long ride check list
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
no one else mentioned it here, but towing of some sort. Wife had sprocket bolts back out on the way to nashville Tn last summer. No way to fix it no matter how many tools I had with me, wheel was trashed, pulley and swingarm. I am a member of the AMA (for racing) and had towing in my membership. Called them and the truck showed up and towed it to a local dealer. Still went on trip she just rode with me. Went and picked it up the next week with the trailer.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: St. George, Utah
If your destination is only 300 miles from demarcation, check the bike out completely, loose parts, tires, oil, lights. Load up some jeans, undies, socks, extra shoes and a rain suit. Go have fun. Take enough cash and your cell phone for emergencies. Enjoy. Its the ride, not the destination
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
The two most important things you will take with that will keep you safe is a cell phone and a credit card. So, don't forget your charger for the phone.
If you are not sure exactly how to get to where you are going, maps are useful, so is a GPS. But, there is nothing wrong with getting lost and asking for directions is actually kind of fun.
I like to stop once an hour, so I have many excuses for stopping: hungry, need to pee, need to get gas, interesting roadside attraction, etc. Be sure and smell the roses and take lots of pictures of your bike parked next to cool things.
Good luck. Have fun.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Springfield, Missouri
I had not thought of tire plugs to keep in the bag for emergencies. That little Slime compressor looks like a good deal to carry also.
What do you do if you get a flat with a tube tire?
What do you do if you get a flat with a tube tire?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
Check the weather where you heading and pack proper gear and least 3 days change of clothes and do laundry at some motel , don't forget plenty of cash or card you can buy any thing as needed.
Club Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: Canton, GA
Couple of things I'd recommend....depending on the heat....I carry "diaper wipes"...yes, I know I'll catch grief for that....but they are EXCELLENT to wipe down your face when you stop. With my open face helmet I pick up a lot of "debris". They will also cool you down....
Another thing I was reminded of when my 29 year old son was killed in a head on collision. KEEP YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO WITH YOU THAT INCLUDES NAMES, ADDRESSES, MEDICATIONS YOU ARE TAKING, BLOOD TYPE, ALLERGIES AND INSURANCE INFORMATION. He had emergency contact info in his phone, but we didn't find the phone until 2 days AFTER the wreck. You can't count on it being found. An even better thing is a Road ID...has all of that info along an 800 number.
That's what I would recommend. Between the time I ordered the Road ID and got it, I typed up all that info and "laminated" it with scotch tape. Ride safe.
Another thing I was reminded of when my 29 year old son was killed in a head on collision. KEEP YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT INFO WITH YOU THAT INCLUDES NAMES, ADDRESSES, MEDICATIONS YOU ARE TAKING, BLOOD TYPE, ALLERGIES AND INSURANCE INFORMATION. He had emergency contact info in his phone, but we didn't find the phone until 2 days AFTER the wreck. You can't count on it being found. An even better thing is a Road ID...has all of that info along an 800 number.
That's what I would recommend. Between the time I ordered the Road ID and got it, I typed up all that info and "laminated" it with scotch tape. Ride safe.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: USA
Eight Point 600 Mile Bare Essential MC Survival Kit:Besides your rain gear:
1. If you lock anything, take a spare key. When you ride with someone, do a key swap (lost my key at Sturgis key swap was life saver).
2. Take at least one bottle of water for drink, eye wash, wipe, clean (use it every time).
3. Take a 36" bungee cord or roll up 2' of ductape on an ink pen (used on occaision like when my kickstand spring broke or bungee my helmet to the rack).
4. Take a cheap folding paper map: read, fire start, wipe, polish, insulate, isolate, shade tent, dry, dip stick, oil cap, fuel gauge, pot holder, band-aid, TP (have used for navigation/ conversation too).
5.Wear a bandana under your lid- and wet it for evaporative cooling (101 uses- must always have several).
6. Kit up a a multi-tool, a couple of 7.5A and 15A fuses and a flashlight (used on multi occasions).
7. Join H.O.G. for towing benefit; peace of mind (never needed except for POM).
8. After dark, from a 1/2 pint glass bottle, have a swig to something or someone (strong drink makes it that much more meaningful). Doubles as emergency gas can.
Above will get you through most anything, including a 6 hour wait for tow, given you have a little cash, CC, tooth brush and Phone. Anything else, just buy it onm the fly - you'll be stopping for fuel twice each way anyway. Start drinkling lots of water the day before- use sun screen- you'll feel like a million bucks after a 300 mile ride.
Last edited by Kbore; Apr 25, 2011 at 10:34 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 884
Likes: 26
From: Mesa, AZ
All good advice. One of the things we did on one of our trips years ago and not to sound morbid but if you do not have a "Will". I know, why think of this but riding a bike has it's dangers and many things can happen.
We always want the best and to be safe but things happen. Also, let someone know your plans with the information, hotels, route, etc..Again, I know, just get on the bike and ride and it's only a few hundred miles but, just in case. Just my opinion for whatever it is worth.
Have a good time, be safe and enjoy.......
We always want the best and to be safe but things happen. Also, let someone know your plans with the information, hotels, route, etc..Again, I know, just get on the bike and ride and it's only a few hundred miles but, just in case. Just my opinion for whatever it is worth.
Have a good time, be safe and enjoy.......