First Long Trip

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Feb 12, 2018 | 01:27 PM

#11

rbdub474

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2016

Posts: 777

Likes: 359

From: St. Louis, MO

Quote:

Originally Posted by WV_Trouble

Thank you for all the replies. I do have saddlebags and sissy bar. I also have a good rain suit. I plan on using my phone for Navigation. I'm going to buy a tool kit. I'm also looking at luggage. I'm staying with family when I get to TN, I will be able to do laundry.

If you are traveling in an area with no cell service, the phone won't work for GPS. I have a Garmin Zumo for just this reason. And depending on your saddlebags, you may want to invest in some roll top drybags to ensure everything stays dry. Enjoy your trip!

Feb 12, 2018 | 01:28 PM

#12

cvaria

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 12,367

Likes: 2,215

From: Tallahassee, Florida

Advil

Feb 12, 2018 | 02:21 PM

#13

CrBear

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2015

Posts: 5,052

Likes: 4,688

From: Fix'n 2 N, TX

I had a Switchback before the Street Glide, and the Garmin 6 something.. saved my bacon many a time, well worth it. I didn't run into too many issues using the phone gps, just was a pain to stop and look and verify directions.
Watch fer them damn cagers and critters and have a great trip !

Feb 12, 2018 | 02:42 PM

#14

natedog_37

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2016

Posts: 378

Likes: 53

From: Temperance Michigan

This is what extra is brought on my long trip.

Bought a tool bag and some cheap tools "lowes" that I know I needed for the bike. Torc bit etc allen key. screw drives, leather man, knife, zip ties. spare plugs, etc.

I bought a saddleman bag that I could use on my seat and used that for a back rest also. I could pack a week worth of stuff in there with no issues.

GPS I used my phone, but I also have a power pack that i could plug it into if needed, and also got a charger hooked up to the bike if needed. I also care a map in case I lose signal etc.

Windshield will help a ton for though kind of miles it may look like sh*t but it helps. I removed it as soon as i got where I was going.

Sena 20S in my helmet so I could jam out and hear the GPS.

Make sure you have towing etc.

Light coat, rain coat and heavy coat or at least a sweater I could wear under my light coat.

Make sure to drink plenty of water etc, and eat good having to poop on the road due to mud butt sucks.

I also use Monkey butt powder for long rides it helped with my butt being uncomfortable. But I am fat..

That is just some of what I did.

Also injoy the trip..

Feb 12, 2018 | 03:23 PM

#15

ThePaintPirate

Club Member

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 2,969

Likes: 1,730

From: SE Iowa

Depending on where you end up and if you're the same mindset as I am, a CCW. Just be sure to follow any applicable laws and ordinances.

Feb 12, 2018 | 03:27 PM

#16

CaptainAwesome

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 914

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You'll be fine. If you're alone for the first 300 miles that means you're no more than 150 miles from someone you know, which is 2 hours away. And even then, it's 2018, help is just a phone call away.
Check over your bike, fluids and air pressure. Check for leaks and anything loose. Put your insurance/tow company in your phone if you're worried.

As far as to what to bring for a longer trip:

-tools, wrenches and zip ties.
-Bottled water/snack (get these as you go, but you'd be surprised how many places you can stop and not find anything to drink)
-rain gear
-warmer layers
-phone charger
-asprine

I did 3000 miles last summer on my LR-S in 9 days, almost all where 12 hour days, a couple where 500+ mile shots. The big recommendation I would have is to make sure you're seat is broken in and so is your butt. Also don't trust your fuel gauge or trip meter. Stop and fill up.

Feb 12, 2018 | 04:05 PM

#17

F86

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2015

Posts: 2,840

Likes: 900

From: Philly Suburbs

Here was my list from an older thread about a previous trip (it all fit in a pair of saddlebags without issue):

I realize it's not exactly an "epic road trip," but I'm travelling completely alone on a 16 year old bike on some relatively remote roads, so I'm trying to be diligent about preparation.

My bike prep has consisted of the following:

-Oil/filter change (I changed tranny/primary oil about a month ago)
-Torque check on all axle/suspension/brake related nuts and bolts
-Phone charger wired in/handlebar mount attached
-Tires set to my preferred PSI (will of course be reset the morning I leave)
-Rear wheel alignment checked
-Overall inspection for anything loose or missing
-Brake fluid/lines/pads/rotors were fresh a couple of months ago

In addition to riding gear and clothing, my packing has included the following:

-Pretty complete toolkit (always on the bike)
-Tire repair kit w/enough CO2 to inflate one tire (always on the bike)
-Disk lock with motion alarm (If anywhere I stay seems sketchy)
-Flashlight
-Two quarts of oil
-Medium size can of Plexus (good for cleaning helmet and paintwork)
-Fresh clean microfiber rag
-Paper towels
-Pair of Mechanix gloves
-Ear protection

Feb 13, 2018 | 01:42 AM

#18

Arseclown

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 699

Likes: 232

From: Batcave

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noisy Cricket

I always find the oldest underwear I have and pack them, that way I can just toss them rather than lugging them around with me. Always have water and some food in case you break down, and extra meds if you need them. I always have chap-stick and tums on hand on my bike and in my vehicles because there is nothing worse than chapped lips or an acid stomach on the road. Rain gear. It WILL rain...even if the sun is out it will rain.

Are you the person tossing underwear all over the freeways? Always wondered how it happened.