First long trip, What to take, tools etc?

[McDuck]

Well going down to the wellington CC ride, will be about 550kms each way. What should i take by way of tools etc? Tie downs? Duct tape? Any tips?
Thanks people...

[James Deuce]

It's easy to overload yourself with crap you never use.

Most vital tools:

1. Cellphone
2. Credit/Debit Card.

Everything else is a luxury.

You can probably ditch the cellphone too.

Drink lots of water. Only have one coffee/caffeinated drink during the trip. Stay away from complex carbs/refined sugar. Eat regularly and eat light.

Your bike tool kit under the seat is good enough for simple things you can sort on the side of the road. If you don't have a tool in there that can make a temporary repair, you're probably going to be looking for a trailer/ute anyway.

Service the bike before you head off if it hasn't been done recently.

Clean the bike and check that everything works as it should before you set off.

Lube the chain at the beginning of each leg of your journey.

Check your tyre pressures.

Pack your clothes in plastic bags in case your luggage leaks.

Pack what you think you'll need and then take all the multiple items out except for underwear and socks. You'll be left with 2 t-shirts, a jersey, and a toothbrush.

Pack wets and spare gloves if you have them.

Most of all, stay off the main roads as much as possible, unless boredom and square tyres are a personal goal.

[sunhuntin]

are you bringing anything with you? spare clothes, jacket etc?

i never leave the house without at least one bungy cord, and when i have the top box on, that contains a basic toolkit, and several more bungys.

thats usually about all i take... but long trips i take oil, just in case. im a minor shopper, and normally take an empty backpack for any purchases that wont fit in the top box.

[McDuck]

I will get a top box or pannier bags at some point....

[Conquiztador]

Cableties.

[James Deuce]

You don't need a spare jacket and you don't need 70L of storage.

Please, please, please consider strapping a bag to the back seat and leaving the pack at home.

If you are planning to load it right up it WILL knacker you. You will be sore and uncomfortable which are the two worst things for a motorcyclist. It wears you out and your concentration will go to pot.

Don't make me post what a backpack can do to your spine if you fall off or how it makes it difficult to steer when you're sliding down the road because you can't roll on to your back.

The pack is a really bad idea for your first big trip.

You only need something like soft carry-on luggage that can be bungied to the back seat.

[McDuck]

I dont want to load it up, but it is a case of i have the pack, i guess i will have a play with different combos tomorrow. thanks for any advice.....

[Conquiztador]

Cableties.

Oh, and a bottle of JD. Very versatile.

[yod]

as Jim2 said - I would seriously reconsider wearing the pack

buy a few bungies from a gas station (not expensive) and strap it to the pillion seat if you can but riding with a pack that size on, for that distance, will just be an ARSE...you will enjoy the ride considerably more without it

have fun

[steveb64]

Get a tube of 'Knead It' or 'Fix It' or similar epoxy putty! Magic stuff, and it can be used for all sorts of things... like fixing brake or clutch levers, exhaust brackets, fairing brackets, engine cases, ... all temporary, but solid enough to gt you home from the middle of nowhere!

I repaired a front brake lever with it once, and it got me back from Ohakune to Kaikohe - and when I had the replacement, I tried to break it - had to use both hands before it failed! Have used it on a muffler bracket that failed also - no problems either.

[0arbreaka]

Get some bungy ties and strap your bige 70l pack to the bike, a puncture kit also might be a good idea as well as the other neccesities like cable ties and duct tape. Make sure you take money. Just go by the boy scouts moto and you should be alright.

[BMW]

all have good ideas. but my moto is that money and a phone can fix all.

you should know ya bike by now and know if it uses oil etc. Take what the bike is needing. Do check the bike over before each day!
And most important is you. Stop and rest and walk every so often. keep up the water and enjoy it!

[Patch]

Loose the pack - buy a tank bag or a bungy cord.

People die wearing packs on bikes.

Get a good rest the night before, take a change of clothes and a fully charged phone - thats it. If you think you need anything else, take the car.

Ensure your bike is well maintained and you'll be fine, eat and drink a little when you refuel the bike, take your time and the rest will take care of itself.


It can be a little daunting your first time, but it is no worse than riding 3 hours from your home and back again.

[Patch]

[B]100% agreed!! Add cable ties and duct tape and it's an awesome combo to have.
LOL...the things you learn after living in Northland eh.


Isn't that lesson from owning a TL? :laugh:

[NighthawkNZ]

Heres what I take when going on a longish trip (accommadation supplied I assume, so you want need sleeping bag etc)

Taking

Wallet: ensure it has your EftPos or credit card and some cash. (and you have enough money in your accounts for the trip.)
Cell Phone: If prepaid top up, charge before trip.
Keys: Keys to bike, keys to flat/house
Wet weather gear: Including thermals, glove liners spare gloves. (if you have them)
Spare clothes: Jeans, T-Shirts, underwear, sox, (enough for the number of days) Sneakers (if you have room)
Tolietries: Towel, toothbrush etc
Tools: If your bike still has its tool kit this should be enough, but I usually throw in a roll of duct tape.


What we use are plastic sealable compression bags (couple of bucks from warehouse) through your clothes and things into them seal, roll up which pushes all the air out and crompesses it saving room and also keeps this dry if you hit real bad weather (as no soft luggage is 100% water proof)... :doh:

Checklist

Get bike serviced before trip, oil change, lubed, brakes checked...
Tyres, pressure... wear & tear is it enough tyre to get there and back
If you don't have a Scott Oiler, take a can of chain lube and oil chain each leg
Give the bike the once over (or even a wash) look for anything out of place or loose


If you are going to use bungy chords, don't buy the cheap ones, as they usually don't stretch as much, the hooks are not as strong and could let go. Buy good quality chords and ones with the hooks moulded in rubber.

Put all the weight on the back seat before the rear of the packrack... COG and all that. Riding a long distance with a biggish pack well I've done it once... and once only

The Trip
As every one else has stated, try to get a go sleep (I usually fail at this as its normally wahoo going for a BIG ride) rest every so often on the trip, eat and drink, walk about and stretch etc. Keep an eye on the bike, look it over each time you fuel up, checking that you haven't lost anything, or things coming loose, nothing broken etc (you look after the bike, the bike will look after you and get you there and home)

Have fun...

[scumdog]

Dump the bungy cords as a principal load attaching idea - those small ratchet-ties are the bizzo (just a miniature of what truckies use)

The can be snugged up and then when you next stop you can ratchet them tighter if need be.

Bungy cords help and are good to use in conjunction with the ratchet-ties. - but the are more likley to let the load move or slip. (and slip out of your grip when you undo them with wet hands and remove paint from the bike:doh:)

And oh, if you have a cell-phone have it turned off while riding and check for messages each time you stop - leaving it on all the time will eat up the battery as the phone 'roams' while looking for service in dead areas

Just my 2-cents worth of experience.

[Freakshow]

Dump the bugy cords as a principal load attaching idea - those small ratchet-ties are the bizzo (just a miniature of what truckies use)

I have to second this! I was getting a bit worried with all these comments about Bungies! That are not the safest thing to have with you and are never the right size so the load either shifts or rips holes in bags.

Go to the Warehouse and get a small webbing tie down the ones that are sprung lock. Cheap fast and useful!

[McDuck]

Thanks for all the info guys. By soft luggage do you mean like a sports abd or simmilar?

[Mikkel]

Yeah, dump the pack... It's extra weight for your arms to support everytime you brake or accelerate - it moves your centre of gravity up as well and you'll find cornering different then.

I commute with a smallish backpack (~10 kg - 40 L) but couldn't find the time to dump it before yesterdays ride... Pushing it around the corners certainly felt different, not truly awkward but less comfortable than usually.

And enjoy the trip of course :)

[HungusMaximist]

Ah yea I do recommend losing the backpack if possible aye. Tank bags are mean, just make sure you lift the tank bag when you take it off so avoid scratches.

Now, Toliet Paper is also good idea if you're prone to in getting 'the shits' because our mate during one of our short burns had the massive shits and had to take it behind some shop in the middle of nowhere.. and getting busted and told to clean it up.... oh god...

[James Deuce]

Sports bag is perfect.

For those naysaying the bungies, I say poo! I use 3 bungies for a sports bag and have never had a load shift, though I will say that a tie down is a good idea.

Use two bungies of med length to create an X over the top of the bag, being careful to run the bungies through the bags handles. This stops fore and aft movement. Then run one across the top of the bag and through the bags handles again. This will stop side to side and bends the bag over the seat a little.

[Blue Velvet]

It's easy to overload yourself with crap you never use.



I get into girl scout mode sometimes when packing, then take a step back and get into fuck it and go mode.

I've done a couple of trips recently, one 2.5 day 1300k ride, the other a quickie to Napier and back. In retrospect I took too much stuff on the 1300k trip but not so much that I felt I should stop and courier it back to myself (I would have).

But the warm/wet weather gear and spare gloves were essential - on the 1300k ride it turned to the south and pissed down all the way back from Wairoa to Wellington.

I always take a tyre pressure guage and spare visor.

To reiterate what the others have said, put your stuff in plastic bags to keep it dry, and if you can, make it fit in a tank bag or under your seat. If you need it when you get there, buy or borrow it. Join AA. Check your stock bike toolkit. If it's crap then get essentials for doing basic maintenance.

Check your chain for slack. Lube chain.

Safe travels.

[Blue Velvet]

Now, Toliet Paper is also good idea if you're prone to in getting 'the shits' because our mate during one of our short burns had the massive shits and had to take it behind some shop in the middle of nowhere.. and getting busted and told to clean it up.... oh god...

LOL! Oh my god... Poor bugger

[steveb64]

Ah yea I do recommend losing the backpack if possible aye. Tank bags are mean, just make sure you lift the tank bag when you take it off so avoid scratches.

Now, Toliet Paper is also good idea if you're prone to in getting 'the shits' because our mate during one of our short burns had the massive shits and had to take it behind some shop in the middle of nowhere.. and getting busted and told to clean it up.... oh god...

Begs the question "Why didn't he just ask to use the loo in the shop?" :confused:

[Blue Velvet]

Begs the question "Why didn't he just ask to use the loo in the shop?" :confused:

He was embarrassed by the prospect of soiling their vitreous, biscuit-fired throne?

[EJK]

I wish I can join you argh! lol

[McDuck]

I wish I can join you argh! lol

Just do it man, will be like 100 bucks gass at the most, post in the welli CC thread you need a floor to sleep on and i can meet you in taupo at abotu 9-10ishAM.....

[007XX]

Ok, I travel fairly light, but there are always certain things i'd never leave without. I do mostly long rides (aka: Auckland to Cold Kiwi, Auckland to Cold Duck, or Auckland to Wellie KB Birthday Bash...gawd! the next one looks really far away on the calendar<_<).

-spare jumper
-first aid kit (they can come in small packages)
-cellphone (& charger)
-spare undies (well duuuhh...:p), spare socks and gloves.
-a 250 ml bottle of water or my 1 litre camel back, depending on how far I go.
-Obviously, ID and a bit of cash...don't forget that there are still some places that don't take credit cards.
-now, if going to a bike rally, forget about getting a shower, so try baby wipes. I know it sounds silly, but it is rather refreshing and helps if you don't smell too much like a warthog when back in polite society :p

All I got on my VTR is a bum bag type of thing, but if stacked smartly, all fits rather well.

Oh and yes, I agree with the general consent: forget the backpack horrid idea!!!

[EJK]

Just do it man, will be like 100 bucks gass at the most, post in the welli CC thread you need a floor to sleep on and i can meet you in taupo at abotu 9-10ishAM.....

AAARGH!!! so tempting!
But in fact I really cant :crybaby::crybaby:


:argh: damn chruch on Sundays :(

[chanceyy]

before I got pannier bags & tail kit just used the tank bag & small duffel bag bungied on the back, in the tail kit i now have small first aid kit extra oil (riding a 2 stroke) and tool kit (since nuffing will fit under the seat)

I would not be wearing the pack .. if you do not have a bag small enough use a rubbish bag to hold the essentials & buggie it on well to the back ..

[EJK]

Oh, I use my side bag (Something similar to this (http://www.itechnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/Eleksen-Vista-SideShow-bag.jpg)) as a soft pannier sometimes lol

just strap it under the seat :lol:

Hope that helps :lol:

[McDuck]

AAARGH!!! so tempting!
But in fact I really cant :crybaby::crybaby:


:argh: damn chruch on Sundays :(

Just as long as you are not on tech they will let you off.... (well they let me off)

[EJK]

:shifty:
lol

[McDuck]

just do it man just do it...

[EJK]

Ah sorry man, well maybe next time (oh wait, there wont be a next time!)
I've got $400 dollars to pay for not displaying an L plate while I was on learners lol

Bad luck bad timing I guess... lol

well have fun :yes:

[nadroj]

AAARGH!!! so tempting!
But in fact I really cant :crybaby::crybaby:


:argh: damn chruch on Sundays :(

This is a religous ride - We are going to the cathedral of the head drone!

[Pumba]

Oh, and a bottle of JD. Very versatile.

+1:whistle:

I think every one has covered all the important stuff. Just dont forget to have fun!!!!!

[McDuck]

+1:whistle:

I think every one has covered all the important stuff. Just dont forget to have fun!!!!!

Me noot have fun on a motorbike? bugger off :beer:

[sunhuntin]

ive also never had a load shift under bungy cords, but then, i generally have a top box, and that supports most stuff.

i do remember i went to a book sale in palmy nth, and walked out with shit loads of bike mags. jammed as many in the top box as i could, as well as back pack, and then jammed some under the cargo net which went over the top of the top box. get less than a k out of palmy, check my mirrors... shit! no mags! pull over and get off... the mags are hanging about a meter above the road, swinging in the hammock that was my cargo net! LOL.

i use a set of blue and red bungies from supercheap... nice fat hooks, and the perfect length. plus, being fat hooks, they dont sting as much if they slip and crack you across the face! LOL.

ditch the backpack... it will cripple you.

have a walk every time you get gas, and also reset your trip meter every time you fill [unless you have a fuel gauge] i tend to get paranoid and fill before needed when on the road... its very rare i hit reserve. get gas before you leave home. long trips, im skint when eating and drinking... i dont get enough of either. normally, i will eat before i leave, and then not have anything til im stopped for the night. this is not something i recommend.

the guys have given you great advice... you will have a great time, and i look forward to meeting you!

[HungusMaximist]

Begs the question "Why didn't he just ask to use the loo in the shop?" :confused:

There's a topic on in the Auckland Uni Motorcycle Club section.... :laugh:

Well the story goes like this, he went and asked the shop lady if there's a toliet, she said 'no' but obviously there was but she just didn't want him to use it. She suggested that you go 6 km down and there's a loo, but you know, when you gotta go you gotta go..

[Swoop]

Lots of excellent advice in the above posts!

Ditch the backpack!!

If it can't be fixed with duct tape / cable ties / puncture repair kit OR knead it, you'll be needing a trailer/van/truck.

Travel light. Pack what you think you will need - then throw out at least half of that!
Jim2's advice is great. (Add that to the KB Wiki!)

Most important is to always have a rubber chicken. Many important uses! You never know when you will need a rubber chicken!

[pritch]

Have you tried to sit on the bike in all your gear with that pack?

When I went to get my Ohlins shock, Plan A was to pick it up using my big tramping pack. When I got on the bike though the top of the pack pushed my helmet forward and down. Bloody useless. Plan B was bungees.

A small pack might be OK but I'd still try it first

[johnnyflash]

Well going down to the wellington CC ride, will be about 550kms each way. What should i take by way of tools etc? Tie downs? Duct tape? Any tips?
Thanks people...

When we travel long distances we take
Basic Bike Tool Kit .
Tyre repair kit (not much bigger than a wallet)
Cellphone & Creditcard..
Wet gear & themal liners
One change of clothing (T-shirt and shorts)

its surprising how many places you can breakdown/puncture that is out of cell range.. especially if late at night and beggar all traffic..

[steveb64]

There's a topic on in the Auckland Uni Motorcycle Club section.... :laugh:

Well the story goes like this, he went and asked the shop lady if there's a toliet, she said 'no' but obviously there was but she just didn't want him to use it. She suggested that you go 6 km down and there's a loo, but you know, when you gotta go you gotta go..

Ahh crap.:niceone: Speaking of such - loo paper as suggested earlier, OR a large wad of paper towels (or a 1/3 or 1/4 roll of them)... more uses than just wiping bums too...

[James Deuce]

A travel packet of baby wipes takes up way less room than loo paper or paper towels and cleans while it wipes.

Can be used to clean bugs off visors too.

[Bullitt]

Interesting. Im going to have the same issue at christmas. Though I have the advantage of a pretty reasonable pack rack and bags for both sides of it.

Was considering wearing a small back pack just for the odd light thing that didnt fit in there. Didnt want it heavy as I knew itd make riding uncomfortable. So even that is a bad idea...hmmm.

[McDuck]

Doesn't it suck when you have a brain explosion, post something then realize you look like a moron?

[James Deuce]

You DON'T look like a moron.

You'll extend your learning process if you don't ask, and in the world of bikes that can, really, really, REALLY hurt.

[McDuck]

true.............

[paturoa]

I think you will have to take a fecking truck!!!! - here is the list so far:

Cellphone
Credit/Debit Card.
Your bike tool kit under the seat
Pack wets and spare gloves if you have them.
spare clothes, jacket etc
at least one bungy cord
take oil, just in case
take an empty backpack for any purchases
Cableties
soft carry-on luggage that can be bungied to the back seat
a bottle of JD
tube of 'Knead It' or 'Fix It'
duct tape
Make sure you take money
take the car
take care of itself
Wallet
Keys: Keys to bike, keys to flat/house
thermals
glove liners
spare gloves.
Spare clothes:
Jeans
T-Shirts
underwear
sox
Sneakers
Tolietries
Towel
toothbrush
Tools
a roll of duct tape ( it think we already have one of those)
plastic sealable compression bags
small ratchet-ties
2-cents worth of experience (scummy version lol)
a small webbing tie down the ones that are sprung lock
a sports abd (bag??)
Tank bag
Toliet Paper
a quickie ( !!!????!!!)
a tyre pressure guage
spare visor
a 250 ml bottle of water
or my 1 litre camel back
baby wipes
a bum bag
small duffel bag bungied on the back
side bag
shit loads of bike mags
cargo net
hammock that was my cargo net
a trailer/van/truck
a rubber chicken
a large wad of paper towels

And my contribution .... Condoms!

[NighthawkNZ]

Basic Bike Tool Kit .

If your bike has a tool kit then this and a roll of duct tape will be enough if it requires more than this then call that trailer.

If you don't have a tool kit, you can get some really good multi tools, then throw in a couple of spanners, and duct tape.

I also usually either carry a couple of bottles of water or a hydro pack, for both drinking and cleaning the visor.

The main thing is to stay warm, especially hands, so good gloves are estential (heat grips are worth there weight in gold)

[kerfufflez]

I think you will have to take a fecking truck!!!! - here is the list so far:

Cellphone
Credit/Debit Card.
Your bike tool kit under the seat
Pack wets and spare gloves if you have them.
spare clothes, jacket etc
at least one bungy cord
take oil, just in case
take an empty backpack for any purchases
Cableties
soft carry-on luggage that can be bungied to the back seat
a bottle of JD
tube of 'Knead It' or 'Fix It'
duct tape
Make sure you take money
take the car
take care of itself
Wallet
Keys: Keys to bike, keys to flat/house
thermals
glove liners
spare gloves.
Spare clothes:
Jeans
T-Shirts
underwear
sox
Sneakers
Tolietries
Towel
toothbrush
Tools
a roll of duct tape ( it think we already have one of those)
plastic sealable compression bags
small ratchet-ties
2-cents worth of experience (scummy version lol)
a small webbing tie down the ones that are sprung lock
a sports abd (bag??)
Tank bag
Toliet Paper
a quickie ( !!!????!!!)
a tyre pressure guage
spare visor
a 250 ml bottle of water
or my 1 litre camel back
baby wipes
a bum bag
small duffel bag bungied on the back
side bag
shit loads of bike mags
cargo net
hammock that was my cargo net
a trailer/van/truck
a rubber chicken
a large wad of paper towels

And my contribution .... Condoms!

Hehe, don't forget the spare tyres.

And my contribution ... a map.

[Unit]

It's easy to overload yourself with crap you never use.

Most vital tools:

1. Cellphone
2. Credit/Debit Card.

Everything else is a luxury.

You can probably ditch the cellphone too.

Drink lots of water. Only have one coffee/caffeinated drink during the trip. Stay away from complex carbs/refined sugar. Eat regularly and eat light.

Your bike tool kit under the seat is good enough for simple things you can sort on the side of the road. If you don't have a tool in there that can make a temporary repair, you're probably going to be looking for a trailer/ute anyway.

Service the bike before you head off if it hasn't been done recently.

Clean the bike and check that everything works as it should before you set off.

Lube the chain at the beginning of each leg of your journey.

Check your tyre pressures.

Pack your clothes in plastic bags in case your luggage leaks.

Pack what you think you'll need and then take all the multiple items out except for underwear and socks. You'll be left with 2 t-shirts, a jersey, and a toothbrush.

Pack wets and spare gloves if you have them.

Most of all, stay off the main roads as much as possible, unless boredom and square tyres are a personal goal.

one of the best sensible posts Ive read in a long time. I frequently do big Ks, just did 400ks today. Mind you Im on a Ks eating machine, but the principles are still the same. Just be a friendly, can you help me kind of person, have cash and phone back up (my insurance has a rescue me with a tow truck option added), take your time and enjoy the ride. Stay dry, warm, and well fed. Know where the next service station is, and your next bed, and you'll be fine.
Today I carried a spare visor (cause I rode up during the day but will ride home at night in the rain), water bottle, wet weather gear, lipstick, purfume, hairbrush, spare socks and undies, gardening gloves and trail, (doing some work on my mothers garden), three sets of shoes, jeans, beer, oh and I checked my oil pressure, made sure the chain was well lubed, just had a service, spare gloves. Just remember, NZ is a relatively small place, and we all speak the same language and you dont need to carry your passport to cross any borders. Its all sweet. And if you get really really stuck just find an internet cafe and log on to life (Kiwibiker), someone out there will be logged on waiting to rescue you

[McDuck]

one of the best sensible posts Ive read in a long time. I frequently do big Ks, just did 400ks today. Mind you Im on a Ks eating machine, but the principles are still the same. Just be a friendly, can you help me kind of person, have cash and phone back up (my insurance has a rescue me with a tow truck option added), take your time and enjoy the ride. Stay dry, warm, and well fed. Know where the next service station is, and your next bed, and you'll be fine.
Today I carried a spare visor (cause I rode up during the day but will ride home at night in the rain), water bottle, wet weather gear, lipstick, purfume, hairbrush, spare socks and undies, gardening gloves and trail, (doing some work on my mothers garden), three sets of shoes, jeans, beer, oh and I checked my oil pressure, made sure the chain was well lubed, just had a service, spare gloves. Just remember, NZ is a relatively small place, and we all speak the same language and you dont need to carry your passport to cross any borders. Its all sweet. And if you get really really stuck just find an internet cafe and log on to life (Kiwibiker), someone out there will be logged on waiting to rescue you

Lol isnt that what cell phones are for?

[sunhuntin]

Lol isnt that what cell phones are for?

you can leave the makeup out of your kit, lol. btw... you are NOT a moron. there are no stupid questions. had you not asked, you might have loaded your backpack up and worn it, and been totally stuffed before you were even halfway there, never mind the ride back.

maps are a bloody good idea... i collect maps, and when i go down south, i will have one major south island map, and small district maps with close ups of through town routes [ie, blenheim, chch, etc] im also taking a spiral map book for chch, which features close ups of the different suburbs.

id advise you to pick up a district map for wellington and also a city map for welly in case you dont know where to go. go to your local i site, they have free maps there... i go for the jasons ones, though they are flimsy and rip easily, but thats ok, since you dont pay for them.

[McDuck]

Cool.
Oh and dont borther with AA maps, they are crap.

[Swoop]

One of the very few things that will fit under the seat of a modern bike, is a visor cleaner. Quite handy if you are caught without any liquids. A small sponge and squeegy to keep the vision clear.

Available here (http://www.motoretail.co.nz/product.cfm?ID=4517).

[The Pastor]

I'll agree to that! those are pretty good, but the plastic in the bottle is shit!


Im doing a short ride over the weekend (1000km spred over 2 or 3 days).

This is what i am going to take

Myself
bike
chain oil<--- very important
tool kit
number 10 and 8 spaners
tyre inflate can <--- most important
that glass/visor cleaner thing <--- very important
wallet (cards+ cash)
towel and toothbrush
set of warm clothes <--- important if u dont have rain gear, trust me if you get caught in the rain for an hour at 2 am you'll want some dry warm gear to defrost in.

most of that will fit under my seat, i borred indys saddle bags so we will see how they go.

[McDuck]

I am getting up quite a shopping list...

[McDuck]

I'll agree to that! those are pretty good, but the plastic in the bottle is shit!


Im doing a short ride over the weekend (1000km spred over 2 or 3 days).

This is what i am going to take

Myself
bike
chain oil<--- very important
tool kit
number 10 and 8 spaners
tyre inflate can <--- most important
that glass/visor cleaner thing <--- very important
wallet (cards+ cash)
towel and toothbrush
set of warm clothes <--- important if u dont have rain gear, trust me if you get caught in the rain for an hour at 2 am you'll want some dry warm gear to defrost in.

most of that will fit under my seat, i borred indys saddle bags so we will see how they go.

I am on an L plate....

[The Pastor]

keep the chain oiled (you should always have a can of chain oil)
buy a can of tyre inflate stuff ($15 and is enought to fill 3 bike tyres)
the bike should have a stock tool kit, this is good enough.

But basiclly you learn all the stuff from experiance!, just get out there and do it.

one thing to remeber is out of main centers gas stations close at like 8pm.... i always get caught out of this one, im really luckly that wellsford has efpos at pump!

[McDuck]

Lol i will be topping up every 100kms. I can get 300kms out of a tank and have gotten 400. (have also done 70 on the reserve for this reason, not fun), and no the bike don't have a tool kit. What should i Chuck in (other than what has already been said?)

[NighthawkNZ]

Lol i will be topping up every 100kms. I can get 300kms out of a tank and have gotten 400. (have also done 70 on the reserve for this reason, not fun), and no the bike don't have a tool kit. What should i Chuck in (other than what has already been said?)

Every 100ks :scratch: if you can get 300ks heack wouldnt worry about that every 200 - 250 ks start thinking of gas... if later at night alot of the small towns have truck stop gas (heck even Lawerence has a truck stop)

Tool kit: couple of spanners, medium cresent, small pliers (or multi tool) screw driver, tie tags, duct tape. I use to take a spare spark plug and a tool to change if needed.

[McDuck]

Every 100ks :scratch: if you can get 300ks heack wouldnt worry about that every 200 - 250 ks start thinking of gas... if later at night alot of the small towns have truck stop gas (heck even Lawerence has a truck stop)

Tool kit: couple of spanners, medium cresent, small pliers (or multi tool) screw driver, tie tags, duct tape. I use to take a spare spark plug and a tool to change if needed.

dont you need a fuel card to use a truck stop? I will be stopping every hundred or so to strech legs etc so why not? :)

[NighthawkNZ]

dont you need a fuel card to use a truck stop? I will be stopping every hundred or so to strech legs etc so why not? :)

All of the truckie stops I have been to just take normal EftPos card... also a lot of the smaller towns are starting to put in 24hr self service... swipe your card, fill, get your reciept... ride away :)

[Bullitt]

One useful tool (probably not on a katana though) would be an allen key so you can get the fairings off. Unlikely youd need to for anything you can fix on the side of the road but itd be a bugger if something simple went wrong and you couldnt even touch it.

[McDuck]

Sweet......

[McDuck]

One useful tool (probably not on a katana though) would be an allen key so you can get the fairings off. Unlikely youd need to for anything you can fix on the side of the road but itd be a bugger if something simple went wrong and you couldnt even touch it.

I can get at most bits withotu removing the fairing.... love the kat....

[motorbyclist]

ok, thread is too long to read all of it so here's my list of "essentials" for a weekend trip

money - and i mean cash for those places without eftpos
cellphone
condoms (if you ever need them and dont have them you'll never forget them again, better with that without!)
atleast half a brain (never ride uninsured, keep bike in good condition, tension chain etc before leaving, common sense)

the tail end charlie should be carrying the following
AA card
screwdriver (the sort with different heads)
adjustable spanner X2
duct tape
cable ties <-- imo most important tool
stocked first aid kit <-- never ride without


if you have alot of clothes on a longer trip, a few days before leaving, just courier them to every second stop, probably works out cheaper than carrying them on the bike, makes life easier

[doc]

It's easy to overload yourself with crap you never use.

Most vital tools:

1. Cellphone
2. Credit/Debit Card.

Everything else is a luxury.

You can probably ditch the cellphone too.

Drink lots of water. Only have one coffee/caffeinated drink during the trip. Stay away from complex carbs/refined sugar. Eat regularly and eat light.

Your bike tool kit under the seat is good enough for simple things you can sort on the side of the road. If you don't have a tool in there that can make a temporary repair, you're probably going to be looking for a trailer/ute anyway.

Service the bike before you head off if it hasn't been done recently.

Clean the bike and check that everything works as it should before you set off.

Lube the chain at the beginning of each leg of your journey.

Check your tyre pressures.

Pack your clothes in plastic bags in case your luggage leaks.

Pack what you think you'll need and then take all the multiple items out except for underwear and socks. You'll be left with 2 t-shirts, a jersey, and a toothbrush.

Pack wets and spare gloves if you have them.

Most of all, stay off the main roads as much as possible, unless boredom and square tyres are a personal goal.

Probably the most sensible advice, the more trips you go on the less you will take, you will get some confidence in travelling, 500k aint a lot. GIjoe does it when he gets bored .He gets bored a lot.

[Freakshow]

And remember if you are using Pannier bags to check them regulaly!! They can shift and can cause problems BANG (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=43907&highlight=wanganui+explosion)

[Matt_TG]

So, how did it go for you? Any dramas, tips, close shaves?

[Kittyhawk]

Keep it simple...

The basics, cellphone and wallet and a tank bag!!!

in the tank bag you should have..
small bottle of water,
chain lube,
puncture repair kit,
food..
underwear,
toothbrush
and maybe on occasion a nappy (in case of those oh crap moments)
Maybe a cloth to wipe your visor
Wet weather overalls.
Kitchen rubber gloves (to put over your leather gloves if they arent waterproof)

Pfft there ya go....dont worry bout makeup, evening wear, and pantyhose!!

Apart from that travel light. Never use a backpack... too much restrictions on the shoulders for movement.

[chasio]

My 2 cents worth: I'd suggest putting your cellphone and wallet in ziplock or glad bags as well. Problem + wet phone = pissed off person.