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5 Jun 2012
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First travel
Hey everyone !
I'm not sure if there is a any big activity on this forum , but here it comes.
I'm a youngster you see , I like adventure  , so I decided to go on a motorcycle trip this august. But I'm having one of the usual problems : unsificiant space.
I drive a ninja 250R. me and my girlfriend sit on it so besides being a rather small bike it is also limited in space. I got a backpack that fits my small tent so that isn't the problem. But I also need to take 2 sleeping bags with us ! :s. I have a tank bag at my disposal, But besides 2 sleeping bags and 1 tent what else do I need to start? Some drinks , small medicin bag , ?
I'm goin for X amount . Somewhere between 3 days and 1 month , As far as my money takes me. ( any tips to save money while on a trip ) ?
Cheers to anyone that might be able to give me a good answer =).
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5 Jun 2012
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Isle of Lewis
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Basic info
If you could give us a wee bit more info.
This is a world wide club so your posts are seen by people on all continents.
If you tell us where you are and where you hope to go, we The Hubb comunity, can give you specific advise.
Travelers have been useing smaller bikes than yours for overland trips so don't let that put you off.
Good luck on your travels. 
 to the Hubb.
Rory
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5 Jun 2012
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No Backpack.
Just one point: I don't think a backpack of any size or weight at all is a good idea when travelling on a bike. In no time at all it'll be painful. Lindsay.
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5 Jun 2012
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 638
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Linzi
Just one point: I don't think a backpack of any size or weight at all is a good idea when travelling on a bike. In no time at all it'll be painful. Lindsay.
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And with a backpack, the weight of your lugage is way to high. Saddlebags will put the center of gravity lower and that is much better for the handling of your bike.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg
My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a BMW R1200GS
My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
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6 Jun 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt
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Thanks a lot I'll certainly will read the blogs from goldhaze ! and check the other links too !
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6 Jun 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rory799
If you could give us a wee bit more info.
This is a world wide club so your posts are seen by people on all continents.
If you tell us where you are and where you hope to go, we The Hubb comunity, can give you specific advise.
Travelers have been useing smaller bikes than yours for overland trips so don't let that put you off.
Good luck on your travels.
to the Hubb.
Rory |
So I live in belgium , And where I'm going too I haven't decided yet.
Probably not too far, driving a bit in germany maybe? I gotta find some specific points I want to see and use as checkpoints
And I'll be using mainly my tankbag , backpack , that's it xD
I'm not gonna buy any fancy storing rack's for my bike to put on ( not that much money as a student ), and I'm not hoping I need that much space.
1 Disadvantage : LAck of space behind my back/. Normally I can store some goodies with straps on my second saddle ( for a passanger ) But I'm actually gonna take my GF with me :s ..
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6 Jun 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jkrijt
And with a backpack, the weight of your lugage is way to high. Saddlebags will put the center of gravity lower and that is much better for the handling of your bike.
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I'm not going to spend money on buying that now => I dropped my motorcycle in january with the freezing weather in belgium , need to work to get some money to actually fully fix the bike ( some fenders still dmg'd ) .. so no fancy buying stuff.
I've got a good motorcycle backpack ( not big at all ) On there I can fit my tent .. and besides that, I got a tank bag which is very spacious ..
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6 Jun 2012
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Luggage.
Hi, for what it's worth I'd expect you to give up on the backpack idea out on the road pretty quickly. If so, bear in mind this. Throw-overs on the back of a small bike work their way backwards as would any lump put there, so strap it down and strap it so it won't roll back over the rear lights. I'd suggest taking straps for this incase you decide to try strapping it onto the bike.
Go for a trial ride of 5 km to see if it works as you intend it to. Have fun, Lindsay.
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6 Jun 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Linzi
Hi, for what it's worth I'd expect you to give up on the backpack idea out on the road pretty quickly. If so, bear in mind this. Throw-overs on the back of a small bike work their way backwards as would any lump put there, so strap it down and strap it so it won't roll back over the rear lights. I'd suggest taking straps for this incase you decide to try strapping it onto the bike.
Go for a trial ride of 5 km to see if it works as you intend it to. Have fun, Lindsay.
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I'm really enjoying the fast responds ( Didn't expect the responds ot be so active ) .
Euh , I can't quite follow you?
You advice to not take a backpack but rather then using a back pack strap it on my rear saddle? My girlfriend is coming along . So I cannot strap it on my saddle? IF you ment it otherwise please clarify it a bit more .. I don't really understand fully what you ment to say... Thanks !
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7 Jun 2012
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Location: St Helens
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sonny91be
I'm really enjoying the fast responds ( Didn't expect the responds ot be so active ) .
Euh , I can't quite follow you?
You advice to not take a backpack but rather then using a back pack strap it on my rear saddle? My girlfriend is coming along . So I cannot strap it on my saddle? IF you ment it otherwise please clarify it a bit more .. I don't really understand fully what you ment to say... Thanks ! |
On the backpack point, you have a small bike with a pillion. Unless the pillion is wearing the back pack then that is a no-goer.
Please listen to the advice you are getting here, backpacks are not good.
However, if you do insist on taking a backpack, have a cheap rack put on the bike (you can always find someone to cut down and fit a "scrap" one for very little cost. You can then put your tent on the rack, and then the pillion can wear the back pack and rest the weight on the rack.
But saddle bags are better option than a back pack.. Something like this ?
Leather Motorcycle Throw over Saddle Bags Saddlebags Panniers Pair | eBay
Cheap items *can* be found.
But also think about pillion comfort, they do not want to sit on straps.
And pack light. You do not need a lot of clothes, just wash often. (Max underwear IMO is 4 pairs).
My wife and I went across the USA with just a tank bag and a ventura rack/bag. (Ok, no tent for the 1st 5 weeks).
Back in '96 we went round France for 2 weeks on a GS550 with *far* more stuff (tent (back rack), tank bag, saddle bags *and* back pack).
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7 Jun 2012
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Join Date: Oct 2008
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Backpack.
Hi, I think your modern small bike must be smaller at the rear than the '79 Kawasaki 400 twin that I referred to. OK, if you have to use your bike with the two of you I guess you can only: Use a tank bag, girlfriend use a small bum bag and sit on a pair of soft throw-overs.
To cut down on luggage to the max you need only spare socks, undies and T shirts, washing kit and tiny towel plus money. Tents etc are out if you travel really light, then it's backpackers, youth hostels, Formula 1 hotels and CouchSurfing – The world’s largest travel community or a HU community to find help.
I suspect a small, temporary rack really would be a good idea as making a mess of loading a bike can kill. Ciao, Lindsay.
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7 Jun 2012
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Join Date: Jun 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceP
On the backpack point, you have a small bike with a pillion. Unless the pillion is wearing the back pack then that is a no-goer.
Please listen to the advice you are getting here, backpacks are not good.
However, if you do insist on taking a backpack, have a cheap rack put on the bike (you can always find someone to cut down and fit a "scrap" one for very little cost. You can then put your tent on the rack, and then the pillion can wear the back pack and rest the weight on the rack.
But saddle bags are better option than a back pack.. Something like this ?
Leather Motorcycle Throw over Saddle Bags Saddlebags Panniers Pair | eBay
Cheap items *can* be found.
But also think about pillion comfort, they do not want to sit on straps.
And pack light. You do not need a lot of clothes, just wash often. (Max underwear IMO is 4 pairs).
My wife and I went across the USA with just a tank bag and a ventura rack/bag. (Ok, no tent for the 1st 5 weeks).
Back in '96 we went round France for 2 weeks on a GS550 with *far* more stuff (tent (back rack), tank bag, saddle bags *and* back pack). |
The backpack is a very light one. It will contain some small goodies like underwear a gps some socks a camera etc .. ( small capacity ). the tent will be fitted on the backpack ( 3kgs total for tent weight ) Since my Girlfriend is also riding on my bike I do not have the option of a free pillion. However , now that I know what these saddlebags are ( done some research ) I might get one of those.
Can anyone help me in what brand is good at this ? Are these saddlebags also universial on most motorcycles? Thanks by advance
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7 Jun 2012
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Linzi
Hi, I think your modern small bike must be smaller at the rear than the '79 Kawasaki 400 twin that I referred to. OK, if you have to use your bike with the two of you I guess you can only: Use a tank bag, girlfriend use a small bum bag and sit on a pair of soft throw-overs.
To cut down on luggage to the max you need only spare socks, undies and T shirts, washing kit and tiny towel plus money. Tents etc are out if you travel really light, then it's backpackers, youth hostels, Formula 1 hotels and CouchSurfing – The world’s largest travel community or a HU community to find help.
I suspect a small, temporary rack really would be a good idea as making a mess of loading a bike can kill. Ciao, Lindsay. |
Wow this couchsurfing seems very interesting if you ask me ! 
Thanks for the advice I already figured I could not take a lot .. as you mentioned
One other thing. PLEASE tell me how to wash your clothes with on the road stuff. I read it so many times but I'm a young guy from 21 and I never done the wash at my house .. How to do it ? and does it take long ?
Or how did you do it on your journey? ( like at evening before going to sleep .. ? )
Cheers !
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7 Jun 2012
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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I take quick drying travel t-shirts and a tube of travel wash like this
Travel Wash: Amazon.co.uk: Health & Beauty
hope this helps
Dave
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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.
"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™ 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!
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!
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.
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.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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