Travel Gear: Start Your Journey Prepared

For most of us the daily commute is the least enjoyable portion of our day.  For me every mile in the saddle and in the breeze makes the time much more tolerable and enjoyable than spending it behind the wheel in a cage. 

Having committed to the time on two wheels, there are a few challenges as well.  Other than having a dependable bike, here are a few of my favorites for keeping the ride safe and fun. 

• Protection from the Elements varies by the region you ride.  Gloves, Jackets, boots and heated or waterproof gear are items to be considered.  Journey MotoGear gloves and Nelson Rigg raingear are great choices. 

• Protective Gear: Be prepared for unplanned incidents.  Helmets, gloves and jackets are offered in a variety of levels of protection.  See our offering of Sena and ILM helmets for protecting your most valuable body part. 

• Luggage:  Secure the items you will require for the trip or at your destination.  Tank bags, tail bags and backpacks typically offer adequate storage for the necessities.  These provide easy access to sunglasses, spare key, motorcycle manual, vehicle registration and insurance information quickly. 

• Accessibility to Mobile Devices:  Mounting devices for the necessary and convenient items.  SP Connect offers mounting for phones, chargers, cameras, navigation devices and power banks making them convenient for visibility and access. 

• Bluetooth Connectivity:  The sounds of the wind and the roar of your engine may be relaxing for short periods of time, the option to tune into your favorite tracks or talk with your passenger or fellow riders is a great way to enjoy the ride.  Bluetooth technology allows hands free voice command for phone operation and control of downloaded, streamed or radio listening.  These also enable communication with a passenger and others riding with you who have like devices.  Cardo and Sena bluetooth devices are available in singles, sets and pre-installed on some helmet choices. 

For Extended Journeys...  Longer rides require a higher level of planning and preparation.  Although many of the accessories we covered are recommended, some other things to consider: 

• Length of the trip
• Are you a heavy packer or light?  
• Accommodations: camping, hotel, or other plans 
• Routine service during the trip 
• Preparing for the unexpected 

I start planning for every trip with a checklist developed over years of motorcycle trips and vacations.  I review each item I might need and decide to pack or omit according to the itineray for the trip.  Additional considerations for longer trips are as follows: 

• Preparation of your motorcycle is key.  A freshly serviced bike including tires, brakes and chain will make the trip more relaxing.  Changing a tire mid trip means loss of time that could be spent more enjoyably.  Starting with a cleaned and waxed motorcycle will help you keep it neat for the duration of the trip.  Bike Brite cleaning and detailing products are a favorite for making your ride look its best. 

• Comfort in the Saddle:  If you are accustomed to many hours in the saddle, you will know if you need to consider changing or modifying your seat or using a pad on your seat might be required.  I have done all three, but usually ride with an Airhawk seat cushion. 

• Planning Your Storage:  With limited space on the bike, planning your storage will help optimize the load.  If you have side bags and a trunk you may have the storage required for shorter trip.  I always find my trunk devoted to a cooler for drinks, snacks, maps and other items I want to be easily accessible.  An additional bag lashed to the passenger seat or trunk provides both supplemental storage and also a conveniently removable bag to take with you for overnight.  A quality rolltop dry bag is a good option as it conforms to the size of the contents.  Alps, Giant Loop and Rogue dry bags offer great choices for easy packing and keeping everything dry. 

• Camping Essentials: Camping on your trip presents some additional challenges as you will need a tent, flashlights, power banks to charge devices, and possibly a foldable camping chair for relaxing. 

Preparing for the Unexpected:  Having the right tools can help avoid having to be trailered for service, and spending time in the shop instead of riding.  Other than windshield cleaner and microfiber cloths you should consider the following: 

• Tools:  A tool kit containing tools specific to your bike can be an invaluable item to acquire.  Some tool kits are configured for specific brands and applications.  Cruz TOOLS kits are a great choice to assure you have what you need. 
• Flat Repair Kit:  Although modern motorcycle tires last for thousands of miles, most are tubeless and vulnerable to puncture.  A quality flat repair kit and a mini compressor like the Stop and Go 12-volt compressor will enable continue to an appropriate repair or replacement. 
• Auxiliary Power: I find security in having a Noco lithium boost pack assures I can jump start my bike as well as offering a light and multiple USB ports for charging phones and bluetooth communication devices. 
• Miscellaneous Items:  I always have a baggie in my kit with wire ties, electrical tape and a 3-foot length of 14-gauge wire for whatever may happen. 
• Packing Accessories:  The final invaluable part of the preparation is securing all items to the bike.  Rok Straps are the best most versatile solution... they are like bungee cords on steroids!   

These are our favorites for the journey... let us know your favorite product recommendations and memorable travel experiences!