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10 Mar 2022
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Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
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Haynes manuals provide a step by step guide to pretty much any mechanical work you want to do on any given machine.
I have no mechanical training but many years ago, when money was tight, I took out the entire engine of my GL1000 in my parents front drive, fixed the alternator and put the engine back simply by following the step by step instructions in the manual - the bike started first time and 4 weeks later I rode it to Portugal and back. I’m not showing off just pointing out that - if I can you can.
Don’t be embarrassed about your lack of skills, you did the service so well done - it will probably be something simple. If it was me I’d ask on a Honda CB forum, I’m sure you’ll get lots of help. Don’t give up on the mechanics - I can pay for the major stuff now but I still do my own servicing and as I said “if I can, you can”.
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11 Mar 2022
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Thanks Flipflop I had a look again this morning and you were right it was something simple. Definitely learning the limits of my patience with this. Glad to know it'll be worth it
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11 Mar 2022
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
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I'm not sure Haynes would be my first choice of manual but if the alternative is nothing then yes, they're better than that. If you've managed to do the stuff you have already then you're well down the road, and that'll cover the vast majority of stuff you're likely to need on a trip. Add in brakes plus some suspension knowledge and you're pretty much there. If anything more serious than that goes wrong on a trip you're getting towards the edges of what's 'roadside' fixable anyway.
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11 Mar 2022
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Join Date: Sep 2021
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Haynes is good in some ways, bad in others ... I've yet to find anything better than them, the factory manuals often assume a larger toolbox and greater mechanical knowledge than an average person has. Sometimes, though Haynes manuals will skip steps that factory manuals spell out, so if possible it's worth having both to hand.
Edit: Given the long service intervals of modern Hondas I wouldn't think it would be too hard to find a qualified mechanic while touring Africa, with a bit of planning to be in a city when it's due. Servicing a smaller single cylinder bike is a lot easier than a CB500X though.
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11 Mar 2022
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Peter and Kay Forwood rode EVERY country in the world on their first bike, a Harley Electra Glide. With no prior motorcycle experience, they fixed everything themselves at the side of the road, Kay reading the manual and telling Peter what to do.
You'll figure it out, and if not, there's always a truck along that can carry you and the bike to the nearest mechanic! All part of the adventure.
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Seek, and ye shall find.
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Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
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11 Mar 2022
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That's a really amazing story, what an adventure that would have been
I wonder when it will be possible on an electric bike? Certainly wouldn't mind never seeing a spark plug again after that ordeal
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12 Mar 2022
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Join Date: Oct 2007
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Re the service intervals they are a manufacturers thing......your bike can go well past those . As long as u can do the air filter / oil / adjust the chain / mend a puncture u will b good to go . The honda 500 engines are bulletproof.......we rarely see them in our workshops apart from routine servicing .Now if u were talking about Ktm , that would b another matter .
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)

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Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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