The open road. The fresh air and wind blowing through your hair. The surge of the engine as you rev it. The fluid feel of the motorcycle on the road as it glides along. You’ve made preparations for this trip. Your only wish is that you had more storage space. Well, wish no more. There are options.
The subject of storage on motorcycles has long been an issue of concern. With no room for a trunk, not to mention it might look silly, the storage for a motorcycle has been very limited in the past. The first type of luggage system we are going to look at is the saddle bag system.
Taken straight from the old west, cowboys would use two leather pouches, connected in the middle by a piece of leather, and it would be either attached to the saddle, or simply placed underneath the saddle. Each bag would be draped over each side of the horse, and usually wasn’t very big. Today’s saddle bags are crafted in a similar manner. The saddle bags are usually constructed from real cowhide or PU (man made leather). A quality saddle bag will have strong nylon straps and nickel plated buckles and studs to prevent them from rusting. There are several styles available that could include studs, metal buckles, fringes, conchos, waterproofing and rain gear.
The next type of luggage became popular when Peter Fonda, playing the role of a motorcycle rider traveling to New Orleans, used a backpack to store his luggage on the back of his motorcycle, attached to the “sissy bar”. The sissy bar bag of today can possibly be used as a backpack. There are several materials used in making sissy bar motorcycle luggage. Nylon, cowhide leather, and man made leather are the common types of material used. As with saddle bags, these too can have studs, fringes, metal buckles, nylon straps, and weatherproofing. There are also options available to have wheels and a luggage tote bar for transporting the bag while not on your motorcycle. Some also have reflective strips on the back of the bag, so that when going down the road, drivers can see you.
The motorcycle windshield bag is a unique type of bag, in that it sits on the handle bars of the motorcycle. It is not a large bag, but rather used for storing smaller items like sunglasses or maps. This can even be used for cellphones or other electronics, as some of the windshield bags are weatherproof. Although there aren’t as many styles for windshield bags as there are for saddle bags or sissy bar bags, the selection is still varied. Generally made from leather, cowhide or man made, these bags offer a great way to store those often used items while out on a motorcycle road trip.
The last piece of luggage we are going to look at is the motorcycle tool bag. These are small leather or nylon bags made to hold tools, either in a roll-up configuration, or simply as a pouch. Often stored under the seat, it helps to keep your tool kit organized, and safely stored. Many of the same style options that are used with the saddle bags can be found for the motorcycle tool bag.
Jafrum.com sells motorcycle helmets and motorcycle gear. You can find articles and products at our website www.jafrum.com
All information given on this web site by Jafrum.com is given in good faith, but we shall not be held liable for any loss or damages suffered by any client, customer, or other visitor to this site, on account of any inaccuracy of description or information, or as a result of any change or new information which may have arisen after the date of publication.
Any successful and safe trip demands proper planning. Similarly, the success of your plan to go touring with your bike would depend on how well you have planned such a trip. This is because motorbikes are machines. At any point, without enough preparation, everything about it can go wrong. You need to gear it up for a long trip to minimize road hassles and its risk to cause accidents due to failure. So whether or not you are planning for a short weekend ride or a long touring period, you need to make sure that everything about your ride is in order. Also, you need to pack some ‘emergency’ kits so you will be ready to handle all possible problems along the way.
The opportunity to hit the open road is surely a thrilling experience. The spontaneity of such a trip could convince you to play everything by the ear. However, do not get easily convinced to take everything to chance. Take charge of the important details of your trip to make sure that you get to your destination, happy and fulfilled, rather than worn and frustrated by road hassles due to road and engine problems.
Prior to leaving for your trip, consider having your bike checked by a qualified technician. This way, all torn and worn belts and other components will be replaced ahead of time, before failure. Submit your bike for a tune-up, have all of its fluids checked to ensure smooth performance. Have the brakes, clutch and throttle cables checked, adjusted, and lubricated if necessary. Vital fluids such as oil, brake fluid and coolant needs to be kept at its normal level to make sure that no untimely engine failure or overheating will ruin your trip.
Now, we come to the part of listing the things that you need to bring on your trip. Bringing tools for basic repairs is important so you can easily manage basic maintenance and roadside repairs. Also, you need to constantly bring drinking water, not only for you but also for your motorbike. Long trips make your bike’s engine demand at least a bottle of water in every stretch of miles. Also, bring with you your cell phone so you can call for help or inform your family if something comes up. If it happened that you are planning to cross state or national borders, make sure that you are familiar with the rules and laws observed in your destination, such as helmet law or lane splitting, to avoid problems.
You have to remember that your motorbike is not as flexible as your car because of the limitations posed by your bike. Aside from having limited space for storage, it leaves you consistently exposed to elements throughout the trip. Make sure that you pack everything that you need. Make sure that you have enough protection against weather elements such as rain or wind. Pack some warm clothes. Pack enough food for you to get to your target pit stops. Aside from getting your bike checked, you also have to prepare your body and your mind to fully enjoy such an adventure.
“Yea, they say it is 227 miles long and about 18 miles wide.”
“I’ve always wanted to see it in person not just on TV or in books,” I complained.
“Let’s do it, man. Let’s take a road trip out west,” my friend Nick demanded.
“Are you serious?”
“You bet I’m serious. I was chatting with Burt and Marco last week. We all agreed that it’s time we took our first road trip. They are ready to go.”
“When were you guys thinking about going on this road trip,” I excitedly inquired.
“If we start planning now and get our vacation request in, we can go this fall,” Nick spouted with excitement.
“I’m in, but I have to get a lot of stuff for my bike before I take off. Want to go to Adventure Harley-Davidson with me?”
“Let me tell Burt and Marco that the trip is on. We’ll all go to Adventure and start getting ready for our trip. I heard Adventure is having an event about every Saturday. I’d like to make a day of it,” Nick stated.
“I’m gonna get on Adventure’s online store www.adventurehd.com and make a wish list of what I need for the trip. I know I need a comfortable seat for the long haul. Hey are you guys taking your girls?”
“Actually, we are in the process of breaking the news to them about the trip. We agreed that if they are all game to go, we’ll take them. Otherwise it will be just us guys. If it’s all guys we’ll take the camping gear. If the girls go we’ll stay at hotels. So Jim you had better get ready to tell Marcia” Nick laughed.
“OK. So I need a new helmet and visor. I dropped mine on the pavement at the end of riding season last year,” I said thinking out loud.
“I want to get a new helmet, visor and gloves, a first aid kit, and some saddlebags,” Nick said concentrating on his list. “We better get some maps and map the route. Burt said he just bought a new GPS from Adventure and he can lead the ride.”
“I could use a pair of waterproof riding boots. I just purchased some great rain gear last season,” I said as I was surfing the adventurehd.com website.
“Marco and I both need our 10,000 mile services before we start. You and Burt just have to do your T-CLOCS Pre-Ride Check,” Nick smirked.
“I’m gonna pick up some extra spark plugs and some fuel line hose. I have plenty of tie downs and cargo nets if you guys need to borrow some. Can you believe it we’re gonna look down into the Grand Canyon,” I blurted.
“I can’t wait to hit the road. I want to stop at so many places. Let’s call this trip our Discover the USA Adventure.” Nick shouted with anticipation.
“Hey, I can’t just sit here talking about riding any longer. Lets go fire up our Harleys and take off to Adventure.
Brenda Boylan
Works for Adventure Harley-Davidson. Write as a hobby. Studing to be a Web Developer.
The open road. The fresh air and wind blowing through your hair. The surge of the engine as you rev it. The fluid feel of the motorcycle on the road as it glides along. You’ve made preparations for this trip. Your only wish is that you had more storage space. Well, wish no more. There are options.
The subject of storage on motorcycles has long been an issue of concern. With no room for a trunk, not to mention it might look silly, the storage for a motorcycle has been very limited in the past. The first type of luggage system we are going to look at is the saddle bag system.
Taken straight from the old west, cowboys would use two leather pouches, connected in the middle by a piece of leather, and it would be either attached to the saddle, or simply placed underneath the saddle. Each bag would be draped over each side of the horse, and usually wasn’t very big. Today’s saddle bags are crafted in a similar manner. The saddle bags are usually constructed from real cowhide or PU (man made leather). A quality saddle bag will have strong nylon straps and nickel plated buckles and studs to prevent them from rusting. There are several styles available that could include studs, metal buckles, fringes, conchos, waterproofing and rain gear.
The next type of luggage became popular when Peter Fonda, playing the role of a motorcycle rider traveling to New Orleans, used a backpack to store his luggage on the back of his motorcycle, attached to the âsissy barâ. The sissy bar bag of today can possibly be used as a backpack. There are several materials used in making sissy bar motorcycle luggage. Nylon, cowhide leather, and man made leather are the common types of material used. As with saddle bags, these too can have studs, fringes, metal buckles, nylon straps, and weatherproofing. There are also options available to have wheels and a luggage tote bar for transporting the bag while not on your motorcycle. Some also have reflective strips on the back of the bag, so that when going down the road, drivers can see you.
The motorcycle windshield bag is a unique type of bag, in that it sits on the handle bars of the motorcycle. It is not a large bag, but rather used for storing smaller items like sunglasses or maps. This can even be used for cellphones or other electronics, as some of the windshield bags are weatherproof. Although there aren’t as many styles for windshield bags as there are for saddle bags or sissy bar bags, the selection is still varied. Generally made from leather, cowhide or man made, these bags offer a great way to store those often used items while out on a motorcycle road trip.
The last piece of luggage we are going to look at is the motorcycle tool bag. These are small leather or nylon bags made to hold tools, either in a roll-up configuration, or simply as a pouch. Often stored under the seat, it helps to keep your tool kit organized, and safely stored. Many of the same style options that are used with the saddle bags can be found for the motorcycle tool bag.
Jafrum.com sells motorcycle helmets and motorcycle gear. You can find articles and products at our website www.jafrum.com
All information given on this web site by Jafrum.com is given in good faith, but we shall not be held liable for any loss or damages suffered by any client, customer, or other visitor to this site, on account of any inaccuracy of description or information, or as a result of any change or new information which may have arisen after the date of publication.
One sure fire way to ruin a great motorcycle trip, or at least up the hassle factor, is to forget important and sometimes seldom thought of pieces of gear, clothing or accessories. Seasoned riders often prepare a motorcycle trip packing checklist in order to avoid arriving on location without all those items that make a trip not only enjoyable but easy logistically. Avoid having to buy missing items at your destination and save time and aggravation while preparing for the trip.
Below is a list of items that riders can consider bringing for their motorcycle trip. Many of the items will depend on your own personal circumstances, the time of year and your destination.
* Spare inner tube
* Tire patch kit
* Portable tire pump
* Spare clutch cable
* Spark plug
* Chain links
* Chain oil
* Bottle of engine oil
* Bottle of spare petrol
* Small tool kit (key metric wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers etc)
* Rain gear (Rain coats, Ponchos)
* Helmet, gloves and body armour
* Trash bags (For waterproofing and dustproofing)
* Long sleeved shirts and long pants
* Bungee cords / bike hooks
* Sun screen and mosquito repellent
* Compass
* Watch
* Jackknife
* Tapes
* First aid kit ( plasters, paracetamols, aspirins, charcoal pills etc)
* Contact details of motorcycle rental company
* Passport (or a photocopy if your passport is surrendered to the motorcycle rental shop)
* Driver’s license
* Insurance papers
* Travel guide(s)
* Maps
* GPS receiver
* Camera
* Torch Light with spare batteries
* Matches / Lighter
* Mobile phone
* Chargers for the various electronic equipments
* Power adapters
* Phone list
* Papers and pens
* Hammock and camping equipment
* Cooking equipment
* Toilet papers
* Water and food
* Cash and credit cards
Atticus Fits is an avid traveler and the owner of Adventure Vacation Trip, a website which chronicles his adventure travels in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, China and other exotic locations.
As soon as I purchased my new Harley, I began dreaming about taking it on a true road trip across the country. Although I immediately took it on short jaunts around the state, I longed for a real, weeks-long road trip that would really show what my motorcycle could do. The thought of putting in long hours simply coasting along on my bike, day after day, sounded like music to my ears. I found myself daydreaming about it constantly, and I talked about it incessantly with my friends.
Eventually, those friends began asking me why I didn’t go ahead and plan a road trip – rather than constantly talk about doing so. Realizing they were right, I started to put a plan in motion. First, I secured a good chunk of time off of work, gleefully telling my manager about the road trip I’d be taking my Harley on. Next, I began planning a route and an itinerary, settling on one that took me literally from coast to coast. I deliberately planned a course that took me through states that I’d never seen before, and past attractions I’d only read about.
The days leading up to my road trip seemed to drag along at a snail’s pace. Meanwhile, I readied my gear and supplies in anticipation of the big day of departure. I have to admit it: I was probably sounding like a broken record to my friends at this point, constantly bringing up the upcoming motorcycle trip and excitedly discussing the many details. My friends were good natured about it, though, and were obviously really excited and happy for me, too.
The Decision To Purchase A Motorcycle Cover
A few weeks before I was due to leave, I was hanging out with a fellow Harley enthusiastic and talking – of course – about my trip. He asked me if I’d purchased a motorcycle cover for my ride, and I looked blankly back at him. Immediately, I realized that I’d completely overlooked this rather glaring and key detail. He told me to act quickly and invest in a high quality one; he said that not all motorcycle covers are made alike, and that having a well-made one could mean the difference between a smooth trip and one riddled with trouble.
Fortunately for me, my friend had a great place to refer me to where I could order a motorcycle cover that would fit the specific dimensions of my bike. He told me how these covers were completely waterproof – not just “water resistant,” like so many lower quality covers. I was sold on the concept, and immediately logged on to my computer and navigated over to the retailer’s website to see what they had to offer.
I was happy to learn that not only were there a plethora of truly waterproof – and weatherproof – motorcycle covers available, but that there were special ones that actually encapsulated your entire motorcycle. Basic motorcycle covers only draped over the top, but these more extensive versions covered both the top and the bottom. These same covers also came with a full, 5 year warranty – what more could I possibly ask for? I ordered one up and it arrived in record time – and in plenty of time for the big day.
How My Motorcycle Cover Helped Make My Cross Country Trip Better
The big day finally arrived; I made sure that my motorcycle cover was securely packed in the bike’s saddlebags. Heading out on that open road felt like freedom, and I immediately knew that I’d made the right decision in taking this journey. Along the way, I naturally encountered inclement weather – but my motorcycle cover was easy to use, and protected my bike from the worst that Mother Nature had to offer.
Days blended into other days, and riding my motorcycle never got old. Periodically, a rain storm – or, on one particularly memorable occasion, hail – came along, and I whipped out my trusty motorcycle cover to keep my Harley safe and sound. When the time arrived to start heading back, I took a different path in order to see even more of the country, and was glad to have done so.
Upon arriving home, friends and neighbors came by to see how everything had gone. Many exclaimed at the pristine condition of my Harley; I pointed to the motorcycle cover, telling them that it had saved me on numerous occasions. A couple of friends were even convinced to buy one of their own. Without a doubt, that was an epic ride – and I was glad to have a quality motorcycle cover to protect my investment.
Jack Labens is a motorcycle enthusiast who values quality vehicle covers such as car covers, motorcycle covers, and truck covers. For the best vehicle covers available, he recommends Empire Covers, which can be found online at: EmpireCovers.com .
The open road. The fresh air and wind blowing through your hair. The surge of the engine as you rev it. The fluid feel of the motorcycle on the road as it glides along. You’ve made preparations for this trip. Your only wish is that you had more storage space. Well, wish no more. There are options.
The subject of storage on motorcycles has long been an issue of concern. With no room for a trunk, not to mention it might look silly, the storage for a motorcycle has been very limited in the past. The first type of luggage system we are going to look at is the saddle bag system.
Taken straight from the old west, cowboys would use two leather pouches, connected in the middle by a piece of leather, and it would be either attached to the saddle, or simply placed underneath the saddle. Each bag would be draped over each side of the horse, and usually wasn’t very big. Today’s saddle bags are crafted in a similar manner. The saddle bags are usually constructed from real cowhide or PU (man made leather). A quality saddle bag will have strong nylon straps and nickel plated buckles and studs to prevent them from rusting. There are several styles available that could include studs, metal buckles, fringes, conchos, waterproofing and rain gear.
The next type of luggage became popular when Peter Fonda, playing the role of a motorcycle rider traveling to New Orleans, used a backpack to store his luggage on the back of his motorcycle, attached to the âsissy barâ. The sissy bar bag of today can possibly be used as a backpack. There are several materials used in making sissy bar motorcycle luggage. Nylon, cowhide leather, and man made leather are the common types of material used. As with saddle bags, these too can have studs, fringes, metal buckles, nylon straps, and weatherproofing. There are also options available to have wheels and a luggage tote bar for transporting the bag while not on your motorcycle. Some also have reflective strips on the back of the bag, so that when going down the road, drivers can see you.
The motorcycle windshield bag is a unique type of bag, in that it sits on the handle bars of the motorcycle. It is not a large bag, but rather used for storing smaller items like sunglasses or maps. This can even be used for cellphones or other electronics, as some of the windshield bags are weatherproof. Although there aren’t as many styles for windshield bags as there are for saddle bags or sissy bar bags, the selection is still varied. Generally made from leather, cowhide or man made, these bags offer a great way to store those often used items while out on a motorcycle road trip.
The last piece of luggage we are going to look at is the motorcycle tool bag. These are small leather or nylon bags made to hold tools, either in a roll-up configuration, or simply as a pouch. Often stored under the seat, it helps to keep your tool kit organized, and safely stored. Many of the same style options that are used with the saddle bags can be found for the motorcycle tool bag.
Jafrum.com sells motorcycle helmets and motorcycle gear. You can find articles and products at our website www.jafrum.com
All information given on this web site by Jafrum.com is given in good faith, but we shall not be held liable for any loss or damages suffered by any client, customer, or other visitor to this site, on account of any inaccuracy of description or information, or as a result of any change or new information which may have arisen after the date of publication.
So you want to go on a motorcycle road trip to Sturgis this year. You’ve made all of the travel arrangements for the trip. You have your hotel room reserved. You have the local hot spots during the week all mapped out. Your job knows that you are taking your vacation. Everything is set. Or is it? Did you remember to pack everything?
When planning any motorcycle road trip, it is good to plan what and how you are going to pack your motorcycle. Make a list of supplies you are going to need . Lay out everything and check off the items on your list as you pack them into your motorcycle luggage. Remember to take an extra change of clothing, just in case. Pack your motorcycle rain suit in last, so that you can get to it easily. The last thing you want is to have to search for your gear in the rain.
Take the time to research different motorcycle repair shops along your route. Keep a list of these shops in your wallet, or even better in your motorcycle tool bag. You did remember to pack that right? Take as many tools that you might need for any minor repairs. A phillips and standard screwdriver, a pair of needle nose pliers, some cable ties, a couple of combination wrenches that fit majority of the sizes on your motorcycle, and a repair manual might even be handy too.
Make sure to pack some easy to eat snacks for the road. Granola bars, trail mix, and candy bars are a good idea. You can also purchase MREs, (Meals Ready to Eat), from a local army surplus store, and use these on the road as a quick meal. Use a large gallon sized sealing bag to store your food to keep the mess to a minimum.
A road map is essential. You can buy folding maps for the trip, no matter your destination. Even better, consider buying a navigation system for your motorcycle. These are great, and can be easily adapted to work with your motorcycle. If you don’t want to use a navigation system, consider using a cell phone with broadband internet access, to use free services like Google maps or Mapquest.
Think about the other essentials of the road. Personal toiletries like travel sized tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, and deodorant can all be obtained and stored in a small travel bag, easily stored in your motorcycle luggage. Consider even packing a small roll of toilet paper, for when nature calls, and you are in the middle of nowhere. You are going to some remote locations at times right?
When packing your motorcycle luggage, try to keep the weight balanced on each side of the motorcycle. You don’t want to have a bike that wants to lean to one side or the other. Taking a long trip with a lopsided motorcycle will wear you out quickly as you try to fight to keep the motorcycle upright. The best way to do this, is to have someone help you pack the luggage, while you balance the motorcycle. After packing, take your motorcycle out for a short test ride, and make adjustments.
Jafrum.com sells motorcycle helmets and motorcycle gear. You can find articles and products at our website www.jafrum.com
All information given on this web site by Jafrum.com is given in good faith, but we shall not be held liable for any loss or damages suffered by any client, customer, or other visitor to this site, on account of any inaccuracy of description or information, or as a result of any change or new information which may have arisen after the date of publication.
Among all the paraphernalia of a bike trip like mapping and planning the route, checking the weather forecast and planning the sightseeing and activities, the most important thing is to pack your bag and take all the things of relevance and significance.
This is very important because the nastiest thing that might happen on the trip is that you might end up with a flat tire or an exhausted engine since the weight of the baggage could not be supported on the bike.
The following packing tips are some of the many that you might find helpful on the trip:
1. Only take clothes such as motorcycle jackets that are absolutely necessary. Hear the weather forecast carefully. Then you will know what kind of clothes you should take with you. If the weather is supposed to be cold then please take enough motorcycle jackets and warm clothing items to keep you warm.
2. In case of things that serve the same purpose but one is heavier than the other I is obviously good sense to take the lightweight one and not the heavier. Always remember to travel light when you are on a motorcycle trip.
3. Take everything in small portions. If, for instance, you have to take any medicine or any lotion, take the required amount for the whole trip in small bottles. Don’t take the entire bottle in the bag.
4. On the way to the trip you might find yourself in places, which are absolutely devoid of human habitation. So you won’t get any convenience sore in these places. Therefore, pack in enough energy bars; trail mix and water, which will keep your energy boosted and your thirst quenched.
5. Attach the heavy and dense things at the bottom of the bike, close to the side so that the weight gets centralized. But put the lightweight items like pillows on the top of the bike.
6. Although saddlebags or tank bags are the best options to carry luggage but in case you don’t have that you can use bungee nets for packing. That’s a good idea.
7. Please keep in mind the load limit of the bike. If you overload the bike then that will break down the suspension, brakes and wheels. This will make it difficult for you to run the bike smoothly.
8. Line the luggage with plastic sheets to protect it from the rain or moisture. Make sure that the rain gear is close at hand so that you will get it easily once it rains.
9. It will be good sense to keep items of regular, frequent and emergency use in the right saddlebag. This bag is more easily accessible so thins like water bottle, cellular phone or maps should go in here. Keep the items of lesser use in the left saddlebag like sleep items and spare clothes. If you try to reach the left saddlebag on the road it will place you closer to the opposite traffic.
10. Make sure not to keep bags close to the exhaust pipe. A slight brush with the pipe might burn the bag and you will not be left with any extra clothes but just ashes.
Definitely, when you pack for a bike trip you need to be very aware and particular about space utility. There is limited space unlike a car of RV. You have to take all the things without making the bike too heavy.
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