First long trip - please advise

[renier8]

Hi everyone

My wife and I are planning our first "longer" trip on the C50 two-up. If all goes well, we will be doing a trip of 330km, sleep over, and then the same route back, so in total almost 700kms.

We mounted the sissy-bar, as well as a couple of medium bags with the Easy bracket system. So we don't really have lots of packing space for accessories and tools etc.

Here is what we are taking besides some clothes:

1. the little (stock) toolbag
2. rain coats
3. some kind of tire-puncture repair kit (I still have to buy it)
4. compact first aid kit

I will be honest. We don't know much about engines and stuff, so it would be pointless if we took tons of tools with us. In the event that the bike does break down, we would have to depend on our cellphones and some kind of road-side call-out service.


At this point I would really like your opinions. Please advise me if there are somethings that I should consider before/during/after the trip. Anything you can think of. The road is almost 90% highway / freeway. Our average speed will be 100km/h.

Thanks
Renier

[magee]

I have a 800 Volusia and my wife and I take long trips on it and have no problems. The 800 has plenty of power to carry us and our gear. I am 230 and my wife is around 130 and we usually only take rainsuits and extra clothes and maybe a few snacks and drinks. In my 40 years of riding I have never had a flat tire (knock on wood) so I don't worry about a flat fixer. If I ever do have a flat I'll call someone. One thing I put on my bike is a light bar. I don't think you can have enough light on the front of the bike so oncoming traffic can see you coming. I know I have gone to pass someone in my car only to see a motorcycle coming at me with a little headlight you can hardly see. Enjoy your ride and be safe.

[Clint]

The stock tool kit should allow you to do any adjustments on the road. That's such a short trip I wouldn't put too much worry into it. Just make yourselves comfortable and remember to drink plenty of water.

[bat4255]

For just 1 night, you won't need too many clothes.
Ditty bag (toothbrush, small roll Toilet Paper, medicines/First Aid kit, etc)
Sweatshirt, Fleece, etc
Water Bottle, road food, (granola bar)
Little flashlight, elec. or duct tape

The list below is what I take for 5-6 days. It's a bit long, and storage may be different, but it may help.

I pack as if I'm going on an airplane, carry on only. (2 people)

My hump bag (Tank Bag) carries
extra bunge cords
air compressor
tire repair kit
maps
2-water bottles
1 lightweight rain suit
small flashlight
small roll electric tape or duct tape

The Saddlebags
personal stuff (carry on luggage)

Under the seat
binoculars
camera
additional gear and clothes for unplanned weather
extra rain suit
both helmets (when parked)
both leather jackets (when parked)
a small towel

phone
maps
gloves
a very clean rag
a med clean rag


Your list may vary, depending on the weather.

Additional information may be found in the "Long Distance and Touring " Section

[Clint]

LOL. What I carry under my seat: Big-ass motor.

Seriously, there isn't much of what I'd call "storage" under most bike seats.

[bat4255]

Well, I did say storage may be different.

But a large duffel bag on a luggage rack may make a good substitute.

You can "Cherry Pick" what items to take.

[Clint]

I was just astounded at what you can fit. I'd bet you're the king of underseat storage around here. No need to roll eyes.

[bat4255]

I used to be

My 650 has 55 litres of storage under the seat.

The new 07 400's have 62 litres under the seat.

[Rockhead]

Thats allot of soda you can carry.

[peter-reebok]

In Australia we are a country with large distances between major cities. As a result, we take distance in our stride.

I have been playing racing cars for 30 yrs, and it is nothing to drive 1000km with a trailer to play racing for the weekend, and drive back again, with 2000km for the weekend, and a day and of racing, in a normal Sat/Sun weekend. (leave Friday 4pm, back at work 9am Monday)

I have only done 1400 km on my M50 so far (only had it 4 weeks), but one morning did a 600km ride before lunch - just to get some seat time. Nil drama. Of course, back roads = relaxed speed enforcement.

You have to learn to check the machine properly, then EXPECT it to make the journey. For an overnight - change of undies is all you need. Anything else you can buy on the way. Toothbrush would be civilised (?).

I did the round Australia thing on a 400 dirt bike when in my 20's - 17000 km in 4 weeks, and believe me - we had plenty of time off for fun. Many good stories to tell from that one!.

But preparation is the key - and remember to pack some spontanaity!

[S83]

Originally Posted by bat4255

I used to be

My 650 has 55 litres of storage under the seat.

The new 07 400's have 62 litres under the seat.

Wow they do have there advantages, don't they.

[renier8]

Thanks for the tips everyone.
Renier

[SoCalCruisin]

Renier, I've done a few trips that distance and longer two up with a teenager passenger. With the saddlebags on the C50T and a medium size TBag on the luggage rack, I've had more than enough space for what I needed. That includes some camping trips with gear required for that. One thing I plan to add for passenger comfort is the passenger floorboards. The angle of the legs barely works for my 13 year old son, and was uncomfortable for my 16 year old daughter. We've had 10 hour days with what I would consider normal gas/meal/rest stops, and except the legs I mentioned, we've been fine. I look forward to hearing about your trip there in South Africa, keep us updated.

[wildwolf]

Um...it may seem strange, but take some of your wife's sanitary napkins along with that first aid kit. Relatively small things..and absorb a lot of blood in the event of a bad accident. Also relatively sterile...so somebody could hold one on an open would to help provide pressure/stop bleeding.

Read an article somewhere that said to take 'em along in the first aid kits.