In preparation for my first real trip (UK to India or somewhere thereabouts), I realise that there are just too many purchasing choices involved. Allow me to explain myself:
My longest trip to date has been a 3 week ride from London to Nordkapp via Europe and the Baltic countries (map here:
http://www.moto.gr/forums/showthread.php?threadid=66663 )
I camped every night and averaged 500 km per day. I mostly ate simple food that I cooked myself. I had a great and very economical time and absolutely no problems.
This means that I already have the equipment I need for a bike trip. All the camping stuff, all the bike stuff, all the clothing... but preparing to tour Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India for the first time and on my own, has me on edge. I want to bullerproof myself and the bike as much as possible.
I want the GPS, the waterproof protective gear, the bike modifications for off-road riding, the lightweight tent... all of which I never needed till now.
But, what do we really need at the end of the day? Does one *need* the GPS, or will traditional maps serve me fine? Do I *need* a new jacket, or will my 12 year old trusty water-friendly Dainese and its arm protectors be fine, with the usual layer of PVC one-piece suit for rainy days? Will the Vstrom's (650A) rear shock really not rise to the occasion? Will my cheap & bulky tent/mattress not keep me dry and warm?
If I buy everything I think I might need I can easily spend a good £2K on "preparation", but I really wonder where the line between "needs" and "luxuries" is...
I tend to opt for simplicity and a low-key profile. As if it's not bad enough that I ride a relatively (for the countries involved) flashy bike... I want to minimise the expensive gadgets I will carry with me. First of all because I don't like wasting money on luxury items, second because they may draw unwanted attention and third because I don't want to worry about misplacing/breaking my expensive kit!
Your thoughts/experiences will be appreciated.
Alexandros