My buddy and I are going on a 3500mile ride this july we are starting in detroit, heading to new orleans, into texas and the back home. 12 states in all. Im planning on bring my tent sleeping bag toilettries, 3 pairs of clothes and rain gear, and a coat and my vest. What else do you recommend, im trying to pack real light

 

credit/debit card... the rest of the crap are luxuries................

 

A basic tool kit, some kind of flat repair, set of small jumper cables.

 

Besides personal everyday stuff and clothes..anything else can be bought..

 

+1 on the credit card. I'd suggest notifying your bank on your travel dates. I was rear ended in Grand Forks North Dakota during a cross country ride and had a problem with my card/bank when I least needed it.
I'd definitely pack some sun-screen, first aid kit and flashlight if you have the room.
Have a great time!!!!

 

Agree with credit card. A woman can be a nice addition to a trip also, depending on how well she like you....Seriously, consider even a hand held GPS (great for finding fuel when you don't know where you are), raingear because you will probably be riding in the rain, as many pairs and different shades of riding glasses as you can, from super dark shades to clear, and if your helmet will allow it, some sort of flip down non-fog visor (see riding in the rain). You can live in a pair of jeans until they wear out but may want to hit a landry. A pair of comfortable walking shoes. I try to plan for every weather event possible, which includes cold.

 

The “Basics” of Safe, Fun and Enjoyable Motorcycle Camping
There are lots of sites like this.

 

This is pretty good checklist I've used for 4400 mile Sturgis trip last year.

http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html

 

I learned to take half the gear you need and twice the money, you never wear half the clothes and need half the crap you actually bring but always need more money.

 

You won't NEED 3 pairs of clothes. Take extra underwear and socks, and eliminate the rest. Tool kit, batteries for the flashlight, and I always stick in a glow stick for each night I'm camping. They work great and are very compact. Good rain gear, and a first aid kit.