What to wear/pack + full face or Half

[Pete]

Hi all,

I'm needing to travel LIGHT for the Dubbo Meet/AGM so I'm after tips on packing and what is more appropriate long range road wear.
This is my first HUGE road trip and might actually be my last as I've also now got a sailing boat that needs my time, plus my charity work although, I've backed to only 3 charity events a year.

Long range weather reports look HOT HOT and HOT for next week
Ok, important question....

I've installed 2x 40ltr each Hard Saddle bags ( see posting in "bling' section) but I'm still limited to what is best for the open road and what helmet full face or half because I've only room for 1 helmet (on my head lol) .

1/ What helmet is best for open road
I'm thinking half because it is going to be bloody hot so the air flow will be nice ( for a Tassie 30deg is hot) and it also has a flip down clear visor for added protection of the eyes & nose (but lower section is exposed to bugs and god forbid stones!
My full face has my Sena SMH10 attached to it so I can hands free music and phone (although, I still stuff up the phone connection bit lol). I can transfer the Sena to my half helmet but phone is useless because of wind noise over mike although, as mentioned I stuff up the phone anyhow...
1a/ Sunglasses
I have some excellent "bobster- Shield III" motorcycle glasses in tint for sunny and yellow for foggy/night

2/ Pants Draggin jeans or Proper armour riding pants
Again, I'm thinking Draggin jeans with the Kevlar (but no armour) as they will breath better, not get as hot inside and that equals comfort. I'll not pack the proper pants as I'm trying to leave as much room as possible. I will pack my wet weather coverall pants just in case of rain.

3/ Boots
I'll wear my proper motorcycle boots but obviously pack sneakers for non riding comfort

4/ Gloves
I've only got the gloves my bike came with so they'll need to do... They are thick so probably winter gloves and although, they may get hot inside they're better than nothing and I might find some summer gloves cheap in Dubbo

5/ Tools
Bike tool set may do but I might pack a few allens keys, adjustable wrench and small torch + first aid.

6/ Fuel containers
I'm thinking of mounting 2 'cup holders - deep ones" to the front of my saddle bags to hold an aluminium 1ltr (or 750ml) container to put fuel in an d then secure into the 'cup holder' I found some drink bottles that had on the label Water or fuel ?. I doubt I'll need extra fuel as I get 275km before the fuel light comes on but for less than $30 cost I can add them

7/ The rest
ZAny clues, hints or tips on packing a motorcycle for a 7 day outing ??

The lovely Anna and Cray have offered to put me up so I'll not need to carry linen, sleeping bag or pillows so that saves me a huge amount of packing. Thanks Guys

8/ Anything I've missed ??

Cheers, Pete

[Deleted]

I'm wearing my full face, Jeans, full length jacket, boots, taking summer & winter gloves.
Taking the bikes tool kit, tape, cable ties, wd40, puncher kit & clothing etc.
you wont need extra fuel biggest distance between stops is 180 klm
It's pretty much a flat and boring ride.
If your going to go swimming at the park you will need to take your own towel as the wont let you use there's.

[tonimbuk]

Much the same as Shane...full face, tool kit with a couple of extras, cable ties, wet weather gear, plus jeans, shirts, shorts, thongs etc plus i am going on to see family in Sydney so I will be on the road until March 22nd. Hopefully it should all fit in the saddlebags and the gear sack.

Oh yes the bathers etc for the boat "race", plenty of water will splashed around.

Pete...see you on the 14th

shane ....catch up for breaky on Sunday.

PS i start my 5 week holidays on Saturday!!!!!!


ride safe

[Deleted]

Definately go with the full face helmet Pete, bugs hurt And you can cool down when you slow down for the road works by putting up the visor for a bit ;D

Draggin's would be my choice for pants personally the rest would be the same as you've said.

Pack some cable ties in that tool kit they are awsome for everything. First aid kit and sun block (dont pack the sunblock in a spot that heats up I learnt that one the hard way, tis hard to get outta your bags)

You'll be amazed once you start packing how much you really can fit in. One other tip I got when I was asking for my big trip is to roll your clothes rather than folding them, you can fit more in and amazingly they dont seem to get as creased.

Thongs!!

If you are going swimming dont worry bout a towel, we have some .. same goes for everyone if you need a lend of a towel just let me know I'll drop a few over.

Cant wait to see ya Pete!

9 More sleeps!!

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2013 20:58:23 GMT 10 tonimbuk said:

Much the same as Shane...full face, tool kit with a couple of extras, cable ties, wet weather gear, plus jeans, shirts, shorts, thongs etc plus i am going on to see family in Sydney so I will be on the road until March 22nd. Hopefully it should all fit in the saddlebags and the gear sack.

Oh yes the bathers etc for the boat "race", plenty of water will splashed around.

Pete...see you on the 14th

shane ....catch up for breaky on Sunday.

PS i start my 5 week holidays on Saturday!!!!!!


ride safe

5 weeks!!!

You are gonna get bored ;D ;D

[happycamper]

;Dcoming from toowoomba, may be wearing a pair of waders. it can get cold so , a second pair of gloves or glove liners.dont forget sunscreen for the back of the neck and rid for the mozzies.

[mrc]

Don't forget your 1 litre of WATER...

Dehydration is a killer, always pack water!!

I wouldn't carry extra fuel except for in the tank..

[angel]

Travelling on your own you need a list of number to call for a tow truck if you break down. Slime for a puncture preferably in the tyres before you go. Take zip ties and bungee cords to tie down loose items or temp fix for breakages. Fuses, definatly fluids, if you have a 3 hour roadside wait it wont be outside a shop!. Make sure your numberplate is well secured ask moe its a pain if you lose it, even more being an out of state bike !
Sunscreen, Make sure you put the ICE info in your phone.
ICE - In Case of Emergency. put contact number, name and relationship of person. My phone shows ICE- as first name .Kevin Husband as surname- number it is becoming the stabdard point of contact for emergency services and is quicker than a knock on the door by 2 policemen.

[moe]

get a camelpack

[Pete]

Thanks all....

Some fantastic tip, hints and ideas ;D

I'll follow pretty much ALL of the ideas offered here, especially the Full Face helmet. I've a 10 pack of Stainless steel zip ties left over from my exhaust wrap so I'll pack those as well, never know when needed near hot engine ect.

My Bike feels good (Although my L plate split in half and fell off today lol).... but not to worry as I go for my P's test on Saturday and then my boat lic on Sunday, then Monday is a public hols (8 Hr day/labour day) so bike service on Monday and I'll be ready.

Once again, thanks for the fantastic tips, it will be superb to finally meet up, shake hands and say Hi.

Cheers, Pete

[scrap]

Hi Shadowers.

I've been doing a bit of long distance riding lately and researched the topic through a few web sites for my own LD rides. (don't tell my GP or Cardiologist - they'd have a heart attack if they knew hehehe). Flip top helmet with built in sunglasses are godsend. I always wear my draggins, boots and leather jacket on open roads. Leather gloves with the opposite season's gloves in the saddle bags. Camera and lenses, first aide kit in there as well

• Keep the fluid intake up - as many have noted its a slient killer if you get dehydrated.
  
  
• I also carry a thermos of coffee with me - nothing like a coffee in the middle of nowhere to appreciate the "serenity".
  
  • Stay away from fast food - it'll make you sluggish beef jerky, barley sugars, muesli and cranola type bars are far better
    
    • Carry a puncture kit - but if you do get a puncture, get it fixed as soon as possible if you're using the green slime product - it'll eat your chrome
      
      • Carry a small pack of hand cleaner with your tool kit
        
        • A few clean lint free cloths tucked away always come in handy.
          
          • Panadol or similar product - if your not used to LD riding - you WILL have a few aches and pains.
            
            • I carry two 5 litre plastic jerry can - fit perfectly on the passenger floor boards and the tops are the height of the pillion seat - provides extra support for the swag. I top up the cans when I'm near the city - means I'm not paying stupid prices at some of the far flug stations around this state.
              
              
              Hope these help - have a good one
              
              

[Deleted]

Ahh you reminded me, some of those baby wipe thingys are real handy for cleaning your visor too.

[grasshopper]

Always remember saddlebags won't carry all you want but they will carry all you need

[scrap]

Mar 8, 2013 20:37:42 GMT 10 grasshopper said:

Always remember saddlebags won't carry all you want but they will carry all you need

Very true. What I've been doing is placing a red sticker on every item I pack. When I use it, the sticker comes off.

At the end of the trip. I check what still has a red sticker and work out whether I really need this item or not. (Tools excepted).

[Mac]

Best of luck for your long trip Pete, you should have a great time as you seem to be well prepared. I'd love to go to Tassie some time & enjoy the scenery