CavalierThe Magazine for Suzuki Cavalcade Owners. The Best touringApril 2013 Bike Ever Made Issue No. 1

International

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Doug Greer with his 1986 GV1400LX Cavalcade

Inside this issue Doug talks about his bikes.

Editorial

I have an assistant to help with this publication, his name is Peter Purcell fromCanada and he will be trying to persuade people to send in articles for the magazine,such as rides you’ve been on , parts wanted/for sale, tips on maintenance, etc. Thehelp is much appreciated by myself and very welcome. Also I have someone inGreat Britain who is converting a Cavalcade into a trike and since we don’t haveconversion kits over here, it will be his own design and I look forward to seeingthe article and the pictures in a future publication.

Inside this issue

Page Article

3 CADE RAIDS.

4 My Motorcycle History.

8 My Longest Ride.

10 Maintenance of your Cavalcade.

14 For The Love of Motorcycling.

17 Motorcycle Trip Check List.

18 Twistiest Road In The Planet.

19 Articles For Sale/Wanted.

20 Cavalcades & Parts for Sale/Wanted.

Welcome to the first edition of CADE RIDERmagazine. I have changed the name of the magazinebecause King Cade was too similar to Cade King andit was a suggestion from Jay Johnson. If there isanything that you want to be published in themagazine, then send all information to:postmaster@sccuk.f9.co.uk

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CADE RAIDS

Next years European Cade Raid is being held in Finland between the datesof 5th -8th July 2013. The event will be held at Santalahti Holiday Resort,Kotka, Finland.

Let’s see if we can get more than 31 Cavalcades to that event.

There are three USA Cade Raids next year, on the East, West coasts & centralUSA.

East Coast Cade Raid. There is no official location for the East Coast Raid.Some have suggested it be held in Susquehanna Valley of Pennsylvania,possibly from 12th August 2013. Look on SuzukiCavalcade.com for details.

West Coast Cade Raid. This will be at Oregon Pacific Coast. The datesfor this Cade Raid are 26th - 30th August 2013. The headquarters will be theTravel Lodge in Grants Pass, OR. Use this address for a 20% discount onlodging: www.travelodge.com/deals-discounts/special-offers/deals-discounts

Central Cade Raid. A three day event. We will be meeting at the GatewayLodge in Load O Lakes Wisconsin on June 23rd (Sunday). Land O Lakes islocated on the edge of northern Wisconsin at the upper peninsula of theMichigan state line. Monday we will leave for Copper Harbor in the U.P. onthe southern shore of lake Superior and do two days of riding led by HowardStender. We will also be staying in Copper Harbor If anyone is interested ina very scenic ride from Mike Sucharski’s place (Town of Troy, Wisconsin)to Land O Lakes can meet at Mike Sucharski place either Saturday night orSunday AM.

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My MotorcycleHistoryBy Doug

Greer

About MeHello, my name is Doug Greer. I have been riding motorcycles since I was16-years old (1983). I have been in the ditch twice (at 60 mph), hit a deer (at 50mph) and still don’t believe in wearing a helmet (unless it cold, raining orrequired by the state I am rising in). I feel safe and free when I am riding, notconstrained by the confines of an automobile. I would consider myself an avidrider, though I am constantly learning about motorcycles and the ins-and-outs ofmotorcycle maintenance. Until recently, I was that guy, the one who jumps on,fills up and takes off. Only since I purchased my Cavalcade have I begun tobecome more aware of the maintenance and responsibilities associated with beinga safe and responsible motorcyclist.

My MotorcyclesMy first motorcycle was a 1972 Honda CB-100 (Figure 1); which had a singlecylinder, four-stroke 99cc engine which produced an output of 11.5-HP. Becauseit was such a small bike, it was very easy to learn on, handle and operate.

My second motorcycle was a 1973 Suzuki GT-380 (Figure 2); which had a threecylinder, 371cc two-stoke (had to mix oil with each tank of fuel) engine whichproduced an output of 32-HP. This bike was a bit larger, but still fairly easy tocontrol. In order to carry oil, as well as other items along with me, I did modifythe bike a little. I took two pieces of ½” EMT Conduit, bent them accordinglyand bolted them onto the seat mount bolts. This allowed me to install a plasticmilk crate onto the rear fender, just behind the seat and gave me space to storeitems while riding.

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1972 Honda CB-100

Figure 1. Image courtesy of Bikez.com

1973 Suzuki GT-380

Figure 2. Image courtesy of Bikez.com

My third motorcycle was a 1982 Yamaha XJ-550 (Figure 3); whichhad a four cylinder, 528cc four-stroke engine which produced anoutput of 50-HP. Even though this bike was heavier and faster it waseasier to handle due to its lower center of gravity. This was achievedthrough the design of its frame; which allowed the rider to sit lowerto the ground and improved stability.

1982 Yamaha XJ-550

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Figure 3. Image courtesy of Bikez.com

My fourth motorcycle was a 1982 Honda 900-Custom (Figure 4); which has afour-cylinder, air/oil cooled, 902cc four-stroke engine which produced an outputof 84-HP. This model incorporated a dual range sub-transmission that allowed therider to switch any of the gears from the HI-range to the LOW-range whichallowed for lower rpm’s at highway speeds and the ability to switch to HI-rangewhen going up-hill, thus reducing the load on the engine. This was also the firstmotorcycle that I owned with a shaft-drive and windshield (I never went back to achain driven, windshield-less motorcycle).

1982 Honda 900-Custom

Figure 4. Image Courtesy of classic-motorbikes.net

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My fifth motorcycle was a 1982 Honda GL-500 Silver-Wing (Figure 5); which hasa two-cylinder, water cooled, 497cc four-stroke engine which produced an output of50-HP. This motorcycle was also shaft driven and was the first motorcycle that Iowned which included saddle bags and a fairing with an AM/FM Cassette Player (Ihave never gone without music since).

1982 Honda GL-500 Silver-Wing

Figure 5. Image courtesy of Biker.com

My sixth and current motorcycle is a 1986 Suzuki GV-1400 Cavalcade LX (onthe front cover); which has a four-cylinder, water cooled, 1,360cc four-strokeengine which produces an output of 112-HP. This motorcycle is equippedwith an electronic cruise control, a CB Radio, an AM/FM Cassette Radio,handlebar controls for both radios, air bladders in the passengers seat,passenger radio controls, adjustable passenger floor boards, lockable: saddlebags and travel trunk, storage compartments within the fairing, an on-boardair compressor (for the air ride suspension), an onboard heater system, a trailerhitch and a six-gallon fuel tank system. I averages 38-40 mpg on the highwayand around 32-34 mpg combined driving.

by Doug GreerI recently completed a 7,000+ mile trip on my Cavalcade. I rode (pulling apacked trailer) to Arkansas for the Cavalcade Rally (2012), via St. Louis, MOwhere my clutch stopped working. Luckily there is a member of the group wholives in St. Louis and is a Cavalcade mechanic. Turns out that the problem wasthat I had never changed my clutch fluid, that it had gone bad and would nolonger create the pressure needed to control the clutch—he replaced my clutchfluid and everything worked fine.

Once I arrived in Arkansas, I discovered that my front and rear tires were verylow on air pressure (10-15psi below specifications) and that the tread on my reartire had began to separate form the tire, which a very dangerous condition. Iordered a tire and had a local shop in Eureka Springs, Arkansas mount it. It wasonly after this close call with the motorcycle tires that I decided to check thepressure in my trailer tires, both of which had only around 10psi in them andthey call for 40psi. It should be noted that it is impossible to look at a tire andtell if it has enough air-pressure in it, as both of my trailer tires looked fine. Iaired-up both trailer tires and then headed out on my way to Roswell, NewMexico (via Oklahoma and Texas).

After Roswell, I headed to the Grand Canyon, camped for two nights and thenrode thru Las Vegas (just so I can say I’ve been there). After Vegas, I rode toOrick, California so I could see the Red Wood Forest; it was during this part ofthe trip that I slept on outside, on a concrete picnic table, under the cold stars inthe Nevada desert. Rode for 12-14 hours per day and stopped, mostly, at hotelsto sleep. This was also the part of the trip when I learned that California was onfire and a portion of my route had to be detoured around an active wildfire. Icame to find out that there aren’t many straight roads in northern California andmany of them are constructed around the mountains, very twisty and include alot of 15-20 mph curves. I am certain that I upset my share of Californians, as Idid not exceed any of the posted limits because I did not know the roadways androde very cautiously. After having put the spare tire on the trailer somewhere inNevada, it was at a Tire Shop in Orick that I had both trailer tires replace.

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When I was done at the Red Woods, I drove up the coast (more twisty and dangerousroads for a motorcycle pulling a trailer) to Crescent City, California on my way toYellowstone National Park in Wyoming. This part of the trip included even moretreacherous roadways through Oregon and did not straighten out until after I haddriven several miles into Idaho. Drove through Boise, Idaho and got caught in amassive thunder, hail and windstorm which caused a two hour delay in my trip andI had to stop in Idaho Falls, Idaho for the night which is just about a two hour drivefrom Yellowstone. It worked out ok since I was able to take a dip in their pool anddo laundry in their on-site laundry mat.

Rode on to Yellowstone National Park and set-up camp for the night, though mycooler would not fit into the designated Bear Box and I had to risk sleeping with itin the tent with me, which is strictly forbidden by park rules (because a bear couldenter the tent to get at the food). It was during the ride around Yellowstone that aBison walked right past me (in the other lane of stopped traffic), what an experiencethat was as I had been told by a Ranger that a biker had been killed less than a yearago by a Bison (of course that guy had reached out and tried to “pet” the Bison whothen gored and trampled him to death).

Leaving Yellowstone, I headed south to I-80 East through Nebraska. Don’t letanybody kid you, Nebraska can get HOT just like Death Valley in California. WhileI was riding through Nebraska, the average temperature was 105-115 Fahrenheit andit included a slight to moderate humidity as well. It was like riding through afurnace, especially when the wind would start to blow (since it was not a coolbreeze). This is the only portion if my trip that I rode 16 hours straight, whichtranslated into approximately 800 miles in one sitting.

By the time I arrived back home in Ohio, I was completely exhausted and did noteven look at my bike for over a week. Remember those trailer tires that I replacedin California? One of them blew-out just as I exited the ramp to home and the otherone did not look so great. This is something else that I will need to figure out, asthose tires should last many more than that.

Need parts for your Cavalcade?

Look no further go to;

www.cadecountry.com or www.cademaster.com

For all your needs.

Maintenance of YourCavalcade

In this issue I have reproduced a letter, sent to purchasers of the Cavalcade, byU.S. Suzuki Motor Corporation about battery maintenance for winter months.

SUZUKI

Dear Cavalcade Owner:

We at the Suzuki Motor Corporation would like to thank you for selecting ourproduct for your new touring motorcycle. We believe that the Suzuki Cavalcadeis the finest touring motorcycle in the world.

At this time of year, many motorcyclists are preparing to store their motorcyclefor the winter months. The method of storage used will effect the readiness ofyour motorcycle for use in the spring. In your Cavalcade Owner’s Manual, onpage 67, there is a section on motorcycle storage. The following procedures willhelp protect your motorcycle from deterioration over the winter.

There is one component on your motorcycle that is especially sensitive tostorage; the battery. Since large batteries, such as used in large touringmotorcycles, are expensive to replace frequently, it only makes sense to takegood care of them. With this in mind, we would like to explain some thingsabout battery maintenance to you.

(1) Batteries can discharge even when not being usedThis is usually called self-discharging. A lead/antimony battery such as used inyour motorcycle will normally discharge at a slow rate, even if not connected toanything. The discharge rate is about 0.5 to 1.0% per day, and the rate ofdischarge increases with warmtemperatures.

SELF DISCHARGE

TEMPERATURE

COMPARISON

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U.S. Motor Corporation

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(2) Batteries can become discharged faster if connected to an accessory thatconstantly uses power, even with the ignition off.

This tendency is usually called current drain. On many large touring motorcyclesthere are accessories that constantly draw power, even with the ignition key turnedoff, such as clocks, computers and memories. Even though the current drain is sosmall, over a period of a few weeks it may be enough to drain the battery. On theSuzuki Cavalcade, there is a clock and CB radio (if so equipped) memory circuitthat constantly draw power from the batter

Accessory Current Drain

Clock 0.4 mA CB memory 17.0 mA

On those motorcycles with the CB radio, the current drain of the CB memory maybe eliminated by switching the CB back up switch to the “OFF” position. The CBmemory circuit normally remembers the channel that was last used before the radiowas turned off. With the CB memory turned off (back up switch in the “OFF”position), when the radio is turned on it will always initially be on Channel 1.

(

3) If the battery is allowed to remain discharged, even for a short period oftime, sulfation can occur.

(4) If the battery fluid level is low enough to expose the battery plates to air,sulfation can occur.

(5) Sulfation is permanent damage to your battery.

Sulfation is the crystallization of the active lead chemicals in your battery. Inextreme cases, it can cause portions of your battery to appear solid white in colour.In less extreme cases, it may not be readily visible. For a battery to sulfate, it mustbe in a discharged state (either by self drain or current drain), or the battery fluidlevel must be low enough to expose a portion of the battery plates to air. Oncesulfation occurs it cannot be reversed. The power of the battery will be reduced,depending on the amount of sulfation.

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(6) Batteries can freeze.

The more discharged the battery is, the easier it is for the battery fluid, also calledelectrolyte, to freeze. However, a fully charged battery may be stored at extremelow temperatures safely, and at these temperatures, the self discharge rate of thebattery is very low. This means that the battery will require charging less often atthese temperatures.

BATTERY CARE

The most accurate way to check your battery is to determine the specific gravityof the electrolyte in each cell. A specific gravity is a ratio of density between onesubstance and another. In this case the ratio is between the electrolyte and purewater. The best way to determine the specific gravity of the battery cells is to usea syringe hydrometer The most accurate type of syringe hydrometer uses a floatinginternal tube, as opposed to the type that uses floating balls. Many motorcycledealers sell battery hydrometers, your Suzuki dealer can obtain them directly fromU.S. Suzuki by ordering part #09900-28403. They are very reasonable in price,especially when compared to a battery.

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A fully charged battery should have a specific gravity of 1.265 in each cell. If thespecific gravity is less than this, the battery should be charged.

The battery charger should be no larger than 4 amperes for the Cavalcade battery,and the use of a smaller charger will reduce the possibility of damage to the batteryfrom overcharging. Remove the battery from the motorcycle for charging, and placeit in an area away from any flames.

During the charging process, the battery fluid level should be check frequently. Ifmore fluid is required, add distilled water until the levels are at the proper height.

When the specific gravity of each cell is 1.265, remove the battery from thecharger.

So, to sum up your battery storage procedure:

(1) If you are storing your motorcycle for more than a week, turn off the CBmemory (if so equipped) by turning the back up switch to the “OFF” position.

(2) If you are storing your motorcycle for more than a month, disconnect thebattery from your motorcycle and perform the routine maintenance it requires on aregular schedule.

If proper care is taken of your battery, your motorcycle will be ready for use in thespring without any unpleasant, expensive, surprises.

Again thank you for purchasing our product. We hope you will enjoy it and thatwe will see you on the road next spring.

TECHNICAL SERVICE DEPARTMENT

U.S. SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION.

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FOR THE LOVE OF MOTORCYCLINGPART ONE – SETTING THE HOOK

I remember ,as a child, watching two local young men ride their two wheelersup past Dad’s house. One of the two was a fully dressed Indian, painted abeautiful light blue with all the trimmings. I remember making the remark tomy brother that if I ever own a motorcycle it will be a big full dresser just likethat.

During a visit to my wife’s home in the summer of 1980, my brother-in-lawasked me if I had any idea how to get his Honda 450 back on the road. Since Ihad spent many hours under the hood of a car, I felt it can’t be that difficult soI said I would give it a try. About two hours and many frustrating moments laterI figured out the mechanics of it and had my first experience riding on amotorcycle, a feeling that would never fade, or at least has not to this date.

On returning home my neighbor asked me if I had a battery charger because herHonda 400 had a dead battery. I volunteered the use of my charger and after thebattery was charged I suggested that I should ride the bike to be certain it wasroad worthy. This event set the hook.

The following week I began to read the classifieds for a Motorcycle and asluck would have it I found a 1976 Honda 750 for a mere $1500.00 with only6,482.6 miles on it and within 3 miles of my house. I made the call and set upan appointment to check it out. When I arrived the gentleman offered to letme ride it and I declined with the statement “If I had a license and knew howto ride it I would do just that” to which he responded “If you do not know howto ride why do you want a bike this big?” The bike had a handlebar mountedfairing, a sissy bar with a luggage rack and a storage bag – what looked to melike a fully equipped full dresser. And guess what color, yep red. We madethe deal and he delivered it to my back patio. I visited the DMV and acquireda license for the motorcycle and a learners permit for me that very afternoon.I feel certain you all understand the anxiousness with which I conductedmyself.

The following day was Sunday and being as I was all keyed up I woke earlierthan normal and could not resist the “first ride”. So as foolish as I now knowit was, I embarked on my first ride around the block, a block that was about 20miles long. In the moment of excitement I failed to consider my wife’s fears

of destruction when she realized that me and the bike were both gone withoutprior notification and me without a cellular phone (ha ha). The neighbor ladywho owned the Honda 400 had no sympathy and refused to support my case.Luckily I survived the ordeal and returned with all my faculties intact and a grinthat I feel certain to this day has not waned.

I rode this bike for 32,000 miles over a period of 4 years through cold, rain andheat. I added and subtracted equipment as the opportunity presented itself.Over the years it graduated to a windjammer fairing with the lowers and even aradio. I learned what the previous owner meant when he warned me he kept anextra set of spark plugs in the bag for the times he was out and the bike wouldnot start, he would change the plugs and all was well. What he meant was hedid not know how or why to change the air filter. The original was still installedand, miraculously, after I installed a K&G reusable air filter the bike gained awhole new life with added horsepower. I learned the good and bad parts toowning a chain driven bike, thank God for drive shafts. The enjoyment of doinga tune up on MY BIKE was beyond description. And let’s not forget all of thesefun activities:

 ·   Adjusting the valves, ·   Replacing the points and condenser, ·   Checking and adjusting the timing, at first with an old

neon bulb timing light that operated off of the ignitionvoltage, still have it,

 ·   Changing the oil, ·   Servicing the chain, oh what fun, the more you put on the

messier it gets and you learn that what lubricant you cansee is not doing any good,

 ·   Replacing brake pads, ·   Balancing the carburetors with a glass tube mercury filled

Carb-Stix synchronizer (I really thought there was a fancyword for this tool but I can’t remember it and I can’t findit), this has since met its demise when smashed betweentwo tool boxes, what I would not give for another of thosesimple devices,

 ·   Replacing the steering head bearings, ·   Rebuilding the fork tubes because of seal leaks, ·   Exhaust replacement, purchased from JC Whitney that

made the quiet 750 sound like hells angels had arrived,yeah and it did not please my wife either, all of a suddenwe had way too much attention,

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 ·   Replacing and balancing the tires (Carlisle tires no less)with tubes in them (man have we come a long way). Iliked the old spoke wheel balancing system, crimp on leadweights, simple but effective.

Along the way you find out who you can depend on when your bike shuts off inthe middle of an intersection of an old country road about 20 miles from home.You learn how to load a bike on the back of a pickup with very little help. Thenyou get the opportunity to find out how “it” works. The problem turned out to bea faulty ignition switch.

Somewhere along the way I discovered the Motorcycle Safety Foundationtraining courses. I thought I knew how to ride until they showed me the easyway to make the bike work for me instead of the other way around. I completedboth the beginner and experienced rider courses arguably the best move I madeon my trip through motorcycle xanadu.

Stay tuned for “The neighbor and the dirt bike”

Gary T. Schenk

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31 Cavalcades at the European Cade Raid Sweden2010

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MOTORCYCLE TRIP CHECK LISTBy Jay D. Johnson

1 Full fuel tank2 Empty bladder3 Check Battery for fluid and voltage.4 Check tires tread and air pressures.5 Check brakes and oil6 Pack Tool Kit7 Pack Cell Phone and GPS8 Blanket and Extra Gloves in Case Your Riding Gloves get Wet.9 Emergency Items to PackA. Tire Puncture Kit & Aerosol for Air Replacement in Case of Flat.B. Set of Spark PlugsC. Extra Layers of Clothing and Riding Suit.D. Three Kinds of Fire Starters (Waterproof Matches, Lighters, MagnesiumBlock,A Striking Bar and Short Hacksaw Blade) Pack in three differentplaces.E. 100 feet of Dental Floss for cordage.F. Business Card Size Plastic Magnifier for starting fire and reading map ifyou’velost your glasses.G. Plastic "Space Blanket" that reflects heat if you need shelter in the desert,orturned inside out holds body heat in if it’s cold. (Hypo and Hyperthermia –High& Low Body Temperature are the Biggest Killers of People Stranded or LostOutdoorsH. Six Energy Bars (Replace in Your Bike Frequently)I. A small Sheath KnifeJ. LED Flashlight with spare batteries.K. A Condom and One-Gallon and Quart-Size Freezer Bags for gathering andCarrying Water.L. Water Disinfecting Kit.

I don't know if this is the twistiest road on the planet, but ithas to be in the top ten.Highway #360, The Road to Hana, is on the island of Kauaiin Hawaii. Road traffic density varies, but can be high. Roadconditions are from average to very poor. This is one of themost famous roads in America. It is reputed to be thetwistiest road on earth. From Kahului to Hana is just over30 miles, but the ride will take 3 hours each way. The roadis narrow, only one lane in places. Every few yards is a blindcurve along much of the route. The road takes you throughdeep tropical jungle and along the sheer cliffs of the island'seastern coast. ~ Ride east out of Kahului on Highway #36.Stay on the coast highway and it becomes #360. When youget into the hairpins and switch-backs use extreme caution.A car can appear without warning and you may not haveany recourse but to hit it if you are riding too fast. ~ Whenyou do reach the village of Hana you can visit the grave ofCharles Lindbergh. Also, continue further along the roadtill you reach the Seven Sacred Pools. You can hike up themountain for about a half mile and then swim back downin the pools. You may need to find someone who knows thearea to show you where. Be sure you still have three hoursof daylight when you begin your return ride.

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New: Fleece withGrey on Black LXEon front left breastand Horse/Rider +Cavalcade script onrear.

Clour: Plum

Size: Man’s XXL

Price: £35 + p&p.

New: Sweater with two tone Gold LX onleft breast.

Colour: Royal Blue

Size: Man’s XXL

Price: £25 + p&p.

Both the above can be paid for usingPayPal.

Send an email to:postmaster@sccuk.f9.co.uk

To see the full range of regalia onoffer, go to:

www.sccuk.f9.co.uk/page12a.html

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Cavalcades & Parts For Sale/Wanted

Hello I have a very nice looking 1987 for sale. It now has over169,000 miles and still runs like new.

I am asking $4000.00 for it.

Only riders understand why dogs love to stick their heads out ofcar windows.

Email Mark Sayers: kyfordman1989@yahoo.com