Newbie. BTW, I've owned every kind of bike over the years and this one is the most fun to ride and most comfortable

[MotoRandy123]

When I was young and foolish I used to ride everywhere on somewhat questionable motorcycles and
I always made it back somehow. If your broken down strangers will usually lend you a hand. Check
everything on the bike before you go, bring some tools and enjoy the ride! The only thing you ever
regret is the things you didn't do.

[Vivo]

Even a smaller engine can do long travels... one good thing to do is give the engine some rest after a few hundred miles... stop over... stretch some muscles..shoot some pictures.... then continue the ride... 

[max oradea]

Bob is right about tools, so bring some to be on the safe side. And make sure your cylinders are balanced for this trip which will make it more enjoyable. Stop between every tank of gas to stretch and let your nerves relax.
Spare tail light is one that's good to have, tighten up the chain to optimum before you go
Check tire pressure and coolant levels.
1000km trip should be fine with the bike.
And one last note, did you check your valve gaps after the 1000km review?

[foxy]

Hi Max:

I will check with the shop but that wasn't mentioned on the invoice...so I have presume they didn't check gap clearance. Good call. As for Hairy Bob's suggestion to keep rpm's and speeds reasonable, you can bet on that. I see no need to do more than 60mph to satisfy my need for speed.Lately however the 4 wheelers exceed the limit by 15-25 miles an hour. I find the best approach is to just stay out of their way. Thank you all for the tips you provided.

[Hairy Bob]

How's the preparations for the big trip going Foxy, and when is it? If it gives you any piece of mind, my pony's been a rock solid reliable little machine. I've constantly been averaging 26 to 28 klm per litre so your trip won't break your bank account.
So stick with your plan and don't let anyone give you any negative waves, you go for it mate and have a ball ! 
Regards,
Hairy Bob.