I have never toured on 2 wheels to the Great Rocky Mountains. To save my feeble brain from the strain, can one of you highly-experienced folks share a checklist you may have for packing for long trips? Things like tire repair kit, 1st aid, etc. Thanks.
Travel Accessory Checklist
- Thread starter phil
- Start date
Help Support Yamaha FJR Motorcycle Forum:
squeezer
Squirrelly Geezer
Tire repair kit and pump would be at the top of my list.
Credit card and a cell phone come next.
A couple of small, but good, flashlights because, although it's never been scientifically confirmed, I'm convinced most breakdowns happen at night.
A good multi-tool and the proper hex wrenches for all those fairing screws, plus a few extra fasteners, are almost guaranteed to be handy.
Don't forget the duct tape.
Tire pressure gauge, of course.
Make sure you have some drinking water somewhere in case you're stuck for awhile.
A first aid kit seems sensible. Make sure you add stuff for bee stings. Much more handy, though, is having both Motrin and Gold Bond Powder easily accessible. And on the meds front, I also keep some Pepto-Bismol in the tank bag. The gamble on roadside diners pays off both ways.
I carry something to clean the windshield and my visor because I've been through bug storms that made it impossible to see.
You'll see some gigantic checklists out there, but for me, anything more than what's listed above is pretty much gravy. For the record, I also carry what I think is a pretty good tool kit, tho' there's no real reason to haul tools for stuff you don't know how to fix anyway. I carry spare headlight and taillight bulbs, extra fuses, and some wire because I had electrical gremlins in a previous bike. Haven't needed them on the fjr. I also carry a tube of silicone sealant/adhesive. I carry extra bungee cords, often a spare helmet visor, extra gloves, spare glasses and sunglasses, and whatever gear I think I'll need to stay comfortable in changing weather. On other bikes I carried an extra quart of oil but I weaned myself away from that with the fjr.
Credit card and a cell phone come next.
A couple of small, but good, flashlights because, although it's never been scientifically confirmed, I'm convinced most breakdowns happen at night.
A good multi-tool and the proper hex wrenches for all those fairing screws, plus a few extra fasteners, are almost guaranteed to be handy.
Don't forget the duct tape.
Tire pressure gauge, of course.
Make sure you have some drinking water somewhere in case you're stuck for awhile.
A first aid kit seems sensible. Make sure you add stuff for bee stings. Much more handy, though, is having both Motrin and Gold Bond Powder easily accessible. And on the meds front, I also keep some Pepto-Bismol in the tank bag. The gamble on roadside diners pays off both ways.
I carry something to clean the windshield and my visor because I've been through bug storms that made it impossible to see.
You'll see some gigantic checklists out there, but for me, anything more than what's listed above is pretty much gravy. For the record, I also carry what I think is a pretty good tool kit, tho' there's no real reason to haul tools for stuff you don't know how to fix anyway. I carry spare headlight and taillight bulbs, extra fuses, and some wire because I had electrical gremlins in a previous bike. Haven't needed them on the fjr. I also carry a tube of silicone sealant/adhesive. I carry extra bungee cords, often a spare helmet visor, extra gloves, spare glasses and sunglasses, and whatever gear I think I'll need to stay comfortable in changing weather. On other bikes I carried an extra quart of oil but I weaned myself away from that with the fjr.
Last edited by a moderator:
2WheelTiger
Chief Executive Carnivore
Some trip articles I wrote:
Tank bags
Long trip advice
Trip tips
Bad weather comfort
YMMV. Hope these help.
Tank bags
Long trip advice
Trip tips
Bad weather comfort
YMMV. Hope these help.
madmike2
Shtirrenuppenmeister
Link to Pashnit: "What to bring on a tour" list
My suggestions:
1) On the bike all the time--
Tire repair kit
air compresor
OEM tool kit
extra "main fuse:
extra fuses for my aux. fuse panel
ear plugs
2) Long trips:
A) In my Cordura "tailbag" strapped to my pillion seat....
Flashlight
Electrical Tape
Duct Tape
Assorted ROK straps and bungees
Tools
hand cleaner (or handi-wipes)
"Fix-a-flat" aerosol can
First-Aid kit
Shock Blanket
Cleaning supplies (plexi and polish)
B) in my topcase or tankbag:
Raingear
extra gloves (warmer?)
balaclava
heated liner
I'm sure there are other things I add...but this would be the basics for a multi-day or multi week tour.
My suggestions:
1) On the bike all the time--
Tire repair kit
air compresor
OEM tool kit
extra "main fuse:
extra fuses for my aux. fuse panel
ear plugs
2) Long trips:
A) In my Cordura "tailbag" strapped to my pillion seat....
Flashlight
Electrical Tape
Duct Tape
Assorted ROK straps and bungees
Tools
hand cleaner (or handi-wipes)
"Fix-a-flat" aerosol can
First-Aid kit
Shock Blanket
Cleaning supplies (plexi and polish)
B) in my topcase or tankbag:
Raingear
extra gloves (warmer?)
balaclava
heated liner
I'm sure there are other things I add...but this would be the basics for a multi-day or multi week tour.
LDRydr
A Homeless Nomad
I've got some Excel templates that I use, different ones for just me and for going two-up. PM me with a real email addy and I'll send them to you.
Also, MicaPeak.com has a customizable checklist you can create then printout. CLICKY HERE
Also, MicaPeak.com has a customizable checklist you can create then printout. CLICKY HERE
Last edited by a moderator:
doodad
Member
Take way less than you think you'll need for clothes and do laundry at hotels along the way. Everybody else covered tools, etc, but instead of ( or in addition to...) a flashlight, go to a camping store and get one of those little headlamps. They're awesome for tight dark jobs. GPS is kinda handy too, but maps still work.
If you get up to Canadian rockies, let us know and we'll buy the first ( real ) beer.
SMC
Well-known member
:blink: Howdy Phil,
I'll toss this out at you and you can distill it further to suit your needs.
I don't have a tank bag nor do I have a top case like most of the guys.
All this gear fits into the two saddlebags and my smuggler and is enough
gear to get me through my trips from a few days to multi-week trips from
temperatures as cold as 38 degrees to 120 degrees and weather that is
quite soggy.
Documents and I.D.
trip itinerary, hotel addresses, phone #'s, reservations #'s
back-up maps and road atlas
wallet, checkbook, cash
FJR manual and Y.E.S. card
airline I.D.
Riding Gear
Cycleport kevlar jacket, water proof liner
Cycleport kevlar pants
Arai helmet, light smoke visor, helmet bag
Sidi motorcycle boots
2 pair Rev'it motorcycle gloves
Tourmaster rain suit
Camelback rehydration system
back-up ignition and smuggler keys on lanyard
Clothing and Footwear
4 REI Sahara microfiber longsleeve shirts
2 pr. REI Sahara microfiber zip off leg pants
1 REI rain parka
1 long sleeve cotton T-shirt
1 long sleeve insulated undershirt
1 pr. REI shorts
5 pr. REI underwear
5 pr. synthetic quick drying socks
1 pr. black sneakers
Navigation and Communications Equipment
Garmin GPS, ac power adaptor, manual, security screwdriver
Etymotic ER4P earphones
Cell phone and extra battery
MacBook, ac adaptor, high speed DSL cable
Photography Gear
Nikon D-80, manual
Sekonic light meter, manual
Gitzo tripod
multicoat polarizer and UV filters
2 four gigabyte flashcards
2 lithium ion batteries and ac recharger
Repair and Maintenance Equipment
1 tire pressure gauge
1 Stop and Go Pocket Tire Plugger repair kit
1 sticky string tire repair kit
1 CO2 tire inflator
1 box of CO2 cartridges
1 Aerostitch First Aid Kit
1 headband flashlight
1 clip on flashlight
1 cable lock system
1 expanded tool kit
1 small roll duct tape
1 small roll electrical tape
1 Cold steel pocket knife
Toiletries
toiletries, medicine, vitamins, lip balm
visine,
sun block
talcum powder
Miscellaneous
1 pair foam ear plugs with connector cable
1 garage door opener
1 magnifying glass
1 pair sunglasses
1 pair reading glasses
alarm clock
6 large ziplock bags
12 rubber bands and plastic ties
If my trips are over five days I just plan for doing laundry at the hotels every five days.
The reason why I can pack so much gear and clothing is I have discovered microfiber clothing made by REI, the weave of this stuff is so small and tight that you can pack two shirts in the space that a normal long sleeve shirt would take up and two pairs of pants in the space that a pair of denim jeans would take up. The clothe has a SPF factor of 40, drys in no time flat, doesn't hold odors, and breathes well.
All the repair and maintenance gear fits quite well in the Corbin Smuggler and is easily accessible along with the rain or wet weather clothing.
The camera gear along with some clothing and sneakers below it fit quite well into the right saddle bag that when you have the motorcycle on the side stand is quite accessible. Since the bike is tilted to the left when on the side stand, when you open the right
saddlebag, the camera equipment and tripod are on top of the clothing and easily removed for those Kodak moments without falling out.
The computer along with clothing below it are in the left saddle bag and is something I have never needed until I get to the hotel. Then it comes out to obtain satellite imagery of weather systems, e-mail and downloading what photos I had taken that day.
Every morning before hitting the road I fill the Camelback up with ice then fill it to the top with water. When you have a rehydration system that holds almost a gallon of water you can go a long way and through the worst heat with no problem (i.e. west Texas, Mojave desert, southern Nevada and Utah) You would be surprised as to how much a COLD drink of ice water will refresh you will you are tooling down the road.
I have also gone over Independance Pass (12,051 ft above sea level) and Bear tooth pass when there has been snow on and to the side of the road and the ambient air temperature has been 38 degrees. I just plan ahead and layer the long insulated underwear, REI shirt and the Jacket with liner in and have managed to be quite comfortable. If its really chilly and windy and wet, on goes the rain gear on top of that.
Of course all the REI clothing is also perfect for "when you get there" and decide you want to climb down into the Grand Canyon, walk along the California coastline near Carmel, Monterey or climb around Yosemite taking photos, not to mention going to some nice restaurant when you are in a local that has fine dining.
Hope that helps you and you have some wonderful trips on your FJR.
Scott
Checkswrecks
Well-known member
The completeness of these lists is incredible. I keep a bag packed for work travel and the bike stuff is sorta in one part of the garage (sorta), so it's dump and go.
Really posting to add not to forget all the car and wall chargers that your toys need. Camera(s), cellphone/Blackberry, GPS, laptop, & whatever else. Buying second and third chargers because one was left at home is expensive and stupid, just don't ask how I know.
Bob
Really posting to add not to forget all the car and wall chargers that your toys need. Camera(s), cellphone/Blackberry, GPS, laptop, & whatever else. Buying second and third chargers because one was left at home is expensive and stupid, just don't ask how I know.
Bob
keithaba
Well-known member
Well, that was quite the list.
The only thing I can add, is that instead of a regular flashlight, I take one of these. If you are by yourself, no one is going to hold the flashlight for you!
petzl headlamp
The only thing I can add, is that instead of a regular flashlight, I take one of these. If you are by yourself, no one is going to hold the flashlight for you!
petzl headlamp
GUNNY! $20+ chargers suck... now if your cell phone uses a USB charger, you can sometimes charge that off the laptop (if you carry one).
Universal chargers (with different connectors) are nice, but I don't have experience with them.
The headlamps are cheaper and you can sometimes find a decent one at your favorite local discount store.
gr8eyes
Well-known member
HOLY pac-rat Batman. There are alot of Boy Scouts around here.
Jagermeister
Well-known member
2WheelTiger
Chief Executive Carnivore
Well, there's an update on the site with all the most recent details. It hasn't been my favorite transaction.
HaulinAshe
Well-known member
Nowadays, more and more of my preparation for long trips is prepared electronically. In less than one year of ownership, I've become very dependant on the Zumo and my route files.
A tidbit of electronic insurance I used for traversing the country to WFO last summer, was to load a copy of:
GPX route files
Excel spreadsheet with hotel reservation info
PDF maps of route sections
into the SD card on my cell phone. I figured that if I lost both the Zumo and my cell phone then I was probably hospitalized and it didn't matter anyway. But recovering from something like a SD card gone bad in the Zumo would be hard to do 3,000 miles away from home.
The single most critical piece of physical gear I carried, was the last thing I ever expected to use. My Camelback. Hydration rules in hot weather!
A tidbit of electronic insurance I used for traversing the country to WFO last summer, was to load a copy of:
GPX route files
Excel spreadsheet with hotel reservation info
PDF maps of route sections
into the SD card on my cell phone. I figured that if I lost both the Zumo and my cell phone then I was probably hospitalized and it didn't matter anyway. But recovering from something like a SD card gone bad in the Zumo would be hard to do 3,000 miles away from home.
The single most critical piece of physical gear I carried, was the last thing I ever expected to use. My Camelback. Hydration rules in hot weather!
LAGO RUNNER
Well-known member
All the above and a bottle of Crown(or what nector of the gods your prefer) for when you stop at hotel, camp, or break down.. 
Last edited by a moderator:
beemerdons
Certifiable Old Fart
Hello Phil, I turn sixty this year and the packing list below started out in the Summer of 1969 handwritten, just before I left my US Army Base in Augsburg, Germany heading for Lisbon, Portugal on a two week pass on my 1966 BMW R60/2. Its served me for forty years and 800,000 miles. If you are a fellow Irishman, Section B is the most important part of the list!
Week Long Motorcycle Tour Check Off Packing List
A. CLOTHING
1. Riding Gear-Rocket Jacket & Pants
2. Motorcycle Riding Boots
3. Widder electric vest (always)
4. Long Johns (if wintertime)
5. Cold weather gloves
6. Hot weather gloves
7. Full coverage helmet
8. BMWRA sweatshirt
9. Rain suit in stuff sack
10. Long sleeve shirts
11. Socks
12. Jeans
13. Underwear
14. Handkerchief
15. Bermuda shorts
16. Flip-flops
17. Tank top
18. Pool shoes
19. Swimming suit
20. Sunglasses
B. COOKING/EATING EQUIPMENT
1. Beer bottle opener
2. Beer can opener
3. Beer stein/mug
4. Jameson's Irish Whiskey
5. Bushmill's Irish Whiskey
C. CAMPING/SLEEPING GEAR
1. Therma-rest pad in bivouac bag
2. Aerostich electric lantern
3. Sleeping bag (fart sack for us GI’s)
4. Two flashlights (penlight & medium)
5. Extra batteries for the lights
6. Tent with rain fly
7. 8’ x 12’ ground cloth
8. Folding camp chair
9. Ear plugs (for notorious BMW rally snorers)
10. Small camp/travel pillow in stuff bag
11. Dish towel/sponge (keep beer mug clean)
12. Bags-Ziplocs both large and small, garbage
13. Leatherman multi-tool with short saw
14. Nylon cord, 25’ roll
15. Very small claw hammer for driving stakes and digging rain trench
PAGE TWO: Week Long Motorcycle Tour Check Off Packing List;
D. BIKE PARAPHERNALIA
1. Extra bike keys
2. Extra saddlebag/topbox keys
3. Vehicle registration documents
4. Insurance papers (en particular para Mexico!)
5. Cloth bug/washing rags
6. Bungee cargo net
7. Bungee cords, up to six
8. Cable lock with key
9. Disk lock with key
10. Chamois and bike wax
11. BMW or Yamaha tank bag
12. Cell phone and small address book
13. Lamps: headlight, taillight and turn
14. Alaskan sheepskin seat cover
15. Extra fuses and small electrical kit
E. TOOLS
1. Duct tape (flatten the roll) and electrical tape and connectors
2. Two tire pressure gauges (put in two different locations)
3. Air pump, electric with the BMW plug or foot for the Yamaha/Harley/Kawasaki
4. Can of Fix-A-Flat (never enter Mexico without it!)
5. Large BMW tool roll, with extra tire plugging gear (goop & plugs)
F. PERSONAL EFFECTS
1. Digital camera with extra memory cards and extra batteries
2. Shaving/overnight kit and first aid kit
3. Extra reading glasses and contact lenses
4. Alarm clock and wrist watch
5. BMW MOA Anonymous Book (most recent edition)
6. Insect repellent/bug spray
7. Maps/campground-travel guides, bring magnifying glass
8. Extra pens, pencils and hi-liter pen/markers for the maps/guides
9. Two different credit cards and Travelers Checks (if necessary)
10. Passport, always bring along for Mexico and Canada!
11. BMWMOA, BMWRA, HOG, AAA and AARP membership cards
12. Checkbook, quick contact number and account numbers (secured)
13. Bath towel and wash cloth
14. Army duffel bag, in case the bike/me craps out in Guatemala & I fly home
15. Prescription medicines (god damn heart attack!) and daily vitamins
Week Long Motorcycle Tour Check Off Packing List
A. CLOTHING
1. Riding Gear-Rocket Jacket & Pants
2. Motorcycle Riding Boots
3. Widder electric vest (always)
4. Long Johns (if wintertime)
5. Cold weather gloves
6. Hot weather gloves
7. Full coverage helmet
8. BMWRA sweatshirt
9. Rain suit in stuff sack
10. Long sleeve shirts
11. Socks
12. Jeans
13. Underwear
14. Handkerchief
15. Bermuda shorts
16. Flip-flops
17. Tank top
18. Pool shoes
19. Swimming suit
20. Sunglasses
B. COOKING/EATING EQUIPMENT
1. Beer bottle opener
2. Beer can opener
3. Beer stein/mug
4. Jameson's Irish Whiskey
5. Bushmill's Irish Whiskey
C. CAMPING/SLEEPING GEAR
1. Therma-rest pad in bivouac bag
2. Aerostich electric lantern
3. Sleeping bag (fart sack for us GI’s)
4. Two flashlights (penlight & medium)
5. Extra batteries for the lights
6. Tent with rain fly
7. 8’ x 12’ ground cloth
8. Folding camp chair
9. Ear plugs (for notorious BMW rally snorers)
10. Small camp/travel pillow in stuff bag
11. Dish towel/sponge (keep beer mug clean)
12. Bags-Ziplocs both large and small, garbage
13. Leatherman multi-tool with short saw
14. Nylon cord, 25’ roll
15. Very small claw hammer for driving stakes and digging rain trench
PAGE TWO: Week Long Motorcycle Tour Check Off Packing List;
D. BIKE PARAPHERNALIA
1. Extra bike keys
2. Extra saddlebag/topbox keys
3. Vehicle registration documents
4. Insurance papers (en particular para Mexico!)
5. Cloth bug/washing rags
6. Bungee cargo net
7. Bungee cords, up to six
8. Cable lock with key
9. Disk lock with key
10. Chamois and bike wax
11. BMW or Yamaha tank bag
12. Cell phone and small address book
13. Lamps: headlight, taillight and turn
14. Alaskan sheepskin seat cover
15. Extra fuses and small electrical kit
E. TOOLS
1. Duct tape (flatten the roll) and electrical tape and connectors
2. Two tire pressure gauges (put in two different locations)
3. Air pump, electric with the BMW plug or foot for the Yamaha/Harley/Kawasaki
4. Can of Fix-A-Flat (never enter Mexico without it!)
5. Large BMW tool roll, with extra tire plugging gear (goop & plugs)
F. PERSONAL EFFECTS
1. Digital camera with extra memory cards and extra batteries
2. Shaving/overnight kit and first aid kit
3. Extra reading glasses and contact lenses
4. Alarm clock and wrist watch
5. BMW MOA Anonymous Book (most recent edition)
6. Insect repellent/bug spray
7. Maps/campground-travel guides, bring magnifying glass
8. Extra pens, pencils and hi-liter pen/markers for the maps/guides
9. Two different credit cards and Travelers Checks (if necessary)
10. Passport, always bring along for Mexico and Canada!
11. BMWMOA, BMWRA, HOG, AAA and AARP membership cards
12. Checkbook, quick contact number and account numbers (secured)
13. Bath towel and wash cloth
14. Army duffel bag, in case the bike/me craps out in Guatemala & I fly home
15. Prescription medicines (god damn heart attack!) and daily vitamins
Last edited by a moderator:
SANFRANFJR
Well-known member
TOILET PAPER
DON'T FORGET THE TP FOR THOSE EMERGENCIES
Happy Travels,
Kirk
DON'T FORGET THE TP FOR THOSE EMERGENCIES
Happy Travels,
Kirk
Similar threads
- Locked
