Traveling Or Long Ride Tips

[THvlogs]

I am looking to go on a trip or two this year for the first time on a motorcycle. I have ridden for quite a while so the riding experience is there I just have never actually taken a trip with it. PLEASE SHARE SOME PICTURES OF YOUR BIKE ALL PACKED UP IF YOU HAVE THEM I LIKE TO GET PACKING IDEAS.

I am looking for experiences that others have had and want to hear any tips that anyone can offer for taking a trip (packing, over night stays, etc.)

As I mentioned I have never done it before so other than riding the bike the whole trip idea is new to me. I do however have a pretty good sized tailbag that I recently purchased for such a trip and I have a medium sized roll bag I can also mount on top of that bag.

I already have these items: pocketknife, leatherman, flashlight, 12,000mah travel battery pack, battery tender usb adapter, med kit

WOLF AND CROW recommended the following.:
i never pack food or anything i can get at a convenience store. I will take a contact case full of liquid and my glasses (cuz 4-eyez-4-lyfe!). If i leave in the morning and i have on extra layers, i'll make sure i can fit everything i plan on taking off in my bag along with everything else i'm bringing. Bungee nets are a blessing from God himself. Para-cord is a close second. change your leg position often, switch to passenger pegs, etc.If you start getting store or tire, pull over and have a stretch and regain composure. You don't want to be caught in an emergency situation in an unknown place and not have the clarity of mind or muscle to avoid it like you normally would. Which coincides directly with the next point, don't drive like an ass. give everyone room to fuck up and be pleasantly surprised when they don't. always find your escape route when other cars are around. as far as what to pack, essential tools, leather-man, flashlight, pocketknife, if you cc, make sure you have your cc necessities, limit your toiletries to things you can't buy at your destination. Don't forget to roll your clothes instead of folding them. saves a lot on room. I've thought about getting some of those vacuum bags to save space even more. bring trash bags/plastic grocery bags!!! This is a mainstay in my pack. Skies looking dark? pull over, put a trash bag around your pack. the ones with the drawstrings work great here! they also make your stuff smell like vanilla! the grocery bags are handy for your feet. if you have a rain suit, but no rain shoe covers, pull the grocery bags around your feet and tie them off with some string. (if it looks stupid but it works, it ain't stupid) also, if you have chaps, the grocery bags can go in the front of your pants and keep your undies dry and toasty. it doesn't hurt to bring some entertainment. I got some of those around-the-neck bluetooth deals so i won't have to run wires to my phone. just don't blast your music (or e-reader) so loud that someone can sneak up on you. staying aware, yet relaxed is a blissful mix on a long bike trip. also, get one of those 12v power adapters so you can charge your phone on the road. Don't get the overpriced, HD one either. I got one at a local store for $5 and it's tougher than chuck norris' leg hair. as far as being scared for your bike's safety, look into some of those motion sensor alarms. OR if you get a bottom floor motel thing going on, roll your baby right into the room with you! I've seen that plenty of times. I've typed up a small novel here, but i think that covers my knowledge. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I hope this can help you out on your trip. oh yeah, don't forget to carry $20-40 on you in case you come to a pump that doesn't take cards or you need to tip a good Samaritan for helping. and a little sunscreen never hurt anyone either.

 

[GixxersShadow]

I've taken trips down to Cabo San Lucas, overnights ,etc. My tac bag from the Corp is enough, I carry what I need, always keep an eye on the weather, my tools are always with me, if I'm in country I keep my handgun with me, added protection, be sure to rest plenty as well, also have a built in camel back, so I stay hydrated.

 

[THvlogs]

I've taken trips down to Cabo San Lucas, overnights ,etc. My tac bag from the Corp is enough, I carry what I need, always keep an eye on the weather, my tools are always with me, if I'm in country I keep my handgun with me, added protection, be sure to rest plenty as well, also have a built in camel back, so I stay hydrated.

I've got a fieldline tactical backpack that has a camel back in it that would be a good ideal but I may just take the camel back by itself as I don't like wearing backpacks for long periods.

 

[CaptainCranky]

I have a Blaze Pannier Kit - comes with removable metal side bars to keep it stable, 42Lt capacity expanded.
Made to fit just about any sports, adventure tourer or dual sport bike.
I also have an ordinary back-pack strapped to the bike which comes off and is - well a back-pack
The whole luggage and stay bars are removable in about 10 seconds.
I took a foot pump with a pressure gauge, a first aid kit, plenty of water and just a few tools, but I do have roadside assist cover...
*EDIT - sorry the pics won't seem to show, but you can see them in the vid

I did a review of the panniers here, and took then on a 5 day tour - very pleased with them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch_videos?title=Popular uploads&video_ids=-WnWvm-0YDE,buc9mo5WnUw,oviAtjx4RjU,IcwIy6N4XqI,a6rTCnCuBPo,yFGUULiAA4Y,z4wqoF_h6Pw,l_VvVffRX2o,WRLsdciS2HE,J0vGFak6loE,QiZTvKieWko,HP2zxnrryUI&type=0&index=4&feature=c4-overview-u&more_url=

 

[THvlogs]

I ride a harley davidson vrod so how well do you think those bags would mount to my bike? I do have a small luggage rack behind the passenger back rest. I already have a tail bag that is big enough for a full face helmet and still has some room and external pockets.

I like your back pack tail bag idea but how exactly did you mount it without having the straps flapping everywhere in the wind.

 

[Lurch]

Some good advice at the top there. My bike looks the same loaded as empty as I have built in luggage, so pointless putting a photo up. Tail pack or roll top canvas bag bungeed/strapped to the back seat is a good one.

One thing to consider for worst case, such as bike going off a ravine or wedged upside down in a narrow ditch is to keep phone and credit cards on your person. Maybe a bum bag, but see if you can bag or clip-top box them in case of ending up in water. Very worst case, but... You might want to consider other important things in a rucksack in case you get separated from your bike. You can line your rucksack with a plastic bag to protect the contents from rain and water. Try to hardcase delicate and fragile things as well.

BvG took his Gixxer to Spain from the UK, that was pretty loaded but worth a look at his luggage situation in the vids.

 

[Viscount]

Don't carry as much stuff now but the luggage is still the same (apart from tank bag)

 

[THvlogs]

Don't carry as much stuff now but the luggage is still the same (apart from tank bag)

Nice setup. Any advice to a soon to be first time road tripper?

 

[Lurch]

If you find Busa Black's channel, he had a great skit on travelling two up. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[Lurch]

Bummer, his channel seems to have gone.

His wife had a stack of stuff, he had some beers, underpants, socks and a tshirt. Couldn't fit it all on, dumped them wife's kit, took the beer and clothes and rode off as his wife walked out. Great staged video

 

[Viscount]

I tend to do camping most of the time. I did the hotel thing but got bored with it. I keep all my tent erection tools (oh err Mrs) in one bag so I set the tent up without anything else getting wet if it's raining then dekit in the tent. Just keep the packing simple. You won't use half the stuff you'll think you'll use. A bit of advice given to me many years ago was to pack everything as if I was going then spend a night in the back garden. Whatever I didn't use, don't take.

I use a 80 litre Ortlib roll top bag which is way too big but squeeze down so I have extra space if I need it. Very heavy duty bag and very well built. Been using it for years and it's still as new

For video storage I use a WD wireless passport which allows me to transfer videos from sd card to a 2tb hard drive without the need for a pc etc. they also do 1tb versions. I have my camera powered from the bike so I have a load of large video file which I dump to the hard drive, which then re formats the sd cRd and then back in the camera.

Anything else I can help with ?


TV

 

[SighBored]

I don't (or haven't) gone for super long rides (yet), but at the moment I have a US20 Kriega tail bag to stuff all my things and keep them dry, I plan to have a customized rear seat plate thing where I can mount a small top box or more secure way to strap down stuff, once I get it done I'll probably share it.

 

[Marbro_za]

ok, so i did a solo trip in september, No experience at all.
Im not a camping fan, so i planned on staying at backpacking lodges as often as possible. They are cheap and if its out of season you can get a full empty dorm for next to nothing

I planned my first half of the trip, But half way through i cancelled almost all the plans i made. and went day to day. Wake up and decide where you want to go. If its raining, Stay put rather. Why get wet unless you have a serious deadline to make.

Packing is a tricky one, I took 8 tshirts, 2 pairs of jeans and loads of undies and socks and a hoodie for the colder times. I think i over packed...

Like you said, dont bring anything you can buy. A toothbrush can be replaced easily, as can clothing etc.

Never drive more than a 3/4 tank out, Especially if you dont know where the next stop is going to be.

If you are getting sore, Pull over, take a few snaps. talk shit, Piss on the side of the road, chuck rocks at the animals along the fences etc. Remember, this is more about the journey, not the destination.

Get a usb port on your bike, Charging camera's , phones etc will help you alot. Especially if you are playing music off the phone

Tool wise, i took some cable ties (zip ties), phillips and flat head , bottle opener, spare fuses and electrical tape. Only used the zip ties when my phone mount broke..

Heres a roadtrip thingy i did, Hopefully it helps you a little.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo4dCmKMO5VRnvy3HFIZu8Ehlt_brIGIS

I planned on 300-400 km , but at the end i was able to hit around 800km and still feel good.

Picture of my trip
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...562326.-2207520000.1427264543.&type=3&theater

Shout if you need more advice.

 

[RKWldNinja]

I've been wanting to go on a trip to the mountains here in Georgia but i got to get some new rubber before i do :/

 

[THvlogs]

I've been wanting to go on a trip to the mountains here in Georgia but i got to get some new rubber before i do :/

Where is GA are you? If you haven't taken the trip toward Fall then maybe you could make a group out of it. I'm in TN.

 

[THvlogs]

I like the camping ideas but a tent seems like just one more thing to have to pack but then again maybe packing a tent isn't so bad when you are saving money. I have all the phone charging stuff and basic tools.

The portable wireless HDD for transfering video footage to would be really nice to have. I was thinking of taking along my netbook just to use to transfer footage to but would rather not have to.

 

[RKWldNinja]

Where is GA are you? If you haven't taken the trip toward Fall then maybe you could make a group out of it. I'm in TN.

I live in Commerce Ga, I'm about 2hrs away from the blue ridge mountains in GA/ TN line

 

[THvlogs]

I live in Commerce Ga, I'm about 2hrs away from the blue ridge mountains in GA/ TN line

Oh okay. I'm pretty much the same distance on the other side of the mountains. I'm in hixson, TN.

 

[HeresDave]

I'm on the road quite a bit, anywhere from a few days to a month at a time. Here's some stuff I keep in mind when on the road:

1. If you're traveling East to West, start your day earlier and end earlier. If you're traveling West to East, do the opposite. There is nothing worse than riding into the Sun at the end of a long day. I got so fed up and annoyed by the sun, I actually pulled off and got a hotel room in Sealy, Texas.

2. If you're staying in a hotel, nine times out of ten, the front desk staff will let you leave your motorcycle under the front door awning. When I check into a hotel I try to befriend the overnight staff. If I'm going out to dinner, I ask if I can bring them back anything.

3. Don't camp when temperatures are below freezing at night. It is fun once or twice, but the novelty wears off. Fast! Summertime camping is completely different and can be a real blast. But that cold... man does it zap all my energy.

4. Go over your motorcycle's mechanicals. I have embarked on extended trips without doing this and have found myself stranded, making roadside repairs in the dark. If you're attune to your motorcycle, you'll know what you can get away with and what needs addressing.

5. Don't bring every piece of camera equipment you own. I've traveled with four cameras, tripods, external mics, etc, and more often than not, just snapped pictures with my iPhone. You'll want a legitimate camera beyond your phone, but limit yourself to one.

6. This is a big one for me: If you have plans on documenting your trip, have in mind what it is you want to capture! I took a month long trip once but didn't really plan what I wanted to do with the footage. When I got home and decided to look at the footage a year later, there was so much I wish I captured. Instead, I had hours and hours and hours of footage I'd never, ever include in a final project. Similarly for still shots. Try to limit yourself- sorting through thousands of shots is overwhelming and in turn, might turn you off from ever doing anything with them.

7. Pack, and then pack less. Everyone says it, but it's true. Besides riding into the Sun, packing up the bike every morning is annoying. I ride adventure bikes, so I have the ability to pack a lot more gear, but that's not really a good thing. With that said, know exactly where you pack everything. When I'm riding, I can tell you exactly which pocket or which bag an item is in. Sometimes, while I'm riding I'll imagine the contents of each bag to keep my mind sharp while logging long mile days.

8. Consider wearing a hi-viz vest if you're out on unfamiliar roads. Remember, when you're on the road, you might be surrounded by locals who know the roads. They think they can fly down Mulberry Street while texting because they do it everyday. You don't. Also, if you make a mistake and come off the bike on an unfamiliar road, you might not be able to make it to that safest place quick enough. With the vest, hopefully someone will spot you.

9. Don't over plan the trip. Very rarely do I plan. I ride until I get tired and then find a hotel or campsite. I try to find some local fare for dinner and enjoy my time away.

10. Talk to everyone. I've met some amazing people just by sitting near my motorcycles. They see the out of state plates and automatically want to know everything about your trip. More often than not, it will be a man.

11. Life on the road is a very introspective experience, especially if it is a solo tour. It can also be devastatingly lonely. My first solo trip across the United States was fun, but sightly sad. If you find yourself psyching yourself out, just remember, you're lucky to be out doing this!

12. Have a fixer back home who can help you while you're on tour. I've been lucky enough to have an amazing girlfriend who has helped me remotely dozens of times. Once, while trying to set a personal record, I phoned up my fixer via my Sena headset and relayed an error code on my dash at 80mph. I got my answer without having to stop.

Well, I'll leave off here. I hope this helps in some way! If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.

 

[Runnin1ife]

I have not taken multiple day trips yet. I have a problem with leaving and riding or driving straight to my destination. The good lord has blessed me with some ADD and mild insomnia so I can go for HOURS on end and entertain myself lol.
That being said something everyone here has already said, dont pack what you dont need. After over a decade in the Army I can tell for sure that overpacking blows.