Traveling advice

[mac spyder]

Credit Cards

To add to what the others have shared. One thing that I do is contact my credit card company before I leave and I let them know the number of days that I will be gone and what states I will be traveling in. By doing so you won't have any problems when trying to use them.

 

[BajaRon]

Wow! I don't do any of the things mentioned here!

This is my 'To Do List'.

1- Show up at Lamont's with a full tank of gas.
2- Try to be on time

I usually get at least 50% of my check-off list accomplished! hyea:

But just in case, it's always good to have a plan 'B'. Here is mine.

Try to catch up with Lamont without getting a ticket!

Keeping things simple is very important when you're planning on enjoying the trip! :thumbup:

This is what has worked well for me over the years. It may not work as well for others.

 

[wa3wheels]

Credit cards

All great suggestions.. In regards to Credit Cards, call Banks ahead and notify that you will be traveling. Imbarresing to have card declined at motel check in. And how do I know that! pps:

Besides all of the above go to the BRP site and get a list of Spyder Dealers along your route, just in case. Also take more than one credit card as sometimes when out of your normal area the bank security folks will shut down a card thinking its stolen. The most inportant advice is to ride your own ride and stay within your comfort limits. It does no good to do a 600 mile day if you are not used to it than have to lay up a day or do a reduced 300 mile day getting over it. Dress in simple layers as weather changes will be guarenteed that time of year. I wear jeans, long sleeve tee shirt, pullover sweater and leather Jacket. They come on and off as needed. Bring only three extra tee shirts, underwear and socks. Wear one set, wash one set (letting it dry) and one spare set. Stay away from very seet snacks as they will cause you to have a suger crash after they boost your energy. Use slow release snacks like peanut butter crackers, cheese, and nuts with rasions. Drink water at every stop whether you are thirsty or not to keep hydrated. Getting low in fluids can make you feel lethargic and sleepy. As I am an old codger with arthitis I take two Alieve tablets in the morning to keep joint swelling down. Talcum powder your bottom and feet each morning to keep rashes away. Other than that you should be good to go

 

[GeminiJane]

I always pack a small (pocket size) spiral notebook. Every evening when I check into a motel I take a few minutes to write down memorable things - good (or bad) roads/scenery, restaurants, attractions, weather conditions and miles ridden, etc. Whether it's a two or three day trip or a two week trip, I make notes each night. We've been motorcycle touring for many years and you always think you'll remember these things and jot them down when you get home...but even if you try, you forget highway #'s and such. Then sometimes when we're ready to go on another trip, we'll refer back and maybe re-do a favorite ride or at least a part of the route just to eat at a great restaurant again. Plus, riding buddies ask for trip advice and you've got the basics right there.
I think a tank bag (I ride a 2008 GS along with 3 two-wheelers) is a must! It's so much handier to stash your gloves, sunglasses, etc. when you get off for a short stop and I always have a Camel back hydration pack tucked in the top so I can sip water all along the way - it really makes a difference in keeping you alert and allowing you to ride comfortably in all kinds of weather. I've gotten to be pretty good at opening packs of crackers or tins of candy stashed in the tank bag with a gloved hand while riding (and getting it into my mouth in a full face helmet) .
Five years ago I had the pleasure of joining a few other guys starting in Missouri and heading to California on Route 66. Due to weather conditions and other circumstances, I ended up leaving the group just before we hit the New Mexico border and rode back to Illinois alone. I had no tools, unless you count a tire gauge - just a cell phone and didn't have a moment's worry. Except for tightening the bolts on a floppy mirror on my bikes, I don't do mechanical work, so I don't carry tools. You can always figure out a solution or find someone to help if you need to.
Always allow more time for each leg of your trip than you think you'll need. As others have said, motorcycle travel is different. You stop more for gas, you get to talking, you need to get off and stretch your legs, etc. It just takes longer - relax and enjoy it!

 

[asp125]

and. . You can always turn your underwear inside out for extra wear.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

and. . You can always turn your underwear inside out for extra wear.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Xparent ICS Tapatalk 2

Or you could just change your underwear with your riding buddies!


sorry

 

[Kungfuspyder]

My travels

In 2008 I traveled from Semmes, Alabama to Branson, MO on my 2006 Suzuki Burgman 650 scooter and learned alot about the trip. I traveled anywhere from 130 to 200 miles at first part of the travel, then went to 75 to 100 miles and had to stop and rest. Being comfortable is tops to a long trip. I packed good on that trip, had a weeks worth of gear. I averaged about 65 mpg, sometimes 70 mpg running at speed of about 75-85 mph:yikes:. My second trip to was to Birmingham, AL with the RT and RT622 in tow. I was very comfortable going up there, averaged about 25 mpg. I overpacked my RT622 by about 100 lbs, a learning experience on going camping while there, some things I didn't even take out of the RT622. I will have some mods put on my RT at spyderfest for riding comfort, and will hopefully be trying out a prototype of my own design for leg comfort on the way up to Springfield, MO depending on the weather forecast. My word for this post is being COMFORTABLE on your ride.

 

[WackyDan]

Lots of good advice here. I have both side cases and top case on the GS so I tend to over pack a bit, but I'm rarely in want of anything.

- Water - Nuff said about this. Helps you stay hydrated, cleanse wounds, maybe top off coolant tank if you spring a small leak.
- Snacks ... Your health issues if any may dictate this one, but some beef jerky, crackers and so forth are handy to have.
- Small first aid kit. Just basic bandaids and some oitment... Nothing too major.
- Spare parts - You decide. I carry an array of fuses, relays, a coolant bottle and cap( you all know why), some light bulbs.
- Tools -I carry a small tool set specifically with just the tools I need for the spyder.
- FLASHLIGHT and Headlamp Flash light. I think these two items are uber important.
- Bright safety vest. - A lot of you wear black leather... If you are broken down on the side of the road, visibility is a good thing- especially at night.
- Clothing - Even for my long trips, I only pack the pair of pants I am wearing and one clean pair. You can wear each a few days before they get funked up enough. Enough t-shirts to get me through four or five days, one fleece or sweat shirt and maybe an over shirt. Depends on time of year of course. Enough under garments for 5 or 6 days... I tend to pack extra socks in case my feet get wet... and a pair of sneakers. The sneakers are a tough call as they take up space but are more comfy than the riding boots when not riding. A hat. Gloves, one for wearing and one for spare... one pair for cold if it is that time of year.
- 1 quart of oil for the Spyder. I use Amsoil, not always on the shelf at a dealer. I might use 1/2 quart of it in a 4k mile trip - I'm looking for a smaller oil compatible container.
-Spare batteries if needed
- laptop/ipad/camera - your choice. Whatever gets you by and saves space. They make plenty of universal chargers that can charge all your devices without the need to carry multiple chargers. You can buy laptop chargers that also charge your devices while powering your laptop, or use your laptop to charge the device.
- Rain gear
-Toiletries. Keep in mind you can restock while on the road so you don't need to bring large size deoderants and so forth.
- Spare pair of eye glasses. This can be huge if you break your usual pair while on the road - ON that note... bring your eyeglass prescription from your eye doctor so you can get a pair readily made.
- Gas... I have yet to ever need to carry any and I've covered some serious ground on the spyder. Only once did I get lost and get down to only 20 miles or so range before I found gas. GPS will help you with that. I generally try not to push the limits of the tank, and if I'm not sure of what is ahead or if I know I'm going to be remote, I will top off early... Keeping in mind that at 75 MPH I am getting 8 MPG less than at 45MPH. THey make some small quart sized metal gas containers but they need to be stored upright or they leak... I've often thought one of those would be good insurance, but again - haven't needed it at all. I know the folks out in Utah have some serious remote runs with no gas for miles and miles and they have to carry extra to get to the next station.

-Leave space. Not sure this was mentioned yet. For two reasons. 1. You might buy something along the way... Tshirts, whatever. 2. When digging in and out of your bags you may not always have time to pack stuff back in the way you started if you are hurrying to get rain gear on or riding with a group.

Pack intelligently. Put what you are going to leave in the bike at night in the bottom of the trunk, or pack what is more commonly accessed while on the road in a specific bag or location... ie; raingear is a good example of what to have readily available.

Take your first trip... Meet other owners and ask to look at their arrangements.

 

[oldblindjohn]

Dallas to Ozark

A change of clothes, a cell phone, and a Jolt Cola.:shocked:

 

[MickeyFisher]

That's good advice about the credit cards. I was on my way home from San Francisco and after using my card like crazy in a bunch of locations, it was declined as I was getting gas, 90 miles from home. I wasn't carrying any cash because I hadn't learned that lesson, yet. Luckily, it was resolved by the kindness of a nearby Can-Am dealer. Now I call the bank and still keep emergency cash.

 

[Laila's Dad]

Lots of good advice here. I have both side cases and top case on the GS so I tend to over pack a bit, but I'm rarely in want of anything.

- Water - Nuff said about this. Helps you stay hydrated, cleanse wounds, maybe top off coolant tank if you spring a small leak.
- Snacks ... Your health issues if any may dictate this one, but some beef jerky, crackers and so forth are handy to have.
- Small first aid kit. Just basic bandaids and some oitment... Nothing too major.
- Spare parts - You decide. I carry an array of fuses, relays, a coolant bottle and cap( you all know why), some light bulbs.
- Tools -I carry a small tool set specifically with just the tools I need for the spyder.
- FLASHLIGHT and Headlamp Flash light. I think these two items are uber important.
- Bright safety vest. - A lot of you wear black leather... If you are broken down on the side of the road, visibility is a good thing- especially at night.
- Clothing - Even for my long trips, I only pack the pair of pants I am wearing and one clean pair. You can wear each a few days before they get funked up enough. Enough t-shirts to get me through four or five days, one fleece or sweat shirt and maybe an over shirt. Depends on time of year of course. Enough under garments for 5 or 6 days... I tend to pack extra socks in case my feet get wet... and a pair of sneakers. The sneakers are a tough call as they take up space but are more comfy than the riding boots when not riding. A hat. Gloves, one for wearing and one for spare... one pair for cold if it is that time of year.
- 1 quart of oil for the Spyder. I use Amsoil, not always on the shelf at a dealer. I might use 1/2 quart of it in a 4k mile trip - I'm looking for a smaller oil compatible container.
-Spare batteries if needed
- laptop/ipad/camera - your choice. Whatever gets you by and saves space. They make plenty of universal chargers that can charge all your devices without the need to carry multiple chargers. You can buy laptop chargers that also charge your devices while powering your laptop, or use your laptop to charge the device.
- Rain gear
-Toiletries. Keep in mind you can restock while on the road so you don't need to bring large size deoderants and so forth.
- Spare pair of eye glasses. This can be huge if you break your usual pair while on the road - ON that note... bring your eyeglass prescription from your eye doctor so you can get a pair readily made.
- Gas... I have yet to ever need to carry any and I've covered some serious ground on the spyder. Only once did I get lost and get down to only 20 miles or so range before I found gas. GPS will help you with that. I generally try not to push the limits of the tank, and if I'm not sure of what is ahead or if I know I'm going to be remote, I will top off early... Keeping in mind that at 75 MPH I am getting 8 MPG less than at 45MPH. THey make some small quart sized metal gas containers but they need to be stored upright or they leak... I've often thought one of those would be good insurance, but again - haven't needed it at all. I know the folks out in Utah have some serious remote runs with no gas for miles and miles and they have to carry extra to get to the next station.

-Leave space. Not sure this was mentioned yet. For two reasons. 1. You might buy something along the way... Tshirts, whatever. 2. When digging in and out of your bags you may not always have time to pack stuff back in the way you started if you are hurrying to get rain gear on or riding with a group.

Pack intelligently. Put what you are going to leave in the bike at night in the bottom of the trunk, or pack what is more commonly accessed while on the road in a specific bag or location... ie; raingear is a good example of what to have readily available.

Take your first trip... Meet other owners and ask to look at their arrangements.

great information, thank you for the explanations and your experiences with each item. nojoke

 

[WackyDan]

great information, thank you for the explanations and your experiences with each item. nojoke

No problem... The only spare parts I've ever used on the road was a couple sets of spark plugs. I do carry a new pair with me. Oh, and I also carry a few extra Torx bolts and washers... I've had the Spyder serviced out of town and had them leave one loose... and I lost it.

Now, I have some miles on my Spyder, so all due maintenance and any that is coming up within my trip generally gets done ahead of time. I may be able to get a few thousand more out of my tire(s), but I'll replace them if it means safer handling in the rain. I replaced my Y gaskets as I knew they could probably last the trip, but it wouldn't be worth the aggravation of them going bad halfway into it. That may come down to your budget of course.

I find I'm constantly tweaking my packing every trip... But the Spyder generally stays loaded out with the parts, tools, fluids, snacks, flashlights and so forth. Having dedicated stuff that you keep in the spyder means you are just packing your personal electronics, toiletries and clothes and you GO GO GO!