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Accessorizing - Comments/Suggestions Please
psycho:
Hey guys. As Naitram noticed. We have had a few "spring-like" days here in the Northeast recently, which spurred me to begin ordering the stuff I need for the bike. I was hoping to get down to the Northeastern Bike Expo to check out vendors, but surf was up in Maine that Saturday and the double withdrawal (no bike/flat surf :( ) all winter was taking its toll on me. (Spent 2.5 hours in 34 degree water with 3-5" swells--just what the doctor ordered!)
naitram:
depending how far you plan on riding, will decide how uch of that stuff you really need. the rain gear is great but are you always going to carry it on the bike? or if you think you will need the stuff when you leave the house will you still take the bike? start with the heated stuff and slowly add the other stuff if you decide you really need it.
JCZ:
Naitram I think he's working up towards a Sturgis type ride. [smiley=huepfenlol2.gif]
O.K. Psycho......on the serious side.....you may have gone a little excessive in a couple areas. For instance, I've never locked my helmet, ever. Just sit it on my seat or hang it off the foot peg, handlebar/mirror or whatever......just never had anybody mess with it.
The Tour Master 2 piece is a great rain suit (I discoverdd it in a magazine that tested like 20 rain suits....for price and function, it came in on top) however, I only carry it on the long trips.
Not sure how many luggage bags you're going to need if you're riding by yourself. If your bag is not waterproof, use a large trash bag on the inside and put all your stuff in it that way......keepin the socks and t-shirts dry is important to me. Take an extra plastic bag (a smaller one is fine) for the dirty clothes. They'll take up the same space as they did when they were clean, you're just trading places within the pack.
Personally I don't use a bike cover and don't know anybody who does, on the road. Valuable space that I'd rather use for the creature comforts.
Personally, I don't use rain boots. I buy good quality leather boots and when it comes time for a long trip I spray them real good with water repellant. Some will tell you that that's not good for the leather but my soles wear out before the uppers and I don't resole them. I wear my boots about 365 days a year and usually get two or three years out of them.
Gerbing has heated sox and gloves, too. Just ordered them for myself. You'll probably be able to use that kind of stuff a lot more than I would. Hell, in the summer I often ride without a shirt at all (remember, I have full fairing and windshield). In Calif. any kind of leathers would be too much. The most you're going to get out here is jeans and a t-shirt or tank top. It often reaches 110 to 112 degrees.....way to hot for leathers.
I hope this helps Psycho.
psycho:
--- Quote ---depending how far you plan on riding, will decide how uch of that stuff you really need. the rain gear is great but are you always going to carry it on the bike? or if you think you will need the stuff when you leave the house will you still take the bike? start with the heated stuff and slowly add the other stuff if you decide you really need it.
--- End quote ---
If I'm just ridin' around I would be pretty light--just the wallet. But anything like overnight I think I will always have raingear on the bike. I'm thinking the rack sac for that, the lock, and some additional clothing (or leave empty to store what I remove). It's hard to tell right now since I don't know how bulky this stuff is and how it will store in the bag.
psycho:
--- Quote ---...working up towards a Sturgis type ride...Not sure how many luggage bags you're going to need... bike cover ...rain boots.... way to hot for leathers.
--- End quote ---
Well your not far off there JC. If I don't start thinking about this stuff it'll never happen. If I'm not prepared, I won't be able to take advantage of an opportunity if and when it arises. The rac sac and luggage bag (medium height) appear to have sufficient storage for a trip to Florida (I might be able to avoid saddle bags). The bike cover will remain at my place on the ocean in Maine--very high traffic area in summer thus high likelihood for crime. Want the bike covered and locked to the concrete parking slab while I'm there. I was thinking the same as far as waterproofing everything. The bags come with internal/external rain covers as well.
Leathers--The instructors on my rider course said at speed your cold in summer as well. Guess I'll have to experience that. They said always wear good leathers (prevents dehydration etc). Even wear them thru death valley they say! So maybe I can postpone the leathers a bit since I've been having the hardest time picturing myself with them--just can't see myself in chaps and all that yet (I get this wanna-be-poser-lets play biker dress up type thing in my head!) 8)
I guess full leathers are the norm for European riders.
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