Long Distance Trip Packing List

[armyspydervet]

For all you experienced Spyder Pilots out there, what are some essential items to purchase for long distance trips (i.e. Bags, gear, upgrades, maybe some key farkles, etc.).

Please be specific and provide links and/or pictures. As we newbies prepare for Spyderfest - there are undoubtedly some things I will need to invest in over the next four months.

Thank you all in advance for your input.

[Brentc]

I have been finding that a lot of my snowmobile gear is slowly moving over to my spyder inventory. One thing I found was my large gear bags, that are water repellent, make great suitcases to pack in the 622 trailer as added security against water on the gear. Also I have a stash of ziplock and small garbage bags on the spyder that I have found useful on occasion.

[Bob Denman]

RAIN GEAR!!!
This should be your FIRST consideration. A trip of this length will test your mettle, if you're soaked to the bone.
TOOLS:
Bring along some Torx wrenches, a spare quart of oil, some duct tape, a decent air pressure gauge that you trust, some flashlights (You NEVER have enough!)
CLOTHING:
There are several approaches to this:
1.Bring a minimal amount, and wear it until people only approach you from upwind...
2. Bring old clothes, throw them out and buy replacements!
3. Mail your dirty laundry home... (Don't tell the USPS what's in the package... let them learn the HARD way!)
4. Truck everything that you need to Missouri, and don't worry about space considerations
As for me: I'm a firm believer in tactics 1 and 2...

[Brentc]

RAIN GEAR!!!
This should be your FIRST consideration. A trip of this length will test your mettle, if you're soaked to the bone.
TOOLS:
Bring along some Torx wrenches, a spare quart of oil, some duct tape, a decent air pressure gauge that you trust, some flashlights (You NEVER have enough!)
CLOTHING:
There are several approaches to this:
1.Bring a minimal amount, and wear it until people only approach you from upwind...
2. Bring old clothes, throw them out and buy replacements!
3. Mail your dirty laundry home... (Don't tell the USPS what's in the package... let them learn the HARD way!)
4. Truck everything that you need to Missouri, and don't worry about space considerations
As for me: I'm a firm believer in tactics 1 and 2...

Dibs on riding ahead of Bob on the ride home.

But on a slightly more serious note, I'll offer any space I have in my 622 trailer to whoever and whatever may need it in our group. I would imagine I should have a bit of room.

[Bob Denman]

[armyspydervet]

RAIN GEAR!!!
This should be your FIRST consideration. A trip of this length will test your mettle, if you're soaked to the bone.
TOOLS:
Bring along some Torx wrenches, a spare quart of oil, some duct tape, a decent air pressure gauge that you trust, some flashlights (You NEVER have enough!)
CLOTHING:
There are several approaches to this:
1.Bring a minimal amount, and wear it until people only approach you from upwind...
2. Bring old clothes, throw them out and buy replacements!
3. Mail your dirty laundry home... (Don't tell the USPS what's in the package... let them learn the HARD way!)
4. Truck everything that you need to Missouri, and don't worry about space considerations
As for me: I'm a firm believer in tactics 1 and 2...

[Chupaca]

Along with the tools mentioned above, a plug kit and air supply first aid kit . A lot will depend on your space. Clothing is the least of your worries. Safety and comfort is number one. Farkles are mostly eye candy except for safety and handling/comfort. These you will have to ryde a while to see if you need or want them. Take a few side trips and see what you find necessary. ...

[Bob Denman]

I have one like that, for when I'm making CHILI!
Unfortunately; it's nowhere near good enough, to help when I'm eating that chili!

[quasi]

from the sounds of things I think a big bottle of febreze fresh scent would come in handy!

tie wire or long zip ties, never know when a tie rod end will let loose.

extra running light bulbs

[Lew L]

All of the above is good,good,good.

Bring more money ( cash too) than you think youll need.

Kaos

[Bob Denman]

Zip ties... I always keep the bottom of the top trunk littered with them!
Spare bulbs? Not so much...
Unless you've had ongoing issues with lighting; you're pretty safe. After all; you'll be heading toward one of the better dealers in the Country!

[armyspydervet]

I don't have too much space available. I have an ST-S sans saddlebags. My space is limited to the frunk and a bag strapped to the back seat. I just got a decent roll bag that is water resistant from REI. I will begin looking at rain gear options this week. I think I'm also going to buy a Sena so I can listen to music and have access to phone calls as well as communicate with others in the convoy that have one. I like to talk if you haven't noticed

I also pack my emergency cigar and bourbon kit for post ryding enjoyment. Never leave home without that. I figure if I'm missing something else, I can always use cigar and bourbon to barter for what I need.

[pegasus1300]

here is a thread I found awhile ago and I thought it was interesting. It has more to do with camping but a lot of it is applicable to any motorcycle traveling.
BTW, if you google motorcycle traveling or motorcycle packing tips or anything to do with motorcycle traveling you will get years of very interesting reading to fill up these snowy months and meet ( by reading their stuff) some fascinating people.

http://www.shortroadtohappy.com/what...torcycle-trip/

Here is another from the AMA on general things. They put this in their magazine a year or two ago. BTW if you are not a member may I recommend that you you join. Their is not bad and it's free with the membership. Lots of good information on website and in magazine and they fight for our rights.

http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/...rttouring.aspx

and one more. I just found this site,did not take time to study it too much,but it sounds useful.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/packi...rip-29681.html

To me there is nothing better then traveling on a motorcycle. If you are just starting the most important thing to bring is a good attitude and lots of patience with yourself and anyone traveling with you. Things will go wrong,you will forget important stuff and you will make major mistakes. Don't let it stop you or spoil the fun,it's all part of the adventure.

[Bob Denman]

I also pack my emergency cigar and bourbon kit for post ryding enjoyment. Never leave home without that. I figure if I'm missing something else, I can always use cigar and bourbon to barter for what I need.

Don't forget the chocolate bars and nylons too!
Ohhh... We're not going to Europe, or the South Pacific!

[IGETAROUND]

I don't have too much space available. I have an ST-S sans saddlebags. My space is limited to the frunk and a bag strapped to the back seat. I just got a decent roll bag that is water resistant from REI. I will begin looking at rain gear options this week. I think I'm also going to buy a Sena so I can listen to music and have access to phone calls as well as communicate with others in the convoy that have one. I like to talk if you haven't noticed

I also pack my emergency cigar and bourbon kit for post ryding enjoyment. Never leave home without that. I figure if I'm missing something else, I can always use cigar and bourbon to barter for what I need.

Heated gear from Baja Ron, site sponsor. That and Frog Togs rain gear in the appropriate size needed. I do agree with not leaving home without your Bourbon, takes the edge off of long days on the road.

[pegasus1300]

Oh and refill your meds if your almost out and don't forget to bring them

[asp125]

If you don't have hard luggage, invest in a dry bag and bungee straps (flat ones, not round ones). The dry bag keeps your stuff well... dry, and the bungee net or straps won't roll off unlike round ones.

The big yellow dry bag in the picture was our sleeping bags and tent.

[armyspydervet]

Heated gear from Baja Ron, site sponsor. That and Frog Togs rain gear in the appropriate size needed. I do agree with not leaving home without your Bourbon, takes the edge off of long days on the road.

Thanks for the frog togg tip. That is my next purchase.

[armyspydervet]

Oh and refill your meds if your almost out and don't forget to bring them

Thanks for reminding me. I'm almost out if anti-psychotics.

[Yazz]

Mail your good clothes to your hotel, then mail them back home.

Bring quarters for the laundromat.

[mpsicon]

Remember to always pack rain gear last - you don't need to be taking everything out and getting wet to get to rain gear.

[JKMSPYDER]

Check out the Nelson-Rigg soft saddlebags. I bought a set of CL950 bags for my ST-S several years ago and they have been great. They come with rain covers and have large Velcro straps that can be put under the seat and the seat sits down on them in the closed position. Someone then can't steal the bags unless they have a very sharp knife and want to take the time to cut them off. I will be transferring these bags to my new F3-S.

[Haze]

Thanks for posting the packing suggestions.
I need waterproof gloves.

My raingear is OK. GPS is an old TomTom XXL that seems to work adequately. GPS can be covered with a plastic bag if/when it rains.
I'm into DIY so I'm proofing some heated grip wraps and installing driving/fog lights.
Installation should be finished later today. So far so good.
I, too, am riding an ST-S - w/o saddle bags. I've been mulling over the purchase of such for a few days.
I pulled the trigger this morning and purchased the CanAm bags online - ouch"". So now I'm on an ST-S+.
If the budget allows I may purchase a Sena for music and to be in communication with the leaders.
I will be carrying Tools, Compressor, and Patch kit also a CPAP and notebook.. Hence the need for the saddle bags.
I'll have a Dry bag, across the pillion, with have my tent and my sleeping bag.
Does anyone carry a notebook or tablet computer? How about cameras? Or do you rely on cell phones?
Roadside assistance is offered on my Riders Insurance.

This is getting expensive before the Spyderfest adventure begins...

Don't forget a cover for the Spyder.

Cheers, David C.

[Copperman]

Thanks for the frog togg tip. That is my next purchase.

Don't just buy the first set of Frogg Toggs you come across. Go to their website and look at all they have. Get a set of "motorcycle" specific rain gear. You'll be glad you spent a few extra $$$.

Also, I don't want to rain on your parade, but, be careful about the number of riders in your group. If the group is too large, it won't be much fun. It sounds like it will be, but it won't. It'll be very, very difficult to keep everyone together. You'll be traveling quite a distance and it may be better to have a "destination" for the end of the day. This way, if you do get separated, you'll know where you're sleeping for the night and the riders know where to go.

Just my two cents worth.

[armyspydervet]

Thanks for posting the packing suggestions.
I need waterproof gloves.

My raingear is OK. GPS is an old TomTom XXL that seems to work adequately. GPS can be covered with a plastic bag if/when it rains.
I'm into DIY so I'm proofing some heated grip wraps and installing driving/fog lights.
Installation should be finished later today. So far so good.
I, too, am riding an ST-S - w/o saddle bags. I've been mulling over the purchase of such for a few days.
I pulled the trigger this morning and purchased the CanAm bags online - ouch"". So now I'm on an ST-S+.
If the budget allows I may purchase a Sena for music and to be in communication with the leaders.
I will be carrying Tools, Compressor, and Patch kit also a CPAP and notebook.. Hence the need for the saddle bags.
I'll have a Dry bag, across the pillion, with have my tent and my sleeping bag.
Does anyone carry a notebook or tablet computer? How about cameras? Or do you rely on cell phones?
Roadside assistance is offered on my Riders Insurance.

This is getting expensive before the Spyderfest adventure begins...

Don't forget a cover for the Spyder.

Cheers, David C.

Canam bags are out if my budget, plus I am getting RT envy and may want to trade up next year or the year after.

I take an iPad wherever I go. My cell phone duals as my GPS. It is on a Ram mount with a waterproof case when I ride.

My next main purchases will be the rain gear, a Sena, and potentially the soft bags listed above, but I may just use my duffel. I will also pick up some little items like the tire repair and first aid kit.