I Like Motorcycles !!

Weeks before I’m ready to leave on a long motorcycle trip, I start getting excited. Often I get to the point where I can think of anything else. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean that I spend the time getting prepared for it. I usually put this off to the very end. I’ve learned however over the years that this means that my packing never matches what I will really need for the trip. Proof, last year I was in Sturgis with nothing more than a sweatshirt and leather vest riding around in 45 to 55 degree weather. DUMB MOVE.
Anyway, to try to avoid that I’ve started putting a list together of the stuff I need to pack for every trip and where I want to store it on the motorcycle. To help me build the list I put everything in categories to help keep it a little more organized. The categories I use are:

Things to keep the Motorcycle Rolling
Things to keep the Motorcycle Secure
Things to keep the rider going
Protective clothing and gear (Riding Gear)
Hygiene
Camping Equipment
Miscellaneous Stuff

Things to keep the Motorcycle Rolling

Regardless of your mechanical skills, on long trips you will usually end up having to fix something on your motorcycle. It’s just the nature of motorcycles. At a bare minimum I always carry tire patch and CO2 cartridges to perform those road side tire problems and hope I don’t have far to go till the next motorcycle, Motorcycle, shop. If the shop is a fair distance away you should have tools that would allow you to remove the tire and hitch a ride. Since I ride a Harley Davidson (not balanced and not rubber-mounted) I always carry a complete set of wrenches, Torx, and Allen wrenches, along with a bottle of LocTite to tighten up those parts that think it would be better to end up on the side of the road. I also carry a small multi-tool that includes a small LED flashlight because it seems I always breakdown after dark. In my tool pouch you can almost (important word there) always find extra fuses, an extra sparkplug and, Motorcycle, extra light bulbs. And the two most important things, zip ties and electrical tape. After all with those you can fix just about anything that would keep you from making it down the road. I’ve found that for most brands of motorcycles you can find pre-packaged tool pouches that have a good set of tools lined up for you. Sometimes the quality of the tools may be questionable, but hey all they’re going to do is ride around in your saddlebags and they’ll do in a pinch.

Things to keep the Motorcycle Secure

If you plan your trips like me (NOT) you don’t always end, Motorcycle, up staying at the most reputable establishments. It’s always a good idea to lock your bike and have some, Motorcycle, way of locking the wheels. At least that way you’ll keep the lazy motorcycle thieves from getting away with your bike. I always carry two keys for every lock with me when I travel. There’s the ones that I carry in my pocket or attached to my belt, and the ones I carry deep in my bag for when I lose the other ones. As for disc lock I really recommend them. They are small, strong and provide a pretty good deterrent. They don’t however address the case where someone comes with a lift and just hauls your bike away. For that you need to carry a heavy duty cable or chain lock to tie your bike to a solid structure. I personally don’t like these due to the bulk and weight that they add to the saddlebags, but then I have pretty good insurance to replace the motorcycle if it’s stolen.

Things to keep the rider going

Taking care of the rider is every bit, if not more so, important as keeping the motorcycle going. When we are out there in the wind there are millions of things that affect our ability to be comfortable and safe. Some of these I’ve discussed in other articles. First and foremost we need to make sure that we are protected from the sun. Getting sunburned on your arms, hands and face can absolutely ruin a good day of riding. I carry a stick sunscreen that has a SPF-30 rating and is waterproof and dries instantly. I use it on any skin that I have exposed to the sun. In addition I always carry a lip balm. Chapped lips can be a very painful thing on the road.

Both sunburn and chapped lips can sneak up on you without you being aware of it. Other things that I pack are a first aid kit that includes bandages, pain reliever and antiseptic ointments. Injuries on the road can become infected very easy due to the road grim that we are constantly hit by.

Perhaps my most important piece of equipment is my cell phone. I always carry that with me and make sure that it’s always charged. Today, there is probably no piece of equipment that is more important than a cell phone in case of emergency. I usually carry a charger for use at night and a 12v car charger. Luckily I’ve installed a lighter on my motorcycle that allows me to charge my phone from the bike. This way I never have to worry about being stranded with a dead phone.

While I’m talking about phones, please make sure that you have I.C.E. number coded into your address book on the phone. I.C.E. numbers, Motorcycle, are the first thing that emergency workers will look for In Case of Emergency. Having these number(s) in your phone can greatly increase your chances of getting proper medical care. Two basic considerations for the numbers should be:

Make sure the numbers are current. It won’t do any good to have a number that is no longer valid specified as your ICE.
Make sure that the person that answers that call has, Motorcycle, some basic knowledge about your medical history. Things like known, Motorcycle, allergies, blood type and doctors’ name. By providing this basic information the emergency medical workers will, Motorcycle, be able to make much more informed decisions.

Protective clothing and gear (Riding Gear)

On long trips you are most likely going to hit every kind of conceivable weather. No matter how hot it may get in the middle of that sunny summer day, there’s probably some cold miserable weather waiting out there for you. If you’re in the middle of the desert you’re sure to run into some rain. After all you are on a motorcycle. To be prepared, I save all of the space in my saddlebags for riding gear. My usual list is:

My colors. Can’t ride a bike without those.
Leather Jacket preferably, Motorcycle, one that has a removable lining and good ventilation.
Chaps. Make sure they fit well and are in good condition.
Fingerless gloves and full fingered gloves
A couple of extra doo rags. I’m always losing those things.
Face mask of some sort. I’ve got a windshield on my bike and that protects me most of the time but in heavy rain, hail and the cold a neoprene face mask really helps.
Sunglasses and/or goggles, Motorcycle, . I personally like the convertible combos, which can change from sunglasses to, Motorcycle, goggles and have interchangeable lenses. My personal favorites are the SG-1 from WileyX.
Rain Suit. One of those cheap sets from Wally World won’t do. Sure they may keep you dry for awhile, but more often than not you’ll get 30 miles down the, Motorcycle, road and the suit will be flying behind you like streamers. Don’t skimp here.
A couple of bandannas will always come in handy.
If the weather is going to be extremely hot then a polymer crystal cooling bandanna is a great piece of gear to be carrying. I usually carry this in a small baggie that helps keep it fresh and keeps other things from getting wet from it when not in use.

Of course as has been said millions of times “Dressing in layers is the way to go”. Being able to add layers and take off layers can substantially add to your riding comfort. As far as clothing is concerned keep it to a minimum. Carry enough for a few days and plan wash stops, Motorcycle,, Motorcycle, into your trip. This will help keep your load manageable. The key is to pack for all the conditions you are likely to run into but keep the load as sparse as possible. Get creative and figure out multiple uses for different pieces of clothing and the best way to extend the wear-ability of the clothes. After all if you get caught in the rain without your rainsuit, those clothes are good for another day. Aren’t they?

Hygiene

Even a scummy old biker like me likes to clean up every once in awhile. And since I often alternate between camping and motels I carry things to wash up with. These would include a towel, washcloth and those little bars of soap and bottles of shampoo you can get at most motels. It helps that in my day job I travel all the time so I’ve got a life time supply of those.

I’m also trying to keep the last few remaining teeth that I have so that means I have to carry my toothbrush and toothpaste, Motorcycle, . Since I’ve got long hair I have to carry a brush to get the rat’s nest that forms in my hair every day out. Usually on long trips I don’t shave, but I always have a razor with me. I just use the soap to lather up on my face instead of carrying shaving cream.

One last item you should never leave without is toilet paper. There’s nothing worse than suddenly needing it when you’re out on the road and not having it. I usually start out with a small quantity which would take care of the duties a couple of times. If I end up using that up, I usually restock courtesy of the next gas stop or hotel.

All of this is carried in a small bag that I always have packed so I never have to worry about it. If I use something, I replace it and it’s a thoughtless act to throw that in the T-Bags.

Camping Equipment

Camping equipment is probably one of the hardest things to carry and pack on a motorcycle. This is based mostly on the fact that it usually bulky and doesn’t necessarily pack down real well. Even when they pack down the bags seem to be longer than you would want. They usually end up being to tall if you tie them on standing up, or to wide, Motorcycle, if you try to have them laying down.

For a tent, I’ve found that the small two man dome tents work best. They are easy to set up, have plenty of room to spread out in at, Motorcycle, night (if there’s only one person in it), and they pack down pretty nice. My tent originally came in a flimsy nylon bag that I, Motorcycle, knew would hold up to rolling down the road so I replaced the bag with a sturdier one. My tent is usually bungeed onto my T-Bag and additional one to attach it to the motorcycle.

On the other side of the T-Bag, I have my mattress. As the years have gone by that ground has gotten harder and harder. I use one of those self-inflating, Motorcycle, mattresses that blow themselves up. While they’re not the most comfortable, it sure beat sleeping on the ground. In the morning all you have to do is open the valve, roll it up and it’s ready to go. I got a bag to carry the mattress in too.

Miscellaneous Stuff

I’ve always found that carrying cameras on a motorcycle trip can be a pain. The old styles (film based) have a tendency to take up to much space. And the digital camera require to much accessory stuff, like chargers, place to download the pictures and such. For a while I was carrying Advantix cameras, since they can be relatively small and take good quality pictures. Now I’ve never been a fan of the panoramic views but that is available on them. I’m now carrying a digital camera and have bought several different memory cards for it. This way I can use the cards like regular film and don’t have to carry all the stuff to download the pictures until I get home.

Other important items are a wallet, credit cards and, Motorcycle, money. Can’t keep going without these. And the one thing that I consider the most important,, Motorcycle, a notebook and pens. When I’m on a trip it’s great to be able to keep notes about what you saw, how the motorcycle was, Motorcycle, running, where I stayed and interesting characters I meet along the way. It’s also important cause if you’re like me and suffer from CRAFT disease (write me if you want to know what that stands for) it’s a great way to refresh your memories of the trip years from now.

Now that, Motorcycle, the bike’s all loaded up one last thing to remember is that with all the additional weight of the stuff you’re carrying the motorcycle is likely to handle differently. Remember to try to keep the weight as low and as close to the center of the motorcycle as possible. This will help keep the front wheel from getting to light or making the motorcycle a little top heavy. Make, Motorcycle, sure everything is strapped on real well. Good straps and bungies will give you a good dose of peace of mind knowing that your load is secure.

Be Safe … Enjoy the Ride

Tools

http://www.bikerwares.com
Jeff Sinason aka, Motorcycle, Tools is an avid traveler on his motorcycle. He is also the owner of Bikerwares which is an online store that has a great selection and great prices for motorcycle eyewear and goggles and much more. He is also the owner of Motorcycle Articles which is a great information resource for bikers.

A lot of people carry the belief that those who have Harley Davidson motorcycles are hardcore, tattoo-laden, testosterone-filled males who guzzle hard liquor and wind up big bar fights. Even though this profile works well in the movies, a vast majority of Harley riders are, Motorcycle, easygoing, friendly people who give back to society.

Harley Davidson has worked very hard to develop a community of companionship amongst folks who own a Harley. The wildly successful Harley-Owners-Group (HOG) has over 1 million members around the globe. With local divisions around the globe, members unite to share their obsession for the Harley Davidson way of life.

Harley Davidson riders include men and women who range in age from 18 to eighty eight. Some harley riders have been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for over 50 years. Lots of of the servicemen who fought in World War Two became avid fans of the motorbike, as they were regularly used for transportation in wartime. A certain number of these soldiers still currently ride.

The female population of Harley Davidson owners has significantly risen over the past two decades. Maybe the most well-known female Harley motorcyclists are Avis and Effie Hotchkiss. In 1915, this mother-daughter duo traveled from New York to California on a three speed V-Twin with a sidecar.

A, Motorcycle, different female leader was Linda Dugeau, co-founder of the Motor, Motorcycle, Maids, Inc. Linda began riding a Harley Davidson motorbike in 1932. She rode around the USA and stories about her travels were printed in Motorcyclist magazine. In 1938, Dugeau began establishing a network of female motorcyclists, which formally became The Motor Maids. The organization was chartered with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1941, making it the oldest bike organization for women in North America.

Girls of all ages and backgrounds are showing an interest in motorcycles and the way of life they offer. Not only are more girls riding street bikes, they are also participating in motorbike racing. Female celebrities, such as pop musician, Pink and model, Niki Taylor, are entering the driver’s seat of Harleys and suggesting other girls to ride.

Motorcycle riding is also turning into a popular family activity. Safety equipment is available to protect children while riding and include tether straps, helmets, jackets, chaps, and gloves. Touring bikes and cruisers simplify the task of taking the kids on a weekend camping or road trip. Loads of members of the military are passionate Harley owners. They enjoy the feeling they have when they hit the road and hook up with fellow Harley devotees through sponsored events or charity rides. Harley-Davidson supports various rides for U.S. troops and Veterans’ charities.

A normal trait of individuals who own Harley, Motorcycle, Davidson, Motorcycle, motorbikes is that of a giving disposition. Harley owners often embark on charity rides to assist charitable organizations or to provide for the needs of someone in their indigenous community. Harley riders have raised, Motorcycle, large amounts of money in their fundraising efforts and have supported charities dedicated to cancer research, Alzheimer’s research, Autism and a lot of other admirable causes.

There is a wonderful amount of solidarity and friendship amongst Harley riders. They are a group of zealous people who enjoy the excitement of adventure. One thing is for sure… there is no other activity that unites such a diverse group of people from all walks of life and ages.

Racing Motorcycle – Fast But Friendly By Max Manroe In the competitive world of racing motorcycles, most companies tend to bank on their racing teams to promote their street bikes. Heavy duty motorcycles with obscene amounts of power inside the chassis run across the tracks, and motorcycle racing fans find that they can own a little piece of the excitement by buying themselves civilian versions of the racers that their favorite bikers are running. More often than not, this marketing approach has led most motorcycle manufacturing companies to come up with barely street legal specs for their,, Motorcycle, Motorcycle, civilian, Motorcycle, bikes, and the results are machines that are grossly expensive, difficult to maintain, and wind up causing accidents in the hands of bikers who don’t possess the necessary skill level to handle such high performance bikes. Honda has taken a different approach from it’s competitors in this department, and has instead taken a people-friendly focus in their motorcycles. Their teams still continue to run – and win a lot – in motor sports events, but their civilian bikes aren’t simply powered-down, Motorcycle, versions of their racers. They customize their civilian bike designs with the average person in mind. One of the things that shows this approach is the price of a Honda motorcycle. Their price ranges both for the bikes and parts are considerably more affordable for people who just might want to ride a fast bike for fun without the need to cleave along the highway like a bullet. Their parts are also much easier to find than most of their competitors, especially their european, Motorcycle, counterparts, and likewise are much cheaper while maintaining a high standard of quality. To add to the customer oriented approach, these same parts are also easier to install, replace, and yes, modify for those who want to push the specs of their crotch rockets a little higher. Honda service center personnel are highly trained under rigid standards to ensure they do their jobs on the bikes right. Lastly, Honda also offers comprehensive packages as an added bonus, like extended warranties, insurance, and prepaid maintenance plans for their customers to make sure that they get the best deal available for their money. For Honda, service doesn’t end right after the sale is made. So, while Honda racing bikes perform on a par with their competition on the professional race tracks, their civilian bikes are made for the people who just want to ride for fun without the headaches involved with owning something just one step below formula specs. Please check out my other guide here!

Having motorcycle saddlebags can be quite useful especially when you are planning on a long riding adventure. There are many types of saddlebags, ranging from leather to fiber-glass. Because of this wide selection, you might find yourself confused once you start shopping for one. Time and effort is a big factor in choosing the perfect saddlebag for you, so be sure that you have both of these. To make your shopping experience a lot easier, go through the following tips to make things less stressful and confusing.

? Most saddlebags have used stainless metals for decorative features as well as its creation. It is also commonly used for other type of saddlebags to form, Motorcycle, rivets and studs. It is important that you choose saddlebags made out of stainless metal over brass as to prevent it from rusting over time. It is always better to invest in one because, Motorcycle, rust can eventually deteriorate.

? Buckles are also another factor that you should consider. Quick release buckles are recommended because it gives you better access to your saddlebags. While inspecting this item, examine the buckles and determine if it has quick access so you will not be struggling later on especially while driving your motorcycle.

? Mounting is an important aspect you need to take into account. These can either be bolt-on or a throw-over. Bolt-on bags are more secure because they are already bolted onto the motorcycle reducing the risk of it from falling off. In contrast, a throw over comes with a string which is placed under the seat and shocks. If you want a removable bag, then a throw over one is the ideal saddlebag for you.

? One major necessity for a saddlebag is a lock. This will keep your belongings secure. Therefore, you should buy motorcycle saddlebags that come with a lock. In this way, you can even safely keep your jacket and other valuable items in it without worrying over them.

? Leather often sags over time so it is a wise decision to buy a leather saddlebag that has been reinforced with a metal frame, Motorcycle, . This frame will give the bag added strength and durability all throughout the years. Although these bags can be expensive at times, you will realize later on that you have ended up saving your money because the bag have outlasted its lifespan.

? Saddlebags are made out of many different components. The most popular one is the leather saddlebag. This is usually preferred by many bikers because of its soft and flexible qualities. It is also lighter from other materials which make it easier to transport. Plastic is also a common, Motorcycle, material used for saddlebags. This is the best bet if ruggedness is your priority. Other choices include fiber-glass and aluminum. You should do an advance research on the advantages and disadvantages of each type so you can determine which type is suitable for your needs.

Finding the perfect saddlebags for you can turn into an endless search if you do not prepare, Motorcycle, yourself. It is important, Motorcycle, you do your research in advance and take note of the tips mentioned above so that you can cut the amount of time you will be spending on looking for one.