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[Lkn4advtr]

When riding out of state, coast to coast or even out of the country what are the essentials that should be packed. Obviosly it is impossable to take everything but what is important. In general im talking about newer touring bikes (CVO's) of course not the older bikes. For instance - Im looking for the most complete and compact tool kit. The most practical First aid items, Safty flares, jumper cables, flashlight, spare fuel conciderations, Ive seen the fairing mount air compressor for tire repair etc.. is it worth it? What items (not clothing related,Rain gear and protective clothing is an entirly different subject) would you take? What neat space saving items have you found that work.


I am planning 2 trips this year. 2 weeks from So Cal thru Laconia bike week in NH. This trip takes me thru 34 states and possibly into canada to price Edwards Island. Trip 2 would be another 2 weeks again from So Cal up thru Canadian rockies possibly to Alaska. I will not be towing a trailer. so space is limited. What would you take??

[Midnight Rider]

For a First Aid Kit, I'd take a look at some of the small kits they use for backpacking to get some idea of what is included in them.  Even HD makes two different kits now.  I can't remember the brand, but there is a small air compressor that is about the size of two packs of cigarettes that is supposed to work well, and it's not very expensive either.  Small LED flashlights that hold a couple of AA batteries, or three AAA's work well and are dependable...put out a surprising amount of light as well.  The thing about spare fuel is having a container that will not leak...at least consider one of the SIGG aluminum bottles that hold fuel for hiking stoves...they are well made, won't leak, and durable.  The round bottle makes it easy to stuff them in a corner/crevice without worrying about crushing.  Jumper cables...I'm sure someone makes some especially for bikes, otherwise I'd just go get some 6 or so gauge stranded wire, 4 alligator clips, and make me a set.  Don't forget some tire plugs, or a kit that has them.

You've got a couple of nice trips on the horizon...have fun and be safe!

[Fired00d]

For a First Aid Kit, I'd take a look at some of the small kits they use for backpacking to get some idea of what is included in them.  Even HD makes two different kits now.  I can't remember the brand, but there is a small air compressor that is about the size of two packs of cigarettes that is supposed to work well, and it's not very expensive either.  Small LED flashlights that hold a couple of AA batteries, or three AAA's work well and are dependable...put out a surprising amount of light as well.  The thing about spare fuel is having a container that will not leak...at least consider one of the SIGG aluminum bottles that hold fuel for hiking stoves...they are well made, won't leak, and durable.  The round bottle makes it easy to stuff them in a corner/crevice without worrying about crushing.  Jumper cables...I'm sure someone makes some especially for bikes, otherwise I'd just go get some 6 or so gauge stranded wire, 4 alligator clips, and make me a set.  Don't forget some tire plugs, or a kit that has them.

You've got a couple of nice trips on the horizon...have fun and be safe!

Jerry (ultrafxr) had posted about these...



Here is the thread - Great New Product.

For an air pump I use one of these - Craftsman 12V Portable Inflator (need to have a cigarette lighter plug) and a Slime/Deluxe reamer plugger kit to plug tire.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[16HD117]

Are you married?  

If so, you can forget about packing jumper cables, compressors, etc!  You'll need all that room for hair driers, makeup bags, shoes etc!
 

[Fired00d]

Are you married? 

If so, you can forget about packing, jumper cables, compressors, etc!  You'll need all that room for hair driers, makeup bags, shoes etc!
 

Good point.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[OhioDave]

I always carry a few items to supplement the HD tool kit...plastic zip ties (you can reattach almost anything with them in a pinch), electrical tape, a small flashlight, quart of oil, and a tire plug kit/small compressor. We have taken several long trips including a 5000 mile loop from Ohio to Utah and we were never in a situation where we needed to carry spare fuel.. (although i think that REDA gas can is a cool idea).

Get your self a good trailer, then you can take the hairdryer, 3 pairs of shoes and the extra tools!

[Half_Crazy]

http://www.genuineinnovations.com/tire-repair/TireRepair.html?gclid=CLGipODNrqcCFac65QodhnawBA

http://www.stopngo.com/products/plugger/1001.asp

http://www.motopumps.com/




I pack light

*Clothes for 4 days & shorts to sleep in/hang around the hotel in (most hotels have a laundry, you don't need to carry a lot of clothes).
*Long Johns & sweat shirt in case it gets cold.
*Frog Togs & flat shield for my helmet (for rain)
*Light gloves & heavy gloves
*Basic tools & tire repair kit
*Rags & quick detailer
*Little first aid kit
*Sunblock, Advil, toothbrush, comb, razor, deodorant (hotel has whatever else you need)
*Colt Officers .45 ACP & 2 spare magazines

Everything fits in my 2 saddlebags. The rest else I'll be wearing. If I don't have something I need I'll stop and buy it. Make sure you have a credit card with a high limit.

I don't like other people working on my bike, so if there is a major mechanical issue I will rent a U-Haul, one way, and take the bike home and fix it myself (the chances of that are slim, but it's good to have a plan).

[Buy early]

Take me!

[1sharprdkg]

In addition to all the other fine item suggestions. I strongly advise tossing in a few sizes of stainless steel hose clamps! (oil line size) Don't ask me how I know! 

[Jock]

When riding out of state, coast to coast or even out of the country what are the essentials that should be packed. Obviosly it is impossable to take everything but what is important. In general im talking about newer touring bikes (CVO's) of course not the older bikes. For instance - Im looking for the most complete and compact tool kit. The most practical First aid items, Safty flares, jumper cables, flashlight, spare fuel conciderations, Ive seen the fairing mount air compressor for tire repair etc.. is it worth it? What items (not clothing related,Rain gear and protective clothing is an entirly different subject) would you take? What neat space saving items have you found that work.


I am planning 2 trips this year. 2 weeks from So Cal thru Laconia bike week in NH. This trip takes me thru 34 states and possibly into canada to price Edwards Island. Trip 2 would be another 2 weeks again from So Cal up thru Canadian rockies possibly to Alaska. I will not be towing a trailer. so space is limited. What would you take??

Depending upon how you plan to travel towards Alaska I agree with Jerry...

[Lkn4advtr]

Great ideas guys. Yes im married but shes not going, Someones got to stay home and work to pay for the toys. Was thinking about the 45  but traveling across the border stops that idea. The gas can looks interesting has anyone used 1?

[Keats]

Join a "Road Assistance" program like AAA.

there are many, takes the worry out of an unexpected tow/flat

[Half_Crazy]

I strongly advise tossing in a few sizes of stainless steel hose clamps!

Great suggestion! I needed those twice!
Once was a fuel line split at the end. Had enough to cut the end off and reattach it, but the clamp was shot... Had to send a friend to an auto parts store.
Second time was an exhaust heat shield hanging off. 3" hose clamp and it was good for the ride home.

Those are getting thrown in the saddlebag 1st thing...

[Spiderman]

This is so simple it's almost not worth posting.

Pack one days worth of clothes, rain gear, your leathers and a stack of Benjamins.

Buy new clothes along the way and when your tour-pak and saddlebags are full, either do your laundry or ship the dirty stuff home via UPS and buy more. If your bike breaks down, call a tow truck, spend money- -- - back on the road.

Who says money can't buy happiness.

B B

[Cat Eye]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=63365&group_ID=17898&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

This is the best tool kit you can carry in your bike.

The best think that I carry is "Stretch and Seal Tape, Self -Fusing" 

Nashua Stretch & Seal Self-Fusing Silicone Sealing Tapes Nashua Stretch & Seal Silicone Sealing Tape can be used to repair and seal pipes, electrical wires, hoses and other items. The versatile product is also ideal for a myriad of general household applications, as well as on sporting good equipment. It will stretch to conform to almost any surface and can be used to cover sharp edges. Stretch & Seal tape can weather just about any storm with its chemical- and UV-resistant silicone coating, while protecting objects against rust and corrosion. Self-fusing silicone creates a permanent, water-tight seal. Easy to apply and to remove - no sticky residue left on surfaces.

AND last not least my CIGAR LITER AND CUTTER.....never leave home without it!!