Motorcycle tent

[wysper]

Ok. We all need one of these NOW.

http://www.nomadtent.com/

A very cool adventure motorcycle tent. :Punk:


Looks like about $400 USD though.

http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/2010/08/nomad-motorcycle-tent.jpg

Linked via www.uncrate.com go visit, it is just a tech, gadget, type site.

[Crim]

Do you have to own a Big Monstrous Workhorse to have one of these tents? Looking at the gallery on the website - what happened on image 8, is he going to get help cos of a broken down
Big Monstrous Workhorse?:innocent:

Good looking tent though - reckon would fit in well on a supported ride (ie support vehicle carries the bally thing for you!)

[Squiggles]

Be pretty bad if it fell in the night :gob:

[.chris]

I am not 100% sure if I need to sleep with my bike quite that much, but good to see they at least still put the stinky boots outside. :sherlock:

[ducatijim]

I think that maybe goin a bit far? I mean, fancy stubbing ur toe/knee/whatever on that thing, during a compulsory midnite bladder run?:shit:

[wysper]

Even if you didn't put you bike in there. Just having decent room for gear and getting changed etc would be great.

[dino3310]

notice the big beemers in side them.... shit load more room than the DR, good luck carring all that.

a pup tent and a 6x4 tarp would serve the same for an inkling of the price and size:lol:

[tamarillo]

love it. I always used to try and cover my bike somehow on long tours and woud d chain it to something too - covered up next to me at night would mean I woudl be happier leaving stuff on it etc. But reckon a local tent could be adapted to do same thing.

[Eddieb]

$600NZ at todays rates.

I can only guess that they use BMW's in their pics to show even the fattest bike will fit in there.

[clint640]

Nah, you'll be right bro, you got a Suzuki, it's only those BMW's that need to be kept dry otherwise they go kaput. :D:

Clint

[wysper]

I love the way dino keeps bringing me down to earth everytime I start talking about something like this. Him and his completely sane and reasonable cheap alternatives, fun spoiling bastard LOL - not that I can afford most of what I see.

One of the times that tent would be great is the winter stays when there is a frost or snow the next morning, keeping that shit off the bike is all good.

[neels]

I've just got an old tent fly I tie over my bike if I can really be bothered. I think I'd prefer that to sleeping in the same room as my bike anyway.

[Rosie]

I love the way dino keeps bringing me down to earth everytime I start talking about something like this. Him and his completely sane and reasonable cheap alternatives, fun spoiling bastard LOL - not that I can afford most of what I see.

One of the times that tent would be great is the winter stays when there is a frost or snow the next morning, keeping that shit off the bike is all good.

As another cheap, sane alternative - I made a large bag out of coated ripstop nylon that we put all our gear into while camping.
Obviously the bikes still have to sleep outside, but it means that helmets, jackets etc stay dry and insect-free (important in Australia), without having them clogging up the entrance to Clint's small tent.

[dino3310]

Sane:gob::shutup: naa mate im just a tight arse and make do with what i got, if i could afford shit i'd be buying it:yes:

[young1]

I would just love the smell of melting nylon / hot exhausts while I am lying in my sleeping bag...

[Devil]

KTM has offered one for quite a while and it's quite a bit cheaper.
http://www.ktm-parts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=U6908660

[Devil]

Here's the tent for you hardcore bastards
http://www.aerostich.com/files/images/detailed/head_tent_1a.jpg

[dino3310]

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :Punk:

[centaurus]

I'm always afraid the bike might topple over in the night due to wind or something, especially when parked on dirt/grass so I always park it up so if it does it won't come over the tent. With this tend if that happens you're screwed.

As for Beemers, the tent is so expensive, they probably figured out only people rich enough to afford the new Beemers for touring can afford such a tent :D

[pete376403]

If the bike can be out in the rain when I'm riding it, it can be out in the rain at night, too.
Id rather go for one of these:
http://store.kamprite.com/catalog/Kamp-Rite-Collapsible-Combo-Tent-Cot-CCTC-p-16138.html

Or this one loks better as it can be a chair, lounger, etc as well
http://store.kamprite.com/catalog/Kamp-Rite-Military-TentCot-p-16136.html

And only $us180

[Waihou Thumper]

KTM has offered one for quite a while and it's quite a bit cheaper.
http://www.ktm-parts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=U6908660

Be good to store all of the kegs of beer for the after match function...
With the temperature of my exhaust after a ride, I will need a 2kg fire extinguisher!! :gob:
By that time, the novelty has worn off and I am asleep, ga gaa...:)

[tri boy]

if i could afford shit i'd be buying it:yes:

Cooking a big mutha up for ya now. Beans and cabbage went into the prep work. Shall I deliver it in a flaming paper bag, or dry it for later collection.
Ooops, its poking it's head out:blink::sick:

[That looks like fun]

Cooking a big mutha up for ya now. Beans and cabbage went into the prep work. Shall I deliver it in a flaming paper bag, or dry it for later collection.
Ooops, its poking it's head out:blink::sick:

Read that twice then figgered it out :blink: :yes::D:lol::lol::lol::laugh::yes::sick:

[ADVGD]

Both the KTM Bike Tent and Ténéré Expedition Tent are nice looking with plenty of space, but the Ténéré at 6.1 kg or KTM Tent at 7.25 kg that's some serious weight, let alone the massive 20 x 53 centimeter packed size, certainly not bike carting friendly. If they were a reasonable weight and pack down size they'd be great, but they're more suited to vehicle supported trips and this just seems like cheating to me, I prefer adventure riding in the sense of packing up your bike fully loaded, self-sufficient and setting off.

[dino3310]

Cooking a big mutha up for ya now. Beans and cabbage went into the prep work. Shall I deliver it in a flaming paper bag, or dry it for later collection.
Ooops, its poking it's head out:blink::sick:

OOOHHH thats just fuckin sick!!!!!!:clap::niceone:

[Squiggles]

If the bike can be out in the rain when I'm riding it, it can be out in the rain at night, too.
Id rather go for one of these:
http://store.kamprite.com/catalog/Kamp-Rite-Collapsible-Combo-Tent-Cot-CCTC-p-16138.html

Or this one loks better as it can be a chair, lounger, etc as well
http://store.kamprite.com/catalog/Kamp-Rite-Military-TentCot-p-16136.html

And only $us180

Wonder if you can get em lighter....

[Insanity_rules]

I'm getting a cordura tent (get it?) for that tent. What a great idea.

[Crim]

do you think they do a specific DR650 one with built in workbench/vice, tools, work lights etc:innocent:

(about time we had a bit of light hearted KLR v DR banter fire up:argue:)

[dino3310]

do you think they do a specific DR650 one with built in workbench/vice, tools, work lights etc:innocent:

(about time we had a bit of light hearted KLR v DR banter fire up:argue:)

you forgot to add the tow rope and vibrator for when they stumble across broken down KLRs

[Crim]

(about time we had a bit of light hearted KLR v DR banter fire up)


you forgot to add the tow rope and vibrator for when they stumble across broken down KLRs

Now that's what I am talkin' about............should I ask what the vibrator is for or should I just fear the worst?

[Bass]

(about time we had a bit of light hearted KLR v DR banter fire up:argue:)

Alright then, since you insist....

Yes, they do make one specifically for the DR, but they also make one for the KLR. The KLR one is tidy and robust but bulky, heavy, cannot be pegged down and is useless anywhere away from a smooth properly prepared (and sealed) campsite. However the real drawback with it is that all the space which is not taken up by the bike, is occupied by the tank for the spare oil.

[warewolf]

Both the KTM Bike Tent and Ténéré Expedition Tent are nice looking with plenty of space, but the Ténéré at 6.1 kg or KTM Tent at 7.25 kg that's some serious weight, let alone the massive 20 x 53 centimeter packed sizeThe problem is simply if you are wanting a tent for the bike as well, it's gonna be twice the weight and twice the packed size as a tent for 2/3 ppl. Any time there's a technical innovation that yields a lighter, less bulky fabric, a ppl & bike tent combo is still gonna be twice that of a ppl only tent made with the same stuff.

I think this is another solution trying to find a problem.

[Crim]

Alright then, since you insist....

................the tank for the spare oil.

Yes I have heard the occasional KLR may use a smidgen of oil, am I lucky, not having that problem on mine (apart from when I cracked the sump recently :shit: that sure used a bit of oil!)? Still don't think my mate has forgiven me for buying the KLR when he spent 6 months espousing the virtues of the DR650, still makes me smile when I think back:innocent: - back to thread topic reckon the tent may be a bit OTT for either bike, reckon that's why we all bought 'em so we COULD leave 'em in the elements! I do like the idea of a swag tied to the end of the bike

http://www.mrswagman.com.au/camping-swags-for-bikers.shtml

again maybe a bit OTT, probably a cheap one person tent (with a waterproof bag for boots and stuff outside) would be a cheaper and better option all round

[ADVGD]

The problem is simply if you are wanting a tent for the bike as well, it's gonna be twice the weight and twice the packed size as a tent for 2/3 ppl. Any time there's a technical innovation that yields a lighter, less bulky fabric, a ppl & bike tent combo is still gonna be twice that of a ppl only tent made with the same stuff.

Very true and very well put. It'd be nice to take spacious tents like that along, but traveling light and compact makes trips over rough terrain and river crossings sooooo much easier, so for this I go for a lightweight 1 man tent @ 1.9kg and a rain shelter @ 865 grams. A user-friendly, lightweight and compact setup.

Tent used: Black Wolf Mantis 1 (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/25/black-wolf-mantis-1.php)

Shelter used (only $59): DMH Hike-Lite Refuge Bay Shelter (http://www.adventureguide.co.nz/articles/12/23/dmh-hike-lite-shelter-fly.php)

[dino3310]

quiet often more in winter rides i'l take the bike cover, it packs up tiny and can tie on anywhere on the bike, cheaper,lighter and smaller than having an extra large tent.

[angelindisguise]

this post reminded me of something that happend bout 2 years ago at the Pukekohe Nationals (when they existed)... after a long day of marshalling, mum and i decided to put our tent up next to a few other riders that were staying the night aswell.

the next door neighbour if you could call it already had their tent up (rather small one too) and they were a nice couple with wat seemed to be a really good looking bike (sorry cant remember the brand)

anyways, while putting our tent up i had noticed the bloke had spent at least 1/2 an hour trying to park his bike in the tent while his missus was chatting away with a group of friends.

well, come bed time, when she realised the bike was parked in the tent, boy oh boy... lets just say some not so nice words wer said. in the end i think they were too tired to argue, both the bike and the guy actually managed to stay in the tent much to the females disgust....

just wondering if there's been any other stories similar to this.....

[junkmanjoe]

hog tent.........
http://www.motorcyclecollectibles.com/ACE_FALL_2005_DOME_TENT_HDL-10010.jpg

[pete376403]

Alright then, since you insist....

Yes, they do make one specifically for the DR, but they also make one for the KLR. The KLR one is tidy and robust but bulky, heavy, cannot be pegged down and is useless anywhere away from a smooth properly prepared (and sealed) campsite. However the real drawback with it is that all the space which is not taken up by the bike, is occupied by the tank for the spare oil.

Whereas the DR tent includes a workbench where the engine can be stripped so third gear can be replaced, without having to have the bike returned to the dealer. An optional package with the tent includes supplies of neutral switch screws, which can be replaced while the transmission is being repaired. The real drawback of the DR tent is that all the space which is not taken up by the bike, is occupied by a tank for spare fuel, , as the standard dr tank is so small.

[dino3310]

Whereas the DR tent includes a workbench where the engine can be stripped so third gear can be replaced, without having to have the bike returned to the dealer. An optional package with the tent includes supplies of neutral switch screws, which can be replaced while the transmission is being repaired. The real drawback of the DR tent is that all the space which is not taken up by the bike, is occupied by a tank for spare fuel, , as the standard dr tank is so small.

ohh come on mate you gotta do better than that, but then you do ride a KLR so we dont expect much.

[Squiggles]

ohh come on mate you gotta do better than that, but then you do ride a KLR so we dont expect much.

I know aye, we havent even mentioned doohickey replacement and locktight :shutup:

[pete376403]

That would take the thread way to far off topic.


But I'm going to anyway. There is a thread that documents the number of DR650 engine blowups as a result of third gear failing. These are proper blowups, a complete showstopper, do not pass go, go directly to dealer (and spend a bit more than $200).
Can you point me to the corresponding thread that documents doohickey failures that have killed the engine? Yes, lots of people have found bits of spring laying in the bottom of the case, some have found broken doo's. How many have been the sole cause of an engine rebuild?
This is a genuine question, not a pisstake.

A pisstake would be me questioning the apparent superiority of, oh I dunno, BMW final drives, or maybe KTM camshaft and other bearings.



Anyway back to tents.

[DR650gary]

Got this when it was on clearance. It is big at 6.1 kgs but did fit easily on the back of the ZRX across the back of the seat on front of the Givi. It would take a bike in the front section and had no floor in that part so the stand didn't cut a hole in it. We do have a much smaller 2 person lightweight tent as the need for covering the bike was infrequent.

http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/BYRTDW8R9/title/beyond-refuge-tent

[wysper]

I must admit, it was a bit of a joke posting it as a serious option. I just thought it looked pretty cool. I also liked the fact you could sit up in the tent part of the tent too.

I am looking for a tent and was really looking for one that had a big enough vestibule for my gear when I saw that one LOL

[ADVGD]

I am looking for a tent and was really looking for one that had a big enough vestibule for my gear when I saw that one LOL

Have you checked out the Terra Nova tents (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk)? They currently produce the worlds lightest tent (at only 940 grams) and a range of quality tents suited to adventure riding

NZ Terra Nova store (http://www.terranovatents.co.nz/)

[Crim]

Have you checked out the Terra Nova tents (http://www.terra-nova.co.uk)? They currently produce the worlds lightest tent (at only 940 grams) and a range of quality tents suited to adventure riding

NZ Terra Nova store (http://www.terranovatents.co.nz/)

Scheeze :gob: had a quick gander, looks llike quality gear but the prices are a bit steep - I am obviously adverse to parting with the folding stuff (riding a KLR and all that)

[Reckless]

One of the better buys is right here in good old NZ. http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/BYRTBW8I9/title/beyond-impulse-tent
2.1 kg 2 person (or 1 person plus gear)?? $244-00NZD. And at least its high enough for you to sit up without crawling out which is helpful to get some kit on, b4 going out when its pissing down.

[warewolf]

Beware cheap tents! :) There is a damn good reason Macpac, TerraNova etc cost good money: you get what you pay for.

We have a Macpac Celeste as our prime hike/bike tour tent. Sleeps two in comfort and has a big vestibule either side - so rider & pillion can enter simultaneously and fit all their riding gear in the vestibule. Virtually the only hike tent in the range to do so. Top quality, top design so easy to use & effective, robust & will last a long time. And the company stands behind the product. Amortise the cost over the ten years or so it'll last and it will be pretty good value. Shit, time flies - thinking back, it's 9 years old now and still looks new!!

Recently we bought a Beyond tent (stronger/heavier version of the Refuge with geodesic-type pole system) super cheap on Torpedo 7 as a family car-camping tent. Fcuk is it cheap and nasty. After just 10 nights the main door zip is needing care and the doors look like they're about to rip. Figured if it lasted a couple of years, for $230 not a great loss, and if/when it fails we could retreat to the car. However for the same money could have bought a used near-new canvas tent that'd last near forever. Ours takes 2 people 20 mins to set up - really poor design. And Beyond/Torpedo 7 warn about wind damage on all their tents - having used ours in strong winds personally I think this is a pitching issue/skill however they simply aren't built like a Macpac.

Competition has brought the price of the top stuff down, and there's a lot more choice nowadays with many mid-range brands readily available. I would hesitate to buy (well, I wouldn't buy) a bottom-shelf tent if I actually expected to use it in tough conditions for more than a few nights.

[ADVGD]

Beware cheap tents! :) There is a damn good reason Macpac, TerraNova etc cost good money: you get what you pay for.

Totally agree warewolf, the price may be a little stingy for a quality brand but well worth it. You don't want to end up like this unfortunate lot :blink:

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[DR650gary]

Not totally disagreeing with the above opinions, but am disagreeing that the Beyond tents are unsuitable. We have the Impulse and the Weekender. We bought the Weekender (like the Refuge but no floor in the front part) for biking and the occasional car trip. It does need a reasonable sized bike but it is doable on the DR. It has been through some fairly heavy weather in the 4 years or so we have had it without any damage at all. We haven't faced a hurricane or alpine storm with it but who the hell wants to be on their bike in those conditions. That is what hotels, cabins and motels are for. Paid $129.00 on clearance at Torpedo7 and it was used extensively again this summer.

The Impulse was bought for a similar price, again on clearance, from Torpedo7 and it easily sleeps the two of us, married so close:yes:, and whatever gear we want to put in there. It is better than the Weekender for the bike trips as it is much lighter. Will it survive a blizzard, don't care ain't going in one. A $600+ tent will rip or melt just as easily and who wants the same tent for 20 years. I have a tent I bought in Holland 33 years ago and it still works fine but who cares, the newer tents are lighter and have more room and I am sure in another 5 or so years I'll buy another that is better again.

Budget is a concern and IMHO the Beyond tents I have are much more than adequate, after all, I ride a Suzuki not a BMW so I do care about value for money:shifty:

[wysper]

Those are good points Warewolf and DRGary,


I am somewhere in the middle on the tent issue, since it would be something I was only using maybe 2 or 3 times a year I wouldn't want to spend top dollar, but I know how rubbish it is when you are camping and your tent doesn't keep out the weather. So I would probably look to spend $250 to $400 on a tent, I know it would be far from the best, but better than the worst.

It would only take a few trips where you stayed in a cabin to pay for the tent, the several more to pay for a decent sleeping bag, and several more for a good thermarest or something.....

Maybe I will just stay in cabins for a while :yes::blink: Would cost more than a grand to set up for camping, stoves, sleeping bags, tents, etc etc etc.. that is a lot of nights in a cabin hehehehe.

Unless I am so far off the beaten track there is no cabin... that is what I am aiming for, but realistically won't be doing that for a year or two I would say.

[warewolf]

Yep, like I said, we are spoilt for choice in the mid-range market these days. Our previous hike tent was a mid-range job which was heavily used for 13 years, although the last few were on a prayer with poles held together with duct tape and the UV-damaged fly about to shred. But the design & weight wasn't so good, so we replaced it with something better and couldn't be happier.

You pays your money and takes your choice.

Sharing a cabin is probably the best value here in NZ. Can cost nearly as much as a share cabin as for a tent site for 2 ppl at a motor camp or similar. So you don't need to carry the tent, only a decent sleeping bag. And places with cabins usually have kitchens, so you don't need a stove unless you like roadside brew-ups. Or alternatively, carry a thermos and fill it in the kitchen each morning. But a full 1L thermos is nearly as heavy & bulky as a stove anyway, just more convenient particularly in the wind & rain - just can't do espresso.

[dino3310]

the tents ive used the last few years are the best as i borrowed them and didnt cost me a thing:wari:

[justaddwatertomix]

got me one of these tents delivered today hope to use it at the coldkiwi this weekend

[justaddwatertomix]

i should of mentioned i ordered and paid on monday and it arrived today via fed ex $250us for postage though

[wysper]

OUCH!!

(10 chars)

[XF650]

I spent way too much time researching tents (e.g. heaps of info on AdvRider) plus checking out what other riders use at Rallies etc. Anyway I ended up with two - a 2 man (me & gear) for Rallies, plus a Coleman Phad 3 (vestibule big enough that I could cook in) for adv touring. Both these tents have been fantastic & used heaps in all weather.
Prior to this we had accumulated 3 tents for family camping trips but none were suitable for carrying on the bike.
For m/bike camping the tent should obviously pack small & light, but doesn't have to be as fancy or compact as what they use for tramping / mountaineering. Go for alloy poles, solid alloy pegs (not wire) and rip stop fly with at least 3m rain rating. Vents help stop condensation inside, which can turn to ice in the winter.
Decent vestibules are good not only for storing wet gear but also keeps rain out of main compartment, when opening entrance in shitty weather.
Another good feature is external pole system - this allows complete tent erection in one go i.e. fly is pre attached, keeping inside of tent dry if erecting in the rain and the whole thing together if blowing a gale.

The other option (for rallies) is to use a really cheap tent then bin it when you leave (or burn it ala Brass Monkey). My best deal was one summer Rally where I bought a cheap tent from local 2nd hand shop, used it, then sold it back to same shop for more than I had paid for it!!

I think it is dangerous to camp too close to your bike, either from storm blowing bike over or some pissed biker knocking it on to you at a Rally. A lot of guys pack a full bike cover but I use a small tarp, just big enough to keep ice off instruments, motor & seat.

[Monstaman]

We do a LOT of tenting, we tented our way around Iceland and Scandy June and July this year and all out international trips are camping based touring road trips.

For motorcycle rallies when it is just me I take the smaller one which says four man but it is good for two and some gear.

We had a bloody good tent but when we packed up from Geysier in Iceland somehow our poles didn't get packed cos it was pissin down :angry: so we had to buy a new tent because we could not get poles anywhere and we needed to continue on our trip.

We have a Hilliberg Keron GT 4, great vestibule space for boots, lid and gear and enough dry space if the sun turns gray and wet.

This is a little bulkier but so worth while in inclement weather (i.e. when you REALLY need it).

I back what Colin says and my advice is if you are going to get the use out of it don't be too dutchie.218017218017

[babysteps]

I have a North Face Big Fat Frog. Its perfect for one and fits nicely in my drybag. You can get two in there but you'll want to be pretty friendly with them!
It has a huge vestibule that will comfortably fit panniers and riding gear. I've even cooked in it on a rainy night! Sad thing it you cant get them in NZ.

More info here (http://www.mountainroute.com/m/articles/view/The-North-Face-Big-Fat-Frog-24-Tent-Review)

http://images.buzzillions.com/images_customers/04/63/8873404_73745_full.jpg

[Squiggles]

I have a North Face Big Fat Frog. Its perfect for one and fits nicely in my drybag. You can get two in there but you'll want to be pretty friendly with them!

I have a similar one (cant remember the brand), mine fits two with decent amount of space and is pretty compact. T'wasnt cheap though @ ~$600 but its been solid so far, the space out front is good for keeping the gear in. Will have to find a link (but have to find the tent in the shed first!)

[pete376403]

Mine is a Coleman 3 person, cost less $150 IIRC. The door is on the long side so if more than one peson in, there is some climbing over to get out for the 3am pee. However good space for me and gear when on my own. Pegs were a bit lightweight, replaced them with 4mm stainless.
Packs down reasonably well, across the seat it is no wider than the panniers.
I don't use it enough to justify a more expensive one.