I wasn't sure if you did not bring some of the items I mentioned because you are a backwards **** or because you didn't need them/couldn't afford them?
Yes, Yes, and Yes
I'll post how/what to pack your other stuff later when I get back from doing my morning chores / feeding the pigs and stuff. Easy time of year to travel so you won't need much.
EDIT: OK, I'm back, pigs and still are doing fine
I would keep 2.5G of gas in the motofizz bag, an extra pair of comfortable walking shoes when I arrive, heated gloves/jacket liner, my larger camera with extra lens, my laptop with Verizon card for keeping in touch with friends and family at the end of the day. You get the idea....
If you're going to be on Pashnit rides and with the range of the FJR's oem tank, I very much doubt you'll need to carry fuel -just think ahead and you'll have plenty of fueling options. his site has pretty much paved mainstream stuff.
While I *could* be wrong (hey it snowed here a few days ago) If me, unless weather reports say otherwise, I'd leave the heated gear at home. Ideally your motorcycle boots can double as good walking/hiking boots, but I agree on the light pair of shoes, especially something that can squish down good.
So, two pair of jeans, 4T-shirts and a couple of regular shirts. Riding socks (dont' mess with non riding socks, take too much room). Everything you bring clothes wise should be stuff that you can wear in public and use to layer for warmth under your primary riding gear.
Bring a travel size Woolite and keep things fresh in motel sinks every few nights ...it'll be dry by morning -if not bungee to the bike for a few miles.
Keep your fancy camera stuff as light as possible, and use whatever you carry it in to also hold phone/pda chargers etc. Also use this bag for copies of important papers, some emergency cash/spare credit card and maybe and electric image of important papers. Not text, but image so that you can view them on your camera's LCD. My point being that besides your gun, this camera bag is likely something that you won't be losing.
If possible, use small bags to sort different stuff. Jeans T-shirts vs undergarments vs toiletries etc. This also makes it easier to separate dirty from clean, but I use small waste liners that I take from the motel room to separate dirty stuff. Nothing worse than keeping dirty with clean. The ghey Yamaha saddle bag inserts are pretty worthless IMO ..much better to use something like
THESE(CLICKY) These are designed for Jesse Panniers, but work great in the FJR saddlebags and awesome to seperate things ...and note the color coding.
Also, I don't have the link, but i've used disposable underwear briefs on my mexico trips. Yes, they make such a thing and they're not that bad ...just throw them away after a use. they come packed very small tight so you're not haling around a bunch of big bulky underwear and when done just throw them away --Nice.
Your laptops is your biggest challenge. For me it takes a good portion of one of the saddlebags, or requires a top-case that you'll want to do everything possible to avoid. Leave it at home if at all possible if not, consider getting a bag that can accommodate your camera stuff and laptop and bungee to the pillion seat. Again, avoid top case if at all possible. Also remember that cell coverage other than analog is non-existent in MUCH of the areas you'll be in ....so your Verizon card is not going to be worth much.
I'd love to get a listing of some of the towns you'll be in. , ...and would be glad to give Points of interest and good tidbits on some of the roads you'll be on.
What am I missing??
