I am planning a trip to Orange Beach, AL (from Louisville, KY) the first of June with my wife and mother-in-law and thinking seriously about taking my scoot. My wife and M-I-L are going to be riding in a car so I can pack my clothes and bigger stuff with them. I have a Deuce, which some,myself included, probably think will be crazy to drive 650+ miles to get there, but we'll see how it goes. I was wanting some advise from those who've taken longer trips on their scoots about what I should pack with me on the bike. I plan on getting some rain gear and I will have two bags with about 3 or so cubic feet of space. What necessities should pack with mefor security of the bike, possible mechanical issues, etc. Also, any thoughts on a 650+ mile trip to get down there, considering the most I've probably done in 1 day currently is about 200 miles. FYI, bike will be equiped with Sundowner seat and windshield. Thanks in advance!

 

I would by an inexpensive fork bag with a tool that is multifunction (screwdriver, torx, and allen). I would also get a tire air gauge as well. Keep the cell phone charged in case you need assistance from the wife. Since you can pack most of your stuff in the car I would pack light. A rain suit is a good idea as well.

 

I've done much longer trips on my Sportster. I used some soft through over saddle bags, and a T-bag (of course you have to have a backrest). I could cary everything I needed with ease. I sure am glag I have a bagger now though!

 

Get a couple of pairs of the body armour underwear...It keeps your *** dry. Dont forget your rain gator for your boots...I think both sealbeachbum & DFTL20 are right on the money with great advice.

 

Been cross-country on bikes many times. The smallest was a Suzuki 125 which I rode from Kansas City, KS, to Dallas, TX, ... but that was 35 years ago. As for today, not sure why a Deuce won't make a trip like that, especially if you've got a windshield and Sundownder seat.

I bought a small tool roll that I take with me on all trips. I put a set of hex and star key wrenches in to start with. I then add a stubby ratchet and a couple long handled ratchets along with appropriate socket sets. A couple (6in & 10in) crescent wrenches get tossed in as well along with a set of SAE box end wrenches. More recently I've stepped up to the ratcheting box set which give me more power and better access.

Since my bike is still under warranty I don't worry about too many other tools. I do take some extra things for camping, though. A small rubber mallet for pounding tent stakes, a decent multipurpose tool with small saw, pliers, knife blade, etc., and then a small hatchet for wood. All of the tools, along with a set of rain booties, goes into the left saddle bag.

In the right I throw the Frogg Toggs and jacket. I also put a LED light, extra batteries, and some toilet paper in the bag.

Clothes and other goodies go in either my T-Bag or my new Nelson-Rigg touring bag. For long trips (more than 7 days) I'll take both bags and put one on the luggage rack and one on the passenger seat. They both use a system for securing to the sissy bar, so they ride pretty well.

 

Some packing and riding tips; pick and choose what works for you:

http://www.visi.com/~dalebor/

http://www.rcb.org/camping2.htm

http://www.canyonchasers.net/referen...g_list.phphttp

http://www.bamarider.com/new_page_3.htm

http://www.concours.org/long.distance.tips.html

Below is a long list of potentially packable items, grouped into several different categories. Items that might be considered "essential" are marked with an asterisk. Consider this list a starting point – a "virtual" pile on the floor. Then remove (or add) items according to your own needs and limitations T-Bag; Waterproof Duffle; Tank Bag Clothing[/b] * Helmet
* Rain jacket and pants
* Rain gloves
* Summer gloves
* Winter gloves
Rain gaiters
Heated gloves
Hand warmer packets
Glove liners
Heated vest liner
Skullcap
Microfleece neck warmer
Balaclava
Fleece head wrap
T-shirts
Socks and underwear
Synthetic long underwear Under Armour
Long-sleeved shirts
Turtleneck shirts
Extra jeans
Light jacket
Leather/cold-weather jacket
Chaps
Leather pants
Riding boots 2 pair
Leather or denim vest
Bandanas – two (one for face; one for neck or forehead)
Sunglasses
Goggles/night eye protection
Change of shoes
Sock liners
Cooling neck wrap (such as Kool Tie)
Windbreaker or light jacket Swimsuit & plastic bag
Flip flops
Baseball hat
Dirty laundry bag Bike Maintenance[/b]
* Tool kit
* Replacement fuses
8-in-1 screwdriver
Spare spark plugs and plug wires
Genuine Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Oil
Paper funnel
Small can of multi-purpose spray lubricant
Motorcycle jumper cables
Spare turn-signal and brake-light bulbs
Tire gauge
Bike cover
Harley Care Starter Kit (cleaning supplies)
Softcloth
Locking pliers
Needlenose pliers
Sidecutters
Clutch cable or clutch saver
Thread locking adhesive (such as Loctite)
Various nuts, bolts, washers, cotter pins
Torx and allen wrenches
Closed/open-end wrenches
Basic socket set with one drive Rags
?
Personal[/b]
* Basic toiletries
Emergency cash
Change for tolls (keep in easy-to-access place)
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Nail clippers
Handkerchief
Tweezers
Small package of tissue
Cotton or earplugs
Contact lens solution
Moisturizing eye drops
Fork and spoon in plastic wrapper
Traveler's roll of bathroom tissue
Moist towelettes/baby wipes MP3 w/power cord
Purell hand cleaner Emergency Items[/b]
* Personal first-aid kit
* List of emergency contact numbers (include doctor/medical professional)
* List of current medications
* List of medical conditions (include allergies)
* Small waterproof flashlight
* Spare key
Basic cold and headache medicine
Antihistamines
Insect bite stick
Utility light
Emergency blanket
Cellular phone and charger
Telephone calling card
Small candle
Waterproof matches and fire-starting kit
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Small amount of (baling) wire
Bottle of water
Energy food bars
Eyeglass repair kit GPS w/power cord
Maps Small weather radio
Mirror Miscellaneous[/b]
* H.O.G.ÂŽ Touring Handbook
* H.O.G. membership card
* Bike registration and insurance info
* Motorcycle owners or service manual
Motorcycle warranty card
Pen and small notebook
Kickstand board
Camera and film (or disposable camera); small tripod
Small sewing kit
Cargo net
Bungee cords (various lengths)
Swiss-style pocketknife or multi-tool
Tote sack
Two or three large trash bags
Small can opener
Bike lock
Extra zipper-lock bags
Small towel Batteries for everything
Binoculars

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Rain gear and sun screen.

 

Alright, thanks for all the ideas. I hadn't even considered whether my T-Bag is weather-proof, probably isn't so I'll need something to cover it in weather, and I didn't even think about waterproof covers for my boots. Harleyglideman, thanks for the big list of things, I see some things that I hadn't considered that would be good to bring.Going to the dealership today b/c they are having a 15% off sale and plan to pick up (among other things) a new flip-up full face, luggage rack that mounts to the passenger upright, and some other sort of travel bag...I have a T-Bag Stow-A-Way right now and will be getting something else so that one can ride on the rack and one on the passenger seat.

 

Just pack a good attitude and a smile and let the OL carry the rest. That is assuming they will be traveling along with you (within eyesight or phone reach).

 

the best advice I have seen yet is "put as much stuff in the car as you can" That trip should be no problem on your bike.