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[SilverDawg]

We are leaving on Saturday for a 4day/3 night trip through Arkansas for the "fall color tour".  We have 5 altogether ( 1 other CUSE2 besides mine).  Since this is my first overnighter on this bike (my previous ride was a Heritage), I would like to know how some of you "seasoned veterans" pack for a ride of this length.   In addition to what is on the bike, I also recently purchased the Road Ready travel pack for the SEUltra tourpak rack.  I also have a Tbag that I used for the Heritage, but I will not be using that for this trip.

Essentials, in addition to clothes for the trip, will be rain gear, small bundle of tools, first aid kit, tire repair kit and small inflator, cooler?, along with the ipod, camera, helmet, sunscreen, and some other misc. stuff (tp .

How do you go about placing this stuff on your bike for maximum efficiency and convenience.   What do y'all put in your lower fairing storeage compartments? I'm all ears (and eyes ) awaiting your responses. 

[Fired00d]

I always try to pack the heaviest items low (saddlebags), and as much that will fit in the glove boxes. If you're the type that likes to stop at dealers to collect T-shirts you can plan on carrying less then the amount needed unless you would rather get them home before wearing them. I normally carry my rainsuit, jacket, bike cover and any other small item(s) (camera, etc) that I would want quick access to in the tourpak. Not sure where you're travels are going to take you, but I would suggest unless you're 1000% sure that it will not get cold I would take cold weather gear (heavy gloves, jacket, chaps and/or thermals). Use your saddlebag liners and just grab them out when you get to your destination at night. I would leave my toolkit, tirekit, and any other such items in the bottom of the saddlebag and not in the liners. If those are needed you can just slip the liner out and they are there, and you will not be carrying them in the hotel w/you every night.

I found out the hard way on my first extended bike trip (9 days) you don't pack like you're in a cage. I ended up shipping clothes home twice before I ever got to destination.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

 

[JCZ]

You pretty well got it covered.  Four days isn't much, so you'll not need a lot.

In the lower leg fairings, one side I put my rain suit jacket and the other side I put my rain suit pants.  Hopefully they'll never have to come out of their.

Pack with the weight in the saddle bags and the lighter stuff up in the tour pack.

I put all my leathers in one side and she puts hers in the other side.  The soft sided ice chest, first aide kit, electronics charger cords, etc. all go in the tour pack and our toiltries, underwear, etc. go in the bag on top of the tour pack.  That way, when we get to a hotel each night, we just take the tour pack top bag in and lock the rest up right where it sets.  Saves a lot of time and hassel........especially when you're really tired from a long day in the saddle.

Of course you want to keep the camera real hand.......cause you know.......

[110tHunDer]

 
When you say "we" are you talking about your spouse traveling with you, or just other bikers?  I just got back from Hot Springs, AR which was a 4 day/ 3 night solo trip for me.  I was able to get everything I needed for that trip, plus half a saddlebag of cleaning supplies on the bike without any exterior luggage.  In fact, I don't even have a tour-pak rack.

I suppose you are already, but keep a keen eye on the weather forecast for the area(s) you are going to be riding in . . . it can help keep you from packing unecessary clothing items.  I use the left (low side) saddlebag for the rain gear, tools, and other items I hope not to use.  That left bag is just a little harder to get into whenever you need something.  The right bag I put my bike cleaning supplies (cleaners/polishes/microfiber cloths, etc.), a quart of oil, and my half helmet.  I have the saddlebag organizers in the lids which is where I put any small items, including sunscreen, first aid items, flashlight, etc.  In the tour-pak, I had a duffel bag with all my clothes and toiletries, plus a ball cap, camera, CD case and other miscellaneous items.  I don't ever pack anything in the glove compartments of the fairing lowers for two reasons: one, the inside of mine somehow always get wet if I hit any rain, and two, there is no security for the items stowed there.

I tend to pack on the light side figuring I can purchase anything I find I need while out on the road.  So far, it's worked for me and I have not had to make many emergency sweatshirt or other purchases.  Watching that weather forecast and packing accordingly, helps.

[Midnight Rider]

We are leaving on Saturday for a 4day/3 night trip through Arkansas for the "fall color tour".  We have 5 altogether ( 1 other CUSE2 besides mine).  Since this is my first overnighter on this bike (my previous ride was a Heritage), I would like to know how some of you "seasoned veterans" pack for a ride of this length.   In addition to what is on the bike, I also recently purchased the Road Ready travel pack for the SEUltra tourpak rack.  I also have a Tbag that I used for the Heritage, but I will not be using that for this trip.

Essentials, in addition to clothes for the trip, will be rain gear, small bundle of tools, first aid kit, tire repair kit and small inflator, cooler?, along with the ipod, camera, helmet, sunscreen, and some other misc. stuff (tp .

How do you go about placing this stuff on your bike for maximum efficiency and convenience.   What do y'all put in your lower fairing storeage compartments? I'm all ears (and eyes ) awaiting your responses. 

Packing the bike for two on a trip of this length, or any multiple night trip for that matter...in addition to all the things you've already mentioned, each of us gets a saddlebag insert (I take the liners out for more room).  In that goes changes of underware, enough t-shirts or long sleeved shirts to get by, depending on temps (in summer, that would be one for each day, if room allows...in cooler weather, I wear stuff more than once), an extra pair of jeans, two extra pairs of lightweight ski socks (they wick, keeping your feet dry and comfortable), a pair of flip flops. That way, when we get where we're going, all the clothes get pulled out of the bag and carried in like a piece of luggage. In the TP, we keep stuff we need to get to easily, like hats, flashlight, cleaning supplies (a couple of micro cloths, some amonia free windex wipes, and a small bottle of quick detailer), cameras, handbag, outside layers for our Transformation Jackets.  I also have a RoadReady bag that goes on the rack...it has zippered pockets, so we keep gum, smokes, etc in those, and in the main compartment of that bag, we put lighter stuff like rainsuits, fleece jacket (if needed).  I don't keep much in the glove boxes, as they are not water tight...tire gauge, eye drops.  Stuff that doesn't matter much and won't stay wet.  The glove boxes are pretty much useless, IMO, at least in their present configuration.  I'd like to get some watertight, hinged covers for them...they are on my list.

I put the tools in the bottom of "my" saddlebag and stick the insert on top.  I can usually stuff my Exigent bike cover in there too, to cover the bike at night.  On a 9 day trip we did in July, we found a laundry in one of the towns and dropped off some stuff to have it washed/dried and folded...we were staying in that town a couple of nights.  I usually have a pair of riding jeans, and a pair for nightime.  Shorts for night, if the weather is warm, but I always have an extra pair of jeans.  I use a lot of wicking material in my riding t'shirts and undies, as they can be washed out in a sink and will dry overnight.  In cooler weather, stuff is more bulky, so I take less and wear it more often, 'specially the nightime clothes.

Keep the weight as low or close to the bike as is possible...I never go into my saddlebags 'till we get where we're going for the night.

[LRebel]

If I am traveling solo, I can pack for a 4 day trip in a small gym bag.  

Now, if wifey is traveling with me, she could fill saddle bags, tourpak and a small trailer for a 3 day trip....I usually have to remind her a few times how many days we will be gone and that we will be coming back.

Everyone has provided good advise.  Just a couple of other things:  Try to shop and find small sample size items (shampoo, shaving cream, toothpaste, deodorant,...).  And, we always put shampoo & deodorant in a zip-lock bag, so if they leak, they will not leak on other items (learned this one the hard way).  
We always take a plastic garbage bag to stuff all the dirty clothes in to keep them separated from the clean clothes (this also makes it easy carry them to a laundromat if you are on a longer trip and need to wash clothes).

Hope you have a great trip!

LRebel

 

[HogBreath]

I just wear the same clothes everyday. That leaves more room for beer.  Toothbrush? I take my teeth out and soak them in the sink at night.

[jeffj]

I use the brown truck UPS

When I arrive to my destination I have a box waiting for me that I had shipped before leaving on trip
When I leave the next morning I ship all of my dirty clothes and such back in same box
It's very inexpensive (usally less than $10bucks) and keeps my scooter free of extra bags and such

Now on short jaunts like 3 days or less, I just pack what I need on the scooter

Everyone has a different way but I have used my way for years and won't change as it works great


jeffj

[SilverDawg]

I just wear the same clothes everyday. That leaves more room for beer.  Toothbrush? I take my teeth out and soak them in the sink at night.

   Reminder me to never ride downwind of you!!!

[SilverDawg]

When you say "we" are you talking about your spouse traveling with you, or just other bikers?  I just got back from Hot Springs, AR which was a 4 day/ 3 night solo trip for me.  I was able to get everything I needed for that trip, plus half a saddlebag of cleaning supplies on the bike without any exterior luggage.  In fact, I don't even have a tour-pak rack.

I suppose you are already, but keep a keen eye on the weather forecast for the area(s) you are going to be riding in . . . it can help keep you from packing unecessary clothing items.  I use the left (low side) saddlebag for the rain gear, tools, and other items I hope not to use.  That left bag is just a little harder to get into whenever you need something.  The right bag I put my bike cleaning supplies (cleaners/polishes/microfiber cloths, etc.), a quart of oil, and my half helmet.  I have the saddlebag organizers in the lids which is where I put any small items, including sunscreen, first aid items, flashlight, etc.  In the tour-pak, I had a duffel bag with all my clothes and toiletries, plus a ball cap, camera, CD case and other miscellaneous items.  I don't ever pack anything in the glove compartments of the fairing lowers for two reasons: one, the inside of mine somehow always get wet if I hit any rain, and two, there is no security for the items stowed there.

I tend to pack on the light side figuring I can purchase anything I find I need while out on the road.  So far, it's worked for me and I have not had to make many emergency sweatshirt or other purchases.  Watching that weather forecast and packing accordingly, helps.

Great idea above.  I really appreciate the good advice.

[SilverDawg]

Packing the bike for two on a trip of this length, or any multiple night trip for that matter...in addition to all the things you've already mentioned, each of us gets a saddlebag insert (I take the liners out for more room).  In that goes changes of underware, enough t-shirts or long sleeved shirts to get by, depending on temps (in summer, that would be one for each day, if room allows...in cooler weather, I wear stuff more than once), an extra pair of jeans, two extra pairs of lightweight ski socks (they wick, keeping your feet dry and comfortable), a pair of flip flops. That way, when we get where we're going, all the clothes get pulled out of the bag and carried in like a piece of luggage. In the TP, we keep stuff we need to get to easily, like hats, flashlight, cleaning supplies (a couple of micro cloths, some amonia free windex wipes, and a small bottle of quick detailer), cameras, handbag, outside layers for our Transformation Jackets.  I also have a RoadReady bag that goes on the rack...it has zippered pockets, so we keep gum, smokes, etc in those, and in the main compartment of that bag, we put lighter stuff like rainsuits, fleece jacket (if needed).  I don't keep much in the glove boxes, as they are not water tight...tire gauge, eye drops.  Stuff that doesn't matter much and won't stay wet.  The glove boxes are pretty much useless, IMO, at least in their present configuration.  I'd like to get some watertight, hinged covers for them...they are on my list.

I put the tools in the bottom of "my" saddlebag and stick the insert on top.  I can usually stuff my Exigent bike cover in there too, to cover the bike at night.  On a 9 day trip we did in July, we found a laundry in one of the towns and dropped off some stuff to have it washed/dried and folded...we were staying in that town a couple of nights.  I usually have a pair of riding jeans, and a pair for nightime.  Shorts for night, if the weather is warm, but I always have an extra pair of jeans.  I use a lot of wicking material in my riding t'shirts and undies, as they can be washed out in a sink and will dry overnight.  In cooler weather, stuff is more bulky, so I take less and wear it more often, 'specially the nightime clothes.

Keep the weight as low or close to the bike as is possible...I never go into my saddlebags 'till we get where we're going for the night.

TC,

Thanks for all of the great stuff.  I was thinking about taking the liners out too.  Does it really give you that much more room? 

All, great stuff.  I want to avoid having to get into all three storeage areas each time I stop.  Good advice here to minimize and organize.

[SilverDawg]

When you say "we" are you talking about your spouse traveling with you, or just other bikers?  I just got back from Hot Springs, AR which was a 4 day/ 3 night solo trip for me.  I was able to get everything I needed for that trip, plus half a saddlebag of cleaning supplies on the bike without any exterior luggage.  In fact, I don't even have a tour-pak rack.

I suppose you are already, but keep a keen eye on the weather forecast for the area(s) you are going to be riding in . . . it can help keep you from packing unecessary clothing items.  I use the left (low side) saddlebag for the rain gear, tools, and other items I hope not to use.  That left bag is just a little harder to get into whenever you need something.  The right bag I put my bike cleaning supplies (cleaners/polishes/microfiber cloths, etc.), a quart of oil, and my half helmet.  I have the saddlebag organizers in the lids which is where I put any small items, including sunscreen, first aid items, flashlight, etc.  In the tour-pak, I had a duffel bag with all my clothes and toiletries, plus a ball cap, camera, CD case and other miscellaneous items.  I don't ever pack anything in the glove compartments of the fairing lowers for two reasons: one, the inside of mine somehow always get wet if I hit any rain, and two, there is no security for the items stowed there.

I tend to pack on the light side figuring I can purchase anything I find I need while out on the road.  So far, it's worked for me and I have not had to make many emergency sweatshirt or other purchases.  Watching that weather forecast and packing accordingly, helps.

This is an all guys trip.  Spouses are not going this time.  Too bad

[Screamin]

Tools and rainsuits in the left bag, clothes (in the liner folded flat) in the right. Mocs or tennies get crammed in the rear part of the bag that the liner doesn't get to anyway. Each saddle bag gets a medium size towel tucked over the rest to make sure no strings, zippers, etc. dangle out of the bag and get pinched between the bag and the lid. Stuff needed on the road (cameras, hats, maps, music, gloves, rags, etc.) go in the tour pak along w/ the wife's purse and our toiletries bag. We've a small vinyl cooler that holds a six pack that goes in the tour pak full of stuff that helps keep things organized. We also use a small box or boxes in the tour pak just to keep it all in order. When not in use, heavy jackets get bungied to the rack, light ones get stuffed in a duffle and and bungied on. Xtra do rags, gloves, etc. that I expect to never use go in baggies in the lowers. T. paper, duct & elec. tapes, bailing wire, sunscreen, etc. go in the rear crash bar bags.
The UPS thing works great when you expect to buy shirts and stuff while you're out. We ship our dirties home along w/ the other stuff we pick up. We generally wear and bring a pair of jeans, several pairs of socks and undies, a couple of shirts (long and short sleeve) and a pair of cut offs or swim suits. 
Have a good trip!!!

[Chief]

When we go 2-up, it's pretty simple. We each get one saddlebag luggage bag for clothes. Toiletries and the stuff you need to get at quickly go in the TP. Leathers and other bulky stuff go in a bag on top of the TP. Tools go in my saddlebag as that one has more room than hers.

It's pretty simple. You won't get it perfect the first couple of trips but you'll figure it all out. If you're only going three or four days by yourself, you'll have tons of room. Just remember, it's a motorcycle and not a pickup. Pack light and you'll be amazed how well off you'll be.

Have a great trip!!!

[spydglide]

Some great advice......I'll just add that traveling on a mc is a lot like backpacking.....you look at ea. item that you're thinking of carrying as to the weight/size vs. how badly you think you'll want/need it.  Try to carry items/clothing that serve multiple purposes and watch the weight you put in those hard bags on a FL, because myself and a riding buddy have just had to replace the expensive chrome bracket holding up the left saddlebag (where most pack the heavier item....tools/raingear/guns/ammo, etc.)  Ride like Hogbreath mentioned above and you won't have the hassle.  har!  spyder