Thinking of taking my first long bike trip

[lastparrot]

I have been able to put almost 400 miles on my Tenere and still loving it. My wife has a beach trip with her family (4-5 hours away) about 6 weeks away and I have thought of riding the bike down. Now I feel I don't have the proper gear to wear down for a trip like this. I also don't have any luggage. I am looking for tips on both of these fronts.

I have been looking at luggage and like the idea of panniers but I hate what I am finding. I really wish I could find something like what the FJR offers that look a little more stylish than a box. I understand that function rules over form with big adv bikes, I am just surprised there isn't a more attractive option.

As far as gear I have thought of going to Cycle Gear and just getting an Explorer outfit (thoughts?), I want something I can take into a rain shower and my current Kevlar jeans and leather boots I wear don't fit the bill for that.

I have done ample searches on these topics and didn't find enough to answer my questions properly.

 

[Mark R.]

There is no substitute for good gear, which will work for pavement and off road riding. I am partial to Klim gear. Pricey but very well made, and it will work in all kinds of weather.

As far as luggage, there are tons of hard bags, but they do all seem to have the same boxy shape that is popular on ADV bikes. I have Rocky Mountain soft bags from Wolfman, as I am a very occasional user of such bags, and I like the more off-road friendly nature of soft bags. Those advantages are that in a fall, the bags will hopefully not get tangled up with one's legs, and that also in a fall, they have less tendency to dent and tear off the racks.

If you are not necessarily going to use bags on your Tenere, why not get good riding gear, and save the bag or luggage purchase for later? Have the wife take your stuff in the car.

Just a thought.

Mark R.
Albuquerque, NM

 

[sail2xxs]

I think it's great that you are contemplating your first longer trip on the bike! I agree with MarkR about there not being a substitute for good gear. I haven't seen the Cycle Gear Explorer outfit, although TFraser on this forum has it and was favorably impressed. They are running quite a deal on it now: http://www.cyclegear.com/c/brand//BiLT-Explorer-Waterproof-Adventure-Touring-Package/p/package014

I used an Aerostitch Darien jacket and pants for many years, and while I think it has shortfalls for my riding style and needs, you might want to consider looking at it. After wearing it riding year round for the past couple years, I am a strong proponent of the Rukka Armas jacket and pants, however, I don't think they are worth the money unless you plan to do a lot of miles in all 4 seasons. Revzilla.com has a lot of gear and reviews that might help you in finding what works best for your intended use.

For luggage - in the short term, if your wife doesn't have enough space in the car, a dry bag fits great on the passenger seat and rear rack. If you are really serious about some more curvy FJR style panniers, you might want to check with Tabasco on the forum. He can make basically anything...

Best,

Chris

 

[mrpete64]

After going through all kinds of gear, over the years, I finally "sucked it up" and got KLIM gear. Waterproof, and excellent crash protection. It is costly but you really do not get much medical attention for a grand or so. I have transferred my TRAX boxes from bike to bike, over the years, and found that they work well. I might have gone for some good bags but none really existed until a few years ago. They are much lighter and waterproof. I think you will find most bags/boxes do not match the design of what Ducati offers. Most styled boxes do not hold much.
Get some good waterproof boots. Sidi is a very good brand. Also, I would suggest some Held riding gloves. They, in my opinion, make some of the best motorcycle gloves.
And most important...take your time and "see" things as you ride. A lot of people tend to have to "hammer" out 600 miles a day. I guess the old adage "to smell the roses" applies.
Have a safe trip.
Mr. Pete------>
aging hippie

 

[2112]

My wife has a beach trip with her family (4-5 hours away) about 6 weeks away and I have thought of riding the bike down. Now I feel I don't have the proper gear to wear down for a trip like this. I also don't have any luggage. I am looking for tips on both of these fronts.

Easy answer this one - buy some good kit and let yer wife carry your luggage, sorted ::008::

 

[88millimeter]

I agree with all comments above, i am a cheapskate and bought several pieces of cheap gear (jackets, helmets, pants, boots) and ultimately was not happy and ended up buying gore-tex gear (aerostich pants, scott jacket, snow skiing gloves) i should have done this initially and saved money. During my search for gear i found that online stores in europe especially germany had much lower prices on goretex gear even after shipping.

 

[Big Blu]

Easy answer this one - buy some good kit and let yer wife carry your luggage, sorted ::008::

+ 1

Your money is better spent on high quality riding gear then on luggage you don't need.

But if you feel the need to carry you own "stuff, give some thought to a roll top dry bag strapped to the pillion seat or luggage rack.

Revzilla has some good videos you may find helpful in selecting gear that best suits your needs.

Paul

 

[desmo21]

Use these to attach a waterproof bag. http://www.rokstraps.com/

 

[Anwar Namtut]

I have an Olympia Airglide jacket and pants that have lasted me for years. Only problem is they seem to have shrunk. Or maybe I'm getting fat. Reasonable cost with water proof (except when not moving in a downpour), quilted liners. Icon boots - not really waterproof, but they do work well in the rain.

I've been looking at the Cycle Gear package for a couple of years now. Seems like a good deal to me.

I agree with just getting a dry sack - though it doesn't sound like you'll need it for this trip. I also got a cheap top box from Amazon.

 

[itlives]

You might consider some soft bags. Easy on/off and won't break the bank. I had Nelson Rigg soft bags, they worked real good for on the cheap.
Dry bag is a good option too except that the soft bags will keep the weight lower to instead of up high.

 

[Vanderwho]

There's nothing like the security of hard cases. Anything that can be easily and quickly removed from the bike (i.e., without a key) would make me nervous.

Definitely get gear with a waterproof-but-breathable layer built-in. Jacket and pants. Gore-Tex is best, but the imitators (e.g., from FirstGear and Tour Master) are pretty good and much less spendy. Mesh jackets should be avoided if you'll be riding in temps over about 93 degrees... you'll cook in them. Check out LDComfort undergarments (yes, really). Add breathable-but-waterproof boots and you're in business.

Riding MERA's "5 & Dime" 5-day rally last summer gave me a good opportunity to test my gear. It worked, 16 to 18 hours a day, for five days straight (and 3,767 miles).

 

[Bryce]

Mesh jackets should be avoided if you'll be riding in temps over about 93 degrees... you'll cook in them.

So what do you suggest in 93+ deg temps? I've been wearing mesh in the summer for 9years and haven't cooked yet, but it does get damn hot in traffic.

 

[billyp]

I have a First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket and and pants.Well made fair price.If you like leather Hein Gericke ,great deals used on line.

 

[Vanderwho]

So what do you suggest in 93+ deg temps? I've been wearing mesh in the summer for 9years and haven't cooked yet, but it does get damn hot in traffic.

I suggest a jacket with vents that can be opened and, in very hot weather, closed. This explains the technique:

http://www.ldcomfort.com/pdf/LDComfortOnePage2013.pdf

It really is true: at speed above about 93 degrees, convection will only heat the body. The physics has been well documented in the Iron Butt magazine.

 

[snakebitten]

Those ugly ole utility boxes are very functional, and affordable. But they usually do detract from the looks of your bike. (Which never bothered me a bit, to be honest)

I bought Happy Trails early on. About the least pretty "box" out their. Who woulda thought they could become part of the actual design?
Paint em to match your bike.

 

[shrekonwheels]

I have a Cortech jacket I have worn for years, while not billed as waterproof it certainly was water resistant and kept me dry in several downpours that were so bad I had to pull over. It finally lost it's water repellency and I simply sprayed it with camp dry, was good to go. Now the curious thing is I purchased a tour master which owns Cortech and I had to sew it in a couple of seams in a year, I will not purchase another.

Edit, wow snakebitten those Panniers look amazing!

 

[Tyke]

Before gortex was ever even on the horizon, I just rode around the country with a leather jacket in all weather, and if it rained, put on a cheap rain suit. Not the best setup, but I did 10,000 miles plus in 13 days twice doing the USA 4 Corners Tour with just simple dress, and as to luggage, just bungee on the back. Packs can be stacked. Now with fantastic straps like the ROK straps, tying on bags is easy and many good riding suits out there. I like the Aerostich Roadcrafter. Don't need rain gear anymore
.

Oh how I remember those days...soaked to the skin in my leathers luggage bungeed to the trail of the bike...and still grinning from mear to ear

Fortunately as I've become older and more frail I'm thankful for newer/better gear and I use Dainese D-Dry which is great, luggage choice for me would be this ::008::

http://shop.sw-motech.com/en/4052572028049,i6.htm

Check the site for alternative pannier style luggage ::008::

 

[2112]

I bought Happy Trails early on. About the least pretty "box" out their. Who woulda thought they could become part of the actual design?
Paint em to match your bike.

Like the new paint job Snake', very impressive and I see how it will compliment your AGV AX8 ::008::

 

[EricV]

So what do you suggest in 93+ deg temps? I've been wearing mesh in the summer for 9years and haven't cooked yet, but it does get damn hot in traffic.

There is a qualifier to these kind of statements. Time. If you're just doing day rides of ~200 miles and enjoying yourself, stopping to take pictures or do activities along the way and drinking enough fluids that you never feel wiped out or overheated, carry on with the mesh and no worries. However, what occurs at high heat is you are dehydrating your body faster with mesh than with a solid jacket. If you are riding all day in these conditions, it can become dangerous. Dehydration slows you down in many ways. Your physical reaction time slows, your mental abilities slow and you put yourself at increased risk, especially on a motorcycle, of dealing with fatigue and reacting to situations, from traffic issues to simple things like an unexpected decreasing radius turn.

Back to the original topic - Good water resistant or water proof gear means you don't have to stop and fuss with rain gear. It also means it will likely last years longer than cheap gear and more often than not, will have good armor that fits better and will protect you better if the worst happens and you go down. Spend a little more now, it will save you money later. It's hard to find dedicated riding pants for under $250 and a good riding jacket can cost over $500, but there are deals out there. This is a good source for moto gear, some of it is top quality, some borderline junk, but pricing and close outs can put you in good gear for a reasonable price. http://www.motorcyclegear.com/ Don't forget gloves and boots. Fingers/hands and ankles/feet are hard to repair and slow to heal, from a medical standpoint. Protect what you have and you will never regret it.

Luggage - Spend the extra on Rok Straps, it's worth it and they are relatively cheap too. After that, you have to consider how often you will need luggage. I travel a lot and ride a lot, so for me hard luggage makes sense now. It might not for you. When I was younger and had less money to spend, bike luggage could be as simple as a couple of boat bags with the carry straps linked and hung over the back of the bike like saddle bags, then just strapped in place. Sure, I had to put my clothes in plastic trash bags to keep them dry, but I spent maybe $40 on the pair of bags at the local marine supply store, so a bunch of trash bags at the dollar store was not a big deal.

There are a lot of high quality soft and hard luggage set ups out there. Most of them cost a fair bit too. Not knowing your budget or how often you might use luggage, it's hard to really offer a suggestion. Better stuff is simply easier to live with and use. But it doesn't make sense to spend $2k if you only do a few trips a year. On the other hand, with the riding gear, it does make sense to spend serious money, as you will be more comfortable and better protected every time you ride.

 

[adventurelounger]

One more opinion:

Go. Go. Go. Go. Go.

Did I say go?

I LOVE road tripping on my S10. If you have to be on slab, I find it to be the most comfortable steed imaginable (especially if you use an X-Screen windshield extender/deflector—no buffeting and a calm pocket of air for this 6'1 rider).

You absolutely want a proper riding kit...full face helmet (assume you have), armored jacket and pants, boots and gloves. I've had the Rev'It Sands jacket and pants for a few years. Awesome and truly 3 season. Has zip-in insulated liners and zip-in rain liners. Good armor. Super comfortable and functional. I also have the Rev'It boots (they're zip up with a good tread and sole, well-padded, and all day comfortable). And I'm a fan of Held "Steve" gloves. Great materials, metal palm sliders, comfortable and extremely well made.

You only need luggage if you have to schlep your own stuff. If wifey will be your Sherpa and put your stuff in her SUV, you're golden. I schlep my own stuff since my wife hates my bike habit (doh!), and I have the Yamaha OEM panniers and a Kriega tail bag. Perfect set up for me.

Lastly, I'm a huge fan of the the sheepskin seat cover. I'm on my second Alaska Sheepskin. If you're going to be in the saddle for any extended period of time, it makes a huge difference. Good riding underpants help too—like Jockey sport mesh. If you haven't spent 5-8 hours at a time in the saddle, this might not seem important. It's important. Your ass can be the single greatest limiting factor to distance riding enjoyment.

Oh, and get some foam earplugs. Make highway time much more relaxing.

Hope this helps. But go!