Question for the touring guys here

[soofle616]

I'm looking to do my very first long distance ride in the next couple months and I figure its about damn time I start doing some planning and getting what i need to make sure the trip goes as smoothly as possible.
First off, I'll be riding an '07 Honda 919. Obviously not the #1 choice for long distance but its what I got so its what i'm gonna use. Second, I'm not talking about CT to ME or something, I'm looking at 2600miles to the far end of montana.
That all said I need to know a couple things from those of you that have done this sort of thing before:
1) what are the essentials items to bring? obviously changes of clothes, tire patch kit and inflater of some sort, basic hand tools, but what else?
2) I'm gonna get some bags for the bike but until I know what I need to bring I don't know how much storage I really need. Once thats figured out, I gotta figure out what to buy. Soft saddle bags, hard bags, top and saddle bags, etc. Brands, models, etc. would be helpful since I have NEVER dealt with motorcycle bags before
3) Common problems that I am likely to run into during a long distance ride (fatigue obviously but what else?) and what can I do to avoid, or reduce these issues?
4) any other advice, tips, suggestions

I've been wanting to do this for a very long time and the opportunity has finally presented itself. I'm really excited about this trip but also pretty nervous so anything you guys can suggest would be appreciated. Thanks all!

[Qfactor]

advrider.com

Q

[Ericthejet]

My bike has limited room for luggage as well and soft saddlebags did not seem right to me.
I purchased a magnetic tank bag and a "tailpack" made by Joe rocket. Each item is the size of a 4 slice toaster and come with rain covers that snug on if needed. The two together cost less than $200 and I have had them for 4 years now and they are holding up well.

I have used them 4 times on trips lasting from 4 to 8 days and with some careful planning was able to store 90% of what I needed for the trips.

Considering the distance ahead of you I would suggest a small "kit" for cleaning the visor and a snap of duct tape just in case.

[richw]

goto

www.ventura-bike.com

I have had 2 of the bags for 3 motorcycles then just buy the new metal frame bits for the new bike.

Start wirh a new set of tires ... touring etc.

Midwest etc. kinda sucks if its summer you might look at going across Canada above the Great Lakes. Or head through west virginia then up after the Mississippi

[Puppet]

sent you a pm

[butcher bergs]

1) what are the essentials items to bring? obviously changes of clothes, tire patch kit and inflater of some sort, basic hand tools, but what else?
2) I'm gonna get some bags for the bike but until I know what I need to bring I don't know how much storage I really need. Once thats figured out, I gotta figure out what to buy. Soft saddle bags, hard bags, top and saddle bags, etc. Brands, models, etc. would be helpful since I have NEVER dealt with motorcycle bags before
3) Common problems that I am likely to run into during a long distance ride (fatigue obviously but what else?) and what can I do to avoid, or reduce these issues?
4) any other advice, tips, suggestions

1) In additon to your list, take the odd tools for stuff like front wheel removal, steering head, etc. Pack a valve core tool, a compact set of metric hex keys (like the Elkind or Bondhus type sets), a crescent wrench (at least a 6") and upgrade your screwdriver(s) with the multi-bit type that store inside the handle. Small LED light (or something of the sort) and I also recommend you pack the following combination wrenches: 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm and, again, any axle-sized or oversized wrenches.
Plexus and chain lube. I use Maxima Chain wax. All you have to do is apply a thin film. People almost always over spray with this product and then complain about fling-off.
Any odd hardware on that bike? Like Torx or security bits you might need at some point?

2) Get a tank bag. Outside of that, it's strictly up to you. I have all Cortech bags and they have worked very well for me over the years and in many different types of weather. Hard bags are nice but the get scratches.....but they are nice.

3) Some of the following answer might sound "off" but keep in mind you are trying to take care of your mind and body over a long period of time while riding a machine that, ergonomically, isn't quite designed for this trip.

Potassium and vitamin B. Avoid sugars and caffeines as much as you can during your extended stints. Don't forget to move around in the saddle too.....neck, legs, arms, neck, butt, back, neck....move it all, especially your neck, every once in awhile.
I emphasise the neck because I believe that if you keep moving your head around then you promote better circulation to your head. More blood to the head means more oxygen for your brains and eyes. However, this is all speculation.
Keep your breathing deep and rhythmatic. Again, oxygen is good.

I suggest doing all this right from the first mile of travel.

4) If your machine is close to a notable serivce such as a valve adjustment or chain/sprockets, do it before you leave.

Check all fluids (might even want to flush the brake fluid if that's due) and make sure the general safety of your machine is up to snuff.

Be aware of your speed and realize that the coppers sit on overpasses and have speed trap parties.

I think your bike has a single head lamp. Bring another one.

Rain gear. On the subject of rain, keep your hands dry. Get some of those blue rubber mechanic's gloves and slip those on before you grab your gloves.....unless of course you have waterproof gloves already.

Keep a daily journal. I found it refreshing to relive the moments I had otherwise forgotten.


Good luck. Take pics and post your experience!

[Cmorsch]

What type of bike are you taking, cause you will also have to keep in mind the tires your using.

[DucDave]

I put together a Touring Check List...

http://www.batmanmoto.com/Docs/Touri...eck%20List.doc

...it's a Word Doc. Feel free to download and make it your own.

I've been leading Canadian Sport Tours for the past 7 years. I love touring! Enjoy your trip!

[markbvt]

Pick up some bags from Motopak Luggage -- great bags at awesome prices. I've got a Motopak tank bag, saddlebag set, and tailbag, and I can't say enough good things about them.

As for your questions...

1) Essentials. You've started a good list. Basic tool kit, tire repair kit, a few changes of clothes. Add rain gear (you will need it), an extra pair of gloves (preferably waterproof), a camera, and maybe a GPS. If not a GPS, then a set of maps of the places you'll be riding. In fact, bring the maps even if you are using a GPS.

Don't overdo it though. You don't need to bring enough clothes to wear something different every day for a week. A few pairs of underwear and socks, a few t-shirts, a pair of pants, and a sweatshirt should be enough.

When are you doing the trip? Bear in mind that it might be hot in some places and very cold in others, especially in the morning. Bring a fleece or something you can put on under your jacket if you're cold.

Are you camping or staying in motels? Pack accordingly. If you're camping, I'd strongly recommend a sleeping bag that stuffs down really small in a compression sack.

2) Bags. I prefer soft bags; a set of saddlebags, a tail bag, and a tank bag should be enough. Like I said, check out Motopak. By the way, I'd recommend a strap-mount tank bag, not a magnetic one -- it's more secure on the bike, and it won't damage credit cards, cameras, etc that you might put into the tank bag.

3) Common problems. Fatigue is going to be your biggest issue, especially on a naked bike like the 919. Get a windscreen of some sort. It doesn't matter how stupid it looks on the bike -- once you've put on a few hundred miles behind it, you won't care what it looks like. And don't forget you can take it off when you get back home. The windscreen will also help with keeping you a little happier when (not if) you have to ride in the rain.

You might also want to get some sort of seat pad, either an Alaska Leather sheepskin pad or a set of beads. Both options look dumb as hell, but when you're piling on that many miles, you'll be glad for anything to make the seat more comfortable. The beads also let some air flow through between your ass and the seat, which keeps you a little cooler on hot days and helps reduce monkey butt.

Believe it or not, a set of earplugs helps a lot with fatigue too. Cutting out the majority of the wind noise helps a lot.

Other than that, it's mostly an issue of how you ride. Don't set a tight schedule that you feel compelled to stick to. Give yourself plenty of time, and assume that you're going to take a lot of breaks. If you get tired, stop and get some rest -- pushing yourself too hard when fatigued is dangerous. Don't try to pile on too much mileage. On a naked bike, I'd keep it under 400 miles a day.

You can also help mitigate fatigue by selecting a route that takes mostly secondary roads and avoids superslab as much as possible. This reduces windblast because you'll be averaging lower speeds, and it keeps you more alert because the ride is a lot more fun and you get to see much more cool stuff.

Other than that, just use common sense, eat good meals to keep your energy up, keep yourself hydrated, and enjoy the trip. You're going to love it.

--mark

Edit: DucDave's list is great. You may not need everything on it, but it's an excellent guide.

[burnham]

stay the fuck away from rte 90.

[noxin]

Pick up some bags from Motopak Luggage -- great bags at awesome prices. I've got a Motopak tank bag, saddlebag set, and tailbag, and I can't say enough good things about them.

If you seriously consider motopak, let me know, I have a set of GTS90s that I don't use and would consider selling for steep discount from new.

[mycirus]

Your trip sounds fun. Spend some time in Yellowstone on your way. Well worth it. You can do Mount Rushmoore first and then work your way up. Great roads and scenery there.

Bring Rain Gear as well as warm and cold weather gear. I have the neon suit like Duc Daves and its awesome. I brought my liner and debated if I needed it or not. Well in Mid Jun in Yellowstone and Montana I hit snow, sleet and thundering hail storms. The warm suit helped.

Put the 30 dollar heated grip kit on your bike. You will turn them on.

Pack what you need. I brought way too much stuff and its just dead weight. You dont need 3 pairs of jeans, 2 sweatshirts, etc...You can do laundry on the way.

GPS....helpful for direction, seeing where something goes, finding your way, getting prices on hotels (stop in parking lot, call number listed for them on the GPS), finding hotels, food, and mine had mp3's on an SD card. Load all of the major dealers into it so you can find one when you need one.

Chain lube....take care of it daily.

Plan on buying at least a rear at least once. Maybe have on ready for you at your destination.

Throttle rocker, or speed control system. Make it comfy as you can.

Im sure there is more, but thats what comes to mind.

[markbvt]

Put the 30 dollar heated grip kit on your bike. You will turn them on.

I thought of that after I put up my post too. Heated grips are soooo nice!

Plan on buying at least a rear at least once. Maybe have on ready for you at your destination.

Or mount a fresh set of sport touring rubber before setting out. If I can scrape pegs on my V-Strom with the stock Trailwing dual-sport tires, you'll do fine on a good set of touring tires when you get into some twisties, and they'll last a lot longer (and probably do better in the rain/cold) than a set of sport tires.

--mark

[Ken C]

Fresh rubber, oil and any other maintenance.

Packing for camping is MUCH different than packing for motels. Either way, you need luggage; saddlebags, tank bag and duffle over the passenger seat (tail bags are too limiting IMO.

Your 919 has a bit of a problem in that soft luggage will contact the exhaust on both sides. Twisted Throttle has hardware for a top box and hard bags for your bike. Brian (Puppet) is your contact for TT.

Rain gear even if you have "waterproof" gear. Check out Frog Toggs. Waterproof boots work, but wet gear sucks.

Get off the bike every hour or hour and a half MAX! Just get off the bike, stretch for a few minutes and get back on is enough to keep you fresh. Your 919 will require frequent fill ups, so this won't be too much of a problem.

Buy a windscreen! Some nice ones are made for your bike. Again, see Twisted Throttle for this.

Small point and shoot camera. Use it often.

Keep us posted. We're all jealous.

[noxin]

We're all jealous.

QFT!

[richw]

Bicycle underwear and powder

[slowrider]

Buy a windscreen! Some nice ones are made for your bike

+1...I used to have a 599 and I always felt I could use a windscreen on it. I never did it, because I loved the look of the bike without it. I'd put one on for the trip though, I think it really helps fight fatigue.

Even with the best intentions, I usually end up with a big chunk of slab during a trip (just to make time) and some wind protection makes a big difference.

Its gonna be tough finding side bags for your bike, a rear luggage rack and top box might be your best bet.

Good luck and stop to take pictures (more advice I give but never do enough myself).

[soofle616]

Thanks for all the tips guys keep em coming. Looks like the trip is actually going to be the other way around (MT to CT) but for now its still on in one direction or another.

[taxonomy]

If you do start changing and or adding all sorts of crap do it at least two weeks before you go. Ride around loaded. it's way easier to make corrections/changes at home that it is on the road. My VFR (way back when) developed a wicked head shake decelerating through the 30-35 mph range when I first strapped everything to the bike. I am really glad I found that out at home rather than 500 miles away.

Don't take ever tool and thing in the world. Light makes right nowhere more than touring. Being tired and holding up an overloaded monster is no fun in stop and go traffic. Think about what NOT no take as much as what to take.

If you ride a Honda join HRCA and get towing. Get a GPS. My $99 TomTom one works great. Refurbished from amazon. The suction cup sticks fine for thousands of miles to the inner part of the faring. Works OK gloved too.



Tip for making big miles, eat beef jerky (make your own at home!) and eat and drink water while refueling. Big miles are made by being efficient, not speeding. If you're slabbing between locations this is how to do it.

Heated grips and electric vest in all seasons, beef jerky, eye drops, ATM card, a couple of travelers checks, cash Visa. Think about a modular helmet. Makes quick gas stops way easier. The small things will matter the most. This soft luggage or that soft luggage, you will adapt too. That said hard luggage with bag liners is the best.

[Hoss]

As already mentioned. Tools to get both wheels off, headstock nut..ect. I've needed to use both on my recent trip to Indy. The more "odd" the tool, the more apt you are to need it. Duct tape for strentgh, packing tape to keep things from scratching paint, and zip-tie's for everything and anything.


I've made a habit of getting up early before the next day's ride, or just before bed after riding all day to go over every peice of hardware I could get a wrench on. Most of the time it's nothing, but the one time you snug something up, you'll be happy.


As Bergs said, a journal is a cool way to get your head around everything you've done and seen along the way. Plus it makes it easier for a trip report when you get back. Yes, we'll be waiting

Having a Triumph, shops don't come a dime a dozen. I usually try and print up contact info on the dealers in the major cities along the way. At the very least ,they can get me in contact with other dealers that are closer.


Start moving around in the seat BEFORE you start to get uncomfortable. If you wait till your ass hurts, it's way too late. A little preventitive maintance if you will. You'll find yourself in all kinds of wierd positions in the saddle LOL.


Don't get too wrapped up in schedules and miles unless you aboslutly have to. Make sure and stop and see what the local areas have to offer. All too often I think "man I should have stopped to see that", or later on "wow, I was that close to _______, wish I would have known". Research all the areas and see what is around.

Good luck, i'm jealous. This year looks to be the first year in a while without a long trip for me. Sucks..