My essentials always include;

Rain gear
Plexus cleaner
Motorcycle cover if you're going to be gone overnight
Small LED flashlight

 

I also carry my Race Tuner black box. The servicing dealer can't fix any performance issues without it and being on a trip and running into issues will leave you either stranded or in the market for another one!!!!

 

wet wash cloth in a baggie to wipe face

 

In addition to the items already listed, I carry a small roll of duct tape, two large heavy duty plastic trash bags, a reflective safety vestand ten feet of parachute cord.

 

DUCT TAPE!! I wrapped about 6' around a pencil cut to width to cut down on bulk. How could I forget the duct tape?

 

Hmmmm, no one mentioned a football, frisbeeorbarbells yet. Oh and the lawn dart set.

 

What I leave in all the time:

rain gear*tools*QT oil*can of fix 'o flat*pint of jack*medical kit*blanket*baling wire*map of the state*mini mag flash lite*couple shop rags*BB cap*extra glasses*a baggy full of nuts,washers and bolts.

If I am going away what I add depends if I am camping or staying in hotels and/or taking my wife. But I do take my shop manual no matter what. Was thinking of adding a radar detector. Not because I speed but I like to know where the little buggers are.

 

here is my list of what Iwill betaking on a trip to daytona for four days:
*American Express
*9mm Smith & Wesson
*Blackberry Cell phone with charger
*Sunglasses Clear & tinted
*My own tool kit with plenty of essential tools
*Maglite
*Boot Knife
*Tire Plugs
*fix a flat can
*Baby Wipes "Huggies" to clean face or other parts...
*Medication for Headaches & Diarreah
*Small first aid kit
*Warm Jacket & Gloves in case weather changes
Great attitude and ready to have a great time.....It is only a 650 miles round trip..

 

My list is identical with the exceptions of:
.45 instead of the 9mm
and a tire repair kit/compressor instead of the fix-a-flat.
Great minds think alike!

 

Calculator to figure gas mileage at fillup. First aid kit and Aleve. Sunscreen. Mini Mag lite. Standard tool kit, plus zip ties. WATER! If I'm touring I add a microfiber towel wetted in a plastic baggie,and another to dry with. As for clothing, layering is the way to go. Rain gear is nice, but I would invest in a good all weather riding suit for warmth and rain protection. Keep your boots waterproofed. Gloves, both warm and vented for warm days. Cell phone, credit card, RoadAmerica card, and Harley's Atlas while touring. Still lots of room for other stuff. I wouldn't take anything you won't likely use. And take some fun too.