touring necessities
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,169
Likes: 9
From: Southern Illinois
Wife and i are riding to Colorado Springs in July, about 1000 miles from home. Planning on 2 1/2 days out so not rushing. Staying in motels and replacing clothes as needed. Last trip we had 2 boxes of dirty laundry on our front porch thanks to U.P.S., that way you can pack lighter.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
Having done several similar trips, I can tell you in addition to that which has been offered, you will need: Lip Balm, small first aid kit, Lots of water on board, clear eye glasses (for when you are riding in the dark). I know you don't plan on it but it happens. I would also throw a pair of sandals in the bag for when you & your dad decide to do a walkabout. Walking in daytons with shorts on is not cool. Trust me.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
From: Ft. Worth, TX
All good ideas so far. I would add one more thing for long distance touring - hearing protection. You will get both wind and engine noise on an Ultra even if you wear a full face helmet (which I do). But, reducing noise really reduces the fatigue factor. I tried various off-the-shelf ear plugs, but most were not comfortable for a full day of riding. I finally dropped a dime on getting custom plugs made and they are great. I bought the type that are called musicians earplugs which have filters so you can select how much noise reduction you want. This allows you to still hear important sounds around you, but really reduces noise fatigue. I can easily do a 650 mile day without feeling beat up - and I am old! Once you are used to them you won't want to ride without them.
Check out this site for more information: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm
Check out this site for more information: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Earplugs/earplugs.htm
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Hinton, Alberta
Touring
you only need two items
1) Credit card for your needs
2) Goldwing cover to keep you bike safe
or just a pocket full of cash. LMAO
Seriously its best to take a shorter trip and that way you will find what is really needed.
1) Credit card for your needs
2) Goldwing cover to keep you bike safe
or just a pocket full of cash. LMAO
Seriously its best to take a shorter trip and that way you will find what is really needed.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 280
Likes: 10
From: Knoxville, TN
We are planning to literally drive across America. We are not going to set out and race across as fast as we can. There are a lot of places both of us want to see. We are planning on being on the road for about 2 and a half weeks
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Thanks for the advice guys. If all goes well I'll have my bike sooner than later. I am planning on taking off every weekend I can for overnight trips and such. Prior to the trip I want to be completely familiar with my new scoot. I was a few short months ago 260lb Im now down to 230 and hopeing to get to 210 by the big trip time. I figure being in good shape will also help out. On a trip like this should I look into some extra luggage that can be set on the passenger seat or strapped on the bike, or do UC's have enough room? Figured it might make it easier to bring cloths and hygiene stuff inside. I am also interested in motorcycle camping. Not for a super long trip but for weekend trips. But thats a whole nother ball game.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Hinton, Alberta
Touring
For what its worth, the wife and I traveled across canada to the East coast and returned thru the eastern USA to western USA over a five week period. She had one saddle bag and I the other, Rain gear, computer, and daily stuff was in the tour pak. If the two of us can travel for five weeks on one saddle bag each you brother have nothing to worry about.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
Yeah get something for the passenger seat. It's there you might as well use it. However, having said that, in my experience riding across country (so to speak) several times, you will always take more than you need. Whatever you might need that you forgot you can buy on the trip. You just don't want to have to buy expensive items on the road. Take gear for all weather conditions such as a good jacket and pants or chaps for cold weather, good rain gear (Harley stuff is outstanding), good boots, eye protection and good warm and cold weather gloves. Ride safe. Oh yeah, my son and I are riding from TX to Alaska and back this July.