Motorcycle trip - what to pack? | FerrariChat
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Motorcycle trip - what to pack?

Discussion in 'Motorcycles & Boats' started by tvrfreak, Nov 2, 2004.

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  1. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    #1 tvrfreak, Nov 2, 2004
    I am thinking about an extended trip on my sportbike--I hope to cover several thousand miles. I would like some help in figuring out what to pack. It's a sportbike, so I am limited to one bag (saddle or rear seat, depending on whether I want to lie on it or lean back), with a lot of compartments, of course, as well as a belt pack or fanny pack.

    The large bag will convert to a daypack or backpack, so I can walk around with it or leave it in a hotel room.

    Here's what I have:

    Security/Emergency
    ------------
    Spare keys
    Cellphone and charger
    Bike lock
    Small tool kit
    Tyre plugging kit
    Compressed air can, long jumper cables
    Air pressure gauge
    Service Manual
    Sun cream and small medical kit

    Personal
    ------------
    2 pairs zip off pants
    4 T-shirts
    3 pairs socks
    Jacket with removable lining
    Rain wear
    Fleece jacket
    Toiletries and underwear
    Camera and charger and huge memory discs
    PDA (can hold 2 gb of mp3s)
    Small, light sleeping bag
    Space blanket that can also work as plastic ground sheet
    Inflatable pad (maybe) <-- it's a fun flotation device too

    Safety
    -----------
    Sunglasses
    Earplugs
    Gloves

    Docs
    -----------
    Passport
    Vehicle papers (registration, etc.)
    Cash
    Couple of maps

    Would appreciate any tips/additions.
     
  2. UroTrash

    UroTrash Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #2 UroTrash, Nov 2, 2004
    Can I go?
     
  3. mrdigital

    mrdigital Formula Junior

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    #3 mrdigital, Nov 2, 2004
    Baby wipes and beef jerky......
     
  4. sjb509

    sjb509 Guest

    #4 sjb509, Nov 2, 2004
    Ever think of a tank bag? Properly stuffed, they can be leaned of to take pressure off your wrists.

    If you're going to travel thousands of miles, make sure you have a good set of tires and your chain is adjusted and lubed, and in good condition before you set out.

    If you don't already have rain wear, Triumph makes a good rainsuit that fits in its own fanny pack, to save some space. It also doesn't have logos plastered all over it.

    One of the bungee web things, the elastic deals that have six hooks, are very handy to have in case you have to tie something else down.
     
  5. UroTrash

    UroTrash Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 UroTrash, Nov 2, 2004
    Take your worse underwear and discard them after use. Gets rid of those eyesores and frees space for souvenirs.
     
  6. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    #6 tvrfreak, Nov 2, 2004
    sjb,
    thanks, yes, got most of that covered.

    The tankbag converts to a backpack and can be tied to the back via the bungee net. So, yes, on all of those items.

    New tyres. Will buy new ones again if these get worn. Chain adjusted. I lube it religiously.Got a rain suit that crumples up real nice and small. I don't really like riding in the rain because of the dangers of low visibility, oil slick etc., so I will do my best to keep an eye on the weather and avoid it as much as possible.

    I plan to hug the lower, warmer states and meander into Mexico a few times. This is in preparation for a much bigger trip through Latin America, which I hope to do in a sports car. Still light and fast, but a bit more comfy. If that turns out to be too impractical (I hope not) then I will go the Land Rover/Jeep Cherokee route. My friend did this a couple of years ago. Check out www.ihana.com.
     
  7. UroTrash

    UroTrash Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 UroTrash, Nov 2, 2004
    Money. I have found a lot of that is highly useful.
     
  8. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    #8 tvrfreak, Nov 2, 2004
    What denomination? Twenties (don't want them to think you are too cheap) or hundreds (don't want them to think you are too rich!)? :)

    I forgot a couple of important things...

    A good flashlight!

    Waterproof, unobtrusive watch with alarm.
     
  9. UroTrash

    UroTrash Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 UroTrash, Nov 2, 2004
    No hundreds.
     
  10. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    #10 tvrfreak, Nov 2, 2004
    Two more things I remembered:
    Snorkel
    Waterproof housing for camera.
     
  11. UroTrash

    UroTrash Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 UroTrash, Nov 2, 2004

    I hope it's an off road bike.
     
  12. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    #12 tvrfreak, Nov 2, 2004
    Nope, it's one of those crotch rockets.
     
  13. K27

    K27 Karting

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    #13 K27, Nov 2, 2004
    a hot chick with nice pilliows :D
     
  14. 2000YELLOW360

    2000YELLOW360 F1 World Champ

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    #14 2000YELLOW360, Nov 2, 2004
    Faisal:

    Mexico doesn't have a lot of GSM sites. Take a more primative cell phone, and get the international service so that you can call. Make sure that your insurance has a provision for air ambulence, and take very little cash. ATMs work there, and travelors checks. You can buy pretty much everything else.

    Art
     
  15. jharkercfduc

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    #15 jharkercfduc, Nov 2, 2004
    went from upstate new york to southern californial on a yamaha FZR 1000 didn't need most of the stuff that you are bringing, but I planned my trip to stay in bigger towns/cities where I could get things fixed if needed. had to have my chain adjusted in denver, got rained and snowed on in canada and colorado. I would be apprehensive to take a bike to mexico, unless you keep the bike in the room with you. I had a tank bag and also a bag on the tail held on by one of the six hook bungies also. never regretted taking the long trip. on that I didn't bring a camera. lots of luck.
     
  16. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    #16 tvrfreak, Nov 3, 2004
    Many thanks. I have done trips around the US already. NJ to bottom of Texas, NJ to tip of Florida, NJ to Canada, NJ to CA (twice, different routes), CA to Alaska, etc. This time, I plan to get off the bike and explore more, hence the additional stuff. I have a few friends in Mexico, so I feel safe taking the bike there.

    Art, thanks for the tips.
     
  17. sjb509

    sjb509 Guest

    #17 sjb509, Nov 3, 2004
  18. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    #18 tvrfreak, Nov 3, 2004
    Haha! No problems packing everything. It looks like a long list but the only bulky items are the snorkel and the fleece. Perfectly acceptable. The sleeping bag I have is amazing--it crushes to a very small size. I have ditched the floatation pad, since I have a snorkel.

    Add one more item though....water bottle. I don't need one of those fancy pressurized bladder systems, but a simple water bottle is a must.
     
  19. ralfabco

    ralfabco Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #19 ralfabco, Nov 3, 2004
    I never went on an extended trip. My longest trip was about five hours - round trip.


    Good luck !!!

    Have fun
     
  20. whart

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    #20 whart, Nov 3, 2004
    Duct tape;

    Gun.
     
  21. UroTrash

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    #21 UroTrash, Nov 3, 2004
    Wire.

    A one gallon zip lock bag and 4 feet of thin tubing really helps with empty gas tanks, packs tiny.

    When I had my ST1100 I felt like I was an Air Force tanker for my bud on his R1100S, he appreciated the bag and tubing.
     
  22. tvrfreak

    tvrfreak F1 Rookie
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    #22 tvrfreak, Nov 3, 2004
    Awesome, thanks.
     
  23. JohnMH

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    #23 JohnMH, Nov 3, 2004
    Electric vest (if your alternator will handle it) along with aftermarket heated grips.
    A gel type battery (Mexican roads + sportbike = battery killing vibration)
    Just look at the Aerostitch online catalog for great gear.
    I like an XM radio and GPS on my BMW GS.
     

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