Hello, I am planning a trip to Tucson, Arizona this summer, leaving from New York around the end of May/early June. So far my gear collection includes: Icon Mainframe helmet Icon Daytona leather jacket Icon Super Duty boots Icon Timax and Tarmac gloves Fleece neckie Alpinestars DryStar gloves(for cold and wet) Leather chaps Tinted visor for said helmet Cheapo two-piece rain suit ------ OEM hardbags Icon tankbag Tent 40* sleeping bag
I am considering a GPS unit, so I don't have to carry/read maps, but I want to make sure I get all my personal gear taken care of first. I am thinking of getting a water proof textile jacket/pant combo and leaving the leather jacket at home.
Any suggestions/advice(related to gear) are welcomed and greatly appreciated!! Thank you!
SEBSPEED, Apr 9 2006, 07:46 PMHello, I am planning a trip to Tucson, Arizona this summer, leaving from New York around the end of May/early June. So far my gear collection includes: Icon Mainframe helmet Icon Daytona leather jacket Icon Super Duty boots Icon Timax and Tarmac gloves Fleece neckie Alpinestars DryStar gloves(for cold and wet) Leather chaps Tinted visor for said helmet Cheapo two-piece rain suit ------ OEM hardbags Icon tankbag Tent 40* sleeping bag
I am considering a GPS unit, so I don't have to carry/read maps, but I want to make sure I get all my personal gear taken care of first. I am thinking of getting a water proof textile jacket/pant combo and leaving the leather jacket at home.
Any suggestions/advice(related to gear) are welcomed and greatly appreciated!! Thank you!
Sounds like you have the big bases covered. I'd carry a number of tools, tire repair kit and oil just for safety measures. Also I suggest a Camel Back so you can drink along the way, makes a big difference on those hot days. PowerBars make a good side of the road energy pick me up. Good luck.
Edit: Do you have enough luggage? May I suggest a Top bag.
I always take a Columbia fleece vest on tour, it's great under my jacket when the weather turns cool, great off the bike too, and is small and light to carry. Zipped right up it works perfectly as a neckie (I've got a bike-specific balaclava too).
I don't know what sort of temperatures you will encounter, but full length thermals are also great to have and don't take up much room either.
Consider bicycle knicks under your pants (padded/chamois ones), they make a big difference to your butt comfort.
A velour-finish blow-up pillow for catching z's if you're camping, and a good torch - I used to carry an AAA Maglite, but now carry a Petzl LED headlamp. Very useful to have. Insect repellent for night time.
You won't regret investing in a good textile touring jacket and pants. These days they are so comfortable and practical - and good to look at - it's silly not to use them on tour.
I carry the usual tools, chain lube, and a quality tyre gauge (Michelin brand) and plugging kit (I recommend the Maruni V-Seal VK-01, best I've used out of 4-5 brands). Some spare fuses and a headlight globe or two can be useful. A roll of black cloth tape. Mr Sheen (small can) and paper towel for cleaning my visor each time I stop, I also tape the top inch or so of the visor to reduce glare. Earplugs and sunblock. A disc lock (I carry a braided 6' cable and quality lock). A spare key hidden safely on the bike is also a good idea! You can use the black cloth tape to tape it to the front fairing subframe in an unobrusive location.
I double-bag anything that's going into soft luggage if the weather looks threatening; 5 or 6 plastic bags are easy to carry.
The Phantom, Apr 10 2006, 11:28 AM6th... maybe 5th for long hills goofy.gif
I always take a Columbia fleece vest on tour, it's great under my jacket when the weather turns cool, great off the bike too, and is small and light to carry. Zipped right up it works perfectly as a neckie (I've got a bike-specific balaclava too).
I don't know what sort of temperatures you will encounter, but full length thermals are also great to have and don't take up much room either.
Consider bicycle knicks under your pants (padded/chamois ones), they make a big difference to your butt comfort.
A velour-finish blow-up pillow for catching z's if you're camping, and a good torch - I used to carry an AAA Maglite, but now carry a Petzl LED headlamp. Very useful to have. Insect repellent for night time.
You won't regret investing in a good textile touring jacket and pants. These days they are so comfortable and practical - and good to look at - it's silly not to use them on tour.
I carry the usual tools, chain lube, and a quality tyre gauge (Michelin brand) and plugging kit (I recommend the Maruni V-Seal VK-01, best I've used out of 4-5 brands). Some spare fuses and a headlight globe or two can be useful. A roll of black cloth tape. Mr Sheen (small can) and paper towel for cleaning my visor each time I stop, I also tape the top inch or so of the visor to reduce glare. Earplugs and sunblock. A disc lock (I carry a braided 6' cable and quality lock). A spare key hidden safely on the bike is also a good idea! You can use the black cloth tape to tape it to the front fairing subframe in an unobrusive location.
I double-bag anything that's going into soft luggage if the weather looks threatening; 5 or 6 plastic bags are easy to carry.
Thank you, any more suggestions? Think I'll be ok ditching the leather and taking just the textile stuff?
Consider leaving behind the camping gear and just stay in motels. Unless you really like camping and already have all the required gear, you can spend as much camping as simply finding cheap hotels. I traveled across the US for almost a month, and it was always easy to find decent motels for $35-50/night (assuming you travel secondary highways and avoid large cities).
These days, commercial campgrounds can run $20-30/night, just to stay in a noisy, crowded, and typically, ugly, field.
By staying in motels, you can save a lot of space and weight on your bike, which definitely makes riding nicer (esp. for the twisties!). You always have a hot shower, a TV weather report, and a supply of rags for cleaning your bike. Not to mention, it's dry! Packing a wet tent in the rain sucks...
Depending on your planned route, be prepared for widely varying temperatures. You could easily run into below freezing to over 100 degrees. I took an Aerostich suit and a mesh suit, and was very glad to have both! I don't find leather to have a very wide temperature range, so make sure whatever you plan to take will be reasonably comfortable for all temperatures.
Make sure you have plans for tires. You're likely to eat up rear tires faster than normal due to the additional weight. Depending on your planned distance and tire choice, you may need to get a tire on the way. I found tire choices very limited at most dealers, not to mention pretty high prices. I'd think about buying replacement tires ahead of time, and having the supplier put the tires aside until I called to overnight to a local dealer. That way, I'd be reasonably certain to get the tires I wanted, when I needed them.
I'm on the road at a client's site this week; I'll send you an equipment list this weekend, as well as some notes about the trip you may find helpful.
You'll love the trip! It's a beautiful country, and motorcycles are a great way to see it.
hlf, Apr 10 2006, 01:38 PMConsider leaving behind the camping gear and just stay in motels. Unless you really like camping and already have all the required gear, you can spend as much camping as simply finding cheap hotels. I traveled across the US for almost a month, and it was always easy to find decent motels for $35-50/night (assuming you travel secondary highways and avoid large cities).
These days, commercial campgrounds can run $20-30/night, just to stay in a noisy, crowded, and typically, ugly, field.
By staying in motels, you can save a lot of space and weight on your bike, which definitely makes riding nicer (esp. for the twisties!). You always have a hot shower, a TV weather report, and a supply of rags for cleaning your bike. Not to mention, it's dry! Packing a wet tent in the rain sucks... Depending on your planned route, be prepared for widely varying temperatures. You could easily run into below freezing to over 100 degrees. I took an Aerostich suit and a mesh suit, and was very glad to have both! I don't find leather to have a very wide temperature range, so make sure whatever you plan to take will be reasonably comfortable for all temperatures. Make sure you have plans for tires. You're likely to eat up rear tires faster than normal due to the additional weight. Depending on your planned distance and tire choice, you may need to get a tire on the way. I found tire choices very limited at most dealers, not to mention pretty high prices. I'd think about buying replacement tires ahead of time, and having the supplier put the tires aside until I called to overnight to a local dealer. That way, I'd be reasonably certain to get the tires I wanted, when I needed them. I'm on the road at a client's site this week; I'll send you an equipment list this weekend, as well as some notes about the trip you may find helpful.
You'll love the trip! It's a beautiful country, and motorcycles are a great way to see it.
I thought about hotelling it all the way, but I like the idea of being prepared, in case something happens, I can have a place to sleep. Besides my need to spend as little money as possible.
The tires on my bike are brand new now, and will likely only have around 1000mi's on them when I leave, and I'm hoping to stretch them out till I get back... the friend that I am visiting in Tucson did the same ride on his '01 F4i when he bought it new, with a set of Dunlop 208's, and he made it back with just a little thread showing. My bike has Metzler Z4's, which are a S/T compound, and combined with the extra weight, I hope to get at least the same results.
Right now I am leaning towards a Tour Master Jacket, Joe Rocket pants, and a sweatshirt to wear underneath, possibly some cycle shorts also.
I have a pretty good idea of what supplies to bring, Motorcycle Escape magazine did a good job of covering that in their first few issues, but I would love to see your list too!
Take only syn cloths. Ya only need 2 t-shirts, 2 pairs of socks and briefs if they are syn. Just wash one set of each every night in camp or the hotel and they will be dry by morning. Take syn back pack'n pants and no Levis, saves a lot of room. Buy some liguid backpack'n soap; it works for yur cloths and yurself when camp'n.
If ya plan'n long days in heat wear a hydration system and start drink'n water early in day.
A GPS is great, but have paper maps as back up; they are much better for plan'n the next days route.
I pack for the ride, not the camp'n. By that I mean, the point of my tour'n (street or off road) is the ride'n not camp so I would rather do without in camp in order to have a lighter bike and more fun ride'n.
Take a couple of weekend trips a few weeks before and test yur pack'n and ride'n gear.
When it comes to tools, buy and practice with a patch kit and small compressor or bicycle pump before ya leave. Forget the CO2 stuff, takes too many to get any usable air in the tire.
The cool thing about bike tour'n is that you will always be make'n small changes to your tour'n gear over the years as ya get better and find'n out what works for you, yur bike and yur tour'n style.......Enjoy beer.gif
SEBSPEED, Apr 11 2006, 06:35 AMThink I'll be ok ditching the leather and taking just the textile stuff?
Yup. After I bought my Teknic textile jacket, I wore my leather jacket only a couple of times, then sold it. A good textile jacket is better in almost every way than leather, apart from abrasion resistance. If, like mine, it has a removable thermal liner and air-vent zips, it'll cover just about every weather condition with the exception of very cold weather, when you'll need more layers on underneath. Generally, all I wear under my jacket year-round is a long-sleeved top: cotton if it's really hot, and wool otherwise. In fact, if you have something like an Icebreaker top, then you can wear it all year round.
Well, I decided I'm definately ordering the Tour Master jacket, and I'll pack 2pr jeans(gotta have my Levi's!), socks, underwear, t-shirts, and a long sleeve t. Also a pr. of thermal long johns, and my cheapo rain pants, and a sweatshirt. With food(healthy snacks and mre's) and water in one case; tools, extras, patch kit, etc. in the other case. Tent and sleeping bag on top; maps, camera, s.a. knife, advil, kleenex, honda polish, sunglasses, cap, etc, in tank bag. I would like to get a GPS depending on how much overtime I can work in the next few weeks dry.gif
My GF and I rode to AZ in the summer and it was HOT! Definately invest in a camelback to keep hydrated while you ride. Even with the camelback in 120� weather I almost passed out while driving. Water is EXTREMELY important. Especially since there are LONG stretches in AZ where there are no services for MILES.
wilit, Apr 10 2006, 11:50 PMMy GF and I rode to AZ in the summer and it was HOT! Definately invest in a camelback to keep hydrated while you ride. Even with the camelback in 120� weather I almost passed out while driving. Water is EXTREMELY important. Especially since there are LONG stretches in AZ where there are no services for MILES.
If you're going to get the GPS, get it soon so you can learn how to use it. Also make sure you get one with removable memory cards since you'll likely need more than one to hold the maps for your entire trip.
As for gear I highly recommend getting the waterproof breathable fabric type. I have First Gear Kilamanjaro jacket and pants. That way you don't need separate rain gear and the breathable part is really nice - keeps you from getting sweaty/clammy in almost all conditions. Staying dry also allows you to wear pretty much the same stuff underneath for a wide range of temperature. The breathable (aka Goretex or other brand) stuff usually costs about $100 more but it is definitely worth it. As someone said above, leave the cotton and wool behind. Fleece is great.
Have a great trip. If you're in Colorado around June 21 stop into Avon for STAR.
SEBSPEED, Apr 9 2006, 08:46 PMHello, I am planning a trip to Tucson, Arizona this summer, leaving from New York around the end of May/early June. So far my gear collection includes: Icon Mainframe helmet Icon Daytona leather jacket Icon Super Duty boots Icon Timax and Tarmac gloves Fleece neckie Alpinestars DryStar gloves(for cold and wet) Leather chaps Tinted visor for said helmet Cheapo two-piece rain suit ------ OEM hardbags Icon tankbag Tent 40* sleeping bag
I am considering a GPS unit, so I don't have to carry/read maps, but I want to make sure I get all my personal gear taken care of first. I am thinking of getting a water proof textile jacket/pant combo and leaving the leather jacket at home.
Any suggestions/advice(related to gear) are welcomed and greatly appreciated!! Thank you!
Not sure if the Icon Super Duty boots are waterproof or not, but you may want to make sure that you have some rain boots if not. There's nothing like sopping wet boots to take all the fun out of a long distance ride. They're normally pretty cheap and although they are F-ugly, they do the trick. Something like these: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motor...products/treds/
Chain Lube... In case no one else mentioned it. I am hoping for a round trip to this Summer: Oklahoma to Northern Michigan that will, no doubt, include wide variations in heat/cold, but no camping. As such, I've also been working on a list of take-a-longs. In addition to Honda HP Chain Lube, I also plan to carry a small can of Honda Spray Cleaner & Polish, WD-40 and Plexus.
robertv19, Apr 11 2006, 10:01 AMNot sure if the Icon Super Duty boots are waterproof or not, but you may want to make sure that you have some rain boots if not. There's nothing like sopping wet boots to take all the fun out of a long distance ride. They're normally pretty cheap and although they are F-ugly, they do the trick. Something like these: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Reviewed-motor...products/treds/
They fold up nice and small too.
Just my $.02
I have, in the past, used grocery store bags to cover my boots, and with the gusseted rain pants have made out pretty well. It looks ghetto, but it works, and packs REAL small fing02.gif
SPACE BAGS - Go to Bed Bath and Beyond and pick these up. You can't imagine how much room this will save you. They are platic bags with a valve at the one end. You put your clothes in them and then roll all the air out of the bag. They are especially useful for your rain gear. I have the Nelson Riggs rain gear and it alone will eat up half a hard side case. With the space bags it compresses down to almost nothing. In addtion to the space savings they protect your clothes from the rain.
They are pretty inexpesive as well. They were 20 bucks for about 6 bags. All my touring pals go them after I pulled them out a few years ago.
Lrice, Apr 11 2006, 02:52 PMSPACE BAGS - Go to Bed Bath and Beyond and pick these up. You can't imagine how much room this will save you. They are platic bags with a valve at the one end. You put your clothes in them and then roll all the air out of the bag. They are especially useful for your rain gear. I have the Nelson Riggs rain gear and it alone will eat up half a hard side case. With the space bags it compresses down to almost nothing. In addtion to the space savings they protect your clothes from the rain.
Large (1 gallon +) heavy duty Zip-Lock freezer bags work great, too. You can get them in any supermarket.
benSV, Apr 11 2006, 04:10 PMLots of good suggestions I haven't read anything but two of my favorites that I always miss if I forget:
- The small size maglight - A good swiss army knife or leatherman type tool
It's amazing how often you might want a flashlight to adjust or tweak something and you're not in your nicely lit garage.
BTW are you sponsored by Icon? tongue.gif
I already have a small(1-AAA) size Maglite, and a Swiss Army knife, and I am putting together a small roll of tools to pack(in the crevices) under the seat.
Believe it or not, I wish I was sponsored by Icon! smile.gif Squidly looks aside, I have tried on quite a few brands, and their stuff fits me best, and as far as I can tell, it's quality stuff, too. The Mainframe fits me especially well, and has the best field of vision of any other helmet I've had in the past. Comfort is the overall key after safety, don't you agree? I tried their mesh Timax pants, too, but I didn't like'em(I felt my jeans would hold up better), so back they went.
I did a practice set-up of my tent today, and I must say I'm pleased! Pull a roll of plastic out of a bag, and 8 stakes and a collapsable hiking pole later, voila, you have a tent with vestibule! I can fit all my gear from the bike inside with me, and get changed in private, too!
This thread is turning out well with a lot of good suggestions and information, thank you all and keep it coming! fing02.gif
SEBSPEED, Apr 9 2006, 04:46 PMI am considering a GPS unit, so I don't have to carry/read maps, but I want to make sure I get all my personal gear taken care of first.
Have you looked at the Garmin i2 and the i3 GPS systems. They are very small, but show all the relevant information. The i2 has a black and white screen and consumes very little power. It can go for 12 hours with a couple AA batteries. Good luck with your trip.
Don't forget a cell phone. I would also strongly recommend towing service such as Motow through AMA. You may not need it but it is some peace of mind to know that if you have a breakdown anywhere you can get picked up. There are other service beside Motow but I have heard good things about them. I got stranded with a flat once. It cost me $65 just to have someone come a fix it. That will never happen again. Leave the leather jacket at home and get a good textile jacket with air flow. It will be hot at that time of year.
fjrvfr, Apr 14 2006, 12:03 PMDon't forget a cell phone. I would also strongly recommend towing service such as Motow through AMA. You may not need it but it is some peace of mind to know that if you have a breakdown anywhere you can get picked up. There are other service beside Motow but I have heard good things about them. I got stranded with a flat once. It cost me $65 just to have someone come a fix it. That will never happen again. Leave the leather jacket at home and get a good textile jacket with air flow. It will be hot at that time of year.
I am looking at prepaid phones now, and have the HRCA membership that covers towing/rental, etc.
Also just purchased a Magellan Roadmate 300 brand new on ebay for $250! I just have to get a couple extra SD cards, because the memory is limited in the unit, but I'd rather carry the tiny SD cards instead of paper maps!
Fixer, Phantom, thanks for keeping the thread alive guys fing02.gif laugh.gif
There are cooling vests available that you soak in water before putting on. They are supposed to keep you cool by evaporation. In theory, it sounds reasonable, at least when the RH is low, but I've had no experience with them.
Has anyone used a cooling vest? If so, was it helpful?
FRE, Apr 15 2006, 11:41 PMThere are cooling vests available that you soak in water before putting on. They are supposed to keep you cool by evaporation. In theory, it sounds reasonable, at least when the RH is low, but I've had no experience with them.
Has anyone used a cooling vest? If so, was it helpful?
You can also soak a long sleeve tee in water, and wear it under your jacket. It's the evaporative effect that keeps you cool. The vest may hold more water(in doing so have a longer lasting effect), but the tee is easier to pack fing02.gif
Sebastian, I hope for a wonderful and fulfilling trip for you. And depending upon your gear and other preparation, that's what I'd expect.
I live in the Southern California desert and ride across the Southwest in Summer and regularly cross the US. I'm feeling a bit anxious because I know the dangers to health and the challenges to well-being and happiness that face a traveler out here. Very few people can grasp how severe such a ride can be without having first-hand experience with it.
On a cross-country ride I only ever use textile clothing that's fully waterproof, light in color for Summer, and that opens for ventilation that is slow enough to allow cooling to take place from evaporation of sweat and/or other water souces like a Cool Vest or a Hoon Cooler (bag that deposits water through a loop of plastic tubing around the neck). My boots are top class Gore-Tex as well. I have several pair of gloves, usually three, one of which is WARM and waterproof, and I use Aerostich Gore-Tex covers for the cooler ones.
I often carry a mesh jacket, like a Joe Rocket Phoenix, or Cortek Air if temps are going to be MODERATELY HIGH (78F - 95F) and/or humid. HOT WEATHER (95+) IS BETTER MET COVERED UP.
If I'm headed across The Rockies, or Sierra Nevadas I also carry Gerbing heated clothing, at least a heated full under-jacket and, these days, heated glove liners. On an AUGUST day, it is possible to visit temps out here - in the same day - that range from 10F to 119F!!!! KNOW YOUR ROUTE AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
I ALWAY carry 2 litres of water, and food things like Power Bars, beef jerky, cheese crackers to feed me for at least one day.
I ALWAYS carry at least 1 can of Penzoil aerosol flat fixer, and usually carry a 12V air pump. Flat tires in the desert are rare, but not fun. They can be fatal for the unprepared.
Most of my SW friends us a Camelback. Myself, my physical system is atuned to absorbing and shedding between 1 and 2 litres of fluid at and between hourly stops. Every other stop that fluid is at least 1/2 Gatorade or similar electrolitic sports dring. ALL my rides out here are of about 1 hour segements ONLY. Not only does that stave off fatigue of 10 to 12 hour days, day-after-600-miie-day, it keeps me mentally fit, and HYDRATED!!!!
As far as GPS goes, I use a Garmin 276C because it is fully waterproof, and its screen gets BRIGHTER in then intense sunlight out here rather than dimmer. With a spare 256mb card, I can load detail maps alongside my route, and for at least 2 major areas like The Rockies, or The East Coast. I power mine from a BMW-style outlet in the VFR dash, but find it's charger doesn't take up much space and the unit will run fine for my longest days.
Sebastian, I strongly suggest you don't screw around about your health on this trip. Get some Smarts. The folks at BMW Sport Touring dot Com ( www.bmwst.com ) have lots of info in their archives on the subject of Summer Travel in the Southwest, and they'd be happy to discuss the matter with you on their "Ride Discussion" forum. I think you'd find their help to be invaluable.
When I took the MSF course in August 2005, the instructor told us that she had ridden across the desert in Califonia. She said it was so hot that she did most of her riding at night. What bike she used I don't know, but she rode a Honda Shadow to the classes and it had neither fairing nor windshield. That was before I knew about soakable vests. She said that she had soaked her clothes in water but that they had dried so fast that it wasn't very helpful. That's why I am wondering about soakable vests.
Here is a link to a web site in Norway; it shows what Norway is doing and plans to do to improve road safety. It makes our road safety programs, to the extent that they even exist, look totally inadequate by comparison:
FRE, Apr 16 2006, 03:22 PMWhen I took the MSF course in August 2005, the instructor told us that she had ridden across the desert in Califonia. She said it was so hot that she did most of her riding at night. What bike she used I don't know, but she rode a Honda Shadow to the classes and it had neither fairing nor windshield. That was before I knew about soakable vests. She said that she had soaked her clothes in water but that they had dried so fast that it wasn't very helpful. That's why I am wondering about soakable vests.
Did she happen to mention what kind of riding apparel she was using?
The only thing I want to add is about animals. In my part of the world, at sunrise and sunset, the deer and small animals are very common and very dangerous. If you limit your travel to daytime hours, you'll have 1 less thing to worry about. Good luck and be safe. Ps. If you feel tired, pull over. Don't take chances.