learned some stuff last week
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 3
From:
RE: learned some stuff last week
Less is more! I used to carry WAY too much....thought I'd be prepared for about anything the weather gods could throw at me. I did learn to keep the heavy stuff low in the saddlebags, and the new ballistic outerwear is lighter and waterproof. A decent fleece jacket underneath works great. Now I take old T-shirts and wear 'em one day and toss 'em in the trash. A supplex shirt will wash in a motel sink and dry in an hour. When I had an Ultra, I learned to keep stuff off the tourpak rack......just raised the center of gravity.
Some of my friends tow trailers.....Bushtecs......and it is because they just can't leave home without a LOT of stuff. Sure takes the load off the bike and the resultant stress on the rider and legs. Seen a couple of those Uni-Go single wheel trailers that lean with the bike.....followed one for almost 100 miles through Montana. Amazing!
I'm not to that stage yet......trailers have their drawbacks and one needs to plan ahead for parking, backing, etc. But for two folks on an extended road trip....camping or not.....they sure have their merits.
Some of my friends tow trailers.....Bushtecs......and it is because they just can't leave home without a LOT of stuff. Sure takes the load off the bike and the resultant stress on the rider and legs. Seen a couple of those Uni-Go single wheel trailers that lean with the bike.....followed one for almost 100 miles through Montana. Amazing!
I'm not to that stage yet......trailers have their drawbacks and one needs to plan ahead for parking, backing, etc. But for two folks on an extended road trip....camping or not.....they sure have their merits.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 7,663
Likes: 7
From: Northeast Ohio
RE: learned some stuff last week
Brian,
Hope the leg heals up soon and Toni lets you back into the house..all good tips and some I hadn't thought of, but we do pack light, if it doesn't fit in the bags our tourpack, it doesnt go. Only thing on the tour pack rack is the helmets when we are not wearing them.. Thanks for the tip on the DTT.
Hope the leg heals up soon and Toni lets you back into the house..all good tips and some I hadn't thought of, but we do pack light, if it doesn't fit in the bags our tourpack, it doesnt go. Only thing on the tour pack rack is the helmets when we are not wearing them.. Thanks for the tip on the DTT.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,301
Likes: 4
From:
RE: learned some stuff last week
I would make a suggestion.don't ship the leathers home.
Depending on the weather and where you're riding,
Maybe skip the heavy leather winter coat for something a little lighter,
But keep the chaps.
Don't care how hot it gets when I'm on the open road, I wear them!
You can be forced to lay it down anytime and anyplace hot or cold.
Leather holds up better than blue jeans, shorts or bare skin.
Lot of times a quality rain coat can serve as well as a normal light jacket on the cool mornings and evenings.
Basically it's learning how to pack for where you're going and how long.
If you're going to a big rally, don't need to take T-shirts with as you will most likely buy some there anyway. Toiletries, bare minimum, lipstick and such can be bought anyplace etc.
Me and G/f havefour days and three nights down to one bag that will fit in the trunk with room left over.
Camping out is another story though.
Load your heavier things if you have them in the saddle bags.
But anyway enjoy your rides!!
Was good riding today, but dang it was wet at the end.
Depending on the weather and where you're riding,
Maybe skip the heavy leather winter coat for something a little lighter,
But keep the chaps.
Don't care how hot it gets when I'm on the open road, I wear them!
You can be forced to lay it down anytime and anyplace hot or cold.
Leather holds up better than blue jeans, shorts or bare skin.
Lot of times a quality rain coat can serve as well as a normal light jacket on the cool mornings and evenings.
Basically it's learning how to pack for where you're going and how long.
If you're going to a big rally, don't need to take T-shirts with as you will most likely buy some there anyway. Toiletries, bare minimum, lipstick and such can be bought anyplace etc.
Me and G/f havefour days and three nights down to one bag that will fit in the trunk with room left over.
Camping out is another story though.
Load your heavier things if you have them in the saddle bags.
But anyway enjoy your rides!!
Was good riding today, but dang it was wet at the end.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 1
RE: learned some stuff last week
Your leg is broken???Damn, you are one tough old coot!
You even helped me pick mine up with that leg. I'm with you on everyone of your points. All that extra weight sucks. I had to get the wife to help me get it off the kickstand a couple of times as well. We needed to leave about half the crap we brought at home. 3 days worth of clothes is a good number, but keep in mind that when you leave, you are wearing day 1. So that 2 days worth of stuff in the tourpak, not 3. Also, buy a small bag to go on the luggage rack, not the biggest one made. That my friend was my biggest mistake.
You even helped me pick mine up with that leg. I'm with you on everyone of your points. All that extra weight sucks. I had to get the wife to help me get it off the kickstand a couple of times as well. We needed to leave about half the crap we brought at home. 3 days worth of clothes is a good number, but keep in mind that when you leave, you are wearing day 1. So that 2 days worth of stuff in the tourpak, not 3. Also, buy a small bag to go on the luggage rack, not the biggest one made. That my friend was my biggest mistake.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 0
From: Fairfax County, Va.
RE: learned some stuff last week
ORIGINAL: txfxstrider
Seems like I read on the Forum somewhere something about a DVD called Ride Like a Pro. Sounds like you may need to get it.
Seems like I read on the Forum somewhere something about a DVD called Ride Like a Pro. Sounds like you may need to get it.
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