Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
How many of you did it How many of you did it
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 May 2011
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 839
How many of you did it
I am bit curious to see how many of you are fully packing the bike as it will be for your big trip and go for a weekend ride before your departure. I myself did it few time and it help me alot and I also did the opposit and just left without testing the luggage fully loaded , I had tendency to travel a bit heavy then a bit too light , i guess for this trip I will travel....
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 May 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Auckland
Posts: 80
Quote:
Originally Posted by HendiKaf View Post
I am bit curious to see how many of you are fully packing the bike as it will be for your big trip and go for a weekend ride before your departure. I myself did it few time and it help me alot and I also did the opposit and just left without testing the luggage fully loaded , I had tendency to travel a bit heavy then a bit too light , i guess for this trip I will travel....
nope, been on 3 decent trips and was always running late.
crashed my bike two weeks before leaving the first time.
before the latest big trip my bike decided to develop an electrical gremlin two days before the ferry left ....
__________________
He who makes a beast out of himself
Gets rid of the pain of being a man
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 May 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Certainly see the logic of it but have never been organized enough to do an actual shake down trip. I've resigned myself to taking too much stuff initially and planning on doing a ship back of excess gear sometime down the road.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 May 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
This sounds like a good idea especially for somebody embarking on their first long trip, I was not that organised but learnt enough on that first big trip to know what to take and how to pack it on subsequent trips. It helps that I have used the same bike for 20 years.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 May 2011
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
I did. Never really helped that much though. It does help to see how you're bike handles the weight though. Helps working out gearing/suspension/wind protection/waterproofing etc...

As with what gear you will need, I find it pretty useless...

A long weekend in Wales is totally different to six months in Africa.

I always take WAY too much and send half of it home a few weeks later.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 May 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Aussie expat in Switzerland half way RTW
Posts: 611
Yes we did a test ride
Quote:
Originally Posted by HendiKaf View Post
I am bit curious to see how many of you are fully packing the bike as it will be for your big trip and go for a weekend ride before your departure. I myself did it few time and it help me alot and I also did the opposit and just left without testing the luggage fully loaded , I had tendency to travel a bit heavy then a bit too light , i guess for this trip I will travel....
We did a test ride (shakedown) fully equiped. It was essential, even critical for us as we were 2 on 1 bike and every square centimetre counts. The most important lessons we learnt were how and where to pack things in out panniers to ensure a compromise between easy access and keeping the weight down low.

We also learnt a lot about how and where to put our gear. Out comes and things we learnd were:
  1. The 1200GS was missing a second helmet hook under the rider seat. With two hooks we could attach both our helmets.
  2. we decided not to carry extra fuel in a jerry can as we didn't need it and would find fuel easily enough on our journey through Asia, India and the Middle East.
  3. We repacked all of our gear into colour coded stuff sacks to easily and quickly identify what was what in our panniers.
  4. We also added Tank panniers to redistribute some of the weight further forward on the bike to improve handling.
  5. We decided on better riding gear, jacket and pants that were more adapted to touring with more pockets and air ventilation.
  6. We also decided to carry a cable lock that could be used to secure our jackets and helmets to the bike when left parked on the street for short periods of time.
Before: ie. during the Test ride


It also gave us confidence in riding 2up on all terrain and make last minute decisions and priorities choice of gear. We even had a fully detailed packing list (that was overkill but helped in planning).

After: Taken on route to Oslo in Cambodia


Of course, that was our way, and it helped us but would we do it the same way again, probably no need...
__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 22:34.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top