Long Distance Riding "Must Have" List

Discussion in 'Gear & Accessories' started by pgafuture, Dec 9, 2012.

  1. pgafuture

    pgafuture New Member

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    I bought something other than straps. I bought two anchor points to accommodate tie down straps. Canyon dancer rings, I believe. Shit.

    Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
     
  2. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    http://vfrworld.com/forums/general-vfr-discussions/31871-what-things-pack-long-trip.html
    http://vfrworld.com/forums/general-vfr-discussions/31091-question-about-proposed-long-trip.html
    http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/24411-taking-vf500-long-road-trip.html

    And the list goes on. This topic has been discussed before and every time it shows up, great suggestions come forward. Sometimes something new to add to the ever growing list. Good on everyone for jumping in.

    I have been on a few longish rides. If your chain and sprockets are anywhere near needing to be replaced, do so before you go. Start with a fresh oil change. Check the tires. A long ride like that is hard on the centre of the tread if you are slabbing. They will wear flat in the centre so if your tires are 50% spent, change them. Keep the remaining 50% for when you return.

    Layer your clothing. Don't rely on any so called water proof jacket and pants. As far as I am concerned, they do not exsist. I use a cheap rubber backed 2 piece rain suit. That is probably one of the most important items of cloting you can bring. Not only does it keep the rain out, they also trap your body heat in. I don't go on any trip without mine. Winter water resistant gloves. (Teknic). Be sure to wear them with the gauntlets tucked inside the sleeves of your rain jacket. Otherwise the rain will run down your sleeve and into the glove. Treat these well with a liquid silicon based rain treatment which is applied with one of those cotton balls. This is the best for that particular application. In one of my previous posts, I wasn't sure about wearing a back pack on a long journey but this past spring, I did a 5 week, 6800 mile trip wearing a 79 litre back pack and it was fine. Just make sure if you buy one, it is a good backpackers type and you adjust the straps properly. Mine cost me about $350.00 so they are not cheap.

    This was me on my spring trip. IMGP1023.jpg

    Have a great trip
     
    Last edited: Dec 11, 2012
  3. John451

    John451 Member

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    Like Pacemaker* I always carry a small first aid kit but usually also include a few tubes of saline for things like washing bug pieses out of my eyes or irrigating a scrape.

    The list is already pretty comprehensive so can only suggest throwing in a small hiking towel in case you need to hitch a ride with Vogons if travelling earlier say on the 21st of December ;-)
     
  4. coucours grad

    coucours grad New Member

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    Its a Honda....


    Clothing to suit the weather, tire plug kit cause if you dont have one you'll pick up a nail.....Spare set of sunglasses in case you lose the first set at the bar.....A set of wrenches to help a stranded Harley or Guzzi.....Credit card, cell phone and BEER MONEY!


    Thats my short list anyway.


    And a towel. Never go anywhere without a towel.


    (I also thought I wanted a GPS till I discovered 2 truths. 1: while on the bike I am never lost. I may not know where I am or where the road I'm on will lead me but as long as the pavement doesnt end I have a good destination. 2: no matter how you mount them someone is gonna want to steal it. They will destroy 1000 dollar cases to look for it. Mine rides with me in the tankbag and charges at night. Most trips I dont even take it cause the I have to stow the tankbag at ewvery stop too.
     
  5. pgafuture

    pgafuture New Member

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    [​IMG]

    Ye Olde homemade Ass pad.
    Hot glued on the strap, 30 bucks. I've had sweedish massage that felt worse than this gem.

    Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
     
  6. Pliskin

    Pliskin New Member

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    Chain lube make the list anywhere?

    I'm all about the lube.
     
  7. pgafuture

    pgafuture New Member

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    Voltmeter installed, drilled the valuable fairing because of diameter issues.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

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  8. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    PJ1 used to make a very small can of chain lube that was perfect for packing for long trips where space is a huge issue. I don't think they do any more though. I wished Dupont made their Teflon Chain Saver is small cans as well. But yea, I always take a can of lube too.

    Someone should start a thread with a simple name and we can make a permanent list so this is easier to search. Maybe some old retired fart with more time on his hands can take up the torch. Maybe title it something like Long Trip Packing List?
     
  9. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    Not too much here that I can add except that if this same trip was to be made on a Harley, a Ford F100 truck is very handy to have.

    There was one dude here awhile back that added and packed every possible gizmo, gadget and acessory listed and his VFR ended up weighing 825 lbs and it collapsed the centerstand.
     
  10. pgafuture

    pgafuture New Member

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    I will summarize the items suggested above and compile a master list if someone wants to merge the threads.

    I'm adding service manual to the list of suggestions.

    Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
     
  11. AussieLuke

    AussieLuke New Member

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    my 2c worth. download the manual as a PDF for your RAZR. I have a copy on iPhone and iPad.
    Cheers and enjoy the trip.
     
  12. Maggot

    Maggot New Member

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    I think Repsol has a 4 or 6 oz. can of chain lube. I agree with the DuPont Chain Saver I think it is the best. Thats all I use when I'm not on a trip. I also use DuPont Chain Cleaner. Some Ace Hardware stores carry a DuPont All Purpose Lube that has the exact same ingredients as Chain Saver. Just Sayin'.....
     
  13. slo1

    slo1 New Member

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    How far is this trip ? If your bike is solid, maintenance wise, then don't get carried away with "Parts" and repair stuff. Sounds like you are taking enough clothes etc since it's a move of sorts.

    Credit card and some cash, old underwear and socks so you can pitch them every night, good tire pressure gauge, ear plugs, rain suit, camera, small spray polish and rag, Leatherman, rock and roll :)

    It's amazing how awesome it feels to do a 3 day ride, 1500 - 2400 miles, with just a tank bag and tail pack. Most people way over pack. Some of ya'lls lists are longer than my Alaska list ;)
     
  14. Badbilly

    Badbilly Official VFRWorld Troll Of The Year!

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    OMG!! There for just a second I thought I had gotten bumped to a Winny site. Whew!
     
  15. risgett

    risgett New Member

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    I can't think of anything to pack that hasn't already been said. I live in Florence, SC and I95 comes right thru here. If you have any mechanical problems close to Florence, hit me up. I have a truck, trailer and tools and I'm off all week. We'll tow it, fix it and then grill out and drink beer.:biggrin:
     
  16. Rollin_Again

    Rollin_Again Member

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    After reading of your generous offer to pgafuture I might have to make my way up that way and have a mysterious mechanical breakdown. "I was just riding along when all of a sudden she stopped. I'm really not sure how those darn spark plug wires popped off but now that she's fixed I'll take that beer and steak" LOL!!!

    Rollin
     
  17. risgett

    risgett New Member

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    You don't have to have a breakdown. Just let me know when you are heading this way and we'll grill some steaks, drink some beer and then ride.....wait....we better ride first and then grill and drink beer.:wink:
     
  18. pgafuture

    pgafuture New Member

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    I very much appreciate that. Maybe you can join me for a picture on my way down, short stint on the slab? Good for forum moral.

    I'll have Google latitude on for location sharing by my family's request. Seems like a good idea.

    Reassembly and break in miles happening tonight and tomorrow. Tires brake pads and clutch will need time to break in around home before departure.

    Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
     
  19. pgafuture

    pgafuture New Member

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    Considering iron butt ride. 1,000 in 24 hours.

    Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
     
  20. risgett

    risgett New Member

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    Yea, I'm up for that. Got any time frame for when you think you will be passing thru SC?
     
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